Kilgallon chasing play-off joy

24 May 2009 13:39
Kilgallon was in Blades manager Kevin Blackwell's Leeds side that surrendered meekly to Watford at the Millennium Stadium in the 2006 final and plans to use that "horrible feeling" afterwards to inspire success this time around. The 25-year-old feels both he and Blackwell are now better equipped to reach the Barclays Premier League via the end-of-season play-offs at the second attempt. Blackwell took his squad to a training camp at La Manga in Spain following their semi-final triumph over Preston and Kilgallon senses this time he has got the build-up just right. He said: "It's been different. We didn't go away on a trip last time and the training's been different. "I can't remember exactly how we did it at Leeds. It's all of a blur up to the game, but it was a horrible feeling to lose. "But it feels better this time. We've got a lot of experience in the team and a lot who have been in these situations before, so it should help. "There's going to be a big crowd and those who've been before will be used to that, but you can never read too much into these sorts of days." Blackwell was coach under Neil Warnock when the Blades lost 3-0 to Wolves in the 2003 Championship play-off final. United also lost out to Crystal Palace at the old Wembley in 1997, while Kilgallon's team-mate Darius Henderson, doubtful with hamstring and Achilles injuries, scored a late penalty for Watford in their triumph over Leeds. Kilgallon said: "To be fair me and Darius have not spoken too much about it. It's in the past. There's been a bit of banter, but we're just hoping he can get fit." And on his manager the centre-half added: "He's been good. Doing things right like he always does, making sure we don't let our standards slip. The training's been hard, but it's been enjoyable as well. "The lads are ready to go. There's been a few arguments in training and that just shows people are ready now. We've had a nice little break and now we want to play the game." Burnley beat United twice in the league this season and, although the Blades have hit top form at just the right time, will start slight favourites with one defeat in their last 12 matches, including their 3-0 aggregate win over Reading in the semi-final. Kilgallon added: "We know they're a good team with good players. We know all about them and they know all about us. They're on a good run and so are we. It should be a good game. "They've beaten us twice this season so let's hope it's our turn now. "The front three are a threat (Robbie) Blake, (Chris) Eagles and (Martin) Paterson. They're all lively and good on the ball. "They're a well organised team as well, but if we can repeat our two performances in the semi-finals against Preston, they're going to be in for a very hard game."

Source: Team_Talk