With English Premier League goals, ten Scotland caps and spells at some of Scotland’s biggest clubs, Kevin Kyle made a name for himself in British football with a fantastic career as a centre forward.
Kyle began his professional career at Ayr United’s academy while working as a baggage handler for Stranraer harbour. It was there he would impress the Sunderland coaches who invited him down for a trial, which resulted in him signing for the Black Cats.
In 2009, Kyle made his return to Scotland to sign for Kilmarnock under Jim Jeffries. He then went on to play at Hearts where he is well-remembered for a last-minute Edinburgh Derby goal on New Year’s Day 2011.
After Rangers’ liquidation, Kyle joined the Glasgow giants in the Third Division where his spell was prematurely ended with injury. He went on to finish his career at Ayr United.
Kyle grew up in the seaside town of Stranraer, and it was there he began his youth career. He said, “I started out at Lochryan Boys Club in Stranraer from the age of 9 to 12 then I moved to Ayrshire football playing with Ayr Boswell from 12 till 16.”
There were a number of excellent players Kyle played with throughout his development. He said, “I played alongside Allan Jenkins who had a great career for Stranraer and Gretna as well as my cousin Gary McCutcheon also had a good career.”
McCutcheon is the current reserve team manager at Stranraer, having played for several teams across Scotland and Northern Ireland including Kilmarnock, where he made his breakthrough.
Kyle added, “My neighbour Robert Cochrane was possibly the best player I saw at youth level, he just didn’t quite get there.” This is all too common in youth football where some of the most talented youngsters in Scotland just can’t quite get the break needed to make it in the professional game.
Having played under some big-name managers such as Howard Wilkinson and Ally McCoist at senior level, Kyle was still keen to highlight a man who influenced him at the very start. He said, “My favourite coach was Tommy McBride who started Lochryan in 1972 which is still going strong now.
“He sadly passed away not so long ago but left a lasting legacy, managing to produce a couple of players in myself and Colin Calderwood who played for Scotland in their last World Cup in 1998.”
With the national team’s recent success, Scotland will now have a new generation of coaches who can say they have influenced World Cup stars after Steve Clarke’s side travel to North America in the summer, hoping to do their childhood influences proud.
Kyle finished with a straightforward piece of advice that often needs to be reiterated to us, especially by those who have made it in the game. “My one piece of advice is simple, work harder at everything football throws at you.
“Every player I ever played with that made it to a good level had an attitude to be better. Hard work is what makes that possible.”
