Friday 30 September 2016

The weekend preview

This weekend should bring us some cracking games as four of our teams take to the field.

The u13 Whites will travel to face Glenburn. The youngsters have been making huge progress in recent months and despite being beaten 3-0 away to Rutherglen last weekend, go into this game full of confidence.

On Saturday, Celtic 14s are our guests as St Josephs as they face our u15s. Killie are looking to get back to winning ways and pick up an invaluable three points on what will be a very tough game. The game kicks off at 1 o'clock.

Our 17s are also at home as they welcome Morton to St Josephs. They are hoping to build on their previous result which was a 4-1 victory against Kilwinning. The game kicks off at 12:30.

The seniors are also playing at St Josephs as they face Glasgow City on Sunday at 2pm. Here is what manager, Mark Ritchie has to say about the game:

"We welcome Glasgow City to Kilmarnock for our second meeting of the season. Our first meeting in Glasgow back in May gave us a 3-0 victory and started what was a good run of form for us - hopefully Sundays meeting will result in the same.
We are coming off of a disappointing result against Hibs in our last league game. Disappointed because we felt that we deserved to come away with at least a point from the game but ultimately left with nothing. There is certainly no shame in that as I feel that over the three games we have faced Hibs now they have proved themselves to be, in my opinion, the most talented side in the league. Now we have five games between now and the end of the season and hope to finish as high up the league as possible and we will be going all out to win every game between now and the end of the season. Certainly not an easy task but a challenge that we will relish and look forward to."

Thursday 29 September 2016

Further KFCSA Statement re: Protests



The Committee of KFCSA understand the resentment and frustration that our members have expressed regarding former Chairman's Michael Johnston's apparent refusal to step down from the club board which would then allow, we understand, at least one million pounds to be invested into the club.

We also realise that the resentment and frustration will manifest itself in loud and clear protests at the game against Aberdeen on Saturday and subsequent games thereafter.

KFCSA acknowledge the right of all fans to protest and we would urge those who wish to do so to keep within the boundaries of the law, whilst at the same time supporting Lee Clark and the team.

Iain Sherry

Secretary KFCSA

Vote for David Howie in the Cream of Ayrshire Awards!

David Howie, Chairman of FC Kilmarnock Ladies, has been shortlisted for the Contribution to the Community award in the Cream of Ayrshire Awards.



David started as a parent helper at Kilmarnock Ladies Football Club 8 years ago. Since then, he has progressed to become Club Chairman. Recognising that Scottish women's football is underdeveloped and weaknesses within the girls Club, he worked to initiate, then play a major part in increasing playing/coaching opportunites for every girl from age 9 to adult. He helped parents/ex-players gain coaching qualifications, secured placement opportunities for college students to develop their coaching skills and ensured existing coaches achieved the highest level of coaching qualifications.

As well as being Club Chairman, David has also coached girls in all age groups. He created a fun, safe and competitive environment for participation and development of grassroots football. He helped create a successful sporting infrastructure within Kilmarnock Ladies FC which has allowed the girls to develop their skills and aspire to achieving regional and national status.

He managed to integrate Kilmarnock Ladies FC from being a small stand alone club to being part of the main Club at Kilmarnock FC which has provided better training, equipment and development opportunities for the girls all within a professional stadium environment. He has worked hard to forge good relationships with Kilmarnock FC which has seen huge improvements in the ladies game. He also managed to secure sponsorship for a wide range of kit which allowed the Club to keep monthly subscriptions to a minimum thus allowing equal opportunities for every girl. He never misses a fundraiser and is a regular face lending his hand when needed. He is very keen to ensure that some of the funds raised go to local charities.

David was personally involved in the creation of a brand new Club website which has not only promoted great communication within the Club, it has given the Club a more professional appearance and positive public exposure. He is now aiming towards buying the Ladies section their own minibus to allow the ladies to compete further afield.

Not only has he given so much time to Kilmarnock Ladies, he has risen to the challenge on a national level. He welcomed additional tasks within the SWF to help positively shape the future of women's football in Scotland and is now a member of the South West League Management Committee and Treasurer for the SWFL.

David has never received wages for his time and commitment. The work is completely voluntary and he selflessly wants nothing in return. He has a full-time job but somehow manages to attend Club meetings, deal with Club issues, coach the girls and attend games. He has made personal sacrifices such as time away from his family and his own hobbies/interests. He has given so much of himself that it has been both physically, emotionally demanding at times, yet he manages to be a husband, father, grandfather to his family and a father figure, agony aunt, psychologist, counsellor, motivator and friend to everyone at the Club. He is an extremely likeable character, a true inspiration and positive role model. He is, without a doubt, one in a million and deserving of recognition with a Cream of Ayrshire Award.

Help us to support David and FC Kilmarnock's amazing work by voting for him here: www.westfm.co.uk/pages/the-contribution-to-the-community-award-2016 (voting is only open from Friday until Sunday - so don't hesitate!)

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Trust Statement 27-9-16


The Killie Trust is aware of recent articles in the national press regards supposed offers to Kilmarnock Football Club Director and Company Secretary Michael Johnston to purchase his shareholding on condition that he severs his position at the club.

The Killie Trust is hopeful that an agreement can be reached as soon as possible to bring what appears to be internal wrangling to a swift conclusion.

The Trust’s preferred position would be that any monies be directed to the benefit of Kilmarnock Football Club rather than any individual, particularly at a time when cash flow in Scottish football in general can be considered a precious commodity. We would not wish to see this become a protracted matter which may prove divisive as far as relationships between the club and the supporters are concerned.

The Killie Trust continues to work with and to seek avenues to assist and deliver benefit for this great football club to ensure its ongoing sustainability as a vibrant part of the local community.

Be The Boss: David Freeland

After Souleymane Coulibaly chalked up another mark in his personal goal of the season column, you could have been forgiven for thinking that Killie might catch Celtic on the hop. No such luck and a drubbing ensued. Oh well, this week it's Aberdeen and lifelong Killie fan David Freeland has given us his picks to ensure that the Dandy Dons don't danner off with three points on Saturday.


There's no doubt that it was a poor result against Celtic but I see no need for any drastic changes and it would be good to try and get a settled XI. 


In goals the reliable Jamie MacDonald - I hate to think how many we would concede with him missing. I'm going for a back four of Greg Taylor at left back, Scott Boyd and Jonny Burn in the centre and Luke Hendrie on the right. Scott Boyd has impressed me and provides some Scottish top flight experience for a young defence. I'll be ooking for Taylor and Hendrie to get forward when possible but main job will be stopping a talented Aberdeen forward line featuring the likes of Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney and man of the moment James Maddison. 

In the middle of the park I'm continuing with Dean Hawkshaw and Gary Dicker. We need a strong, disciplined performance from both but they'll also need to look at spreading the ball wide quickly when we are able to exploit their flanks. With that in mind, out wide I'm going for Jordan Jones and Nathan Tyson. Both like to run at players but also do their fair share of tracking back to offer help to the full backs when needed. I really like Jones and think a bit more confidence along with a few full matches could see him become a real fans' favourite. 

Thankfully up top we have an easy pick at the moment. Both Kris Boyd and Souleymane Coulibaly seem to have developed a great understanding in a relatively short time. With them you have that blend of experience which comes from being one of the top all-time Scottish goalscorers and the vibrant youth of a man with whom you should always expect the unexpected.

KFCSA Statement 27-9-16


In light of the articles in the press over the past few days, where it was alleged that former chairman Michael Johnston has turned down an offer of £1.9million (one million nine hundred thousand pounds) for his shareholding on condition that he leaves Kilmarnock Football Club; the Committee of KFCSA urge Mr Johnston to do the right thing for Scotland’s oldest professional club.

It is the opinion of the vast majority of supporters that Mr Johnston's continued presence at the club is a severe handicap to our club's future progress. The football club needs to move forward and it now appears that Mr Johnston remaining at the club is a major stumbling block to this happening.

Mr Johnston's time at the football club is over and he should realise that if he actually wants what is best for the company and club which is Kilmarnock FC Limited, then he must do the honourable thing and at least leave the Club Board.

The committee of KFCSA hope that all interested parties can bring matters to a speedy conclusion as a protracted dispute is likely to have a detrimental impact on the club's management and also the team's efforts in important matches.

KFCSA is monitoring the position closely and expects to issue a further statement in the next few days.

Monday 26 September 2016

Season Diary - Week 08



How many goal of the season contenders is that from Coulibaly now?

The wee man doesn’t seem to do ordinary and his opener stunned the Eastenders into silence.

Sadly, that just seemed to annoy them and they rolled over us just like they have most other SPFL teams so far…Rodgers is a decent manager and it looks like no one will get near them this season so our fans shouldn’t be too despondent at the result, you can’t judge the team on results up there.

Off the park we are on the verge of all-out war with Johnston reportedly rejecting a full price offer for his shares from his fellow directors to go, and investors going public with how much they would put in if that happened.

What can we as fans do?

Let him know in no uncertain terms that he is not wanted by whatever means necessary, time to get off the fence as all you’ll get is a sore back side!

Tuesday 20 September 2016

Be The Boss - Aaron Nugent



Our "Boss" this week is Aaron Nugent from Irvine...we can't really do any blurb about Aaron because we don't really know him as he contacted us through social media with his instructions. We like this! It saves us having to noise up people we know trying to get them to pick their team. If you want to see your selections featured on KillieFC.com then please feel free to get in touch with us through Twitter, Facebook, email or whatever you fancy...best get in touch first though and we will give you a the game that you'll be in charge of so that we don't end up with more than one "Boss" per game.


Formation 4-2-2-2

GOALKEEPER:
Jamie MacDonald - 
I think this one is a no brainer, player of the season last season, and can argue one of the better goal keepers in the league.

RIGHT BACK:
Luke Hendrie - I felt he has had a good start to life at Killie, he has been pretty solid in the right full back position, this could be a game to give him good experience for the future!

CENTRE BACK:
Johnny Burn - Well with Miles Addison injured he has came in and stepped up to plate, he has been pretty solid at the back so far this season, he has made next to no mistakes, lets hope that continues!

CENTRE BACK:
Scott Boyd - This is a game where we will need a strong defence. I think Scott Boyd will give us that and also the experience he has having played against Celtic before many times in the league with Ross County will stand him in good stead. I was considering Will Boyle but I think with lack of experience it would not be the right game for him.

LEFT BACK:
Greg Taylor - As Steven Smith is injured I think he is the best replacement at left back, he now has experience in the league as we know and is pretty solid, he looks a good and exciting prospect for Kilmarnock!

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD:
Martin Smith - I feel he will do a good job sitting in front of the defence, he has a good physical presence, and is also good going forward.

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD:
Gary Dicker - Once again I feel he would be good to sit in front on the defence with Smith to give the defence a helping hand, as I think apart from Martin Smith we don't really have much in the middle of the park.

RIGHT MIDFIELD:
Rory McKenzie - I thought he had an on and off game against Partick Thistle, but he could do a job for us out wide on Saturday.

LEFT MIDFIELD:
Jordan Jones - He has been missing from the team the past couple of weeks, but I really rate him as player so I think its time to bring him back in this week.

STRIKER:
Souleyman Coulibaly - Well his goal scoring record so far this season speaks for itself, six goals so far, I am pretty sure that he will give the Celtic back four a hard time on Saturday.

STRIKER:
Kris Boyd - Well as our main striker and a man who is also scoring, it would be  a bad move to drop him, both our front two are scoring which can only be a good thing, lets hope they carry it on Parkhead!

Monday 19 September 2016

Season Diary - Week 07


I remember the Jags visiting us not so long ago and giving us a real doing, 2-5 was it?

Not so much this time with the mighty going ahead twice, first with an opportune strike from Boomer and the second from Coulibaly, yet again, finding the net.

Defensively we do seem to be stronger, but not strong enough to easily hold a lead.

Captain Smith went off injured early doors and we played the majority of the game with Hendrie at left back (who did well) and midfielder Hawkshaw in at right back.

Despite that it is the midfield where we seem to be lacking; there is something just not right there, and while we have Kiltie still to come back and give us some creativity, we could do with someone to put his foot on the ball and splay about some passes while Dicker is off the boil.

Kilmarnock 3-2 Westerlands

This was a highly entertaining encounter between the two sides in which Kilmarnock dominated for long periods. The home side were on top for much of the first half but somehow found themselves a goal down going into the break. Kilmarnock's possession and use of the ball was excellent. The girls were in fine form keeping Westerlands pinned in their own half for long periods of time. The trio of Ponton, Lyttle and Robinson were bossing the midfield. Kilmarnock felt they should have had a stonewall penalty in the first half - Docherty receiving the ball with her back to goal, and the Westerlands centre half coming through the back of her but the referee waved play on. At this point it had been all Killie with a series of missed chances from a host of players and minutes before halftime a breakaway from Westerlands resulted in a corner which they scored from after a scuffle in the box. HT 1-0 Westerlands. With the second half only minutes old, it was all square. The ball breaking to Ponton and her strike deflecting off the arm of a Westerlands defender and into the net. However, the referee then pointed to the spot for an earlier offence and up stepped Laura Lyttle to calmly slot past the keeper. 1-1. Killie kept up the pressure and were rewarded when Abby Robinson slotted home following some neat footwork in the box from the youngster. The home side had turned the game on its head and were now in the lead. Westerlands had been very decent in defence dealing with the constant pressure and finding themselves behind for the first time, came out all guns blazing. It wasn't long before they equalised - strong running from the central defender linking well with midfielders and strikers before the ball breaking to a Westie's player who slotted past Hunter. 2-2 and game on. Killie searching for a winner kept at their opponents using the flanks with Munro and Patterson delivering superbly into the box on plenty of occasions. Killie's tails were up and they got the winner after a superb cross field pass from Rolph into the path of Munro taking it in her stride and blasting high past the keeper to make it 3-2 . A very good team performance from Kilmarnock on the day and the match was played in a fantastic spirit from both sides. Well done to Westerlands and good luck for the rest of the season.

Wednesday 14 September 2016

Be The Boss - Gerry & Jackie Stanley


A first - a husband and wife management team! Cue the jokes. 
So, for the first team this season, we welcome Partick Thistle to the Theatre of Pies. Can we still call it that? 

The Jags fans seem to have an unhealthy obsession with Killie - we are mentioned in one of their songs and they claim to hate us more than the unwashed from down the A77 - so that will bring an additional edge to the usual banter between the two sets of fans. They usually bring a reasonably sized support, so hopefully we'll get a decent atmosphere in the ground which will certainly help.



So, why us? Aside from the combined 70+ years of supporting Killie and both being on the board of the Killie Trust, we have an additional interest as the in-laws of Thistle's No 9. We thought we had an understanding by letting him marry Claire (who lived, breathed and worked for Killie) that he would never score against the mighty Killie. Well, that didn’t work! As we always do before a Killie/Thistle game, we've had a word, threatened to put his windaes in, taught his daughter (our granddaughter) some Killie songs, etc, but it's made no difference in the last few games and he seems to have the knack of scoring against us for fun.

Although he's been played out of position recently, we suspect he'll be back in as the main striker on Saturday, so we need to rely on the team to do their bit to stop him scoring. 

We've done some scouting recently and our game plan is pretty simply. Keep it high tempo, use our wingers, provide decent service up front, keep their Numbers nine and ten quiet, and we should secure a victory. Easy! But we are Killie and we don't do simple. 

Thistle tend to play a 4-5-1 set up, but we're going for a 4-4-2 set up to keep us on the front foot.



GOALKEEPER: Jamie MacDonald - His heroics in the 2nd half against Rangers and the double save on Saturday confirm him as one of the best in the league

DEFENCE:
Unchanged from Saturday.
Luke Hendrie – Looked good in last couple of games with solid performances.
Johnny Burn - Looks good in the air and again solid in last two outings.

Scott Boyd - Chosen over Will Boyle just for his experience
Stevie Smith - Been solid at left back.  We'd just like to see him encouraging the team more.

MIDFIELD:
Gary Dicker - Good in the air and can pick out a pass. He and Dean Hawkshaw are beginning to work well together and Gary always puts in a shift.
Dean Hawkshaw - Good to see Dean, who is one of our own, growing in confidence as he gets more games under his belt. Key area of the pitch which we believe they can win and provide the platform to go forward.
Jordan Jones - Giving JJ a start this week over wee Adam who has done really well, but we see Thistle right side as a weakness which JJ can exploit.
Rory McKenzie - Again, we think Rory can cause problems down Thistle's left when attacking and will give him the role of shutting down Thistle no 4 when defending.

FORWARDS:
Souleymane Coulibaly – His pace and movement will cause Thistle problems and with the ability to score the type of goal he did on Saturday, his selection was a no-brainer.
Kris Boyd – Courageously wanted to play against Dundee despite his tragic news. We’d understand if he didn’t play this week, and if so we’d replace him with our new signing, Nathan Tyson – but we both think Boydy will play and, if he does, he’ll score on Saturday.

SUBS:
Devlin McKay, Adam Frizzell, George Green, Will Boyle, Martin Smith, Flo Bojaj, Nathan Tyson

KTWD

Monday 12 September 2016

Season Diary - Week 06


We took a welcome point from Dundee on Saturday with Coulibaly scoring an audacious overhead kick to equalise for Ayrshire’s finest after losing a sloppy goal from a corner early doors.

It is great to watch the striker score yet another worldie and do his celebration flips, but it was even more touching to see him then dedicate his goal to his grieving team mate, Kris Boyd.

I am at a loss for words to describe the admiration and respect Killie fans and players have for Boydie, given his decision to momentarily put his personal grief aside, to lead the line for us at Dens Park.

The strength of character he showed and determination to get his job done is an inspiration to us all and I hope he realises that through this personal tragedy his Killie family will always be there for him.

Wednesday 7 September 2016

Season Diary - Week 05


The international break and the transfer window “slamming” shut doesn’t normally mean a lot to us but there was some business for Killie this time around.

Davies and Waddington were returned to their clubs after what was possibly the shortest loan deals in a long time, and we brought in Scott Boyd on loan instead, a defender from Ross County who surprisingly is not a right back.

After a few days away I came back and read the board’s Q&A on the SLO page and thought I’d returned to 2010.

Answers like “the club are in no financial difficulty” fly in the face of what our new financial guru said at the recent AGM, sorry but we know where such rubbish is emanating.

The fans were looking for someone to rally behind if we got rid of MJ, how about the other directors who also want him gone?

They just need to come out in public and declare themselves, that would be a good start.

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Be The Boss - Peter Telfer


Having managed Kilmarnock many times before (on Football Manager), it’s great to be back in the hot seat for this week's game against Dundee. I’ve just come back from sunning myself in Malta watching Scotland and I’m expecting similarly warm temperatures as we head to the East coast of Scotland…

It’s another big game following a strong performance against The Rangers. There were lots of positives to take from the match but the red card for Greg Taylor means that I will have to stick my neck on the line and make at least one change.

Dundee (Tannadice and Dens Park) is not a city where I’ve seen many great performances from Killie, although who can forget the time Sammy Boutal scored his one and only goal for the Mighty. We had a good performance there last season at around a similar time of the year and with Dundee losing a couple of key players, there is no reason why we can’t do the same again.

I’m going to revert to the 4-4-2 that worked for us in the comeback against Hamilton and I think it will allow us to take the game to Dundee a bit more.



GK: Jamie MacDonald
Might have kept out Tavernier's free kick on another day but an absolute no brainer to have our Supporters' Player of the Year between the sticks.

LB: Stevie Smith
He scored a good goal at Dens last season and I’m keeping him in the team for more of the same.

RB: Luke Hendrie
Right back has been a problem position but he looked solid against Rangers and a good addition.

CBs: Will Boyle & Johnny Burn
New signing Scott Boyd will have to wait for his debut as both did well against the experienced Kenny Miller and they will need to be at the same level to keep out Mark O’Hara who will feel he has a point to prove.

RM: Adam Frizzell
A really good prospect who for his height isn’t scared to get stuck in and is tricky with the ball at his feet.

LM: Jordan Jones
Arguably the best signing and a flair player that can be exciting and frustrating in the same move. He comes in for Greg Taylor.

CM: Dean Hawkshaw
Took the Rangers game in his stride and a really tidy player. Another product of the youth system who has real potential. Not that Kilmarnock bring anything to the SPFL if you were to believe Fergus McCann.

CM: Gary Dicker
On his day, a really solid midfielder but his form can be inconsistent. He really got around the pitch against Rangers and if he does that every week will keep his place.

ST: Souleymane Coulibaly
With Greg Kiltie injured for a few weeks, I’m going for Super Couley. Hopefully he is refreshed enough following his International exertions for the Ivory Coast.

ST: Kris Boyd
I felt he struggled to find form last season but with two goals already this season, it would be great to get him into double figures.

Subs – Devlin McKay, Charlee Adams, George Green, Scott Boyd, Martin Smith, Flo Bojaj, Dapo Kayode

Friday 2 September 2016

The weekend preview

Only the 17s are in league action this weekend at home to Glasgow Girls - at the newly resurfaced St Josephs Academy Sunday. 12.30pm ko.

The girls will be hoping to  build on their last game - a convincing 7-0 win over KSC girls.

The Senior ladies have a friendly arranged against the inform SWPL2  table toppers, Hamilton Accies. The Lanarkshire side have been in a rich vein of form this season in their quest to regain top flight status.

This will be tough test for Killie's young squad but one they will relish. Playing teams in the division above is definitely challenging but sometimes where we will learn the most. Kick off is 1pm at the palace grounds in Hamilton.

Thursday 1 September 2016

Ladies Match Report

Kilmarnock 2 v 2 Boroughmuir Thistle

A draw was the final result in this encounter but Killie should've had the game out of sight with plenty of possession and chances falling the home sides way.

Kilmarnock took the lead with Munro finishing from close range.

Boroughmuir then equalised with a dubious goal. The ball crashing off the bar with the ref giving the goal despite protests claiming that the ball hadn't crossed the line.

Boroughmuir increased their lead minutes later as the striker headed home unchallenged from a corner - poor defending from Kilmarnock.

HT Kilmarnock 1-2 Boroughmuir

Kilmarnock came out more determined in the second half - possibly due to Ritchies half time team talk. They quickly scored the equaliser a minute after the restart. A move finished by Telford but good possession across the team going from side to side in the build up.

Kilmarnock 2-2 Boroughmuir.

Plenty of chances going a begging for Killie throughout the second half as they struggled to get a winner. Killie will feel like two points have been dropped in a game they dominated for long spells.