Bobby Williamson's
first full year in charge see's a marked improvement in League play, but
the loss of the famous blue & white stripes, as Killie opt for an all
white shirt. (The fans are furious about this) Killie are now sponsored by
a local business, Sports Division (A deal worked
out prior to the Cup Final saw Killie players parading the Cup around
Ibrox with Sports Division Tee Shirts) Frenchman
Jerome Veraille is
brought in from Mullhouse, France, and Pat Nevin is also signed.
Killie kit sponsors
are now PUMA.
Tom Brown is the only departing member of the 96-97 cup-winning squad, as
he moved to St Mirren, in a swap for Martin Baker.
Aug
1997
Killie draw Shelbourne
in the European Cup Winners Cup,
to mark their return to European football, for the first time in 26 years.
Results are mixed in Aug, with an opening day Premier League 0-0 draw at
Aberdeen being recorded, followed by a 2-0 League Cup win at Stanraer.
Shelbourne then were beaten 2-1 at Rugby Park with a late Paul Wright goal
giving Killie a narrow advantage. Killie were then embarrassed in a shock
2-6 loss at Stirling Albion, with Lekovic on the bench, as Meldrum's defence
was shredded in the League Cup. This defeat was followed by a 0-4 home
league loss to Hibs. To finish up Aug
Killie
do get by Irish Cup Winners Shelbourne
after picking up a 1-1 draw, thanks to a Jim McIntyre wonder goal.
Sep 1997
1997-98
Killie get by
Irish Cup Winners Shelbourne 3-2 on aggregate, and lose in the
next round to Nice 4-2 in the European Cup Winners Cup.
These were Killie's first European ties since 1970!.
Lekovic, leaves
Killie in Jan 1998, after being the SPL's player of the month for Dec 1997.
Gordon
Marshall
is signed as his replacement from Celtic. Killie lose 2-0 to Ayr in the Cup,
but Killie regroup to finish 4th and earn a UEFA Cup spot, having
beaten defending Champions Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox
the second last game of the season, with Killie Legend
Ally Mitchell getting
the vital goal to sink
Rangers
"10 in a row" ambitions. Killie's record was 13 wins and 11 draws in 36
matches. Bill Costley takes over from Ronnie Hamilton as Chairman. Killie do
get some cup revenge
by beating
Ayr 4-2 in the last ever Ayrshire Cup, at Rugby Park (above).
Killie
Oct
1997
Killie
Nov
1997
Killie
Dec
1998
Killie
Jan 1998
Lekovic, leaves
Killie in Jan 1998, after being the SPL's player of the month for Dec 1997.
Gordon Marshall is signed as his replacement
from Celtic. Killie lose 2-0 to Ayr in the Cup,
Feb
1998
Killie
Mar
1998
Jim McIntyre is sold to
Tommy Burns who has become manager at Reading for 440,000 pounds.
Apr
1998
Killie
May
1998
Ian
Durrant is signed on a free transfer.
