Very surprised was leading immediately after kick-off (8)
I believe the answer is:
startled
'very surprised' is the definition.
(to startle someone is to surprise or scare them)
'leading immediately after kick-off' is the wordplay.
'leading immediately' becomes 'led' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'kick off' becomes 'start' (start of a football match).
'led' after 'start' is 'STARTLED'.
'was' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Affrighted" , "Suddenly alarmed" , "Caused sudden alarm" , "Shocked, alarmed" , "Stunned, shocked" .)