Friday 30 December 2016

Be The Boss - Ryan Aird

Today's boss is exile Ryan "bute-killiefan" Aird who may live far away but he is active on the Kickback forums and on Killie social media platforms. Without further ado...


Please forgive my team as I haven't seen the team play live since moving to Canada in 2014. I catch whatever game I can live, and always watch the highlights on YouTube regardless of the score!

Playing a 3-5-2 to shake things up as we are short on options and on a slump just now. I'm going full on Football Manager just now.


GOALKEEPER
Jamie MacDonald - First name on the team sheet for me, and has been since he signed.

CENTRE BACKS
Josh Webb - Hoping that he will make the most of absences in our defence currently.
Will Boyle - Of our current options, he is probably the most senior, so I'd put him in the middle of our back three.
Iain Wilson - Youngster who is also looking to impress in the absence of Boyd, Addison et al.

RIGHT WING BACK
Greg Taylor - I feel that with his desire and energy, he would be a good option to run his legs out up and down the right side. He has a bright future and I hope he stays at Killie for a while yet.

LEFT WING BACK
Steven Smith - The last full game I watched was the game against Rangers (1-1) and I was impressed with his stamina. His booking killed the game for him that day, which was a shame.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Gary Dicker - Probably our strongest asset in an otherwise fairly weak midfield. I'd be relying on him being the link-up between defence and midfield as well as the guy breaking up play and playing passes forward.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
Adam Frizzell - My idea is that with Dicker providing defensive cover, my two CM's will be free to go forward and be more attacking. Frizzell is a good option to do that.
Charlee Adams - Been fairly quiet since joining us on loan. Waiting for him to contribute with goals or assists. I believe that him and Frizzell would have the ability to add this to their game.

STRIKERS
Souleymane Coulibaly - This season's star man and a great piece of business by Lee Clark. He has the ability to create something out of nothing and is a good option partnered with Tyson.
Nathan Tyson - for someone in the twilight years of his career, Tyson has the legs and stamina to make trouble for defenders, I'd trust him and Coulibaly to torment the Thistle defence all day.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Season Diary - Week 21


As I write this I am sitting on the Irvine Valley reunion bus on the way to Tynecastle, I think this is known as a last minute submission.

Last week was another one of those days, we could have played all day and not scored.

St Johnstone were no great shakes either but they got a lucky break at a corner and duly dispatched it into the net, which sadly wasn't something we were going to do.

In my humble opinion our big problem seems to be a lack of creativity in midfield, we really miss young Kiltie.

When Dicker plays we tend to do okay, but when he's out of sorts we struggle, and I'm not sure that being partnered with Smith helps him.

I'm also in favour of Coulibaly being moved into the middle and Tyson with his pace going wide right, if we are sticking with Clark's favoured formation.

Hope you all had a good Christmas, and let's hope for a Killie New Year.

*The column has gone to press now and we've since been well and truly gubbed by Hearts, there is no other way to look at it.

Over 700 Killie fans travelled to sell out the away end, such a shame the players never turned up.

The Partick game is now pretty important if we want to stay in the pack, using players out of position is not working for us, we better hope that Hendrie comes back for a kick off!

Monday 26 December 2016

Be The Boss - Graeme Ferguson


Our "Boss" for the Hearts match was plucked from one of the Killie fans Facebook groups (killie fc 1869) and we can't tell you much about him because we don't know anything other than his name is Graeme Ferguson! Short and to the point, here are Graeme's tactics...

I'm going with a 4-2-2-2.


And here is his team and why he is selecting them...

GOALKEEPER
Jamie McDonald - For obvious reasons. He is 1st class knows his role inside and out.

RIGHT BACK
Luke Hendrie - Class act performs well. Doesn't dive in and hard to beat on a good day. (NOW SUSPENDED)

CENTRE BACKS
Will Boyle & Iain Wilson - Both are young and willing to play for the shirt not themselves.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor - For obvious reasons. He's fast and strong on the left side.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS
Gary Dicker & Stevie Smith - Both play well together. Stronger in those positions.

RIGHT MIDFIELD
Rory McKenzie  - Brilliant player always has been always will be. Knows how to deliver a pass when on form uncontainable.

LEFT MIDFIELD
Jordan Jones - Quality since day one. Fast energetic and loves to attack defenders.

STRIKERS
Souleymane Coulibaly & Nathan Tyson - Both very hungry for goals and attack minded always looking towards goal.

Friday 23 December 2016

Trust Joins Chamber



The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Ltd joined the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce in December 2016.

The Ayrshire Chamber is the leading organisation representing the business community across the whole of Ayrshire. A completely independent and not for profit organisation, their objective is to promote and facilitate business between their members and others, and so encouraging commercial growth and local prosperity.

Serving the business community for over 60 years, they aim to support every type of business, from sole traders to large corporate companies. The Killie Trust are joining the Chamber to enhance their business relationships and to support a key organisation that promotes the values of co-operation and community to enhance all aspects of life.

With the imminent launch of the "Trust in Killie" initiative, the local business community are going to be key in helping to support the Trust's fundraising efforts to get a seat on the board of Kilmarnock Football Club.

Peter Telfer, Board Member, said: “We are delighted to join the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and we look forward to supporting their events and networking with other members. Our vision and values are well aligned and together, we can continue to support and develop the communities in which we live and work.”

Nicola Sykes from the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce said: “The Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce welcomes our new member, the Kilmarnock Supporters' Society, and looks forward to working with them in the next year!”

Wednesday 21 December 2016

Be The Boss - Alisdair Hood



Our "Boss" this week is none other than Killie's own master chef and Coffee Press supremo Alisdair Hood. The former Merchants owner is a busy man, especially at this time of year, but he took some time out to pick his team for this week's Friday night match against St Johnstone. We love a Friday night game here at KillieFC...

With the important Festive fixtures coming at us thick and fast I’ve opted for the following team with a 4-5-1 formation. It is important that we stifle St Johnstone and start picking up some wins to try and stretch away from the rest below us. If we can then I think it’ll bode well for the second half of the season. Due to injuries defence pretty much is all we have got at the moment and hopefully we can keep our composure.


I’ve opted for a five across midfield and brought back Frizzell and Hawkshaw. Their energy could be useful in breaking down play and for back up for Coulibaly. The two guys on the wing will be key for us to get something out of the game. Up front I’ve decided on Coulibaly on his own but this can be switched with Tyson if necessary during the game. Hoping for a nice 2-1 victory to send us into Christmas full of cheer.

Merry Christmas to all Killie fans!

GOALKEEPER
Jamie MacDonald – A no brainer

RIGHT BACK
Luke Hendrie – Been impressed with him this season and is developing into a solid player for us. Hopefully we can keep him till the end of the season.

CENTRE BACKS
Will Boyle – Again another player that seems to be growing in stature as the season progresses.
Ian Wilson – Brought in as we are a bit short in this position but did well enough last week to keep his place.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor – Quickly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet and can slot into left midfield if necessary.

CENTRE MIDFIELD
Gary Dicker – A solid and reliable player and probably most consistent midfielder at the moment.
Adam Frizzell – Was really impressed with him against Celtic a few weeks ago. Like his ability to nip away at opponents. Think he could do a decent job for us on Friday.
Dean Hawkshaw – Another young player that was doing well before he got injured earlier in the season. Got a good bit of energy which will be of good use against an experienced St Johnstone team and has been gaining fitness with a few run outs for the development team.

RIGHT WING
Nathan Tyson – Got a good bit of pace which can be put to great effect down the right wing.

LEFT WING
Jordan Jones – Another with great pace but sometimes his decision making lets him down. Been doing really well in the last few weeks.

STRIKER
Souliymane Coulibaly – A fantastic signing and has been chipping in with some outstanding goals this season.

Monday 19 December 2016

Season Diary - Week 20



So much for Inverness not sitting in, they sat just about everywhere, usually for no reason at all.

The referee not only let them off with it, he booked our players instead!

It was a frustrating game all round and not helped by the opposition or the man in black, but mainly it was our lack of creativity from midfield areas that cost us a couple of points in the end.

Coulibaly scored another goal out of the top drawer and that, as they say, should have been that.

But we gave them a complete free header to equalise and you just can’t do that and still win games.

Despite that defensive lapse it was an impressive showing from young midfielder Wilson, drafted in at centre half.

Clark played a blinder switching Jones and Couli for the goal, maybe bringing Frizzel on as well would have been a good option?

Sunday 18 December 2016

You've Been Served


Prior to the home match against Inverness, the KFCSA Committee arranged to present the petition they have been running, to get director Michael Johnston removed from the board, to the football club. The man himself was nowhere to be seen at Rugby Park half an hour before kick off, as has been the case of late, but fellow directors John Kiltie and Billy Bowie deputised in his absence and the paperwork was served.

James Morrison, Chairman of the Association said: "Many thanks to almost 3,000 Killie fans for signing the KFCSA petition regarding the continued presence of former Club Chairman Michael Johnston on the Board of Kilmarnock FC. The fans have clearly made their feelings known, and will continue to do so. Interestingly the petition has been signed by previous board members including former Chairman Jim Mann, Russel Smith, David Moran and Jim Clark."


He continued: "KFCSA believe it is now up to the Club’s shareholders, and the remaining two board members, to take appropriate action to have Mr Johnston removed from the Board; if Mr Johnston leaves the Board of Scotland’s oldest professional club it is hoped that investors who have been deterred by the current set up will again step forwards."

The Association will be continuing to look at ways to effect change that will get the football club back on the right track and get fans and sponsors interested again. They would like the fans to keep protesting at the 18th and 69th minute of matches and will continue to investigate the feasibility of opening an escrow account to hold next terms season ticket money as proposed at their recent SGM.


Tuesday 13 December 2016

Trust Welcome Initiative


The Killie Trust have been operating a "Welcome Initiative" since the start of the season and we are now looking for more people to take part. The idea for the initiative was brought to the us by a Killie fan, who is a long-time resident of the United States and wanted to encourage more families to attend matches at Rugby Park; so we put our heads together and came up with a plan.

The plan was quite simple, target potential families who don't currently go to games and offer them the chance to do so - free gratis - and hope that they liked it enough to want to come back of their own volition. This was made possible by our magnanimous exile who unbelievably offered to underwrite all costs for the full season. We would love to be able to tell you his name but his generosity is only surpassed by his modesty and he wishes to remain anonymous.

Killie fans...wha's like us?

So to the matter in hand; we have managed to supply match tickets for two adults and two kids, plus vouchers for a pie and a hot drink each, to every home league match this season. Finding suitable recipients is a lot more difficult than you would imagine though, so that is why we are reaching out to you now. If you, or someone you know, fall into any of the following categories, then why not get in touch and let us know, are you...

New to the area and have never been to see Kilmarnock FC?

A lapsed supporter who can't justify the cost now?

Not particularly a football fan but are looking for a new family activity?

Fed up with bigotry and want to support your local team?

Everyone who has taken advantage of this altruistic offer has had a great day out and from what we hear, quite a few have been back. This is not a charity thing, its a genuine effort to entice fans back to Rugby Park and it is all paid for already so we want to make sure that we get a family along to every fixture. Email KillieFC.com@gmail.com if you are interested, or know of someone else who would be and we will try and arrange a mutually agreeable date

Monday 12 December 2016

KFCSA Statement



The KFCSA Committee met this week and can confirm that approximately 3,000 Killie fans signed the petition regarding former Club Chairman and current Company Secretary Michael Johnston

The details are now being collated and it is planned to present the completed petition to the Club Board as soon as possible.

In the meantime, it was the view of the Committee that those fans wishing to do so should continue to vent their frustrations in the 18th and 69th minutes at ALL Killie games for the near future.

Iain Sherry
(Secretary)

Be The Boss - Steven Hayes




Our "boss" for the upcoming match at home to Inverness is Blue & White Army foot soldier Stevie Hayes, whom you may recognise as the former free-scoring centre for the Kilmarnock Supporters FC. Stevie has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation and these are the players who he is giving the nod...


GOALKEEPER
Jamie MacDonald - Easy Choice, last season's Player of the Year and will be a contender again this season.

RIGHT BACK
Luke Hendrie - He's made this position his own with solid performances.

CENTRE BACK
Scott Boyd - Was my man of the match at Motherwell with last ditch challenges and good positional sense.

CENTRE BACK
Will Boyle - Aggressive no nonsense defender. Boyle and Boyd have a good understanding and read the game well and have built a good partnership.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor - Another aggressive defender and at 19 is only going to get stronger every game and, like Hendrie, has made that position his own.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Stevie Smith - Some were surprised at him being named the skipper but now he's showing why. Another solid performer he's been the lynchpin of the team.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Gary Dicker - Wins most aerial challenges and tackles to break up the play; controls the tempo of game with a good range of passing and composure on ball.

LEFT WINGER
Jordan Jones - Exciting talent, gets the crowd on their feet with his runs and electrifying pace. One of the best bits of business in summer.

RIGHT WINGER
Rory McKenzie - Has mainly been used as a holding midfielder but this is a game I would like two fast wingers and someone in behind the lone striker to give him more support.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
Soulyemane Coulibaly - Arguably the best signing in the summer. The wee man has scored a few 'goal of the season' contenders already. More advanced role for this game just in behind the striker instead of out on the wing.

STRIKER
Nathan Tyson - Incredible work rate for his age, he has been brilliant at holding the ball up and linking up play and he surely deserves a few goals soon. I reckon he may open his account this week, that's why he's getting a start up front.

Season Diary - Week 19



There is nothing positive I can say about the trip to Aberdeen.

Baa’d place to have to travel to midweek, baa’d weather, baa’d result…sorry, had to be done.

I may have jinxed us talking about how solid our defence was becoming last week, so I was grateful that we managed to get another clean sheet come the Saturday.

Let’s be honest and say it was not a goalless draw that flattered anyone, the statistics show that we both had plenty of shots but in this case that never made it much of a spectacle.

Both teams struggled to put anything cohesive together and the point each earned was for trying to bore the other side into submission.

Bet you can’t wait until next week now!

Ironically I think we could be in for a good game, our home form is improving and Inverness won’t sit in.

Let Nancy Johnston have it on the 18th and 69th minutes and get right behind Lee’s boys for the rest.

Tuesday 6 December 2016

Ladies take a bow in front of home support

Our U13 League and League Cup double winners , and our U15 League winners, were given a rapturous welcome as they displayed their trophies in front of the Kilmarnock faithful this afternoon. They were introduced to the crowd at half time during the Kilmarnock - Dundee fixture and enjoyed warm applause and messages of congratulations from all sections of the home support. A fitting finale to another successful season for our girls #WEAREKILLIE

Season Diary - Week 18


There seems to be a theme here, protest planned, ex-chairman doesn’t turn up, Killie win.

Coincidence? I think not!

Great to see that the players are equally not affected by the protest chants, we scored a couple of minutes after the first one and actually during the second one…I recall something similar happened at the red car protest!

The back four are looking more solid than at any point in the rest of the season and I hope that we are making moves to keep Hendrie at the very least.

Credit also to Boyle and Boyd in the middle and I have to say I prefer Taylor at left back to the captain.

I can see there being a lot of departures in January now that Lee has had a good chance to determine who fits his plans; there is one departure though that would give the whole place a lift…let’s keep up the protests and do what we can to make that happen.

Thursday 1 December 2016

Take Me, I'm Yours!


This is not an article about football, but its about a football fan, one of ours, and KillieFC.com has always been about the fans as much as the club. Nicola ‘minikillie’ Milligan has been a member of the website from back in the day, and although she doesn’t get involved in the forums much any more, she is still a well known face about the place and we were delighted to catch up with her yesterday and hear about her recent experience with one of her music heroes, the one and only Glenn Tilbrook


Nicola said: "I've been a fan of Squeeze for over thirty years or so as they were one of the first bands I really started listening to. I've seen the band, or members of the band, in their solo shows maybe twenty-five times or so. Twenty years ago this month I saw them at the Barrowlands, which makes it seem really weird that twenty years later I actually got to play my favourite Squeeze song with Glenn at a gig in Edinburgh!"


So how did all that come about exactly? "At the show, he asked if anyone played guitar, I shouted, "Yes" and before I knew it I was up on stage being asked to take a pick of the acoustic or electric guitars...then he asked if I knew "Take Me I'm Yours"; erm yes, it's my favourite! He gave me the opening chord, and that was us. It was all too quick for me to get nervous which is just as well as I wouldn't have done it had I thought about it in advance."


She continued: "Thankfully he's a fantastic guitarist so, the song quickly turned into him improvising a rather fantastic solo while I was just grinning back, probably inanely, at him. But, the connection of just looking at each other playing the song was terrific. Literally a dream come true. A quick hug from GT and then it was all over. I went back into the crowd and I'm not ashamed to say I had a massive grin on my face, and some very happy tears fell too! To think I took along an album thinking that getting it signed would have made for a good night."


Tilbrook is certainly a crowd pleaser at the best of times and in this case he went off the scale in terms of that. So is this the end of the road for the duo? Has Nicola peaked or has she bigger plans on the music front? She said: "Well in bucket list terms, I can't imagine much better than this experience, that said, if Elvis Costello asks the same question, I'll not hesitate to get myself right up there again! This is proof that dreams can come true, even if you do have to wait a few years for it to happen." We'll keep an eye out for Mr McManus' next gig!