Kilmarnock's top two goalkeepers have been told that they have no
futures with the Scottish Premier League club.
Francois Dubourdeau and Colin Meldrum have been competing for a
first-team start this season, bu
t
neither will have their contract renewed.
Killie boss Jim Jefferies said: "We thought we'd make the decision
early.
"I am looking to bring in an experienced goalkeeper for next year
and I also want to try and make some money available for some defenders."
Jefferies will rely on youngsters Craig Samson and Graeme Smith as
back-up.
Meldrum joined Kilmarnock in 1993, while former Motherwell goalkeeper
Dubourdeau arrived last summer.
"We brought him in as cover, initially for six months, because our
young goalkeeper, Graeme Smith, was injured at the start of the season,"
said Jefferies.
"We kept him on until the end of the season. But, with Graeme being
under contract next year and Scotland Under-21 keeper Samson being given
another year's contract, we made a decision."
Jefferies believes a move for Meldrum would be in the best interests of
both parties.
The 28-year-old was given the chance of being number one in the summer,
following Gordon Marshall's move to Motherwell, after years of being the
veteran's understudy.
"He's been here for this length of time and he needs to kick-start
his career elsewhere,"
"Roddy McKenzie is a perfect example. He was an understudy to Henry
Smith, Gilles Rousset and Antti Niemi at Hearts.
"But he went to Livingston, is not regretting it, and has had a
fantastic season.
"You never know in football and we'll have another chat to him
before the season ends.
"But we are looking to bring someone in on very little wages and we
have to work to our budget.
"What money we have we have to use to strengthen the team -
especially at the back."
This move also shows faith in 21-year-old goalkeeper Smith, who has
been plagued by injuries, and 20-year-old Samson, who has featured for
Rainer Bonhof's young Scots.
Jefferies also rates them and he has even promised Smith a run of
matches before the end of the season.
"They are very young, but they will get a chance,"
"Who knows what they can do. We are looking for them to challenge
the experienced goalkeeper that we bring in."
