2018-19 Diary Week 23

Our fans turned out in numbers for the match against St Mirren, and the Buddie’s Paul McGinn left Kilmarnock red faced and pointless.

Over six thousand cheered on the mighty to end a glorious calendar year with more points than any other top flight team in the country…which won’t win any prizes but something we should be proud of nonetheless.

It’s a wonderful achievement and as we go into the winter break we should continue singing the praises of the management team, the squad of players, the board of directors and last, but certainly not least…the fans.

It was great to see the Park Suite rocking again with the Paninaros out in force in tribute to their old brother in arms Guinea.

I’m calling the East v West song battle a score draw as there were no losers on the day and with the team sitting third, only one point behind the twisted sisters, I think we are all going to have a pretty good New Year!

2018-19 Diary Week 22.5

We carried a fantastic support to Motherwell and were rewarded with another three points.

As it stands we are right up there among the contenders and just one more match to go before the winter break…a fantastic effort from all concerned.

The big debate now on the forums is what result we would like to see in the Glasgow derby match on Saturday before we take on St Mirren at Rugby Park.

Some would like to see Celtic win so we can jump Rangers into second place, some would like to see Rangers win to keep both of them close…and the smart money is on the draw as then they both only gain one point instead of one of them getting three.

Personally I don’t really care what the result is…the only thing that matters to me is that we do our bit and get a result over the Buddies!

Drag anyone and everyone along to this one that you can, if we can emulate our away support at home then the players will get all the backing they need.

2018-19 Diary Week 22

I have spent a couple of days considering ways that I could describe how I feel about Hamilton Accies, only to come to the conclusion that the less said the better.

Time wasting is a black art for that lot, and they have now added hammer throwing to their portfolio, although for the most part they only succeeded in injuring themselves.

To be fair we should have been able to overcome their ‘style’ of play, but we never really clicked on the day and we had to settle for a point.

I do find it difficult to be fair when the likes of Dougie Imrie throws himself to the ground like he’s been shot in the face, trying to get one of ours sent off, but it is Christmas after all, so I’ll settle for casual indifference and looking forward, not back.

We’re still in the mix (five points clear in fourth place) and we’ve still got the best away support in the league, have a great Christmas and I’ll see you at Motherwell.

2018-19 Diary Week 21

We started with what could probably be described as our strongest team on Saturday but the first half still proved to be a struggle.

We had the upper hand in terms of possession and positive play, but Dundee had a few chances themselves and Bachmann proved his worth in keeping the score level.

The second half proved to be a different prospect and the bottom side just couldn’t live with us, we could have scored a lot more than the three we did.

The win fired us back to the top of the table again, albeit just for a day, but we are getting kind of blasé about it now!

There is no reason we can’t still be in a challenging position after the winter break if we continue to play to our strengths, regardless of the opposition.

There are no easy matches, but no one wants to play us any more and that fear factor could be to our advantage.

When you are writing your letter to Santa, please give Greg Stewart a mention!

2018-19 Diary Week 20

Six points from nine is a reasonable return from the last three matches and I don’t think anyone will argue with that.

We trounced Livingston during the week and then got the same treatment ourselves on Saturday.

Taking on the current champions in their own back yard is never going to be easy but with no wins against us in four so far, they were definitely out to prove something.

And so it was, they were pretty much unplayable in the first half and when Jordan Jones missed the chance to equalise and they ran up the park and score their second, it was a damage limitation exercise.

Gary Dicker was performing well and SOD always looks like one of the best right backs in the league, but too many of our lads were looking a bit subdued.

Steve Clarke made changes at half time and steadied the ship, managing to ‘draw’ the second half, but the damage had been done and sometimes you just have to take it on the chin.

Down to second place, shocking eh!

Steve’s after match comments were spot on as usual, we have a small squad who have been performing at a very high level, they could do with a wee rest but there’s no real let up until the winter break.

The away end sold out once more, the fans were magnificent, bring on Dundee and we go again.

Killie Trust AGM 2018

A Community Benefit Society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority Register Number 2620RS

Notice is hereby given the Annual General Meeting of the Kilmarnock Supporters’ Society Limited will be held in the Park Suite, Rugby Park, Kilmarnock KA1 1UR at 7:30pm

Agenda

1       Introduction and Annual Report.

2       Treasurer’s Report and Financial Statement.

3       Resolution to change audit rules.

4       Resolution to request members permission to update rules of the society to bring them into line with current legislation.

5       Reappointment of Independent examiners to the Society.

6       Announcement of the results of the elections to the Board.

7       Discussion about Trust in Killie initiative.

8       Any Other Business.

By order of the Board

Andrew Millar

Secretary

Kilmarnock Supporters’ Society Ltd

Registered Office:  Duncan McLean & Co,

81 John Finnie Street,

Kilmarnock

KA1 1BG

 

Notes

A member entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote in their place. Such a proxy need not be a member of the Society. The appointment of a proxy should be in writing to the Secretary, and in order to be valid, the form of proxy must be received by the secretary not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting. Valid forms of proxy arriving at the Trust address by close of business 2 days prior to the meeting will be deemed to satisfy the above criteria.

A copy of the standard form of proxy is HERE Completed forms should be returned to the Secretary at:

Duncan McLean & Co, 81 John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1BG.

No person other than the Chair of the meeting can act as proxy for more than 3 members.

Admissions to the Annual General Meeting of any shareholder or proxy entitled to attend will be on production of this notice.

2018-19 Diary Week 19

Two points off the top going into Wednesday’s match against Livingston, and looking every bit like challengers, unbelievable from Steve Clarke and his squad.

Saturday could have been a complete whitewash, if there hadn’t been a couple of blackouts!

We took the game to Hibs from the outset and Eamon ‘Wolf’ Brophy did not take long to mark his return with a fine effort to put us in front.

The industrious #25 doubled his tally from the spot and probably would have had a hat-trick had the manager not made a tactical switch and substitute him for Aaron Tshibola.

Greg Stewart closed it out in the end and another clean sheet from Daniel Bachmann secured the win.

The power cut, which obviously upset the rhythm on the game, was amusing at first, but there were a lot of anxious faces when the lights went out a second time.

Ironically Alan Power was probably our man of the match, and it would have been very handy to have Bright on the bench under the circumstances!

Trust membership is now at an all time high, but we still need more Killie fans to hear about it, join up and contribute if they can.

We now have a director on the Club Board and an input into how our club is being run, to become a member and have your say only costs £10 a year and you can do that HERE

The Trust's most successful campaign to date has been "Fifty for the Future" in terms of money brought in, but only just.

The "Trust in Killie" initiative has almost caught up and achieved its first goal in getting our aforementioned director appointed and the financial update due this week indicates that we are now starting to gather the next pot of money for a target that you can help to decided in the coming weeks.

We have now introduced a new £10 per month entry level, as per your request, and of course you can contribute any amount you like via Paypal (although due to logistics that doesn't carry rewards). You can sign up for TIK HERE

2018-19 Diary Week 18

Back to league action on Saturday and it was a potentially tough trip to Perth to take on another form team in St Johnstone who had won five on the bounce, conceding no goals in the process.

Well they didn’t lose any further goals but they did drop points for the first time in a long while as Daniel Bachmann claimed his second clean sheet.

A draw was probably a fair result although Killie no doubt edged the second half and could have claimed another scalp on the road.

You know what I say about a point away from home though.

Looking forward to seeing Brophy back and getting the squad back to full strength, we miss his wolf-like tenacity and shooting from anywhere!

We will keep plugging away and if will be fantastic if we can stay in the mix through a hectic December schedule.

Keep backing the team and keep the faith.

2018-19 Diary Week 17

There were legends aplenty at Rugby Park on Saturday, for the charity match organised by Kris Boyd’s testimonial committee.

How good was it to see Alexei Eremenko, Gary Holt and Manuel Pascali back in the stripes?

Alan Mahood, Andy McLaren, Garry Hay…there are a few medals in there for sure but, these guys will always have a special affinity with Killie and our fans like nothing more than players with real heart.

The main man's goal-scoring record is nothing short of phenomenal and what he has done for us in his three spells has been really appreciated.

Not long ago four and half thousand would have been a great crowd for a league match so the attendance figure should not be sniffed at.

The match was good natured as you’d expect and it was only a cameo appearance by the lad Novo that stopped the boys in blue getting fecked 6-2 by the famous Ayrshire Killie!

It is going to be a big test next week with the two form teams locking horns in Perth, the blue and white army will be on the march...see you there!

2018-19 Diary Week 16

Ross Millen does a Rory McKenzie…spends the game constantly drifting inside and looking like a weak link…then fires up the park and scores a belter.

Both showing me up for how little I clearly know about the game!

At one stage the Hearts winger had so much room I thought he could have applied for planning permission, but there were indications later on that the lad was only doing what Steve Clarke had instructed, and the boss is not often wrong.

The game was scrappy at times and with no Eamon Brophy or Greg Stewart creativity was always going to be a problem, but we held our own and the resilience paid off.

Credit to each and every player for points well won.

No less credit goes to the travelling support.

Absolutely magnificent.

Turned up in numbers yet again and heard above the home crowd the whole match; this is how it feels to be Killie right enough, and as the bold Samo sung on Saturday “Clarke doesn’t need Mourinho, he’s got Alex Dyer and the Killie Choir!”

Money

How good is it to be a Killie fan right now? That answer to that is simple, it is fantastic! Now pass me that jug of cold water for a bit of a reality check. Matters on the pitch seem otherworldly at the moment and the new additions to the Club Board off the pitch have certainly livened things up as well, but how sustainable is this Killie resurgence and what can we do to keep it going as long as possible? Therein lies the big money question…and the answer is ironically, big money.

Football clubs generally have peaks and troughs and the trick is to push the boundaries when you are on the up so that the inevitable crash is less significant and the ‘rebuild’ easier to bring about. Successful (and unsuccessful) managers tend to move on quickly and as much as we definitely are all enjoying the wonder that is Steve Clarke while he is here, we are all secretly dreading the day that he has to be replaced. Apologies for even mentioning that, but nothing lasts forever, apart from Ayr United’s trophy-less run.

We can’t hold on to the big man indefinitely, but we can benefit from his time here and we can use that wisely and plan for the future with his guidance. The last thing we want is to have a couple of glory years and then leave his legacy to chance. As good as it is going toe-to-toe with the so-called ‘big’ teams and having no fear at the prospect, I would urge some thought be given to what lies ahead and how we can maintain our current high and do it in a sustainable fashion that will not leave us in debt again or even worse, in the grubber.

Many fans are expecting the club to lift the artificial pitch and replace it next season when we get a new training facility, which is fine apart from the fact we can’t afford a new training facility. The current surface is nearing the end of its shelf life and it would cost an absolute fortune to rip it up and put in a proper grass, never mind a hybrid, pitch. The truth of the matter is that we will be stretched even paying a couple of hundred grand for a direct replacement. There are going to be a lot of disappointed fans out there when they realise that idealism comes with a hefty price tag.

Then there’s the SFA and our inclusion in Project Brave. Lots of unnecessary wages and a training complex that includes a three quarter sized indoor synthetic pitch, a full sized outdoor synthetic pitch and at least one full size grass pitch. We have been ‘lucky’ enough to be selected as one of the clubs that will spearhead this nationwide initiative and save the future of Scottish Football. Sorry for the language, but balls to that, despite the fact we are allegedly only one contract away from meeting the criteria…one too many if you ask me.

Project Brave is a complete non-starter in my opinion, and in the opinion of most football clubs in Scotland. This Utopian master plan is just too expensive for most clubs to afford and the SFA will end up having to scrap it or completely change the current guidelines. Forget it, it is a waste of time and we should not even be considering it, we are probably only playing along safe in the knowledge that the goalposts will at some stage be moved, and there is no harm in staying involved up to that point as there might be something in it for us later.

That does not take away from the fact that we still need proper training facilities if we want to keep our players on top form and fighting at the right end of the table. The players deserve the best we can afford and Steve Clarke deserves no less. The problem is, despite the current resurgence in interest and the on-field heroics, we just do not have the funds available to build what is required and it would be grossly unfair to assume our current directors, whom have already splashed a lot of their own cash, should stump up the millions we are going to need. How can we expect our current manager, or any who follow him, to get the best for our club if we can’t even provide them with up-to-date coaching facilities?

Sadly there are no easy answers. Attracting big money investors is an obvious option but we have been there before and that well is all but dry. Selling all our best players wouldn’t bring in enough, and kind of defeats the purpose. The Board have an unenviable and near impossible task of not only trying to raise enough money to provide the necessary facilities, but to manage the expectations of a fan base on an unprecedented high. No one wants to think about practicalities when we are sitting in a lofty league position and don’t look like we have even got out of second gear yet.

This is not an attempt to depress you with pragmatism, this is a wakeup call that we have to strike while the iron is hot and do something now, not later. The proverbial lottery win is out of our hands, but that is not to say we should just accept what is deemed to be our lot and not aim high. Steve Clarke’s mantra has been “together we are stronger” and as per usual the big man has got it right. The only way we can secure the future of our football club is to start chipping in ourselves and looking for ways to raise the funds which are needed.

The majority of Killie fans are already contributing in some way, and the obvious thing to do is to encourage more people to support their local team and spread the load. More ticket money, more strip sales, more sponsorship, more hospitality…with more fans all that becomes achievable and certainly helps us on our way…but it is not quite enough. The Foundation of Hearts have just announced they’ve reached £8m worth of donations, which is enviable to say the least and understandable as they are a big city club; but that’s not to say we couldn’t emulate that, albeit it might take a bit longer and we might need a few generous cash injections along the way.

Last year the Trust in Killie initiative raised in excess of £100k with only 250 fans contributing on a regular basis. With 4,000 fans we could have raised £1.6m which is not too shabby when you think about it, but obviously still well short of the mark. Does that mean to say we shouldn’t go for it anyway? Of course not, it’s money in the bank for the club for free and to make more money you need money to start with. If you think this is a sales pitch for TIK you’d be partly right, to be fair though its more of a sales pitch for everything Killie related as it is all going in the same pot and all counts toward our goals.

The new £10 TIK entry level has been launched already at your request and the Trust will soon be giving it a big push. The bottom line here is that we need our fans to buy into this as much as they are buying into attending games again. It’s fantastic that we are on the cusp of selling out three away matches on the bounce…but how much money does Kilmarnock FC make out of that? It’s brilliant, but it’s not profitable, we need to sell out Rugby Park, and I mean with our fans, not old firm fans…would that even be possible? I don’t see why not, not in the long term at least, and a few short term hits in the meantime would not go amiss.

I sincerely hope that the Steve Clarke revolution continues for many years to come, but ultimately what he can achieve will be down to how much the club and the fans can back him, financially and otherwise. The ‘otherwise’ is not a problem, away from home at least, we need to sort out the home attendances and seriously consider what it is going to cost to deliver a fit-for-purpose training facility and a transfer/wage budget that will ensure our club flourishes on the big stage and continues to beat as the heart of our community. It’s not all bad news, that’s the water jug empty, the good news is that the situation is manageable and that our future rests in our own hands, not in the hands of others. Ask not what your club can do for you…

Barry Richmond
(KillieFC.com)

2018-19 Diary Week 15

Well that answers the question of what happens when we score first!

You win some, and every so often you actually lose some as well…and more often than not it is at home to Aberdeen.

Frustration is the key word this week as we hammered the sheep and yet still came away with nothing for our efforts.

Kris Boyd stroked home #135 from the penalty spot and celebrated with some aplomb, but despite almost total dominance we conceded from a deflected effort and a free kick at the death which Jamie MacDonald will not be best pleased at.

We were robbed.

That said, I feel that Steve Clarke (whisper it) was a bit too slow in making substitutions.

Our lone striker was tiring and Aaron Tshibola went off the boil in the second half, both could have been replaced earlier in my opinion.

Would that have made a difference, who knows?

Also worth mentioning this week…Stuart Findlay’s solid performance…the decent support from the Dons putting Hamilton to even further shame…the fantastic contributions from the Killie fans to the FoodBank...a well fought point from Ibrox.

And don’t forget to get your free tickets to the Trust’s Rail Seat Presentation and a chat with Trust and Club Director Cathy Jamieson at the Park Suite this Thursday.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2018-19 Diary Week 14

I am trying hard to think of something nice to say about Hamilton, but they are a horrible lot and offer nothing to the league.

I have seen Ross County bring more fans to Rugby Park!

This may sound like sour grapes as our winning streak was halted, but fair play to Hamilton, they dug in and got the result they came for.

They never even started time wasting until they scored half an hour in, which is twenty minutes later than usual.

We huffed and puffed but never really looked like producing the goods as we have in previous weeks.

The first five to ten minutes we looked lively but Jordan Jones and Chris Burke especially proved to be a big miss.

I was preparing to go down at half time and give Rory MacKenzie money to get a ticket back into the game, he seemed to be getting constantly dragged inside and offered no width.

Then he only goes and scores, from a central position, just shows you how little I know about football!

Foodbank

The Kilmarnock Supporters' Trust are always keen to work in partnership with local organisations to bring our Club and the community closer together.

Making your way to Saturday's game, you might be aware of leaflets being handed out to publicise a very worthwhile cause which we'd like all Killie fans to contribute to at our next home game...our local Foodbank.

Thirteen million people live below the poverty line in the UK, with individuals going hungry every day for a range of reasons.

We don't think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry and the food bank provide three days' nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them.

Since January, with the support of our communities, the food bank has distributed 2,000 packs to those in crisis but sadly, they continue to struggle to maintain stock levels.

A typical food parcel includes breakfast cereals, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, tinned beans, tinned meat, tinned vegetables and fruit, sugar, biscuits, tea, coffee and snacks.

Currently local stocks are particularly low in tinned fruit, dried pasta, UHT milk, breakfast cereals and tea bags.

In East Ayrshire, in order to keep stock at a sufficient level, the food bank have recently had to start spending their limited cash reserves that they have received as donations.

This is something that can't be maintained for long and with shelves running low they ask us all to please dig deep again.

David Skilling of the Foodbank stated: "The generosity we seen in our last visit to Rugby Park last season humbled us."

"Without the donations of the public there wouldn't be a food bank and we're extremely grateful to the club for working with us again to gather in donations."

"A massive thank you goes in advance to anyone who chooses to donate."

Donations will be greatly received at stalls near the Chadwick and Moffat Stand areas prior to kick off at our next home game against Aberdeen on Sunday 4th November 2018.

Safe Standing?

Do you yearn for the return to the ‘good old days’ of standing areas at football stadiums?

A series of fatal incidents led to legislation requiring major clubs to develop all-seater stadiums during the 1990's but new design options allow designated standing areas to be built in compliance with all safety laws and guidelines.

Supporters' polls repeatedly show a clear majority favouring the choice to stand and this is never likely to go away.

Scotland fans illustrate this regularly by standing in front of their seats at our national stadium.

Over the years too, the average age of football fans has inexorably increased with fans in their teens and early twenties under-represented at grounds throughout Scotland.

Rail Seating at Hoffenheim FC

Standing areas generate a noisier atmosphere, one of the reasons we fall in love with the game, and this would surely attract this age group to return to our game.

They are the lifeblood of our support going forward to keep our Club sustainable.

Our Supporters Trust are in the process of organising a presentation to have an informed discussion on the subject, involving all the relevant authorities, with a view to this being a potential funding project for the next phase of our ‘Trust in Killie’ initiative.

The Trust would urge all Kilmarnock supporters to be part of this conversation by joining the Trust and subscribing to our ‘Trust in Killie’ initiative.

Sign up to the Trust now - HERE

Learn more about the TIK Initiative at www.trustinkillie.com

Learn more about rail seating at FERCO SEATING

2018-19 Diary Week 13

Killie pick up where we left off prior to the international break with yet another league win.

I am starting to think that we should just allow our opposition to score first every week as that is now four in a row of going behind and then taking all three points!

Over 1,600 fans in the away end, some in hospitality (the Howard lot) and no doubt some in the home end sitting on their hands enjoyed the occasion to the max and were rewarded with a second half performance worthy of the win.

Our fans really seem to be buying into the Steve Clarke effect as much as the players, and tickets were like gold dust as match day approached.

Now we have to reach out to all those lapsed and potential fans to start coming to Rugby Park and getting the numbers at home up so we can get some cash in and give the manager options in the next transfer window.

2018-19 Diary Week 12

Gordon Simpson has provided us with some Killie related international stats which I thought worth sharing with no match this week…

Joe Nibloe (1929-32) is our most capped Scottish player with eleven, he made five consecutive appearances twice.

Bobby Ferguson played six consecutive, with Stephen O’Donnell equalling that last weekend.

Ian Durrant made five consecutive appearances in 1999.

The most Kilmarnock players capped by Scotland in a single match is three, Mitchell, Agnew & Templeton v Ireland (A) 1908.

There is several instances of two: Orr & Campbell v Wales (H) 1892, Mitchell & Templeton v Ireland (A) 1910, Nibloe & Morton v Netherlands (A) in 1929, Forsyth & McGrory v Northern Ireland (H) and Finland (H) both 1964,
 Ferguson & McGrory v Portugal (H) 1966,
 Dickson & McLean v Northern Ireland (A) and Wales (H) both 1970 and McCoist & Durrant v Estonia (H) 1998.

Eremenko played for Finland in nine consecutive internationals although technically he was a Metalist Kharkiv player.

Magennis made five consecutive appearances for Northern Ireland in 2015.

2018-19 Diary Week 11

I was offered the chance to accompany Director Cathy Jamieson to Dundee on Saturday due to several other people being on holiday, I’ve never accepted a freebie for Rugby Park but I was not going to say no to a ticket to an away match!

It was a strange situation indeed but offered a slightly new perspective on the game and my immediate reaction is…what a fantastic travelling support we have!

I can see how the players and directors really appreciate it.

So Killie, not having to get out of second gear, win again.

Steve Clarke has installed a winning mentality that the players and fans have all bought into.

It was clear that Dundee tried to play the ball away from Tshibola whenever possible and the big man’s frustration led to the incident at the second penalty…not pretty, but to me it shows that everyone is just desperate to play their part.

Jordan Jones has had a few critics this season but unfairly if you ask me.

Think about it this way, he was a stand out in a poor team, now he’s just fitting in with a team who have improved to his level so he doesn’t’ stand out quite as much.

He has not regressed, everyone around him has just got better!

The third Kilmarnock FC Hall of Fame Dinner is this coming Friday (12th October) and tickets are still available.

A table of 10 costs £500 with the event starting at 7pm.

To book for more information please contact – The Killie Shop 01563 545310 or email killieclubshop@justsport-group.com

Thanks to Hippo for filling in last week…teamwork, it’s how we do things at Killie.

2018-19 Diary Week 10

The Killie Hippo Writes...

In times gone by Killie's epic win over Celtic would have been followed by a disappointing result against a lesser team but our famous old club under Stevie Clarke is a different animal.

Yet again we went a goal down but the spirit and belief is there for all to see and once Jamie MacDonald made a game changing penalty save the outcome appeared almost inevitable.

Greg Stewart was a shining light and if he stays fit will play a huge part in what could be a season to remember for Killie fans.

The squad seems as strong as ever and with guys like Ndjoli, Boyd, Dicker and Kiltie not even starting we have good quality competition for all positions.

The fans have their part to play so I'd urge them to get along in decent numbers and support the best Killie team in many a long year.

Killie in Scottish Cup semi's

It’s a huge youth Scottish Cup semi final weekend for Kilmarnock Ladies, with 3 teams involved across two age groups.

On Saturday, after quarter final wins against Lanarkshire Hibernian and Queen of the South; both of our U13’s sides play their respective semi finals with the Whites facing Donside and the league cup winning Blues facing off against Musselburgh Windsor; kick off time is 2pm at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

On Sunday it’s the turn of our under 15 side who after a good quarter final win against Hibs Development this time face the Hibs Performance side in what is sure to be a tough but exciting game. Kick off in this one is 4pm also at Toryglen.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our young sides and we hope to see as many of you as possible getting along to support.
#WeAreKillie

2018-19 Diary Week 9

It appears that my faith paid off in no uncertain terms due to a manager who knows what he is doing and a squad that just won’t give in.

We are now unbeaten against the champions in four consecutive matches for the first time since the sixties and for the first time in years the league is looking interesting.

I had a good feeling when the ‘Trust in Killie’ History Board was unveiled before the match by Steve Clarke and Trust Chairman Jim Thomson declared that "this was only the beginning and better was still to come".

And so it did.

Aaron Tshibola proved that the manager had opted for the right #27 to sign and Mulumbu blotted his copybook with our fans with a petulant display that saw our respect for him rapidly diminish.

It is difficult to single out players when you put in such a good team performance but Chris Burke was also outstanding, what a work ethic he has, and Stuart Findlay could be the shrewdest signing Clarke made this summer.

Their goals were just reward for the effort they put in and their determination to get a result for 'the mighty' was an inspiration to their team mates and the fans watching as well.

We saw the best and worst of the Celtic support as they joined with us in a tribute to Tommy Burns in the 51st minute, and then threw smoke bombs on that damaged the pitch and proceeded to wreck seats again.

With shocking referees and no control over the so-called big teams it is quite clear that the SFA are a joke.

2018-19 Diary Week 8

We have complained that much about refereeing and decisions by the SFA of late that I am starting to wonder if we are becoming paranoid or they are all out to get us!

Maybe we should not bother playing matches and allow someone at the SFA to decide who is getting the points…Saturday being a case in point.

It was a great first half of football, full of highs and lows, but the outcome was settled by a dodgy penalty against us and then not getting a decision at the other end.

Fair play to Hibs they are a good side and Mallan is quality addition for them, but we have enough quality of our own to be winning such matches and it is frustrating when we end up feeling cheated.

We will win more games than we lose playing like that and it is great to be able to feel that Sunday’s game against Celtic is not a foregone conclusion.

It will be tough, but I have faith that the manager has the nous and the players and to get us a result.

If you've not taken the KFCSA survey about old firm matches then you can do that HERE

2018-19 Diary Week 7

It is good to be able to talk about our own players on what is usually an international break for us.

Stephen O’Donnell featured in both Scotland’s matches, starting against Albania and was arguably one of the best players on the pitch.

I will be very surprised if he has not done enough to retain his place for the Israel game.

We had a lot of fans worried about the lack of signings during the transfer window but it would appear that the wealth of talent Steve Clarke now has at his disposal should dispel their fears.

We have not even seen some of the new players yet, and both Jack Byrne and Bright Enobakhare come with impressive reputations.

With Greg Kiltie, Dom Thomas and Rory Mackenzie also knocking on the manager’s door again, the competition for places is intense.

We could struggle a wee bit for a centre half at times but I am sure Clarke will address that in January.

It looks like the fears of Boydie's testimonial dinner turning into a Sash Bash were unfounded, which can only auger well for the match to follow.

Fans were understandably concerned when the dinner was scheduled to be held in Glasgow and one of the nominated charities was a Rangers one, but reports coming in are favourable from anyone who was there.

2018-19 Diary Week 6

What a difference a week makes as a refereeing decision goes our way, we have signings galore and we managed a win in the Granite City for the first time in years!

With Kris Boyd benched, Eamonn Brophy led the line and was judged to have been impeded early doors, which saw us with a numerical advantage for the wolf’s share of the game.

The wee man stroked home a well-taken free kick to put us one up and things never looked back.

Aaron Tshibola, midfield controller, deputised well for the suspended Gary Dicker and fellow ‘new’ signing Greg Stewart doubled our advantage in the second half with a contender for goal of the season on the counter attack.

Steve Clarke showed his contempt for the SFA and their disciplinary panel during the week and next in the firing line was our Aberdeen hoodoo, which was also blown away.

A big up to the board, the manager, the players and the travelling fans…good to, good to be, good to be a...Killie.

2018-19 Diary Week 5

Saturday’s match must go down in the win Collum, for Willie and his ego.

Having seen the Gary Dicker incident again I am still clueless as to how that could be construed as a red card offence, yet their goalkeeper lifting his hands and shoving a player over in the box was deemed only worthy of a chat.

There are too many other instances to mention, for and against us to be honest, a draw would have been a fairer result in my eyes.

In general terms we still seem to be lacking creativity in the midfield areas which is curtailing opportunities up front, we had one flash of brilliance from JJ but the goals are drying up.

We know we have the backbone of a good team but the addition of a Mulumbu type player could make a huge difference.

Clarke has a real job on his hands persuading players to come here with our pitch and wage budget, we can but hope that his reputation will swing a few deals our way again.

2018-19 Diary Week 4

A bad day at the office on Sunday and as much as I feel that we held our own for the most part, we probably did not deserve to go through on the day.

You can’t win them all unfortunately, and as tough as it is to take it on the chin from the new kid on the block, we just have to pick ourselves up and move on.

Social media can be a great thing, the number of debates started and problems solved on the Kickback forums are too numerous to mention, but some fans just take it too far.

The players will be the first to admit they didn’t perform as well as we know they can but they don’t need some muppet on Twitter telling them they are not even trying.

Jordan Jones had two to three players on him all day, and the one time he got through the ball ended up in the net.

Killie fans want him to stay, slating him on a public forum where he engages with fans will not help matters…how about showing some support when we’re down?

Match Preview - Kilmarnock v Motherwell

2018-19 Diary Week 3

You know my mantra by now, any point away from home is a good point, whether it is a good game or not.

If the Chris Burke effort had gone in we would be up there with Hearts, but it is still good to be second equal and undefeated going into next week’s cup match against that new lot from Glasgow.

News of Lee Erwin heading to Iran came as a bit of a shock but understandable if the reported wage increase is true.

He has a fantastic first touch and I think he still has unfinished business at Rugby Park, so if he leaves then it is with our best wishes and hopefully we might see him back one day.

I hope Eamon ‘the Wolf’ Brophy now gets a more sustained run in the team…the wee man shoots on sight and seems liable to score at any time.

That said, I have no doubt that Steve Clarke may still have an ace up his sleeve!

2018-19 Diary Week 2

It has been nine years since we took all three points from our opening fixture and despite a slow start on Saturday we reversed that trend in style.

The goal, as ever, came from Boyd, only it was defender Scott this time and not Boomer who stuck it away.

Ndjoli entered play as a substitute late in the game and scored a sublime effort to seal the win but really it could have been more.

We go into week two sitting fourth in the table…or joint top as I like to see it, only one goal off the pace.

It looks like we will be signing Austrian goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann from Watford this week but so far there has been no other transfer news; he is only 24 so maybe Steve Clarke sees him as an understudy and not just a back-up to Jamie MacDonald.

Remember if you sign up for the Trust or subscribe to TIK before the Hearts game you can win a signed Jamma top!

Jamma Glamma

If you join the Killie Trust HERE or subscribe to the Trust in Killie Initiative HERE then you will be entered into a draw to win a goalkeeper top signed by our very own #1 Jamie MacDonald.

The draw is generously sponsored by Trust Board member James Morrison of McSherry Halliday and will be made on Saturday 25th August 2018 at the home match against Hearts.

We tend not to do these "brand new customer only" draws but this is just a wee extra to try and boost the numbers and the TIK subscriber draws will carry on as they did last season.

2018-19 Diary Week 1

Here we go again!

Not much to report on the signings front as Steve Clarke concentrated on consolidating the squad we had to give us a level of consistency.

Ndjoli has been loaned in for six months and seems to have a bit of pace about him, and goals.

Millen was brought in as cover for internationalist O’Donnell, but we have not really seen enough of him to pass judgement.

Mulumbu remains unattached although he is rumoured to be training with Sunderland (who isn’t these days?) and the manager remains, quite rightly, tight lipped about anyone he is trying to sign, although midfielder Diego Poyet still seems to be training with us.

We’ve had a slow start but topped our group in the League Cup and I remain confident that Clarke will continue to get good performances and results from whoever he selects.

If you don’t have your season ticket yet now is the time to get it…Killie are back.

CLICK HERE FOR SEASON TICKETS

Legends Match

The Football Club have asked the Trust to supply five players for the Legends Match at the Rugby Park Open Day this Sunday (29th July 2018). Players have to be over 18 years of age, be in reasonably good shape and be available to play on the day. Kit will be provided by the club and returned afterwards.

Due to lack of time we are asking that anyone interested in taking part email killiefc.com@gmail.com or get in touch via social media and we will draw the names from the proverbial hat on Thursday afternoon and let you know further details if you are selected.

If you feel you are too old, not fit enough, or simply don't want to take part in the game, you can still put your name forward for selection and then nominate someone to play in your stead...provided they too meet the criteria for inclusion...they do not need to be a Trust member or a TIK subscriber themselves.

The Open Day should be a lot of fun as always and we would encourage everyone to drop by even if you are not taking part - there will be a Trust 'stall' there on the day and members of the Trust Board at hand to answer any questions you may have and have forms on hand to sign up for the Trust and/or the Trust In Killie initiative.

Cathy Jamieson Update

“I'm pleased to be able to report back to Trust members on my first month as a Director of KFC. Since officially taking up the post on 1st June, I've met with other Directors, CEO and KFC staff, to get up to speed on key issues around the business side of the Club and see the work currently under way on the hospitality box, and tidying up of the East stand. I've also spent time meeting SLO Allen Kyle to discuss how we liaise to ensure that issues which need flagged up at Board level are taken there, as well as gathering ideas and views from supporters on improvements they would like to see in the future.

Along with Directors John Kiltie and Bill White, I attended the KFCSA AGM and issues raised there were followed up by us. I also met with the KFC Disabled Supporters Association to hear their views on how match day experience could be improved, and discuss what changes might need to be made to meet regulatory requirements.

My first Board meeting was on 29th June - the first opportunity to have all Directors and CEO in one place. I'm pleased that there was agreement that going forward a summary of Board meetings will be put together for the Club website. As everyone appreciates, there are confidential matters which can't go public, but it's important that supporters know the kind of issues that are being considered.  I also suggested that we have a standing item on the Agenda at each Board meeting to feed in updates/issues/ideas from the Trust, SLO and KFCSA, and that was also agreed.

One issue which has split opinion amongst the fans was the announcement of charges for match day mascots. While some were happy with this feeling it could be a great  birthday or Christmas gift,  others were concerned that kids from lower income families could lose out.  Some great ideas came from fans about how to attract sponsors for mascots, discounts for family groups of kids, and places for kids who deserved a "well done" for achievements. I can report that there will still be opportunities for kids to be mascots without paying - a particular thanks to Trust Members for ideas and offers to pay for places.

As you would expect, everyone wanted to ensure that Steve Clarke has the support he needs to deliver results on the pitch, which needs a sound financial basis for the Club to work from. The investment by the Trust was welcomed, and there will be further discussion on how that funding is utilised. Key issues going forward will include training facility, the pitch, and ongoing improvements in the stadium.

As announced on the Club website, Gregg McEwan has joined the Commercial Department, and was very quick to respond positively to my request that he meet with the Trust Board. I very much hope that we are seeing the start of a more co-operative way of working between the Club and the supporters. I can't promise that we will get everything supporters want, but we do now have a real opportunity to influence things, making the club successful commercially in order to invest in players and facilities, but also giving back to the community, and the fans who follow Killie week in, week out.” Cathy Jamieson

As you can imagine not a lot has been happening during the close season in terms of TIK funding so we will bring you another update next month. Meanwhile it is hugely important that we don’t think the job is done and start to grow it even further...following our last Trust Board meeting and consultation with members we have decided to drop the Premium subscription and introduce a £10 rate going forward, there will be no rewards for that apart from a draw for an ‘Oxford Blue’ t-shirt every month. You ask and we deliver, that’s how we’ve made this work, together we are stronger.

One to Eleven with Borja Pérez

Pre-season boredom is kicking in big time and with mental transfer rumours and gossip dominating the headlines, I have reached out to sunny Spain to ex-Killie man Borja Pérez to hear what he has to say about his time with Ayrshire's finest and growing up in Real Madrid's famous academy.


Having brushed shoulders with some of Europe's Elite during his time with his beloved Real Madrid growing up as a teenager, a move to Ayrshire's Finest would obviously be the cherry on top of a career spanning almost 15 years. From taking  footballing tips from Figo and Zidane to taking betting tips from Gary Harkins, Borja has mixed it with the best and mixed it with the Heff.


Borja had an interesting career and played predominantly in the lower leagues of Spain following his release from Real Madrid. It would be CD Leganes, Valladolid, Alicante and AD Alcorcon where he would feature between 2003 and 2012, mostly in divisions two and three. During his time with AD Alcorcon he would play against his idols Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey early rounds. Borja would score twice in a 4-0 win for the third division outfit, taking his tally to six goals against Real Madrid in his career. An impressive stat for even the best strikers in the world. He had scored a brace before during his spell with Leganes in 2003.

Pérez would make a massive lifestyle change when leaving his sunny home in Spain to join Scottish league cup holders Kilmarnock in August 2012. Making 28 appearances for Kilmarnock in his time and scoring on 4 occasions. The controversial sacking of Kenny Shiels at the end of 2012/13 season would inevitably bring Perez's Killie career to an abrupt halt. The Spaniard choosing instead the beaches of Tenerife to ply his trade the following season, before seeing out the rest of his career in the regional leagues of Spain. In total he made 388 appearances in his career with 81 goals to his name.

Let's hear from him now...


1) How did your move to Kilmarnock come about?
It was a funny story and a result of pure chance. I was free agent after my contract with AD Alcorcon in Spain expired. It was at the beginning of August 2012 when I spoke to a friend of mine who worked in Glasgow and alongside her she had a colleague who knew a Scottish Agent. I then sent a video of mine to Allan Beaton (nowadays apart from a good agent is my friend) and he forwarded it to, among others, Kenny Shiels. The gaffer watched it and out of the blue I was travelling to Glasgow in order to go on a trial. Then, as you may know, I played in James Fowler´s testimonial game and the gaffer showed his interest in contracting me. We agreed the terms and conditions quickly and I signed my contract until the end of the 2012-2013 season.


2) Which player would you say was best to play with whilst your were at Kilmarnock?
It would not be fair if I had to name a individual player. But, I will say Liam Kelly, Gary Harkins and Kris Boyd. All very talented in their own ways.


3) Why did you choose to come to Scotland after playing all of your career in Spain?
To be honest, I was looking for a new chapter overseas. I wanted to take advantage of living a new experience, in a new country and to learn another language. At that time I already knew that my spell in Spain had come to an end thus I started looking at other options. 

4) You famously scored six times in your career against Real Madrid after playing with them as a boy. Was Real Madrid the team you supported growing up?
That is true. It was and I am indeed a season ticket holder at Real Madrid since 1998! But as a professional footballer I had to preserve my own interest. I had been at the Real Madrid academy for 8 years and that's where I grew as a person and as a football player. I was in the same youth team as Iker Casillias. Iker is a god now here in Madrid.


5) Who is the best player you have ever played with in your entire career?
Ayoze Pérez who is currently playing for Newcastle and Aritz Aduriz (Athletic de Bilbao). I refer to players with who I shared a dressing room with.



6) What was your favourite moment at Kilmarnock?
Being honest, every single moment. For me, my spell at Kilmarnock was the best experience in my career. My wife got pregnant in Scotland, I visited many places, I enjoyed the Scottish way of football, I enjoyed every single training, I played in such good venues, I met new good friends, etc. I cannot wait to go back to Scotland.


7) Kenny Shiels signed you at Kilmarnock the year after we won the League Cup how was he as a manager?
I only can say good words about the gaffer. He signed me and he extended my contract before the season 2012-2013 ended. He gave me the opportunity to play for Killie and I think he trusted me. As a manger he only thought about football, on and off the pitch even when he slept, for sure. I think that he deserved to stay longer as manager but football is what it is. Nowadays I keep in contact with him. He is a great person and good manager.



8) How did you find the standard of Scottish football compared to the technically good Spanish leagues?
As Jimmy Nicholl once told me my qualities and abilities as a football player were not fit for the ways of Scottish football. I  always tried my best and tried to adapt to my conditions in Scottish football. It is very different compared to Spanish football but I must say that football is the same to me whether in Spain, Scotland or Moldova.


9) If you could have played alongside any player in your career who would it have been?
It would certainly be Luka Modric. A very underrated player and a joy to watch. Incredible technique.

10) Do you still keep up to date with Kilmarnock’s form and results even though you are back living in Spain?
Of course I do. I am following every single game. I am very happy seeing Killie finish in fifth position. Delighted for the Killie guys. They are ripping it up, c'mon the Killie!

11) What is the future for Borja Pérez? Are you still playing football at all now or have you retired? I know you have obtained a Masters Degree in order to become a lawyer.
I quit playing football in June 2016. Nowadays I make a living out of being a lawyer specialising in Sports and Law.  I am working at the labour and sports department at KPMG in Madrid. I am very happy!


Finally Borja...do you have a message for the Kilmarnock fans?

I just want to say that I loved every minute at Killie and I proudly can say that I played for such a great club. Also, thanks to all the fans for their support and their respect towards myself and family. I am a Killie fan since I first put my foot in the club door and always will follow us.

KFCSA AGM Notice

Information regarding the Annual General Meeting

The Committee of KFCSA advise that the Association’s Annual General Meeting will held in the Park Suite at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, starting at 2pm on Saturday 23rd June 2018.

The current Chairman David Sneddon has indicated that he wishes to stand aside and does not wish to serve a second year as Chairman. Iain Sherry (the present Secretary) has been proposed for Chairman by Allen Kyle and seconded by Jim Thomson.

Iain Sherry is resigning as Secretary. Terry McGarry has been proposed as Secretary by Iain Sherry and seconded by David Sneddon.

Vice Chairman Allen Kyle and Treasurer Sharon Caldwell will serve their second year in their respective positions having been duly elected to serve two years at last year’s AGM.

New Committee member - Denis Smith has been proposed by Karen Steel, seconder
Iain Sherry. Committee Members Jim Thomson, Karen Steel, Ally Ross, David Sneddon and James Morrison have all been duly proposed and seconded and will be standing for re-election to the
Committee.

The Committee invite any other persons wishing to stand for the Committee to please submit applications to the Secretary Iain Sherry in writing with details of proposer and seconder no later than 13th June 2018.

Iain Sherry
(Secretary)

Email: 1965ktid@gmail.com