There was a Press Conference at Rugby Park today 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 scratching opening a bag of crisps.
Davie Mackinnon kicked off the proceedings, he said: "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."
