Dave Kitson, English footballer and manager

David Barry Kitson: A Comprehensive Overview of His Football Career and Post-Retirement Endeavours

David Barry Kitson, born on January 21, 1980, is a distinguished English former professional footballer renowned for his impactful career as a forward. Over his extensive professional tenure, Kitson amassed an impressive 420 appearances across both the Premier League and the Football League, a testament to his enduring presence and effectiveness in English football. A significant portion of these came during his highly impactful spell at Reading Football Club, where he featured in 135 competitive matches.

Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Kitson's journey in professional football commenced within the non-League circuit, where he honed his foundational skills at local clubs such as Hitchin Town and Arlesey Town. This early period proved crucial for his development before he made the pivotal move to Cambridge United in 2001. At the Abbey Stadium, Kitson rapidly established himself as one of the most promising talents in the Third Division, which was then the fourth tier of English football and is now known as League Two. His burgeoning reputation, marked by consistent scoring prowess and intelligent play, caught the eye of scouts from higher-tier clubs. This led to a significant transfer to Reading Football Club in 2003, secured for a fee of approximately £150,000 – a notable investment for a player emerging from the lower divisions.

Success with Reading FC: The "Royals" Era and Premier League Ascent

His time at Reading FC, affectionately known as 'the Royals,' marked a period of significant achievement and personal growth for Kitson. He forged a formidable and highly effective strike partnership with the Republic of Ireland international, Kevin Doyle. This dynamic duo was instrumental in Reading's historic 2005-06 Championship campaign, where they dominated the league, ultimately securing promotion to the Premier League for the very first time in the club's history with a then-record 106 points. Following two competitive seasons in the top flight, where Kitson continued to be a key player contributing to Reading's efforts to maintain their Premier League status, the club unfortunately faced relegation back to the Championship. Subsequently, Kitson made a high-profile move to newly-promoted Premier League side Stoke City in 2008 for a club-record fee of £5.5 million, a testament to his proven ability at the highest level of English football.

Challenges at Stoke City and Subsequent Loan Spells

However, Kitson's tenure at Stoke City proved to be a challenging period in his career. Despite the significant transfer fee, he struggled to find his prolific form, notably failing to register a goal during his initial appearances for the 'Potters.' This difficult spell led to a temporary return to his former club, Reading, on loan in November 2008, seeking to regain his confidence and playing rhythm. While he showed glimmers of improvement at the start of the 2009-10 season, notably scoring two goals, he was again loaned out in September 2009, this time to Middlesbrough, in pursuit of more consistent game time. Upon his return to Stoke in January 2010, Kitson continued to face difficulties on the pitch, leading to a public falling out with then-manager Tony Pulis, who famously described his attitude as 'petulant.' This culminated in his permanent departure from Stoke, as he joined Portsmouth in a swap deal that saw Marc Wilson move in the opposite direction to the Britannia Stadium.

Later Career and Transition to Post-Football Life

Kitson spent two seasons at Portsmouth's Fratton Park, a period marked by significant financial instability for the club. In August 2012, amidst fears of the club's potential liquidation due to severe financial distress, Kitson made the difficult but pragmatic decision to mutually agree to cancel his contract, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere. He then joined Sheffield United on a short-term deal, providing experienced cover in their forward line. His final professional playing contract was signed in June 2013, a two-year deal with Oxford United, bringing his career full circle to another 'United' club from the lower leagues, though a different one. Following his retirement from professional football, David 'Daz' Kitson, along with his family, has relocated to the North East of England. Embracing a new chapter post-sport, he has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing and owning his own business specializing in the sale of soap products, demonstrating his versatility beyond the football pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Barry Kitson

Who is David Barry Kitson?
David Barry Kitson is an English former professional footballer who played as a forward. He is best known for his time at Reading FC, where he helped the club achieve promotion to the Premier League.
What clubs did David Kitson play for professionally?
David Kitson played for Cambridge United, Reading, Stoke City, Middlesbrough (loan), Portsmouth, Sheffield United, and Oxford United during his professional career. He also started his career in non-League football with Hitchin Town and Arlesey Town.
Did David Kitson play in the Premier League?
Yes, David Kitson played in the Premier League with Reading FC for two seasons (2006-2008) and also had a spell with Stoke City in the top flight.
How much was David Kitson transferred for when he joined Stoke City?
David Kitson joined Stoke City from Reading in 2008 for a club-record fee of £5.5 million.
What is David Kitson doing after retiring from football?
Since retiring from professional football, David Kitson has moved to the North East of England and owns his own business selling soap products.