Blues boss Mick McCarthy says Burton midfielder Michael Kightly is a candidate for the best signing of his managerial career, having plucked the wideman from non-league during his time at Wolves. The Town manager confirmed that, as reported by TWTD at the time, he tried to bring Kightly to Portman Road last summer.

McCarthy took Kightly, who joined the Brewers on loan from Burnley in January, from Conference side Grays Athletic in November 2006, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent the following January.

The former England U21 international winger, now 31, became an integral part of the Wolves side which carried off the Championship title in 2008/09 and won promotion to the Premier League.

“Kights, he’s a standout candidate for signing of a career I would say - £25,000 from Grays,” McCarthy reflected.

“He was outstanding, he really was. The two wingers we had at Wolves the time were brilliant,Matt Jarvis, who, of course, is at Norwich now, was sold for about 12 million quid and Kights was for a lot of money as well.

“Michael Kightly, the first day he came in and trained two or three lads said ‘Who the hell is that!’. He lit the place up.

“I’m glad to see he’s back playing, he’s been missing a lot. I tried to sign him here for a while but it didn’t work and actually we took Tom Lawrence as well, so that’s been no hardship. But he’s been desperate to go out and play and he’s doing well now he is.”

McCarthy wouldn’t comment on January reports claiming he showed interest in Fulham striker Cauley Woodrow, who subsequently joined Burton and could face the Blues on Friday: “There’s no reason to tell you whether I did or I didn’t.”

Photo: Action Images

WestSussexBlue added 18:30 - Apr 12 I've a fair idea how both the Kightly and Woodrow deals never materialised.
3

Daleyitfc added 19:12 - Apr 12 You can't expect Kightley to come here when a big club like Burton came calling ... not that I'm disappointed as he'as another has-been, and if McCarthy rates him then you know he's crap.
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chazyt21 added 19:44 - Apr 12 Everybody should turn up to Newcastle game on Monday with tape over the Marcus Evans logo in protest!! #EvansOut #MickOut
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brittaniaman added 19:58 - Apr 12 THERE HE GOES WITH HIS NICKNAMES again KIGHTS !!!!
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Crock added 20:44 - Apr 12 Surely that is Kieffer Moore?
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Carberry added 20:52 - Apr 12 Who cares?
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Mark added 20:53 - Apr 12 Which of the wingers you have signed for Town would you say was the best one Mick? Plenty to choose from!
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yorksblue added 21:18 - Apr 12 Horribly wrong. Surely Douglas is the stand out candidate for such an accolade
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midastouch added 22:27 - Apr 12 Mick living in the past again!
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DurhamTownFan added 07:06 - Apr 13 This is over then year ago! I'm sure it's a nice memory but have you signed anyone else comparable since then? Mings maybe?
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TimmyH added 10:44 - Apr 13 Bog off Mick and stop blowing your own trumpet for once!
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goat_man added 15:02 - Apr 13 How has Douglas been overlooked for this?
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