Brian Kilcline

Brian Kilcline (born 7 May 1962) is a retired professional English footballer. He played as a centre half for Notts County, Coventry City, Oldham Athletic, Newcastle United, Swindon Town, Mansfield Town and Halifax Town, and was famous for his long hair and moustache.

Kilcline captained Coventry City in the 1987 FA Cup Final at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur.[1] At the time it was thought that Kilcline was possibly responsible for scoring an own-goal to give Spurs a 2–1 lead on the 40 minute mark, but this goal was eventually accredited to Gary Mabbutt. Kilcline and Mabbutt were to clash again in the second half when Kilcline brought down Mabbutt with a tackle. Kilcline was not cautioned by referee Neil Midgley but had to be replaced by substitute Graham Rodger just a minute before the end of normal time due to the injury he himself sustained in the clash. After Coventry's extra time winner (the match finished 3-2) Kilcline limped slowly up the famous Wembley step to receive the trophy for the only time in Coventry's history.[2]

In 1991, Kilcline joined newly promoted Oldham Athletic but his stay at the club was not to be a long one.

When Kevin Keegan became manager of Newcastle United in 1992, "Killer"[2] Kilcline was his first signing, and was immediately installed as club captain. He became known for his hard tackling and aerial ability - he often would prefer a diving header to a volley, even for balls only half a metre off the ground. Keegan later remarked that Kilcline was the most important signing he had ever made for the club. This was echoed by fans, who considered him partially responsible for saving the club from relegation and possible bankruptcy.

During the 1993–94 season, he briefly played for Swindon Town in the Premier League and wore the squad number 31.