There was a Press Conference at Rugby Park on Monday to introduce the new community coach, former professional player Paul McDonald, to various representatives from Killie organisations. The Young Killie, the Supporter's Association, The Killie Trust, killiefc.com & B&H from the Killie Standard were all in attendance - more than can be said for the tabloid media, obviously they had more pressing stuff to attend to like an old firm player opening a bag of crisps.

Davie Mackinnon kicked off the proceedings, he commented: "I would like to thank everyone for making the effort to be here today as Paul McDonald could well prove to be the best signing that Killie have made this season. When I arrived

at the club the community coach role had been done away with and I made it one of my priorities to get the situation sorted out as soon as possible. We owe our thanks to East Ayrshire Council and the SFA for helping to resurrect the post and I'm glad to say that they are represented here themselves today to answer any questions you may have."

Davie handed over to East Ayrshire councillor Jim Raymond. Jim said: "The council are delighted to support the club and the SFA in this venture as we are keen to show how much we are committed to keeping youth actively involved in sport. I have had great experience in football at both boys club and junior levels over the years and although I am no longer as involved at committee level as I once was, having seen Hurlford Juniors through it's worst spell ever, I try and never miss a game on a Saturday. We realise how important initiatives like this are and we think it's important for the council to encourage kids to make the right lifestyle choices and get involved in sport at an early age." John Griffiths from East Ayrshire Council was also there.

Ex-Killie gaffer Jim Fleeting, representing the SFA, said: "I'm really pleased to be back at Rugby Park, especially given the circumstances. When Eric Young was appointed Killie were the first club in the country to have a community coach and it's great that Paul is going to continue in the post. We are all gong to support him in his new job and I hope that will go for the many people represented here. I think he will do really well but I'm more than sure we'll hear if he's not!"

Davie Mackinnon then went on to introduce Paul, he said: "I remember Paul from back in my playing days when I used to see his back side as he passed me when he was playing for Hamilton and I was with Airdrie. He has a good background in football having served various clubs and that is a real advantage in his new job. I've trained with the players a few times, of course Jim offered me a contract but I refused, and so will Paul and that contact is essential when it comes to getting the players to go out and visit schools and the like."

The man himself kept it short and sweet, he said: "I'd like to thank the club, the council and the SFA for giving me this chance. I hope to take this opportunity with both hands and be successful in achieving our goals. I want to get involved with the Young Killie and the other Killie organisations and get things ticking over again. The job entails an extensive remit but I'm looking forward to getting started as soon as possible."

We spoke to Paul after the formalities were done and dusted and he seems to be well up for the challenge. We asked the question on everyone's lips "What about the soccer schools?" and he said: "I'm only in the job one day but soccer schools are definitely on the agenda. There is nothing concrete in place at the moment but it will be something we are working on. We are not sure of where or when but we have identified a few possibilities and as soon as we can get things sorted out we will let everyone know."

Suite Dreams

It had been many moons since the Howard crew had enjoyed the delights of a day's hospitality in the Park Suite but we changed that in style last Saturday. It was time to dig out the dodgy ties and unveil the shiny shoes as we lorded it up for change. We'd noticed that the Park Suite has been fairly quiet at many games this season so it was pleasing to see a full house - or maybe it just looked full because of our table!

For anyone that hasn't been to the hospitality, we'd recommend it highly if you have a few quid to spare. The day kicks off at 12.30pm with a wee glass of champagne before you find your table and get ready for a great day ahead. The food was delicious, the drink flowed freely and everyone was in high spirits thanks to a great Killie performance - well okay the drink helped the atmosphere as well.

Killie legend Ray Montgomerie was MC for the day and another hero Davie Sneddon ably assisted him along with formerly slim Jim Cockburn, he never had that belly when he pulled on the stripes/hoops! Another ex-boss Eddie Morrison was there to enjoy the day and received a great reception when Monty introduced him to the fans.

At the end of the game Gordon Greer was presented with the Man of the match award by none other than Tam Cowan who had earlier been at the hotel for his Off the Ball programme. The big defender, who's looking like a certainty for the captains armband the way he's organizing the defence of late, made the mistake of wearing his 'benny' bunnet. Cue a real ribbing from Motherwell's finest. First of all Tam claimed that it was the closest Gordon had been to someone from Motherwell all day without kicking them, and then he said that he had a friend with a similar hat…and he was clueless when it came to fashion as well. Or words to that effect!

Thanks to everyone in the Park Suite who helped us enjoy a great day and hopefully we'll be back some time before the end of the season. Finally a big hello to Fiona and Jackie who had to listen to the ramblings of wee Dougie for 90 minutes, I'm sure it contributed to the day's entertainment.

The New Killie Shop!

Okay, it's the same as the old Killie Shop, but Josie has finally persuaded the powers that be to ditch the name Killie Connections and call a spade a spade…or a shop a shop in this case. We popped in after Monday's press conference to check out what Crimbo bargains were on offer and Josie ran through a whole list of new stuff available this week.

The kids red tops have now sold out but there are still adult ones left at £15 each. There are two new calendars in, the traditional kind (at £6) and a fancy new wee desktop calendar thingy which will only set you back £4.50. For £3 you can buy the kids a height chart, and apparently there will be a new shipment of baffies due in today (Thursday). One item that has been in demand for a while that is now in stock are mobile phone covers retailing at £19.99, if you want to see what they look like you can either drop into the shop or have a look for the advert in last Saturday's programme.

The shop has been mobbed all week, which is great news for the club, as we need to keep the cash coming in. Elsie is on the lookout for new Killie Bond agents, so if you fancy it call her on 01563 545300 and she'll tell you what to do next. There are also still plenty of raffle tickets to be sold for the big Christmas draw so why not ask for a couple of books to sell the next time you're in.

Double Date

The Park Suite will be a busy place again next week with the club's AGM on December 10 followed by the KFC Supporter's Association meeting in the same venue the following night. Chairwoman Ann Reid tells us that the newly elected chairman of the club, Jamie Moffat, will be in attendance at the Association's function as well, for the first time ever. So if you are not a shareholder and think your missing something on Wednesday night, then get yourself to the Park Suite on Thursday night and see what the main man has to say.