Hard work. These two words are often echoed by Max Kilman. His remarkable journey from non-league football to the Premier League, transitioning from amateur to professional, and from university student to a £40 million defender has required numerous elements – skill, confidence, and unwavering support from coaches and family, to name a few.
However, the cornerstone of his success, and likely the reason why Julen Lopetegui was eager to recruit him for West Ham this summer, has been his relentless dedication to hard work.
‘I’ve always sought to give my all, and when I was playing in non-league, I never imagined I would reach this point,’ Kilman stated in an interview with Mail Sport.
‘I’ve embraced every challenge I’ve faced, and with each achievement, I focus on moving forward and continuing to grow. Coming here, I aim to keep improving and reach great heights with the team.’
Kilman was in the midst of a business and sports management degree when he transferred from Maidenhead to Wolves in 2018, for a modest fee of £40,000.
Max Kilman, 27, credits hard work – and his mum – helped propel him through his career
Defender Kilman (right) signed a seven-year contract with the Hammers for a reported £40m
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui previously worked with Kilman at Wolves
The club astutely included a sell-on clause for any future transfers. Although the precise amounts remain undisclosed, Maidenhead has referred to the compensation they will receive as ‘life-changing.’
Kilman seems somewhat shy about discussing his contribution to assisting his former club. He chuckles when asked if he has received thanks, quickly redirecting the conversation to how he must justify his substantial price tag.
‘It’s beneficial for them, obviously. That’s how the football industry operates. My journey has been quite different from that of other players.
‘A transfer valuation is just that, but my priority remains to give my utmost, which I’ve always strived for. I understand the pressure, and I’m fully capable of meeting it.’
Kilman’s connections to West Ham extend back further than many realize. ‘Most people probably don’t know I lived in West Ham until I was nine,’ the 27-year-old shares.
Beyond his childhood roots, Kilman has a deeper link with the club. His Maidenhead manager, Alan Devonshire, made over 300 appearances for the Hammers between 1976 and 1990, contributing to the 1986 FA Cup-winning team.
‘”He called me to talk about what a fantastic club West Ham is,’ Kilman reflects on Devonshire, who remains in charge of Maidenhead.
‘”He had a stellar career there and is regarded as a legend of the club. During my stint at Maidenhead, he often shared stories from his playing days at West Ham, always speaking very highly of them.’
Kilman’s transfer to West Ham was also influenced by the chance to reunite with Lopetegui, his prior manager at Wolves.
The Spaniard, who appointed Kilman as captain before departing the club last summer, is known for his demanding training sessions and his expectation of maximum effort from his team, as demonstrated by the fact his squad was granted only one day off during their pre-season training camp in Florida.
Kilman made 127 league appearances for Wolves, scoring three goals, between 2018 and 2024
Newcastle also made an approach for Kilman, while Napoli had a bid rejected last year
He will also hope that Kilman can contribute some stability to a defense that went through 17 matches without a clean sheet during the second half of last season.
‘I have previously worked with him, and he did wonderful things for me at Wolves. I knew that working with him again would involve his high standards and his approach to maximizing player performance. He was definitely someone I wanted to continue working with.
‘He prefers to play with high pressure and a possession-oriented style. He expects his players to give their all. That’s certainly what you can anticipate from West Ham this season.’
Kilman is a London native, but his parents, Maria and Alex, are originally from Ukraine. Alex, who passed away in 2020, significantly influenced his development, comforting him during his release from Fulham and encouraging him to overcome his self-doubt.
Maria has been equally vital, ensuring her son had a safety net by completing his education.
‘My mum has been my biggest supporter in getting that degree completed. While I was juggling my studies and playing non-league football, I was uncertain about my career trajectory, which is why I always sought to have a backup plan.
‘I turned professional while still having a year left in my studies, so I took it slow, but ultimately, my mum made sure I made it happen!
Kilman graduated in March, but it is doubtful he will have the chance to wear a gown and cap, as the ceremony is set for September.
‘I’ve got the diploma, but I doubt I’ll be able to attend the ceremony since it coincides with the season. Hopefully, they can send me the gown! That would be great.’
As he watched this summer’s European Championship, Kilman felt a twinge of what could have been. He has previously expressed a wish to represent England, though had it not been for his earlier futsal career, he might have been playing for Ukraine instead.
Kilman has ambitions of playing for England after representing his country in futsal
Former coach Andriy Shevchenko reached out to FIFA regarding the possibility of Kilman switching allegiances in 2021, however, Kilman’s 25 caps for England’s futsal team from ages 18 to 21 rendered him ineligible.
Thus, it’s either England or nothing. Kilman has come close to a call-up before, and while he acknowledges the stiff competition, he remains resolute in his ambition to play for his country.
‘Certainly, as a player, this is my goal. I have always aspired to represent England.
‘Right now, my focus is solely on giving my best for West Ham, and if that leads to future opportunities, that would be fantastic.’
When asked what West Ham fans can look forward to from him this season, Kilman succinctly states: ‘Hard work, 110 percent commitment, and consistently giving my best.’
