Position: Central Defender
DoB: 29th May 1969
Birthplace: Thornbury, Bristol.
City Career
Transfer Details: Signed by Brian Godfrey on a free transfer from
Hellenic side Almondsbury Picksons in February '91.
City Debut: Vs. Merthyr Tydfil(a) FA Trophy 2nd Rnd, 19th
February 1991, Won 3-1.
1990/1: 14 Apps, 0 Goals
1991/2: 34 Apps, 1 Goal
1992/3: 46 Apps, 2 Goals
1993/4: 40 Apps, 0 Goals
1994/5: 40(1) Apps, 2 Goals
1995/6: 43(1) Apps, 3 Goals
1996/7: 58(1) Apps, 8 Goals
1997/8: 43 Apps, 2 Goals
1998/9: 47 Apps, 7 Goals
1999/0: 9 Apps, 0 Goals
Totals: 374(3) Apps, 25 Goals
Previous Clubs: Olveston, Almondsbury Picksons,
Gloucester City, Cirencester(loan), Newport County, Bath City,
Mangotsfield United, Brislington (player-manager), Bristol Manor Farm
(coach)
Honours: Hellenic Div.1 Championship 88/9, Beazer Homes(now DML) Premier R-up 90/1,
Gloucestershire Snr. Cup Winner 90/1 & 92/3, Gloucestershire
FA XI 92/3, City PoY 95/6 & 98/9, FA Trophy Semis 96/7
Pen Pic:
Kempy was a sterling central defender for City, playing with the club for ten
seasons and staying loyal despite several cycles of financial crisis. Despite
all the stress Kempy did hold together several successful sides, including teams that reached the Trophy semis and twice knocked on the Conference
door.
Originally signed by Godfrey from Hellenic League Almondsbury he quickly
made the jump to Southern League football, and has since continually convinced
new managers of his talents. Always an excellent pacey stopper he matured over the seasons into an
excellent reader of the game renowned for immaculately timed challenges that should have seen him play at a higher level.
Under Rosenior in 1996/7 there was even a move away from the famed Kempy pass that
left the ground (and occasionally the County), to a player capable
of Cruyff turns in the opposition penalty area and 8 goals,
double that scored in all his previous 6 seasons. His commitment and leadership
on the pitch made him a natural captain, and his loyalty was also demonstrated
by repeatedly turning down financially rewarding offers from other clubs. The
high esteem with which he was held by the fans was shown by two player of the
year awards and a testimonial season in 1998/99.
The financial problems of Autumn 1999 saw Kemp leave, finally due to the
attitude of the directors to the players as much as the general despair of
seeing the club lurch into another cash cataclysm. Few City fans would wish him
anything but well after so many years, even though his choice of Newport County
as his new club was unfortunate.
