Paddy Kenny vows to repay his supporters

PADDY KENNY has vowed to repay everyone who has stood by him during his drugs ban as he now looks to rebuild his career with club and country.

The Sheffield United goalkeeper was banned by the Football Association in September after a routine urine sample taken following a Championship play-off semi-final clash with Preston four months earlier was found to contain traces of ephedrine.

Kenny, who admitted the charge, claimed he had taken tablets bought at a chemist to help fight a chest infection prior to the Preston game.

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Although cleared of cheating, Kenny was suspended from playing for nine months by the regulatory commission, which was back-dated to July 22, the day the FA's ban came into force.

The 31-year-old finally returned to action on Saturday, producing a man-of-the-match performance in a 2-0 win over Swansea at Bramall Lane where he was given a rousing reception before kick off.

"The game at the weekend made me realise how much I have missed playing, and the fans made it a very special day," said Kenny.

"I have to admit I'm nervous before every game, but I had a few more nerves on this occasion.

"When I then ran down to The Kop ahead of the game I was emotional, but luckily enough I got through it. The fact it was a home game helped."

For the full story read Thursday's Yorkshire Post.