The Wandsworth-born defender impressed in a ten-game loan stint from Southampton in 2005 before signing for City on a permanent deal in 2006 from Southampton. He started the campaign as a first team regular, despite scoring an own goal in a game against West Brom but injuries ruled him out for spells in the latter half of the campaign.

Kenton, who started his career with Norwich City, fell down the pecking order and was placed on the transfer list by Martin Allen, the City manager of the time. But injuries to other senior players saw him called back up to the senior squad as a last resort, playing in midfield rather than his favoured defensive position. He played regularly in the first half of the 2007-08 season but was loaned out to Leeds United in January for a month. He then saw his City contract terminated and he joined Leeds on a permanent deal on the same day.