FFTF Update

WE WOULD like to thank everyone who continues to help the Fifty for the Future campaign in a variety of ways. Several fans on Killiefc.com have come up with a novel way of raising funds. They dig out some old football programmes or memorabilia, stick them on e-bay and donate the funds received to FFTF. Feel free to do likewise and it doesn't necessarily have to be football related items that you sell. If you do sell something drop us an e-mail at info@fiftyforthefuture.co.uk and we'll publicise your good work.

The car boot sales have provided a steady stream of income over the last few months thanks to the hard work of Bob, Linda and their (small) army of helpers. They are taking a well earned rest at the moment and with the cold winter months approaching have decided to postpone the boot sales for the time being...look out for their return probably around February, we'll keep you informed.

Many fans ask the FFTF committee to explain exactly who we are and how we operate. FFTF is a fans initiative, a sub-committee of the Supporters' Trust, and as such is totally independent of the club. We are looking to raise funds that will be used solely for the benefit of the Killie youth teams. Any money raised is 'ring-fenced' in the Killie Trust account and contributors can be assured that their money will be used frugally, transparently and with auditability throughout. We will only hand over money to the club when they provide receipts or invoices for legitimate youth team expenses...nothing will go into the 'black hole' and be lost forever if the worst should happen and the receivers are called in.

You will be aware that the recent fun run, organised by the "Kilmarnock Fitness Centre" was a great success and we had agreed that money raised would go to FFTF. We were more than a little surprised and disappointed when we were contacted by the club informing us they would be taking the money directly into their account. We spoke to chairman Michael Johnston who was bemused at our concern and he stated we could still count the money towards our target.

For the reasons given above we cannot do this as we have no direct control over this money and therefore cannot see where it is being used. That would be unethical in our eyes and renege our promise to make sure that a paper trail exists for every penny we raise for Youth Development. However, the FFTF board would still like to thank all those who contributed to the youth teams through the fun run and we will endeavour to ensure that none of the existing FFTF funds arrive at the club until they have utilised said monies that they 'appropriated' from the event.

We are progressing well with our own brand Killie Trust water and anticipate a January launch once we get all the finer details sorted. Anyone wishing to complete a standing order form can pick one up at home games from the Killie Trust desk in the hotel. Alternately visit the website: www.fiftyforthefuture.co.uk.

Get Seated For Xmas

WE MET up with Josie on Monday and she's delighted with the fan's response to the club's "I'm Backing the Team" campaign. The scheme is open to individuals and businesses alike giving you the chance to get your own plaque on your seat as well as receiving a certificate. Businesses will also get their name listed in each home programme for the remainder of the season - a bargain if we ever saw it. We'd also like to thank Billy and Annie (Howard Arms) who splashed out the seat sponsorship for eight regulars who hold season tickets - no jokes about us needing four seats each please! Anyone who wants to take part in the scheme or wants more information can call 01563 545347.

Stars For The Future

THERE can be no doubt that producing good young talent is vital to the future of our club. The current first team squad is packed with players who have arrived via through our youth system and that has to be the way forward. We took the chance to see our latest batch of future stars when we faced Albion Rovers at Rugby Park in the Scottish Youth Cup. It was good to see Ryan O'Leary, our recent signing from Aberdeen, is still eligible for the youth team games. Many of the youngsters have already featured in the reserves however some were completely unknown to us. Killie won the game 2-0 with goals from Iain Flannigan and man of the match Rory Loy.

It was a fruitful few days for young Flannigan (right) who scored again two days later as the reserves drew 2-2 at home to Hibs. Loy played wide right and was involved in all our good attacking play. He will hopefully progress further as he develops physically and gains some valuable experience with the reserves. The most promising youngster of them all at this stage is Jamie Adams. The powerful youngster plays in midfield and appears to have all the attributes required to progress to the top team. Of course there is a long way to go before that happens but if Jamie continues to show the same attitude and commitment he has a real chance of having a big future in the game, and Killie is the place to be. The youth team were drawn away to Rangers in the next round, a game scheduled for Sunday, November 13. With a little luck we'll make the game and will give you a brief match report the following week.

Snap (Un)Happy

UNCLE Jack Sharp, the world’s oldest teenager, gave us a ticking off last week for our wee bit on Mark Skilling. He pointed out that some people may have thought we meant Sandy Ferguson’s picture of the former Killie midfielder breaking Willie Millar’s leg was a great shot for the wrong reasons. What we did mean of course that it was Sandy could not have timed his photo any better from an action photographers point of view…nothing to do with the fact that poor Willie was injured in the process! A ‘big-up’ to Franny Milligan of A1 Glass who turned up trumps with a bag of photos from that era as well…Mark passes on his thanks, as do we.

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