20 Facts About Kenny Cunningham

Kenneth Edward Cunningham was born on 28 June 1971 and is an Irish former footballer who played as a defender.

Kenny Cunningham played international football for the Republic of Ireland until his retirement in 2005.

Kenny Cunningham spent his professional club career, from 1989 to 2007, in England, making more than 500 appearances in the Football League and Premier League playing for Millwall, Wimbledon, Birmingham City and Sunderland.

On 18 September 1989, the 18-year-old Kenny Cunningham signed a one-year contract with Millwall of the English First Division.

Kenny Cunningham played 250 league games for Wimbledon and twice named as the London side's Player of the Season.

In February 2000, Kenny Cunningham was involved in an incident with Chelsea captain Dennis Wise following their match.

Kenny Cunningham went straight into the starting eleven, playing at centre back in place of injured captain Steve Vickers rather than his customary right back.

On 11 May 2006, Kenny Cunningham launched a scathing attack in the press on Bruce and the board, blaming the club's relegation on a lack of preparation throughout the season and likening the club to a "stiff corpse" that has "no heartbeat and, more worryingly, no soul".

Kenny Cunningham signed for Sunderland on 19 July 2006 with Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn praising his leadership qualities.

Kenny Cunningham was released at the end of the season, and retired as a player.

Kenny Cunningham won a total of 72 caps for the Republic of Ireland national football team.

Kenny Cunningham was named as FAI Senior International Player of the Year in 1998.

Kenny Cunningham was named team captain after the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Kenny Cunningham is a talker on the pitch, he organises the players around him, and off the pitch he is a calm influence.

Kenny Cunningham retired from international football after achieving 72 caps at the age of 34 on 12 October 2005, following Ireland's draw with Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, which resulted in his team's failure to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Kenny Cunningham urged caution following a FIFA rule change allowing players over the age of 21 to switch their international allegiance.

Kenny Cunningham has worked as a pundit on the Premier League and Champions League for both Setanta Ireland and Premier Sports, on RTE Sport's coverage of the League of Ireland and for Sky Sports's coverage of Ireland matches.

Kenny Cunningham coached at English non-league club Nuneaton Town, who won promotion in his first year there.

Kenny Cunningham was appointed assistant to the League of Ireland XI manager Damien Richardson for the Dublin Super Cup tournament in 2011.

Kenny Cunningham covered tournaments including the 2013 Confederations Cup, 2014 World Cup, Euro 2016, and Euro 2020.