Be The Boss - Tam Gallacher

That's GallaCHer not GallaGHer, just to keep you right. Our man TG, midfield powerhouse for the Kickin' Squirrels back in the day, has risen to the challenge set by Davie Morris last week and has taken the hot seat for the first post split match away to Hamilton. With at least a win or two needed at this stage it is a crucial match and as far we we are aware, everyone who is fit is eligible to play so he has a sizeable squad to choose from....

4-1-4-1 FORMATION

GOALKEEPER

Freddie Woodman - He's a decent 'keeper and as much as I rate Jamie Mac I think it would be a mistake to swap him out at this important stage of the season

RIGHT BACK

Luke Hendrie - Consistent, look how we struggled when he was suspended. Decent coming forward, probably due to him spending a lot of his time in midfield.

CENTRE HALF

Gary Dicker - A tad controversial as we have cover for this position in Scott Boyd, but this is a no-lose game and when Dicker plays in there we invariably don't lose (unless its against the great unwashed).

CENTRE HALF

Kristoffer Ajer - Young but wise beyond his years and obviously a student of the game. Has the pace to recover if he makes a mistake, not that he makes many.

LEFT BACK

Greg Taylor - Another youngster who doesn't look out of place in the first team. Far from the finished article of course but he'll only get better the more he plays, certainly doesn't lack confidence and is not scared to go in for a challenge as that toss-pot Barton found out.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD

Iain Wilson - With Dicker back in defence Wilson is probably the next in line to step into his midfield role, just in front of the back four, soaking up pressure and looking to connect with other players. We've seen he's not scared to pass the ball back or to the side to retain possession if nothing else is on, some people don't like that but if you have the ball then the other team can't score and as long as he's not giving it away needlessly then it's fine by me.

RIGHT WING

Conor Sammon - Not his natural position but he's awkward for defenders to deal with (polite way of saying he's all arms and legs at times) and has a bit of pace hence I've put him out wide.

CENTRE MIDFIELD

Sean Longstaff - We need to see some more creativity from Longstaff, he's been fading out of games too early, I'd give him one more chance though and this is it.

LEFT WING

Jordan Jones - Like Sammon has quick feet and can cause mayhem out wide when he's on form, when he's not on form he can fall out of the game a bit, the presence of Kiltie should give him an outlet.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD

Greg Kiltie - What a difference this boy makes to the team, he seems to up the whole team's tempo and he's been sorely missed. Doesn't look to have lost anything after a long lay off but he may still be off the pace a bit in terms of fitness. I'm giving him a forward role to support the main striker as he's always a threat himself if there are any knock-ons to be had.

STRIKER

Kris Boyd - No words needed for the big man.

This is not necessarily a must-win game, but as I said earlier, it is definitely a must-not-lose game so we have to keep things tight and close Accies down as much as possible, without reverting to long balls and by-passing the midfield. I'm challenging my assistant (and driver) Andy Clark to take the hot seat next week when I'm otherwise engaged.

KFCSA Survey Results

The results of the KFCSA survey regarding season ticket renewal have now been reviewed and analysed; sadly, the gathering of data on match days had to be curtailed as a mark of respect due to the sudden and untimely passing of Mrs Joanne Johnston - wife of Company Secretary Michael Johnston.

• 197 non season ticket holders responded with 89% stating they'd be more likely to buy a season ticket if Michael Johnston was no longer part of the board of the football club.

• 420 season ticket holders responded with a total of 66% either undecided or stating they would not renew if Mr Johnston was still part of the board.

• Concerningly, 47% stated they will not renew if Mr Johnston continues to be part of the board of Kilmarnock FC.

• 34% of the season ticket  holders who responded would renew regardless of Mr Johnston's position.

In summary, approximately two thirds of season ticket holders who took part were either undecided on renewal or indicated they wouldn't renew if Mr Johnston continues as part of the board. Also, almost 90% of the non season ticket holders were much more likely to buy a season ticket if Mr Johnston is not involved on the board.

The survey indicates there is clearly significant customer dissatisfaction with the existing board arrangements and Mr Johnston's role in our club. Following those results a statement from the KFCSA Committee regarding season ticket renewal will be issued in the next few days.

Kilmarnock Ladies 7-0 Hearts Dev

The Senior Ladies continued their 100% start to the league campaign with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Hearts Development. Kilmarnock started the game slowly but they took the lead with their first real chance. Kirsty Munro latching onto a terrific cross field pass from Linzi Taylor before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home. The home side quickly doubled their advantage as Clare Docherty made it 2-0 on the fifteen minute mark. Linzi Taylor then got her name on the scoresheet as she finished from close range. 3-0 was to be the score at half-time after a scrappy first 45 minutes. Just a minute into the second half, however, Chloe Ponton added a fourth as she bundled home Clare Docherty's cut back before an own goal made it 5-0 to the home side. In the closing stages Linzi Taylor grabbed another and Abby Robinson rounded off the scoring to make it 7-0 with a fantastic long range effort. Overall, a convincing victory for Killie against a hard working and resilient Hearts side.

Season Diary - Week 38

 
The Trust in Killie initiative launch went well last week, we will see at the end of the month when the first payments come off just how well.

Make no mistake, this is the most important thing to happen at the club since the stadium debentures back in Fleeting’s day and its success will be a barometer for just how much the fans want to help turn things around.

Fifteen or twenty-five quid a month is not a fortune when you look at how little it can buy you these days, but it is still a lot to some families and as far as priorities go we understand that family should always come first.

If it’s not something you can get involved with at the moment, then you can still do your bit by joining the Trust and sharing and liking all the TIK related stuff on social media.

I weighed up my options and decided to cancel Sky and sign up for TIK instead, and if you tell them you are cancelling because they crapped all over Scottish football they won’t keep bothering you either!

Season Dairy - Week 37

Control. Such an important factor in all things football and it seems to be something that we sorely lack.

The Trust in Killie initiative launch went well on Friday night. That is about having control of our own future and safeguarding the club for generations to come.

On the park, it seems to have given way for power and athleticism and it is frustrating to watch at times.

Let’s be honest though, despite another clean sheet and a point against a top six team, Friday’s draw with Hearts was devoid of much skill or excitement. It wasn't the worst I've seen by far but it was a bit of a yawn-fest.

Watching countless players either lumping the ball up the park or running straight at the opposition until such times as someone steps in and takes the ball off them or they crash straight into them is a wee bit tedious.

Both teams were guilty of this, both teams failed to score with us failing to get a single shot on target.

Still, we have a young team, they are still learning, let’s keep our moaning to the forums and get behind them on match days.

I happened to be in a local hostelry on Easter Sunday when the Manchester United versus Chelsea match was on...and found the missing Killie generation!

Dozens of young lads in their late teens and early twenties, shouting and cheering at the TV box like they'd been born in Blackley or in the shadow of Stamford Bridge, many of whom, from their comments it would appear, have never seen a live match in their puff.

Sickening it was. I can't remember seeing one of those faces at any Killie games, never mind the Hearts game less that 48 hours previous.

I suppose you can't blame these sons of Sky as they have been spoon fed the self-appointed 'greatest league in the world' from an early age while the SPFL and SFA have steadfastly refused to accept change or the fact that we need to do better to keep fans interested and attract new blood.

I appreciate it can be good to watch some of the most skilful players in the world, given what's happening in our game, but I fail to understand the show of allegiance and loyalty to teams which are literally in another country, from the one we should be taking an interest and a pride in.

Things have to change or this won't be the last generation that goes missing.

Be The Boss - Davie Morris

This week's "Boss' is Hurlford's own Davie Morris, owner of local company Modway [free advert alert] who specialise in all sorts of PVC decking and joinery work. This poor guy has to sit beside yours truly at every home game and listen to me mump and moan about anything that is going amiss. Now I get to moan about his team selection as well!

"We go into Friday night's game against a team who blow hot and cold. We need to take advantage of that and take the game to them. Press high up the park and don’t give them time or space to play. An early goal to settle us down and go from there. We need a win before the split to give ourselves a better chance. Back the team...KTID."

FORMATION: 4-1-3-2

GOALKEEPER
Freddie 'Fingers' Woodman – In recent games he has shown how good a keeper he is. Made a few crucial saves for us. Just one criticism, he needs to take control of his box more and talk to defenders. Good pair of safe hands.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor – What can you say about this kid. Improving with every game and can only get better. Good left peg and engine. Links up well with Jones.

CENTRE HALF
Scott Boyd – Experience in rear ranks which we badly need. Good in the air and talker. A leader from the back.

CENTRE HALF
Kristoffer Ajer – This young lad has an experienced head on his shoulders. Good all rounder and comfortable with the ball at his feet. Needs someone to go beyond him.

RIGHT BACK
Luke Hendrie – Mr. Reliable. Like Taylor he has a good engine. Solid at the back and going forward.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Gary Dicker – Most improved player this season for me. Starting to be a leader in the middle of the park. Our new midfield general. Good reading of the game and passing.

LEFT MIDFIELD
Jordan Jones – Has the pace to cause any defender problems. Only thing he lacks is a final cross ball or shooting but that will come hopefully.

CENTRE MIDFIELD
Iain Wilson – This young lad is growing in confidence and stature either as CD or CM  [old champ manager kicking in there dude?]. Good on the ball and in the tackle.

RIGHT MIDFIELD
Cal Roberts – Hasn't had much game time but I like his drive and directness. Running at defenders and has the skill to cause problems.

FORWARD
Greg Kiltie - Our talisman. Good to see Greg back. I would play him in a free role just off Boydie. Give him support and go beyond Boyd for his flick ons.

STRIKER
Kris Boyd – The big man can still score goals but needs help and better service from wide. His hold up and link play is good but needs someone to go beyond him. Step up Kiltie.

"In this team we have pace on the wings, solid in the middle and at the back. Wingers need to stay wide to stretch Hearts, giving Kiltie the freedom in the middle of the park to back up Boyd and get the goals".

Season Diary - Week 36

Well that’s the double header against the Glasgow teams out of the way and I can’t say it’s a bad thing not having to listen to their ‘party tunes’ for a while, seeing as we have now been consigned to the bottom six.

Maybe we should find out from the SPFL how they miraculously manage never to hear any sectarian singing and employ the same method?

The midweek game against Glasgow’s new boys was a bit disappointing as they managed to hang on for a draw, that will have given them a morale boost for their trip to Aberdeen.

Our trip to Celtic Park though was never going to be easy, to the extent that Lee rested Kiltie and Boyd for the Hearts game on Friday.

We still gave them a fright with an equaliser but ultimately battling, and losing, was no disgrace.

Don’t forget the ‘Trust in Killie’ Initiative launch in the Sports Bar from 6:30pm on Friday (14th), this is the start of a new era at the club and it’s time for the fans to rally and be counted.

Be The Boss - David Shaw

Hot on the heels of KFCSA Boss James Morrison is our intrepid match reporter David Shaw. Starved of many a victory to report on, this is David's chance to tell it the way he sees it and say who he thinks should make the starting XI.

The mission is simple – go to Parkhead; destroy the dreams of 60,000 glory hunters who won’t be content until they’ve beaten every single team (4 times), and then famously burst the football coupon of every pundit in Britain (apart from a few mad Killie gamblers, of course).

But just who could accomplish such an impossible mission? Well, only eleven of the finest athletes available to mankind could ever think of taking on such a task… and if they’re not available then it will just have to be the sorry bunch that I’ve chosen below!

Seriously though, what an opportunity for Killie to inflict the first defeat on this year’s champions. I’ve gone with a 4-5-1 formation to achieve this feat. Hopefully, the following team will go down in history!

GOALKEEPER
Freddie Woodman - He will most probably be the busiest player over the 90 minutes, but he could also be the biggest hero. If Woody is on his game then we may well have a chance.

RIGHT BACK
Luke Hendrie - A no-brainer! ‘Mr Consistency’ is a stick-on but he will have to be at his best to cope with Tierney’s driving runs down the left wing.

CENTRE BACK
Scott Boyd - Scott has done really well since arriving from Ross County and his aerial presence may reap rewards from a set-piece. He didn’t play against Rangers so will be fresh for this one.

CENTRE BACK
Iain Wilson - I thought about bringing Osbourne back in to replace Ajer (who is ineligible to play against his parent club) but decided on Wilson who has been a great utility player for us. The occasion won’t faze this young man and he could be the player to frustrate the Celtic strike force.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor - No surprises here as young Taylor has been a revelation recently. He will need to match the runs of Forrest carefully though.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Gary Dicker - I thought about switching the Captain to centre half but felt that he would be better placed in front of Boyd and Wilson where he can organise things around him. Dicker will cover the right side of the defensive midfield partnership and his level-headedness and organisation will be key to keeping Scott Brown and co out.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Martin Smith - I’ve brought Smith in from the cold to partner Dicker. He will need to watch the runs made by Forrest and Roberts and work closely with Dicker to frustrate his opponents. Martin always gives 100% and this could be a good chance for him.

LEFT MIDFIELDER
Jordan Jones - The man with the perfect first touch, and a shot that wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby. Jordan has come on to his game recently and just needs a goal. Could this be his time to shine? His manager will also want him to defend when he hasn’t got the ball and stop Celtic rampaging down the wing – this could be key to keeping the game tight.

RIGHT MIDFIELDER
Callum Roberts - I’m a big Newcastle fan and many Toon fans have been raving about this guy for ages. It’s just not happened for him so far but I’m going to throw him in instead of his fellow Geordie, Longstaff. If he can regain some confidence then he is more than capable of running in behind Tierney and bagging a goal. However, he also needs to defend better when he doesn’t have the ball.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
Greg Kiltie - Kiltie is the man to open up any team with his driving runs. This could be his opportunity to show Killie fans what they’ve been missing for the last seven months, playing in behind the sole striker.

STRIKER
Connor Sammon - I’m one of Kris Boyd’s biggest fans but feel this game is not for him. He needs a rest and busting a gut on his own up front won’t do him any favours. So, I’ve chosen The Fish up front to make runs in behind their defence and hope that Kiltie plays him in. Fish fingers crossed!

Trust in Killie Launch This Friday!

Killie supporters can help make history next week by backing a campaign to have a fan-elected Director join the board of Kilmarnock FC.

‘Trust in Killie’ will be launched at the club’s Good Friday (14/4/17) match against Hearts. Organised by the Kilmarnock Supporters Society (also known as The Killie Trust), the campaign aims to raise £100,000 to purchase unallocated shares in the club.

It follows an agreement made last year with Kilmarnock FC’s board which would see a Supporters Society representative take a seat on the club’s Board of Directors. As well as giving fans a real voice in the operational running of the club, the elected Supporter Director will ensure there is a meaningful link between the board and fans, whilst providing a stepping stone towards greater community ownership. Now, with due diligence completed and with the full support of the club, the Trust in Killie campaign will be launched at Rugby Park next Friday.

Jim Thomson, Chairman of the Killie Trust and John Kiltie, Director of Kilmarnock FC, will be joined by ex-players at the Sports Bar to get the 'Trust in Killie' campaign officially underway.

Fans will be able to sign up for Standard (£15 per month), Plus (£25 per month) or Premium (one off contribution, limited to 20 contributors) packages, with benefits ranging from their name on the Trust in Killie history board, to entry into prize draws for ‘money can’t buy’ memorabilia. Once the £100,000 is raised, the cash will be invested into the club through the purchase of unallocated shares, and the Killie Trust will take a seat on the Board. This will be filled by a Supporter Director elected by members of the society.

Jim Thomson said: “After many years hard work, much negotiation and considerable due diligence, the Kilmarnock Supporters Society is delighted to finally be launching our fundraising campaign for a seat on the Board of Directors. This is an historic opportunity to affect meaningful change in the club we all love and care passionately about, to re-energise the supporter community, and to safeguard the future of the oldest professional club in Scotland. We’ll also be unveiling details of our Trust in Killie History Board which will carry the names of the first fans to sign up for the campaign.”

A spokesman of Kilmarnock FC, added: “The Board of Kilmarnock Football Club have been working with The Killie Trust to help shape 'Trust in Killie' and are delighted to support this initiative. The inclusion of a Supporter Director on the football club board is an exciting prospect for us, the supporters and community.”

Date: Friday 14th April 2016
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Sports Bar, Rugby Park

The launch will be attended by:

• Jim Thomson - Chairman, Killie Trust
• Andrew Millar - Secretary, Killie Trust
• Peter Telfer - Board Member, Killie Trust
• Garry Hay - Ex-Player
• Gary Holt - Ex-Player
• John Bourke - Ex-Player
• John Kiltie - Director, Kilmarnock Football Club
• Billy Bowie - Director, Kilmarnock Football Club

Brownings Say Aye tae KillieFC.com!

Brownings the Bakers have announced a partnership with KillieFC.com which will see them as the main sponsor for the online portal which incorporates the The Kilmarnock Supporters' Society (Killie Trust), The Kilmarnock Football Club Supporters' Association, FC Kilmarnock Ladies, Young Kilmarnock and the website and forums itself.

Brownings were a major sponsor and supplier of Kilmarnock Football Club until April 2016 when the two businesses parted ways.

John Gall, Managing Director of Brownings the Bakers said: "As a lifelong Killie fan and local businessman I have always relished the fact that I have been able to contribute to the club. Times have changed and we are no longer directly involved with the club, but now we have the opportunity to support Kilmarnock and the supporters in another way. When we were asked to sponsor the KillieFC.com website it was a very easy decision to make".

The partnership kicks off from today and will see Browning’s branding across KillieFC.com.

Jim Thomson, Killie Trust Chairman said: "The Killie Trust are delighted that Browning's the Bakers, such a prestigious local family company, have agreed to sponsor the KillieFC.com community for the foreseeable future. This financial security will allow the online portal to expand its vision to be the best football supporter’s website in the country and we're proud to work in partnership with Brownings towards this goal."

James Morrison, KFCSA Chairman added: "The website has come on leaps and bounds since all the fans organisations joined together online. It is great to see an award-winning business like Brownings financially supporting a community project such as this."

Be The Boss - James Morrison

Not much time for this week's "Boss" as we have a midweek fixture at home to Glasgow's newest team Sevco. KFCSA Chairman James Morrison has volunteered for a short tenure in the hot seat and here's what he has planned...

As we approach the final three fixtures before the infamous 'split' it does seem that a couple of things have happened under interim manager Lee “Jig” McCulloch:

A. We have stopped playing Lockey’s Lotto or Clarkey’s Bingo each week which means we’ve been playing a fairly settled side.

B. All games have been close so far with only the game at Perth being decided by more than one goal.

So with the next visitors to Rugby Park being a team from Govan under new management what changes (if any) should be made? I’m assuming that Stevie Smith will not return fit in what has been an injury-plagued season and this line up would start in 4-2-3-1 but could easily change to change to 4-4-2.

FORMATION 4-2-3-1

GOALKEEPER
Freddie Woodman - This will be the biggest test yet for the youngster from Newcastle with a serious work out also likely at the weekend. Like others I feel sorry for Jamie Mac (particularly as my business sponsors his away strip!) but young Freddie has only really cost us one goal which was at Dens Park.

RIGHT BACK
Lee Hendrie – Our most dependable right back since Gus and here’s hoping we can either sign him permanently or on another loan deal next season.

CENTRE HALF
Scott Boyd – Reliable and dependable and Ross County’s loss has been very much our gain.

CENTRE HALF
Kristoffer Ajer – Been outstanding since he joined in January. So committed and a leader and motivator which is quite something for a lad so young. Whilst I’d prefer to develop our own talent I’d love to see him spend next season with us on loan.

LEFT BACK
Greg Taylor – The next “Hooky” in so many ways and an obvious choice for our Young Player of The Year. One wee point is I wonder who he’ll tackle on Wednesday night with no Barton to crunch?

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Gary Dicker – Seemed to be doing alright this season until he formed the defensive partnership with Ajer but has been terrific ever since both in defence and midfield. Player of The Year for me – and for lots of other Killie fans.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER (Tracking Runners)
Rory McKenzie – Does a lot of unseen work in tracking back and blocking tackles. Frustrates many fans but clearly has the skill and ability as shown in the Perth match I mentioned earlier where he scored from about Dunkeld!

RIGHT WINGER
Jordan Jones – May be adventurous to play him in this game but his defensive game has improved as has his directness. His Man of The Match game in the Highlands on Saturday convinced me he should start.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
Sean Longstaff – After Saturday I can only think this lad will be wearing gloves in May! Seriously he looks shattered after 15 minutes every game but his running and passing could well hurt a fragile Rangers back-line.

LEFT WING (Second Striker)
Conor Sammon aka The Fish – Wish he’d use his obvious physical presence a bit more but has done really well since re-joining his beloved Killie. Another lad I’d hope will be here next season.

STRIKER
Kris Boyd – Written off so many times by fans from both Govan and Killie in the past few seasons but he keeps proving his doubters wrong by doing what he has always done and that’s putting the ball in the net.

The only real decision I had was whether to start Greg Kiltie but I’d bring him on after an hour perhaps for Longstaff or possibly Rory depending on how the game is going. #KTID

Season Diary - Week 35

You should know by now what I always say about a point away from home, so I won’t repeat myself other than to say we should probably be happier about it than Inverness will be.

We started well and Boomer did what Boomer does, then Killie did what Killie does, and failed to maintain a lead.

As so often proves to be the case when we venture north, it was a better day out than football match, as both teams failed to impress in what turned out to be a bang-average kick about.

One bright spot for the away support was the re-introduction of Greg Kiltie in the second half, and instantly we looked to have more creativity emanating from midfield, no offence to Rory whom he replaced, he has talent as well, just in other areas.

I am wary of heaping too much expectation onto the returning player. We know he has the ability, but there are probably not enough games left for him to get into top gear.