Kane Wilson

Kane Leo Wilson (born 11 March 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for club Derby County.

Wilson joined the West Bromwich Albion aged 7, and would make his first and only appearance for the first team in 2016, he would have loan spells at Exeter City (twice), Walsall and Tranmere Rovers.

In 2020, Wilson signed with Forest Green Rovers and in the 2021–22 season, Wilson would be named League Two player of the season in the 2022 EFL Awards, as Forest Green won the League Two title. In June 2022, Wilson signed with Bristol City, an injury hit season would limit his appearances and in 2023, Wilson left to join Derby County, where in his first season he helped the side win automatic promotion to the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion
Wilson came to West Bromwich Albion at the age of 7, alongside Sam Field, and they were joined by Jonathan Leko three years later: all made their professional debuts in 2016. Wilson spent most of the 2015–16 season in their under-18 team, making only three appearances in the under-21 team, all as a substitute. However, he was fast-tracked into the first team for their summer tour to Austria. He played his first senior game against Paris Saint-Germain and his first start against Torquay United.

Wilson made his competitive debut in the EFL Cup first round away to Northampton Town on 23 August 2016, coming on in the 70th minute for fellow debutant Brendan Galloway. The game ended as a 2–2 draw which his team lost 4–3 on penalties.

Five days after his debut, Wilson was named in West Brom's squad for their Premier League game against Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns. Had he come onto the pitch, he would have been the league's first player born in the 2000s.

Exeter City loan
Wilson joined Exeter City on loan for five months on the summer transfer deadline day. He did not make his league debut until 28 October, in a 1–1 draw at Mansfield Town. He was sent off on his debut for accumulating two yellow cards, being given his marching orders in the 93rd minute.

Tranmere Rovers loan
On 9 August 2019, Wilson joined Tranmere Rovers on loan until January 2020, making his debut the next day in a 2–0 loss to Portsmouth

Forest Green Rovers
Wilson signed permanently with Forest Green Rovers on a two-year deal on 8 July 2020.

The 2021–22 season brought success for Wilson on both a club and individual level. With promotion to League One secured for the first time in the club's history after a 0–0 draw with Bristol Rovers, Wilson was awarded the League Two Player of the Season award the following day at the 2022 EFL Awards as well as being named in the 2021–22 League Two Team of the Season.

Bristol City
On 10 June 2022, Wilson signed a three-year contract for Championship team Bristol City. In a season hampered by injury, the full-back made seven appearances, providing one goal and one assist for the Robins.

Derby County
On 10 July 2023, Wilson signed a two-year deal with Derby County for a undisclosed fee. Wilson picked up a minor knee injury in the match at home to Oxford United on 15 August which ruled him out of action for four weeks. Upon his return, Wilson became a fans favourite with his skills and his desire to take opposition on as he showed in a substitute appearance in 3–0 victory against Barnsley on 11 November 2023. In a November 2023 interview to the Derby Telegraph, Wilson appreciated the support he got from Derby fans since he joined and after difficult period at Bristol City under Nigel Pearson due to injuries and not being in favour, Wilson was keen to follow the example of teammate Craig Forsyth and develop his game at Derby under head coach Paul Warne long term. Wilson scored his first goal for Derby in a 3–1 League One win against Lincoln City on 21 December 2023, scoring to make the game 2–1 after he came on as a half-time substitute, he also assisted the third Derby goal scored by James Collins. On 16 March 2024, Wilson scored his second goal for Derby in a 1–0 win over promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers. Wison made 49 appearances, scoring three times during his first season as Derby as they finished runners-up in the division and earn promotion to the Championship automatically.

International career
Wilson has represented England at U16 and U17 level. In October 2016, Wilson represented England U17 in a 5–0 win over Croatia and an 8–1 win over Germany.

Personal life
Wilson received his GCSE results in the week before his professional debut. His grades were two A's, four B's and five C's. He is of Jamaican descent.

Honours
Forest Green Rovers
 * League Two: 2021–22

Derby County
 * EFL League One second-place promotion: 2023–24

Individual
 * EFL League Two Player of the Season: 2021–22
 * EFL League Two Team of the Season: 2021–22
 * PFA Team of the Year: League Two 2021–22