Who would you vote for?

It's fast approaching the time of year when the fiery discussions start among the Killie fans as to who is going to be voted their Player of the Year. Sadly I'm told I can't vote for Willie Watters this time even though his half time draw appearance still ranks as the highlight of my season! In recent seasons Freddy Dindeleux has been an outstanding player for us and has deservedly won a large number of awards. Alan Mahood and Ally Mitchell have also picked up some gongs but this year the awards could be shared by a number of players. Our favourite Frenchman has had a number of injuries that have seen him in and out the team, super Ally has moved to pastures new therefore you can guarantee some new names on the trophies come the end of May. Here are my top three contenders for the prizes:

Stevie Fulton - Since Ian Durrant retired from the game we have been lacking a player in midfield who can put his foot on the ball and play the killer pass. Stevie has grabbed that role and has performed consistently well throughout the season. He worked hard on his fitness during the summer and it would be fair to say that, generally speaking, when Stevie plays well so do Killie.

Greg Shields - It was a fine bit of wheeling and dealing by the manager to entice a player from the English Premiership to the Theatre of Pies. Greg has played right full back or wing back throughout his career, until recently that is. Injuries forced the manager to move Greg into a central defensive role and Greg has taken to it like a duck to water. He may consider himself unlucky not to have featured in the international set-up by now however he still has plenty of time.

Peter Canero - Peter has blossomed this year both with Killie and the Scotland under 21's, including a fine performance in the dark blue against Ireland at Rugby Park. Peter's pace and direct running has caused problems to defences all season and he's another Killie player who could be catching Berti's eye. Surprisingly he's spent most of the time on the left hand side of the team but the manager feels he defends just as well, if not better, on that side.

It's the most open looking P.O.T.Y. race in many years and I'm sure guys like Barry McLaughlin and Kris Boyd amongst others will attract their fair share of support. Since money is tight at most supporter's clubs perhaps big Kris will get some extra votes since his surname is far cheaper to engrave on the trophy!

Talking Tactics

As promised here is the second part of the 'live chat' the club took part in last week. This time we have taken a selection of question and answers aimed at the gaffer Jim Jefferies:

Q: Is Peter Canero a good left back?
A: He is one of those fortunate players who can play in a number of positions. He scores more from the left sided position and has defended better on the left side. 

Q: Do you think that we should have more than Canero in the future squad?
A: Yes I do. Shields deserves a chance and in the future Boyd as well.

Q: With big Marsh out for the next few weeks don't you think we should blood young Samson into the first team setup or don't you think he's ready yet?
A: Samson is not ready yet. Smith and Stewart are further up the pecking order but Melly will get his chance to establish himself as number 1 that's only fair.

Q: Why has Shaun Dillon been dropped completely out of the side? To me he seemed the best talent Killie have seen in a good while.
A: I agree 100%, my experience with young players tells me you have to take them out and then bring them back in to aid their development. 

Q: Where does Stevie Murray fit into your plans?
A: Stevie is a victim of our current system but he's another young player who will play an important part.

Q: How highly do you rate Kris Boyd?
A: He has the potential to be a very good player but he has a lot to learn. 

Q: JJ, in your opinion what is the likelihood of Andy McLaren staying with KFC?
A: He wants to stay so hopefully we can agree terms.

Q: With the loss of Ally Mitchell in the midfield, we seem to be lacking some 'dig'. Are there any youngsters in the reserves who can fill this role or will we be bringing someone in during the summer?
A: We will look at the end of the season to bring someone in. Of the youngsters Greg Gilroy fits the bill. 

Q: What's the possibility of holding on to Canero, Boyd, Murray, Fowler etc. if the big guns start chasing them?
A: Finances will determine whether we can hold on to our young players but we'll do all we can. 

Q: If the club let you splash some cash, what areas of the squad would you strengthen?
A: Defence, midfield and attack, one in each area.

Q: Why are we shot shy when we get to the box?
A: We go over it time and time again as we have players capable of scoring from distance and we will encourage it more. 

Q: Why is it that James Fowler never seems to hit the bye line enough in games. The one time he has done it this season regularly we thrashed Livi.
A: One of the main topics at all training - it will get through one day! 

Q: Do you feel discipline is lacking in the team, or have we just been unlucky?
A: I've not been happy with some silly bookings like dissent that we need to stamp out. 

Q: Jim, what are your feelings on the home support?
A: Fans are entitled to their opinion and they pay their money but we need to get behind the team at home like we do away. 

Q: Jim, I've been disappointed with Dargo playing off the front two, I think he is a better in and around the goalmouth area.
A: Lack of forward going midfield players in the present squad has forced us to play him there but he is unlikely to feature there in future. 

Q: Does the club have scouts watching the lower English leagues where there are some talented players on sensible wages?
A: Yes, we have a network of scouts who keep us up to date.

Q: The league shows we have a better away than home record, do you feel we are positive enough at home?
A: Home and away we play to win. Most teams find it easier to play away. 

Q: Do you think current players work hard enough at picking up the basic skills. Do you encourage extra training?
A: We work on basic training routines but players need to put in extra work voluntarily. 

Q: Are you proud to be able to play 11 Scots almost every weekend? And are you disappointed that Killie don't get the recognition they deserve for it?
A: A lot has been made of going down the road of young homegrown players and we are one of the clubs doing so and are proud of it. 

Q: I like the look of Gary McDonald, he reminds me of Ian Durrant - he's got great balance. Do you think he has a long term future at Rugby Park?
A: Gary has all the attributes to be a good attacking midfielder but needs to produce more end product.

Q: How do you rate Chris Boyle and do you see him getting a game for the first team this season?
A: He has been in our last 3 squads and I'd like too give him an opportunity before the season ends. 

Q: Jim, I feel we don't (and haven't for a long while!) threaten at set pieces - do we have a dead ball expert and do we work at this?
A: We work at set pieces regularly and we sometimes wonder if the minds go blank on a Saturday. We will strive to improve. 

Q: Will you allow Freddie to leave?
A: We have had no offers and I'm happy to keep him unless we receive an offer we can't refuse, that applies to most players. 

Q: Jim, good evening from South Florida! How do feel Kilmarnock is faring under your charge...better than or worse than expected? What is your long term ambition for the club?
A: I'm less than a year in the job with a new team so top 6 is a great achievement - Europe would be out of this world. My long term ambition is to win another trophy.

KFCSA Monthly Meeting

If you want to find out all the latest information from the Supporter's Association then why not pop along to the Park Suite on Thursday night. Chairman Colin Hargreaves will be explaining the latest position with regard to setting up a Supporter's Trust. Other clubs throughout Scotland and England have already taken this route and it's the ideal way for fans to have a say in the running of their clubs. In England there are now four clubs who are owned and run by their Trust and here at Killie the board are receptive to the idea.

It will be happening at Killie sooner rather than later so why not come along and pledge your support from the outset. David Heath will be at the meeting to answer queries relating to the season ticket offer whilst myself and Baz will be there trying to promote the reintroduction of the free pie/kebab/curry. You don't have to be a member to attend and the action gets under way at 7.30pm.

Read the B&H column in the Kilmarnock Standard every week