Patrick Kisnorbo joined Leicester City from Hearts back in 2005. He scored his first goal for Leicester v. Watford at Vicarage Road in October that same year and it eventually turned out to be the winner of that particular game. The Australian international moved south together with Alan Maybury and Mark de Vries following their former manager Craig Levein who had taken charge of Leicester City a few months earlier.
He was, when joining Leicester City, seen as a midfielder, but fortunes turned when he was played in a central defence position partnering Paddy McCarthy. The two made a good partnership and by that change being key players in avoiding relegation to the third tier in that first season.
Over a period of four years at Leicester City, Patrick Kisnorbo had to play under seven different managers and experienced the fatal fact to be part of the squad that had to see in their eyes a relegation to the third tier, he stayed on and was also the club in the push back and winning League One. By that time Nigel Pearson had taken over and he didn’t see Patrick in his feature team at Leicester City, made him available for a transfer and he joined Leeds United, and continued his career at League One level with The Whites.
Despite the missed chance to yet again play in the Championship with Leicester City, he made a straight promotion act again the season after and helped Leeds United back up. After a period on the sidelines and a being seen as a risky project due to heavy injury problems, he eventually got a new deal and also captained the Leeds side, as he did at Leicester, so his presence was often seen in a leading approach.
After just 49 league appearances with Leeds United during a four year spell at Elland Road, his life in English football was over in 2013, returning to Australia to continue his career with Melbourne City. At this time Patrick was 32 years of age. He went on to captain this club as well and continued playing until 2016 when he finally called it a day and went straight into coaching at this same football club, taking a role in the youth set up.
He has since the start of his coaching career been a club man at Melbourne City and coached both the women’s team as well as being the head coach of the men’s first team. In 2020 he was appointed manager of Melbourne City and took that step up in the best way possible. Last season he leaded his club to their first ever Championship, and was voted A-League coach of the year .
Despite being at Leicester City during a period of instability and financial difficulties he is one player that will be seen a bit iconic and influential during his time the football clubs history and part of an era that will be easy remembered as it was, despite being negative, so for a one happening in a life time, seeing Leicester City at level three in English football.
FACTFILE:
- Full Name: Patrick Fabio Maxime Kisnorbo
- Position: Defender / Defensive Midfielder
- Date of Birth: 24.03.1981
- Birthplace: Melbourne
- Nation: Australia
- Caps / Goals: 18/1
- Major League Career:
- 2003-05, Hearts (48/1)
- 2005-09, Leicester City (126/10)
- 2009-13, Leeds United (49/1)
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