{{short description|English footballer}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Max Kilsby | image = Max Kilsby Annan Signing.jpg | caption = Kilsby after signing on loan for Annan Athletic in August 2023 | fullname = Max Robert Kilsby<ref>{{cite web |title=EFL Squad List: Season 2022/23 |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2022/september/efl-squad-list-season-202223/ |website=www.efl.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2003|10|4|df=y}} | birth_place = North Shields, England | height = | position = Defender | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Cramlington Juniors | youthyears2 = 2011–2018 | youthclubs2 = Newcastle United | youthyears3 = 2018–2022 | youthclubs3 = Carlisle United | years1 = 2022–2024 | clubs1 = Carlisle United | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2022–2023 | clubs2 = → Annan Athletic (loan) | caps2 = 31 | goals2 = 4 | years3 = 2023 | clubs3 = → Annan Athletic (loan) | caps3 = 19 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2024 | clubs4 = → Queen of the South (loan) | caps4 = 10 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2024– | clubs5 = Annan Athletic | caps5= 53 | goals5 = 3
| club-update = 02 May 2026 }}
'''Max Kilsby''' (born 4 October 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for {{Scottish football updater|AnnanAth}} club Annan Athletic.
==Playing career== Kilsby came through the youth-team at Carlisle United and in May 2022 signed his first professional contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United hand professional deal to teenage defender |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/20121675.carlisle-united-hand-professional-deal-teenage-defender-max-kilsby/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> In July 2022 he joined Annan Athletic on loan until January 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle confirms loan of defender to Scottish team |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/20583067.carlisle-confirms-max-kilsby-will-join-annan-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NEW SIGNING: Max Kilsby |url=https://www.annanathleticfc.com/new-signing-max-kilsby/#:~:text=The%20club%20is%20delighted%20to,weekends%20league%20opener%20at%20Stranraer. |website=Annan Athletic FC |date=27 July 2022}}</ref> This Loan was extended in January 2023 until the end of the 2022/23 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United confirm decisions on loan trio |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23278915.carlisle-united-confirm-decisions-young-loan-players/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> Kilsby scored his first goal for Annan Athletic on 23 December 2022, scoring the 4th goal in a 5–1 win at home to Albion Rovers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United teenager scores first goal for |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23212970.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-scores-first-goal-annan-athletic/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> On 21 January 2023 he scored his second goal for Annan Athletic in a 4–0 win against Bonnyrigg Rose<ref>{{cite web |title=Loan watch: Carlisle United teenager scores in big win for Murphy's Annan |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23267549.carlisle-united-teenager-scores-big-win-annan-athletic/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> and scored again a week later in a 3–0 win against East Fife F.C.<ref>{{cite web |title=Loan watch: Blues defender continues impressive scoring run for Murphy's Annan |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23284954.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-continues-scoring-run-annan-athletic/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Standard |first1=Dumfries and Galloway |title=Annan boss hails "complete performance" against East Fife |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/annan-athletic-boss-hails-complete-29087406 |website=Daily Record |language=en |date=1 February 2023}}</ref> On 29 April 2023, Kilsby was named the Annan Athletic 'Young Player of the Year' for the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United teenager wins award at promotion-chasing loan club |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23493120.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-wins-award-annan-athletic/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> On 9 May 2023 Kilsby scored the 2nd goal in a 6–0 home win against Dumbarton FC, his 5th goal, in the league one semi-final first leg play off.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stunning 6-0 win for Murphy's Annan in play-off semi-final |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23511317.annan-athletic-thrash-dumbarton-6-0-play-off-semi-final/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Annan Athletic FC v Dumbarton FC |url=https://www.annanathleticfc.com/fixtures-and-results/annan-athletic-fc-v-dumbarton-fc-2/#match-report |website=Annan Athletic FC |language=en}}</ref> He scored his first professional brace in a 3–1 home win against Clyde F.C. in the first leg of the 2022/23 Scottish League One Play Off final and was named the BBC Alba man of the match, played on 16 May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United's Kilsby scores twice as Annan claim play-off advantage |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23527204.annan-athletic-3-1-clyde-carlisle-uniteds-two-goal-max-kilsby-stars/ |website=News and Star |language=en |date=16 May 2023}}</ref> He concluded his loan with Annan, playing a full 90 minutes in the 2nd leg of the Play Off final, helping Annan win 5–2 on aggregate and gain promotion for the first time in their history, to League One.<ref>{{cite web |title=INTERVIEW: It was a great way to end |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2023/may/interview-it-was-a-great-way-to-end/ |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> At the end of the season Carlisle United triggered the clause to extend Kilsby's contract for the 2023/24 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=CLUB: Retained and released list |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2023/may/club-retained-and-released-list/ |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> In August 2023 he rejoined Annan Athletic on loan until January 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United defender rejoins Annan on loan |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23701829.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-rejoins-annan-athletic-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en |date=4 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LOAN: Defender returns to scene of success |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2023/august/loan-defender-returns-to-scene-of-success/ |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> On 6 January 2024 after his final on loan game for Annan Athletic against Montrose FC and a successful season and a half loan, where he had become a regular starter for Annan Athletic in Scottish League One, playing 60 games and scoring 8 goals, he was recalled to his parent club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Simmo on plans for young Blues defender after end of loan spell |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/24044004.carlisle-united-boss-assessing-max-kilsby-annan-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en |date=12 January 2024}}</ref> On 1 February 2024, Kilsby joined Queen of the South on loan for the remainder of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=LOAN: Defender heads back to Scotland |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2024/february/loan-defender-heads-back-to-scotland/ |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> On 29 April 2024 Carlisle announced the player had been released.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CLUB: 2023/24 retained/released list |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2024/april/club-202324-retainedreleased-list/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> Kilsby signed for Annan Athletic on the 11th July 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pool |first1=Andrew |title=NEW SIGNING : Max Kilsby |url=https://www.annanathleticfc.com/new-signing-max-kilsby-2/ |website=Annan Athletic FC |language=en |date=11 July 2024}}</ref> In the opening Scottish League One match, 2024/25, against Cove Rangers on the 3rd August, Kilsby scored the opening goal in a 3 1 away win for Annan Athletic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Max Kilsby {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Annan {{!}} Age 20 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=136366 |website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref> On the 29th of March 2025 Kilsby marked his 100th professional appearance by scoring once and assisting the winning goal in a 2 1 victory over Kelty Hearts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=www.dng24.co.uk |first1=DnG24- |last2=Hannay |first2=Zac |title=Comeback keeps Athletic in the mix |url=https://www.dng24.co.uk/comeback-keeps-athletic-in-the-mix/ |website=DNG Online Limited |date=1 April 2025}}</ref> He was named the 'Alba Travel' Man of the Match and named in the SPFL Team of the Week (Week 33) <ref>{{cite web |title=Team of the Week {{!}} SPFL |url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/team-of-the-week-50525 |website=spfl.co.uk}}</ref>
==Style of play== Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson, said of Kilsby 'He's left-sided, which are hard to find, he can play left wing-back, left centre-back, possibly even go into midfield, so he gives us a few options'<ref>{{cite web |title=MANAGER: It's the start of a journey |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2022/may/manager-its-the-start-of-a-journey/ |website=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref> Annan Athletic Manager, Peter Murphy, stated 'Max is a real prospect in the Carlisle United ranks and we are delighted to welcome him to Annan Athletic'<ref>{{cite web |title=Murphy welcomes loan signing of 'real prospect' from Carlisle United |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/20583990.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-hailed-real-prospect-joins-annan-athletic-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> In February 2023 Peter Murphy stated that 'Max is making excellent progress'<ref>{{cite web |title=Murphy's verdict on young Carlisle United defender's progress at Annan |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23309975.peter-murphy-carlisle-united-defenders-progress-annan-athletic/ |website=News and Star |language=en}}</ref> Paul Simpson in May 2023 said 'It's been a brilliant loan for him'<ref>{{cite web |title=Blues boss Simmo hails 'brilliant' Annan loan for play-off star |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23529829.carlisle-united-boss-hails-max-kilsbys-annan-athletic-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en |date=18 May 2023}}</ref> In August 2023 Carlisle boss Paul Simpson told the club website: 'Murph was keen to have him back after the success they enjoyed last year. We're delighted with how he's developing and more than happy for him to go back up there to continue that good work. We'll monitor his progress and review it in January.' Annan said they were 'delighted' to have Kilsby back.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlisle United defender rejoins Annan on loan |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23701829.carlisle-uniteds-max-kilsby-rejoins-annan-athletic-loan/ |website=News and Star |language=en |date=4 August 2023}}</ref> On 1 February 2024, after signing on loan for Queen of the South, manager Marvin Bartley said of Kilsby; 'Max is young but is highly rated and has been very impressive at both ends of the park during his time at Annan and played a huge part in them achieving promotion. He is predominately a defender but can play in various different positions which is a real benefit to us. Carlisle sent him out on loan to help with his development and have been delighted with his progress. I am looking forward to working with him and hope we can continue building his career in a full-time environment'.<ref>{{cite web |title=QosFC: Welcome - Max Kilsby |url=https://www.qosfc.com/news-6310 |website=www.qosfc.com}}</ref> Annan manager, Wullie Gibson, commenting on his move back to Annan said, 'I'm looking forward to working with Max again. He's got good attributes, knows the club well and had a good spell with us last time round. He's still a young lad where confidence is a big thing and hopefully he'll get that from the way myself and my staff work'.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pool |first1=Andrew |title=NEW SIGNING : Max Kilsby |url=https://www.annanathleticfc.com/new-signing-max-kilsby-2/ |work=Annan Athletic FC |date=11 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
==Statistics== {{updated|02 May 2026 }} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=2|Carlisle United |2022–23 |League 2 ||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2023–24 |League 1 ||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |rowspan=2|Annan Athletic(on loan) |2022–23<ref>{{cite web |title=Max Kilsby {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Carlisle United {{!}} Age 19 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=136366 |website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref> |Scottish League 2 |31||4||0||0||1||0||6{{efn|name=efl|Appearance/s in the Scottish Challenge Cup (2) and Scottish League One Play Offs (4), 3 goals in Play Offs}}||3||38||7 |- |2023–24<ref>{{cite web |title=Max Kilsby {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Carlisle United {{!}} Age 19 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=136366 |website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref> |Scottish League 1 |19||0||1||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=ef2|Appearance/s in the Scottish Challenge Cup}}|||1||22||1 |- |rowspan=1|Queen of the South(on loan) |2023–24 |Scottish League 1 |10||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||10||0 |- |rowspan=1|Annan Athletic |2024–25<ref>{{cite web |title=Max Kilsby {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Annan {{!}} Age 20 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=136366 |website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref> |Scottish League 1 |29||2||1||0||3||0||5{{efn|name=ef3|Appearance/s in the Scottish Challenge Cup(2) and Scottish League One Play Offs (3), 1 goal in Play Offs}}|||1||38||3 |- |rowspan=1|Annan Athletic |2025–26<ref>{{cite web |title=Max Kilsby {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} Annan {{!}} Age 20 {{!}} Soccer Base |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=136366 |website=www.soccerbase.com}}</ref> |Scottish League 2 |24||1||3||0||0||0||7{{efn|name=ef4|Appearance/s in the Scottish Challenge Cup}}|||0||34||1 |- !colspan="3"| Career total !113!!7!!5!!0!!4!!0!!20!!5 !142!!12 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Annan Athletic''' *2022-23 Scottish League One play offs<ref>{{cite web |title=Annan relegate Clyde to clinch historic League 1 promotion |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65567459 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref>
'''Individual'''
*Annan Athletic F.C. Young Player of the Year for season 2022/23<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pool |first1=Andrew |title=Player awards 2023 |url=https://www.annanathleticfc.com/player-awards-2023/ |website=Annan Athletic FC |language=en |date=30 April 2023}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
<!--{{Carlisle United F.C. squad}}--> {{Annan Athletic F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kilsby, Max}} Category:2003 births Category:Living people Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Carlisle United F.C. players Category:Annan Athletic F.C. players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:Footballers from North Shields Category:21st-century English sportsmen