Kightly: His story in pictures
On the day Michael Kightly put the Wolves' faithful mind at rest by signing a new four-year contract, we look at the life and times of the winger.
After being released by Tottenham from his youth terms and drifting into non-league with Basildon United, Michael Kightly finally made his league bow for Southend in 2003.nextpage
But after just 13 appearances for the Shrimpers in three seasons, Kightly drifted back into non-league football and set about earning a reputation with Conference side Grays.nextpage
Some sterling performances for Grays saw him dubbed 'the Ryan Giggs of non-league football' and, with Manchester United reported to be interested, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy stole in to bag Kightly for a mere £25,000 in January 2007.nextpage
The Kightly legend continued to grow, as his all action displays from the wing establish him as a key player in the side.nextpage
International recognition followed, as Kightly makes his England U21 debut against Romania in August 2007.nextpage
Kightly continues to do the business in a Wolves shirt as the season gets rolling, until he is felled by what would prove to be a nagging ankle injury in November 2007.nextpage
After two attempts at a comeback, Kightly finally has surgery on his troublesome ankle in February.nextpage
Kightly returns for the last four games of the season but, as the summer begins, speculation increases that he could leave for the Premier League.nextpage
Finally today, as the club unveil their new away kit, comes the news Molineux has been waiting for: Kightly signs a new four deal.
