Wolves’ defender Max Kilman has shown the opportunity for non-league footballers to make the step up to the Premier League as he becomes crucial to their success.
Kilman joins a number of Premier League players who began their careers in non-league football rather than an academy, with the most high profile example being Jamie Vardy.
The young centre-back with parents from both Russia and Ukraine was released from Fulham’s academy as a teenager in what appeared to be an end to his professional journey.
He said: “I remember the journey back (having been released) with my dad crying and you feel like you’re not good enough. The main thing is to never give up and keep going.”
Kilman has become a first team regular this season at Molineux having arrived from non-league club Maidenhead United in 2018, without ever playing in the EFL.
Kilman’s manager at Maidenhead United, Alan Devonshire, also made the considerable jump through the English football pyramid and has had a major impact on Kilman’s career.
The centre back said: “He’s been massive for me. He’s worked really hard for me; we still keep in contact every time I have a good game.”
“He helped me go out on loan to Marlow, the second season I came back and he always saw me as a player that could play for his side.”
Max Kilman speaking about the faith shown in him by Maidenhead United manager Alan Devonshire
Kilman’s exceptional rise to the Premier League was an irregular one as he featured 25 times for England’s futsal team while playing non-league football.
He said: “I think it (futsal) helps you a lot tactically, going on to play more football at Wolves I feel more comfortable, more aware of my surroundings.”
Wolves’ manager Nuno Espirito Santo has shown complete trust in Kilman, giving the 23-year-old opportunities to play in a strong back three alongside international Conor Coady and Willy Boly.
Kilman said: “He’s (Nuno) very intense, very precise with what he wants in a player. The faith that he has given me has been unbelievable and he’s great to work under.”
The experienced back three that the youthful Kilman has slotted into have been formidable throughout the start of this season keeping clean sheets against Fulham, Leeds United and Crystal Palace.
Kilman said: “Conor has been unbelievable for me; they’ve all allowed me to improve so much as a player, to see what they do well and to see how I can improve it to take it to the next level.”
The team from the black-country have a star-studded squad full of international stars a far-cry away from the non-league circuit that Kilman left only two years ago.
The ex-Fulham academy member said: “It’s an overwhelming experience, you can’t just sit back and be like ‘wow’, you have to come in and compete and try to be on the same level as them.”
“If you asked me three years ago if I wold be playing with the people around me I’d probably say there’s no chance”
Kilman speaking about his great rise up through the English football pyramid
In what has been his breakthrough season Kilman has been unable to play in front of the packed-out Molineux due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic
The fustal international said: “I don’t tend to get phased by the crowd or the loud atmosphere, I still feel the pressure when there’s lots of fans watching on TV.”
Kilman will be hoping he and Wolves can continue their impressive form as they travel to the King Power stadium to face high flying Leicester City on Sunday, November 8.
Dan Carter Sport 