Press Conference - 27th June 2002

As predicted in The Rumour Mill several months ago...and re-iterated last night...midfielder Stevie Fulton has pledged the next two years of his career to the Killie cause when he signed again for his former mentor Jim Jefferies at a 2.00pm Press Conference today. The player was introduced to the media by vice chairman Jamie Moffat, the manager and David Heath.

Assistant manager Billy Brown said: "Stevie felt that his time at Hearts had come to an end and wanted to leave so we were obviously interested straight away. This isn't anything to do with an old pals act, we've signed him again because we rate him as a top quality ball player, as good if not better than are here already. He's great at putting his foot on the ball and being able to switch play about the park and if given the opportunity we would prefer to play him on the left of a three man midfield."

I asked Billy if they would be looking at more players at their training camp in Italy when they go next Friday and he said: "Probably not, but I think that there's a good chance that we may have signed another couple of players before we leave."

Fulton, who captained Hearts to a memorable Scottish Cup win over the huns a few seasons ago, was looking fit and raring to go despite the common misconception that he's turned into a bit of a bloater. He's not unaware of how the media portrayed him in recent weeks and managed to laugh off the barrage of questions regarding so-called weight problems. He said: "I've been training throughout the summer, even when I was on holiday, because I knew that I owed it to myself to get back to my peak. I'm not quite 100% there yet but I don't see it being long before I am."

He went on: "I have been able to sign for another club since Christmas but wasn't sure what I wanted to do, then I read in a newspaper on holiday in June that my contract was not being renewed so my mind was really made up for me. After seven years at Hearts it wasn't a great way to find out I suppose, but I don't bear any grudges. I had a good time there and a good relationship with the supporters and I hope that can continue here at Kilmarnock."

"There were a few clubs sniffing around but when I heard that Killie were interested there was only one choice. Sure, the fact that Jim and Billy were here was a big attraction but you only have to look at that hotel out there (we were sitting in the West Stand) to see what kind of ambition this club has and I know that they have a great bunch of young players here as well. Last season I thought I played well and kept my place in the team but things just seemed to sort of peter out but I'm really up for the new season and can't wait to get started."

"Jim has shown great faith in me by bringing me here and has taken me to several other clubs over the years but I don't feel I need to prove anything to him. As with any new player at a club I feel the people I have to impress are the ones on the terracing and I aim to gain their respect by putting on good performances on the park."

Reaction to the signing of Fulton has so far varied from the devastated to the delighted but like the new manager, only time will tell if he's going to be an asset to the club and help deliver some much sought after silverware and European football again. I think he might just be what we need to fire up the midfield again but there are those who think that having a beetroot face means you are fat and unfit...my coupon should be scarlet then! All I'm saying is that we should give him a chance before passing judgement...let's face it, how bad will the rest of the team look when we sign Ronaldo and Rivaldo like Billy Brown has hinted before next Friday!!!

(Wake up baz, time to go home now)