relegated into Division Three at the end of the 2001–02 season. Sheffield United Kenny initially joined Neil Warnock's Sheffield United on loan as cover for injured keeper Simon Tracey. He made his debut for the "Blades" in a 2–1 defeat to Coventry City at Highfield Road on 10 August 2002, and subsequently went on to become first choice goalkeeper. After three months the loan deal was made permanent for a £45,000 fee. On 26 May 2003, he played at the Millennium Stadium in the Division One play-off final, as United lost 3–0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was voted United's Player of the Season in 2002–03 after keeping goal as United reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and League Cup, where they were beaten by Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. He was injured for three months of the 2003–04 season, but upon his recovery he regained his first team place from loanee Paul Gerrard. Kenny featured 48 times in the 2004–05 season as United finished six points outside the play-off places. He played every minute of United's promotion campaign to the Premier League in 2005–06. In February 2006 Sheffield United faced promotion rivals Reading. With the scores level at 1-1 Reading were awarded a last minute penalty, however Kenny saved Dave Kitson's effort. In November 2006, despite being told by club manager Neil Warnock to keep a low profile, Kenny went for a night out in Halifax. He became involved in a drunken brawl outside a curry house with a former friend, who admitted to having an affair with Kenny's wife. The fight ended with Kenny having his eyebrow bitten off and requiring 12 stitches. The affair brought an end to his marriage. He continued to be a key member of the United team in their season in the top flight but was unable to help prevent the club from being relegated on the final day of the 2006–07 season. In a match against Blackburn Rovers in September 2006 Kenny saved a Lucas Neill penalty in a 0–0 draw. His opposite number Brad Friedel also saved two penalties in the same match. Back in the Championship he maintained his position of being the club's number one keeper for the 2007–08 campaign. With the team struggling Kenny maintained fine form with the only low point coming in February; despite making several excellent saves, he mistakenly knocked the ball into his own net