born in preston, lancashire, kilbane made his professional debut at his hometown club, preston north end, after making his way through the youth system at deepdale. it was not long before his performances began to attract attention from other clubs, and he was sold to west bromwich albion for a fee of £1 million in 1997. kilbane was albion's first £1 million player, breaking a club transfer record which had stood since 1979.