Season Diary - Week 31

Tynecastle, which has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, proved a step too far this week as Lee Clark’s side failed to keep with tradition and came away with nothing.

By all accounts we should have opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, but it never came to pass and only six minutes later we fell behind to a rebounded shot from a saved penalty.

How sick must MacDonald feel having saved not one but two spot kicks and still ending up on the losing side?

Individually our best players didn’t shine on the day but collectively we could have merited a draw.

New signing Faubert made a steady enough debut but it remains to be seen what he can offer as we enter the real dog fight now.

While some Hearts fans failed to show big Josh any respect, at least they gave a fitting tribute to Jim McFadzean, league winner with both clubs and general all round good guy who passed away last week, condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

Be The Boss - Michael Higgins

It's time once again for Be The Boss, the feature where we throw someone in at the deep end and ask them who they'd pick in their first XI for that weekend's game. This week we asked Michael Higgins to pick his XI for Saturday's game against Hearts and give his reasons...

GK: Jamie MacDonald
Easily Gary Locke’s best signing and in my opinion our best and most consistent goalkeeper since Gordon Marshall. We’ve had some absolute hidings this season but could have been a whole lot worse had it not been for Jamie. His treble save at Perth had the away end celebrate more than our goal. A true match winner.

RB: Lee Hodson
Lee has fitted straight into the team and doesn’t look out of place one bit. We’ve been crying out for a natural full back and it’s no surprise that upturn in defensive performances has followed his introduction. He’s sold defensively but also decent going forward and links up well with the wide men in front of him.

CB: Conrad Balatoni
Conrad has been another solid signing, a bit of a no nonsense defender who also pops up with a goal or two. Scored up at Tynecastle earlier in the season and in the absence of Mark Connolly is our most experienced centre half.

CB: Stuart Findlay
The big man has had a couple of shaky performances this season, albeit mostly when played out of position. He’s a bit more a of ball player than Conrad but they link up well together and have started to look more solid.

LB: Kevin McHattie
He’s been in and out of the side this season for whatever reason but he’s a natural left back and I’m not a fan of playing players out of position in this area so gets the nod for this one in the absence of Stevie Smith who himself was starting to come onto a game before his injury.

DM: Gary Dicker
I like the look of Gary as a ball winning centre mid, something we’ve badly been missing of late. He adds a bit of dig into midfield and hopefully this will allow the youngsters either side of him a bit more freedom to attack.

LM: Rory McKenzie
One of my favourite players in our squad and prior to his wee injury set back was starting to find a great level of consistency which saw him gain the captaincy. Scored a great goal against Rangers and that was typical of the kind of goal he scored coming through the ranks. Once saw him score 4 at Murray Park in a 5-1 win in the Youth Cup and he was unplayable. Need to get him tied up as his deal expires in the summer.

CM: Craig Slater
I’m a big fan of Craig and he’s starting to add some more goals to his game. Another one out of contract in the summer that we need to get tied up. Could be argued that he’s sometimes a bit too casual in possession in dangerous areas and it’s one area he needs to work on as it’s cost us a few times. Great technique though and one of the first names of the team sheet for me.

RM: Tope Obadeyi
Against my better judgement I’m going to give Tope one last chance. Having listened to Lee Clark on Monday it’s clear that he’s had a word with Tope and made it clear to him what he expects from him. He has pace to burn and should be a real asset, however too often his decision making/final is very poor. Probably one of the most frustrating players I’ve seen play for us but something is telling me to give him another chance under a new manager. Time will tell!

CF: Greg Kiltie
In my opinion one of the best youngsters in Scotland just now and certainly the best to come through our ranks since Naisy. Was delighted to see him sign a new deal and can see him becoming a full international in the coming years. Has everything you need, energy, pace, work ethic, skill and has an eye for goal too.

CF: Josh Magennis
Together with MacDonald, Josh has been our best player this season. I’ve often been a critic of him and whilst he still has his faults, he’s improved his game dramatically over the last 12 months. Another to be guaranteed to be in my starting XI each week.

I’m going with a 4-4-1-1 formation with Greg playing just behind Josh as a number 10.

Let us know what you think of Michael's suggestions on Twitter @KillieFC and if you'd like to pick the team, email us: michael@killiefc.com

YK Annual Dance

The Young Kilmarnock (Killie's Junior Supporters Club) annual fund raising dinner dance takes place once again at the fabulous Fenwick Hotel on 26th March 2016, and is always a night to remember...for those that don’t drink in too much of the party atmosphere that is!

It is a very important revenue generator for our organisation, with every penny raised being fully utilised for the benefit of all our young members throughout the season.

Prices have been frozen at just £30 a ticket which includes a drink on arrival, a delicious starter, main course and dessert. There is also a raffle and auction followed by a fabulous night singing and dancing the night away to our favourite local live band, Dreamchaser.

There are still tickets available so please, avoid disappointment and get booked up quickly before they are all gone by seeing Luise or Tracey at Powerleague training on Saturdays or by emailing us on youngkilmarnock2013@gmail.com or leaving a message on the YK mobile phone (07969 083672).

Any donations for our raffle or auction would also be gratefully received.

YOUR SUPPORT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

You can find the Facebook event page HERE for more information.

Fans Meet Lee Clark

Here is some pertinent information regarding this evening's fan group meeting with Lee Clark, along with a list of attendees.

Meeting opens 7pm at Park Hotel.

1. Introductions


2. KFC Board discussion about the interview process and the appointment of Lee


3. Introduction questions for Lee. These questions are prepared to help relax and give a good understanding of Lee the man and his playing and managerial experiences to date. To allow flow, it would be appreciated of no additional questions were asked during this time from the room.


4. Open Q&A. Lee has stated that he wants to ask questions of the supporters to understand their hopes. It would be useful if each supporters club could ask one initial question each.


Meeting close - approx 8:30/9pm.

Attendees:

Travel Club
Martin Hanlon
Jim Wilson
John Dearie
John Sharpe

Young Kilmarnock
Tom Scott
Bobby Russell
Louise Ross

Irvine Valley
Robert Gordon
Irene Brown
Eric Brown

Ardrossan and District
Liz Milligan
Jim Crawford

Dreghorn
Jim McCrindle
John Morris

Burns Inn
Stuart Little
Michael Higgins
Alistair Ross

Disabled Supporters Club
Peter Orr
Mae Orr
Anne Broomhall

Howard Arms
Sandy Armour
Karen Steel

Season Diary - Week 30

It would appear that inevitably called the cup game wrong and we were edged out by the new boys in injury time. I’m surprised there was not more injury time considering how “unforgiving” our pitch is.

Dozens of seven-foot-tall rugby players bounced around on it with carefree abandon the previous night, but Princess Waghorn encountered his proverbial pea at some point amidst throwing himself to ground for a penalty, getting up to score it, running around celebrating and getting jumped all over by his team mates.

Must have been the artificial turf then.



Despite all the scientific evidence to the contrary, Warbuton has decreed that forthwith all pitches must adhere to his strict guidelines, this is what we have to look forward to next year, possibly.

On to Saturday and Lee’s first game in charge, all I can say is that we were four goals and one point better off than when Dundee last visited the Theatre of Pies, and that’s after just three training sessions…so far so good then!

Like the previous couple of games we have faded in last twenty minutes or so and Clark has quite rightly identified this as a problem which he will try and address.

Season Diary - Week 29

We kept it simple at Fir Park and weathered the expected storm in our stride in the first half. Come the second half we stepped up a gear and gave a truer reflection of the potential we have in the squad to take control and emerge as winners. Credit to McCulloch and Leven for steadying the ship and is good to know they will still be there to advise new gaffer Lee Clark when he takes the reigns properly next week.

I have deliberately not read any press about Lee's previous endeavours so that my judgement is not clouded by his past. He starts with a clean slate and as always, I am sure that the majority of Killie fans will be right behind him and fingers crossed that the new “Killie Way” will be a winning one.

This copy is submitted prior to Tuesday’s cup tie so if you are reading this in the Scotsman on Wednesday we will know the result by now. My prediction is a tight game, a dodgy referee, thousands of teddy bears in the wrong end and no giant killing act with Ayrshire’s finest easing through 1-0. How wrong can I be?

Welcome Lee Clark

The KFC Supporters' Association, the Killie Trust and Young Kilmarnock organisations are delighted to officially welcome new Kilmarnock FC manager Lee Clark to the club.

It has been a real roller-coaster ride in the past few seasons with a lot more downs than ups and we hope that Lee can help bring some stability to the club and eventually steer us back into the top half of the league where our proud club belongs.

We urge all Killie fans to get along to the cup match on Tuesday night and show our new manager that we are ready to back him and the players in the battles that lie ahead - good luck Lee, you are now one of us.

Be The Boss - Sandy Armour

It's time once again for Be The Boss, the feature where we throw someone in at the deep end and ask them who they'd pick in their first XI for that weekend's game. This week we asked the man behind the Killie Hippo, Sandy Armour, to pick his XI for Saturday's game against Motherwell and give his reasons...

GK: Jamie MacDonald
I fancy this is probably the one pick that every single Killie fan can agree with... well maybe not. Jamie has been Locke's outstanding import and looks a surefire winner of the POTY gongs this season. I dread to think where we would be without his consistent brilliance but let's hope he can have a very quiet afternoon in Motherwell.

RB: Lee Hodson
Right back has been a problem area for many years now so Lee has the chance to make the position his own. He made his debut last week at Ibrox and after a hectic opening period he had a steady game. I hope he will only get better as he gets to know his team mates better.

LB: Stevie Smith
This was the hardest decision as neither Smith or McHattie have been totally convincing. I've opted for Smith as he may be slightly better defensively although if it had been a home game I may have gone for big Kev. Jig made him captain last week so I fancy he will start again tomorrow.

CB: Conrad Balatoni
The big defender had an outstanding game at Ibrox and like McDonald has been a good signing for us. It's been difficult as our biggest problem all season has been defending well as a unit however Balatoni has been as good as any of our defenders. He looks like captain material to me so I predict he will be wearing the armband by the start of next season.

CB: Stuart Findlay
The big Celtic loanee is young and raw but the talent is there and along with Balatoni he forms our best pairing in the centre of defence. It's hard to say if Celtic will take him back or if he will be replaced by an overpriced foreign import, if thats's the case I'd be happy to keep him.

CM: Gary Dicker
The other player who made his debut at Ibrox had a fairly quiet game yet showed enough to hint that he may be a good option in the holding role. He looks like a player who likes to keep things simple and once he gets to know Slater's game they will hopefully prove to be a well balanced partnership.

CM: Craig Slater
With the departure of Eremenko and Clingan last summer, Slater was left as our only creative midfielder. He didn't do well last week but I highly rate him and it's a concern that he hasn't yet signed a new deal. Hopefully a new boss will realise his ability and get him signed up.

AM: Rory McKenzie
Like Slater he has yet to put pen to paper and I've no doubt will have his admirers at other clubs. he has been one of our better players this season although injury has hampered him in recent months. He is good for a goal or two as well so the sooner he is back to full fitness the better for all of us.

AM: Aaron Splaine
With Higginbotham suspended I would give young Aaron a chance to shine again. He did well last season and can consider himself unlucky that he hasn't had more chances. It will be interesting to see if our new boss is keen to give youth a chance.

AM: Greg Kiltie
The wee man was excellent at Ibrox and covered every blade of grass. He is a handful for any defender with energy, pace and no lack of skill. I can see him picking up where he left off last week and my tip is to get on GK for first scorer.

ST: Josh Magennis
The big man has had a fine season and when we play with one striker he is the obvious selection. He has added goals to his game this season and I look forward to see him get his chance at the Euro finals. Another player who must be a nightmare to play against when he is in full flow.

Finally I would like to publicly apologise to Mark O'Hara who I rate highly so if Dicker doesn't cut it in the holding role I would stick young Mark there as a direct replacement... 'Mon the Killie!!

Let us know what you think of Sandy's suggestions on Twitter @KillieFC and if you'd like to pick the team, email us: michael@killiefc.com

KFCSA Statement - Scottish Cup Replay

Kilmarnock Football Club Supporters Association appreciate the club consulting with the fans regarding ticket allocation for the Cup match on Tuesday evening. 

We need a strong home support and in order that the club can resist approaches from Rangers for more tickets KFCSA asks and hopes that Killie fans who will be attending the game will now buy their tickets quickly and, hopefully, in the next 48 hours. 

Come on Killie!

KFCSA Player Of The Year Dance

Park Hotel - Saturday 9th April 

Dinner dance including a 3 course meal, auction and raffle.

Cost: £25 per ticket 

Contact any KFCSA committee member for tickets

Season Diary - Week 28

There was another cup shock this week as Championship minnows Rangers managed to hold top flight Kilmarnock to a draw and earn a money spinning replay at the Theatre of Pies next Tuesday.

It was never going to be easy, we had no manager, two players who hadn’t even trained with the squad, and we traditionally always end up lowering our game to the same level as the opposition in cup fixtures, but a draw suited us as we could do with some extra cash to bring in a new gaffer.

All jesting aside, the two new signings looked solid enough and we matched the home side well enough in the first half, but the second half we sat too deep and were fortunate to finish the game with ten men and our name still in the hat for the next round.

We should not have anything to fear for the replay, could Lee Clark be our new boss by then? He seems to be the new bookies favourite but the interview process continues, and so it should.

Be The Boss - Scott McClymont

It's time once again for Be The Boss, the feature where we throw someone in at the deep end and ask them who they'd pick in their first XI for that weekend's game. This week we asked STV journalist and Killie fan Scott McClymont to pick his XI for Saturday's game against Rangers and give his reasons...

Tactics

One of the most noticeable factors about this Kilmarnock side is how disorganised they have appeared at times throughout the campaign. This match against an in-form Rangers side is one that requires a clear and effective strategy in order to achieve a positive result.

A radical change in formation with only one week's practice would likely be counter productive but a 4-1-4-1 formation should allow Killie's best attacking players to thrive while counteracting Mark Warburton's favoured 4-3-3 system. Similar to Falkirk's approach against Rangers in recent matches, restricting space out wide must be in conjunction with pressing quickly in central areas to limit Jason Holt and Andy Halliday's time on the ball.

This plan requires discipline and concentration from both Killie's wide players and full backs to ensure they nulify the threat posed by forwards Barrie McKay and Martyn Waghorn as well as defenders Lee Wallace and James Tavernier.

GK: Jamie MacDonald

The most successful of the summer signings, Jamie MacDonald produced an outstanding and largely overlooked triple save in the last round against St Johnstone to ensure Killie reached the fifth round. Despite forming part of Hearts' victorious side in 2012, the 29-year-old may feel he have some extra motivation in this competition after he spilleded a shot for the winning goal in last year's final. One to be trusted on the big occasion.

RB: Lee Hodson

Right back has been a real problem position in recent years and while David Syme hasn't disgraced himself out of position, it's time for a natural full-back to take his place. Hodson has played three times for MK Dons in January and so should be match fit for Saturday. Mark Warburton will know all about Hodson's strengths having worked together at Watford and the Northern Ireland international should focus solely on his defensive duties to shore up what has been a fragile Kilmarnock back four.

CB: Conrad Balatoni

Balatoni has been as solid a defensive performer as Killie have had this term and provides a threat from attacking set plays. He must avoid the temptation to play a high line or be dragged wide into one-on-one situations against Kenny Miller. The former Partick Thistle man is at his best when focusing on the simpler aspects of defending while allowing his partner to try and bring the ball out from the back.

CB: Stuart Findlay

He remains rough around the edges but Killie's rare moments of defensive solidity have come when the on-loan Celtic man plays alongside the more experienced Balatoni. Although he can appear slightly awkward in style, Findlay is comfortable on the ball and that may be important against a home side who try to starve their opponents of possession. Must not be bullied by Martyn Waghorn.

LB: Kevin McHattie

Part of the Hearts side which beat Rangers at Ibrox on the opening day of last season, Kevin McHattie mirrors his game on his opposite number Lee Wallace. Capable defensively, he is at his best when supporting the attack and supplying the forwards with crosses to attack. McHattie has fared well on the two occasions he has faced Michael O'Halloran this season, although the former St. Johnstone forward is cup-tied.

DM: Gary Dicker

Another new arrival who would go straight into my starting line up. His experience of coming up against Ross Barkley and Everton last week will stand him in good stead and ensure he's not overawed by the transition to Scottish football. Rangers have made a habit of scoring goals courtesy of third man runs from Jason Holt and Andy Halliday and Dicker's job will be to break down Rangers attacks at the source.

RM: Rory McKenzie

Despite being disrupted by injuries, Rory is probably enjoying his most consistent spell of form since breaking into the first team. His energy and versatility are valuable assets to the side and he could move to a more central position off the main striker should it be required.

CM: Craig Slater

Forced off after 23 minutes against Hamilton, the Scotland U21 international will hopefully recover in time to take his spot in the starting XI. While he'll have to perform some defensive tasks, Slater should be encouraged to play as a box-to-box midfielder and utilise his shooting ability from distance. Appeared one of the players to suffer from stage fright at Ibrox last year, hopefully he's able to perform much better this time around.

CM: Kallum Higginbotham

A maverick who is capable of producing the unexpected and spectacular, Kallum Higginbotham has been much more effective since being moved from the wing and into a central role. Higginbotham's dribbling ability helps drive the team up the field and relieves pressure on the backline. Having failed to score since September, the 26-year-old is due a goal. Could swap with McKenzie or Kiltie if required.

LM: Greg Kiltie

One of the country's most promising youngsters, Kiltie's emergence and decision to stay at Rugby Park has been one of the few things to put a smile on the face of Killie fans in recent times. Enthusiastic and talented, the teenager has chipped in with three goals this term but is still developing when going back towards his own goal as was proved in the last away game at Tannadice.

CF: Josh Magennis

While there's unlikely to be anyone more desperate to prove a point at Ibrox on Saturday than Kris Boyd, Josh Magennis has earned his place as the club's number one forward this season. The Northern Irishman has led by example and his ability to press and harry Rangers' central defenders will be crucial to any potential away triumph.

What do you think? Let us know on Twitter: @KillieFC

Or have your say on the Killie Kickback forum here.

Season Diary - Week 27

It was all happening off the park this week, there certainly wasn’t much happening on it!

Yet another defeat in a must win game against Hamilton was the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back and Gary Locke “resigned” before the sun set on Saturday.

Billy Davies is the name being quoted in the press as his replacement, but our former chairman is not renowned for getting on with anyone as outspoken as the former Forest boss so we will just have to wait and see.

Strangely enough prior to the transfer window slamming (©Jim White) shut we signed two new players picked by the manager we saw fit to get rid of, what’s all that about?

Nonetheless we should welcome midfielder Gary Dicker from Carlisle and right back Lee Hodson, here on loan from MK Dons, into the fold and hope that the new gaffer can put them to good use.

Well done also to the Howard Arms KSC on raising over £4,000 at their charity night.