‘Max is good in the air, strong in challenges, and incredibly calm on the ball’

This summer saw us lose our captain for the second season in succession. Wolves fans knew this moment was coming, but Kilman’s journey from non-league Maidenhead to a Premier League mainstay is still something to appreciate.

When Kilman first arrived at Wolves in 2018, there wasn’t much fanfare. He was signed from Maidenhead United for just £40,000, and many of us thought he was one for the under-23s or perhaps a future profit-maker for the club. But things moved quickly, and after making his Premier League debut in 2019, he gradually became a core part of our defence. 

Injuries to others gave him his chance, and he took it, proving himself to be a reliable option under several managers. Kilman’s strengths were clear during his time at Wolves. He’s a defender who’s good in the air, strong in challenges, and incredibly calm on the ball. 

His futsal background set him apart as a defender whose close control was akin to that of a tricky winger at times. In full flow, he could easily break through the lines with the ball seemingly glued to his feet.

Beyond his occasional eye-catching, mazy forward runs, he was a solid defender. Last season, he ranked second in the Premier League for headed clearances (131) and blocks (24), and was fourth for aerial duels won with a 74% success rate. 

He’s got the ability to read the game well, and his physical presence makes him a reliable figure in both boxes. What stood out most during his time at Wolves was his unassuming style of leadership. 

When Ruben Neves left, many fans wondered if Kilman had the personality to wear the captain’s armband, with some preferring the more vocal Craig Dawson. But Julen Lopetegui clearly saw leadership qualities in Kilman, handing him the captaincy before his own exit. 

Kilman led by example rather than words, and though he wasn’t the warrior-like figure Neves was, he rarely let us down. That said, Kilman’s calm nature sometimes bordered on being too casual. There were moments when he got caught on his heels, especially late in games. 

The late winners from Kobbie Mainoo and Haji Wright last season spring to mind, Kilman could sometimes be a step behind, and those lapses cost us points. These moments weren’t frequent, but they did prevent him from becoming a true cult figure at Wolves.

While he didn’t carry the same emotional connection as someone like Neves, Kilman was a dependable presence in our backline. That said, there wasn’t the same outpouring from the fans at his departure as there was for Ruben, he wasn’t the heart and soul of the team, but he was solid and consistent.

Kilman’s best moments weren’t necessarily stand-out highlights but rather his consistency over time. He played under five different managers during his Wolves career, and each one trusted him to do a job. 

Whether it was under Nuno, Bruno Lage, Lopetegui, or Gary O’Neil, Kilman became the reliable defender we could count on. He may not have had the moments of magic that fans remember forever, but his presence helped steady the ship in difficult seasons.

Kilman’s move to West Ham didn’t come as a huge surprise. Lopetegui’s admiration for him was clear when he handed him the captaincy, and now at West Ham, it seems Kilman is expected to be his man at the back. While some Hammers fans might have initially felt they’d overpaid, homegrown English players always carry a premium. 

Kilman may not be the most exciting signing, but he brings a level of stability and reliability to the West Ham defence. For Wolves fans, his departure wasn’t as painful as losing our previous captain, Ruben Neves, but it did leave a gap in our defence, especially with ex-Hammer Craig Dawson continuing to struggle with injuries.

Now, with the transfer window long since shut and no real defensive reinforcements brought in, Kilman’s exit feels even more significant and perhaps hurts a little more than it did initially. With the club getting a solid fee for him, most fans thought Wolves would surely reinvest that money in a new centre-half. 

This never materialised, and much now depends on the unproven Yerson Mosquera. Promising as he may be, he’s certainly no Max Kilman. Kilman ultimately left Wolves with our best wishes. He wasn’t the most emotional or commanding figure, but he was a steady hand during some turbulent times. 

For West Ham, Kilman has already been a calm, composed presence in the backline, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he eventually takes on a leadership role there as well. As for another former Wolves man now at London Stadium Julen Lopetegui’s time at Wolves was short but impactful. 

A manager who oozes charisma and confidence, he is the epitome of a man with a plan. He came in during a difficult period and helped steady the ship, guiding us away from relegation.

His tactical acumen was clear, and his decision to make Kilman captain showed his ability to spot leadership qualities that others might miss. Now that he’s at West Ham, it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts. He’s a tactician who can bring a sense of organisation to a team, and his faith in players like Kilman shows that he values calmness and consistency in key positions. 

While success at West Ham is never guaranteed, Lopetegui has the tools to make an impact. He is undoubtedly a manager who demands the board’s backing in terms of signings. This is a clear sign of his unrelenting ambition and his desire to build a team in his image. 

Ultimately, this is something Wolves couldn’t give him, hence his untimely departure, but at West Ham, he has clearly been backed this summer, and an interesting season awaits.