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Name - Kyle Lightbourne
Position - Striker
Appearances - 198
Goals - 83
Period - Sept 1993 - July 1997

Kyle Lightbourne was signed from Scarborough on a free transfer in September 1993.

You could say that "Killer" (as he became affectionately known) was a typical Walsall signing of the 1990s. Foreign, released by another club, given a trial and signed for free. One of the best Paul Taylor signings.

His first season saw him net 9 goals, competing with Mike Cecere and Rod McDonald for a first team spot. His debut came against Darlington (0-0 draw), while his first goal and full start came against Hereford (3-3 draw),

Lightbourne's predatory instincts made him a success in the lower divisions. His ability to create his own chances and feed off scraps meant goals were never to far away.

Lightbourne had a new partner for the following season - Northern Ireland international Kevin Wilson. The Wilson-Lightbourne partnership played a major role in Walsall's promotion to the 2nd Division. Lightbourne scored 27, Wilson 22.

95/96 saw Lightbourne score 24 goals, while the Saddlers consolidated there place in Division 2. 96/97 was another solid season, with Kyle topping the goal scoring charts yet again.

In July 97 Coventry City paid £500,000 for his services. He spent just 6 months as a Premiership player before he was sold to Stoke for another £500,000 fee. Lightbourne enjoyed a bit of success with Stoke, helping them to win the LDV Vans Trophy in 2000. He soon fell out of favor with the Potters; was was loaned out to Swindon and Cardiff, and finally released in the Summer of 2001

He was soon snapped up by Macclesfield Town, Tommy from mtfc.co.uk picks up the story...

"After a slow first season where his form was struggled due to injury, Kyle came in to his own during his second season with the Silkmen. Despite taking a lot of stick from the terraces he weighed in with 13 vital goals to help the club out of the relegation dog fight. His winner against Southend in March was one of the turning points of the season after a four month winless streak at home.

He was given a tremendous reception by fans as he left the field for the last time in the club's 3-2 win over Rochdale in the last game of the season.

Talk at the time suggested that the Silkmen had to slash their wage bill and Kyle being one of the biggest earners was sacrificed.

Lightbourne did achieve international honors with Bermuda. He won 24 caps, a total he could have improved on if he had not been so committed to his club sides.

He had an unsuccessful trial spell with Kiddy this Summer and has since disappeared in to the footballing wilderness. If you know what Kyle is doing with his career at the moment please let us know on the forum or via e-mail