Neil Kilkenny doesn’t know why Warren Joyce refused to play him at Melbourne City

After winning Melbourne City’s best-and-fairest Neil Kilkenny didn’t know why he was suddenly on the outer when new coach Warren Joyce arrived. But that prompted him to leave the club mid-season to join Perth Glory.

Neil Kilkenny had a disappointing end to his stint at Melbourne City. Picture: Michael Klein

Neil Kilkenny has revealed that his time at Melbourne City was cut short the year after he won the club’s best-and-fairest because coach Warren Joyce did not agree with the way he played football.

Kilkenny, who lines up against City on Saturday night for Perth Glory, said Joyce never spoke to him about their differences, he “just didn’t play me”.

Kilkenny won City’s best-and-fairest in 2016-17 before leaving mid-season along with Socceroos legend Tim Cahill and fan favourite Fernando Brandan, who were all part of the club’s FFA Cup win.

MARQUEE MAN: WHAT HONDA THINKS OF MELBOURNE

SOUTH EAST: LINES DRAWN IN EXPANSION BATTLE

The former Leeds United and Birmingham City midfielder admitted the lure of an offensive, possession-based brand prompted him to leave England after 11 years to sign with City, before Joyce’s arrival led to a more pragmatic style.

Kilkenny, who made just three substitute appearances last season before joining Glory, admitted it was a disappointing end after a bright start.

“I was there for a year and a half but really I count myself being there for a year because I played for a year and didn’t play for five months,’’ Kilkenny said.

“I really enjoyed it there, I loved it.

Neil Kilkenny celebrating a goal against former club Melbourne City. Picture: Getty Images

“The first year we played a great brand of football but didn’t come away with (a title) but we won the first and only trophy.

“I could’ve stayed in England before returning to City. I came to City for a certain style of play, which we had the first season and was really enjoyable.

“He thought the game should be played in a different way than I thought and he thought that players deserved to play ahead of me — that’s football.

“The only disappointing thing was he didn’t say anything to me. He just didn’t play me.

“I felt that with a few more signings the following season we would have gone on and pushed again but managers change and things change.”

Kilkenny, 32, is contracted at Glory until 2021 but was relishing life under new coach Tony Popovic, where they appear to be challenging for the title.

“We’re at the stage now where we’re disappointed to maybe draw games. That shows that we’re pushing forward,’’ he said.

Bruno Fornaroli will miss a third straight game for City. Picture: AAP

Meanwhile, life without Bruno Fornaroli continues for Melbourne City.

A 3-0 home win eased pressure on coach Warren Joyce, who sensationally axed the clubs record goalscorer and marquee player a fortnight ago.

Lachy Wales, who scored his debut A-League goal last week in a makeshift striker’s role, will again lead the line against a stingy Glory defence with Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic set to come into the squad for the first time this season.

Joyce admitted he was disappointed with Fornaroli, without elaborating on the reasons with a comeback for the Uruguayan appearing a long shot.

“You can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink,’’ Joyce said.

“It’s an easy decision for me to make. You can either choose to make the wrong decision because it’s easier on me or a right decision and it’s hard on me.

“The people with the most pride find a way to win. Nobody can stop any player being the best player, showing desire and intent. That’s the standard for every player.”

PERTH GLORY v MELBOURNE CITY

Saturday night, nib Stadium, 10pm

TAB odds: Glory $2.10, Draw $3.60, City $3.30

TV: Live on Fox Sports

RADIO: 1116 SEN, ABC Grandstand Digital

DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT

Glory have plenty of improvement left despite a fast start and they are tough to beat at home, (GLORY 3-1)

GLORY 3-4-3

COACH: Tony Popovic

33.Reddy

6.Djulbic 4.Lowry 16.Mrcela

5.Franjic 88.Kilkenny 15.Wilson 3.Davidson

19.Ikonomidis 7.Chianese 9.Keogh

SUBS: 1.Velaphi (gk), 11.Santalab, 13.Spiranovic, 17.Castro, 22.Ferreira

CITY 4-2-3-1

COACH: Warren Joyce

18.Galekovic

3.Jamieson 5.Schenkeveld 4.Delbridge 2.de Laet

15.Baccus 26.Brattan

10.Vidosic 27.Berenguer 8.McGree

19. Wales

SUBS: 1.Birighitti (gk), 7.Griffiths, 13.Atkinson, 17.Caceres, 22.Good