Leeds United: Jonny Howson lauded "unbelievable" defender but injuries robbed him of more appearances | OneFootball

FLW look back in time at Paddy Kisnorbo's stint with Leeds United - Jonny Howson was a huge fan.

Paddy Kisnorbo’s time at Leeds United is remembered fondly, particularly for his leadership, commitment, and no-nonsense defensive displays in a white shirt.

Kisnorbo made more than 120 appearances in the EFL with Leicester City, helping the Foxes secure promotion from League One in 2009, after experiences in his home nation Australia and with Scottish outfit Hearts.

Joining from Leicester in 2009, Kisnorbo quickly established himself as a key figure at the back for Leeds, contributing to their promotion from League One in the 2009/10 season. His robust, physical style of defending, combined with an unwavering work ethic, made him an instant fan favourite at Elland Road.

It was a debut to remember for Kisnorbo after suffering a serious head wound against Exeter City in his first game, requiring 12 stitches before later returning to the field with a head bandage - something he would consistently wear as the Leeds fans revelled in his fearlessness and willingness to get patched up and wrapped up for the team first.

Paddy Kisnorbo's time at Leeds amid Jonny Howson praise

Known for his bravery, Kisnorbo was often at the heart of Leeds' defensive efforts, making crucial tackles and blocks when his side needed them most. His ability to read the game, win aerial duels, and organise the defence earned him the respect of his teammates and supporters alike.

The Australian international would quickly established himself as a fan favourite for his fearless approach to the game and body-on-the-line mentality. His finest hour arguably came during Leeds’ historic FA Cup victory over Manchester United in January 2010, which was a match where his defensive resilience was vital in securing a 1-0 win at Old Trafford in a moment fans still cherish today.

That heroic performance certainly gained plaudits but the colossus defender also recorded 29 appearances as Leeds were promoted from League One. However, injuries hampered the remainder of his time at the club, playing just 22 times in the following two campaigns before returning to Australia with Melbourne City.

That was the major shame, with many of his teammates praising his ability to put himself first, even if it was a detriment to his own body. Jonny Howson recently labelled him as "unbelievable" and in his all-time seven-a-side team from his career, which highlights how well thought of he was at Leeds:

It's fair to say that injuries plagued Kisnorbo during his time at Leeds, particularly an Achilles injury that curtailed his 2010/11 season and significantly affected his career thereafter. Despite his prolonged absence from the side, fans maintained a strong sense of admiration for his professionalism and determination, recognising the impact he had made during Leeds' return to the Championship.

His influence in the dressing room was also valued, even when he was sidelined. However, they missed the crunching tackles, the towering headers, the harnessed aggression that made him so difficult to play against; just like that it was gone from the Leeds side, with the defender only featuring for a token eleven minutes in the final match of the season following promotion.

That was during a win against Queens Park Rangers to remind supporters he was still on the books. Then, having escaped the following pre-season unharmed, Kisnorbo re-established himself back in the side for the next campaign, before yet another season-ending injury was forced upon him in early January.

One final outing at Elland Road came the following season in the League Cup, before the defender returned to his homeland to end his career with Melbourne City, having earned himself plenty of admirers in England along the way.

Kisnorbo’s legacy at Leeds is marked by his leadership, gritty performances, and total dedication, which embodied the spirit of the club during a crucial period in its history. Although his time was disrupted by injury and he was never able to fully recapture his early form, he remains a cult hero at Elland Road.

For his wholehearted approach and significant contributions to their promotion success, as much as anything else, but his never-say-die attitude also resonated with the Leeds faithful, who appreciated his commitment to the cause and the way he carried himself both on and off the pitch; he embodied many of the fans.

After calling time on his professional career in 2016, Kisnorbo decided to become a coach at Melbourne City and was eventually handed over the reins at the AAMI Park. The 43-year-old led his side to victory in the A-League Grand Final and they also finished the regular season as Premiership champions as they finished two points ahead of Sydney in the A-League standings.

He has also spent time with ES Troyes AC as head coach, as well as Melbourne Victory. Now, he is the assistant with Yokohama F. Marinos. Perhaps one day he may find his way back to Elland Road in a coaching capacity, where he would surely be welcome. The archetypal man-mountain of a defender who became a Leeds cult hero for his courageous performances at the back during their successful League One campaign will be remembered for a long time in West Yorkshire.