If it came out of Killie boss Jim Jefferies mouth then you'll find it here (if it was picked up by the press.)  Dates shown are dates reported ....   

Jan 17th Reflects on Leaving Killie... "A couple of years prior, I could easily have said, ‘I don’t want to be here’, but I didn’t, The fans were going through a tough period, and an experienced manager was needed, so you battled on regardless. But there comes a time when it’s not doing you any favours, and it’s not doing the team any favours. I felt it was right to move on before I became disillusioned with it all. If it was affecting me and the way I was feeling, then maybe that was transmitting itself to the players, and maybe that was a genuine reason why we weren’t playing as well as we could have. Jimmy has been out of the game for a while, but he has had his break and he was desperate to get back in. Maybe he can give the players that wee lift."

Jan 11th on Leaving the Club After Mutually Agreeing To His Contract Termination... "We have left by mutual consent. We just felt it was time at this moment to part the ways and I wish Kilmarnock all the best. The last couple of years have been tough but I'm pleased with what has been done down there. It's now time for everyone to move on. Normally when a new manager comes in it gives the players a lift. I think the team have been very unlucky to be where they are. They haven't won a lot of games but they have not been playing badly. Scoring is always a difficult thing and if you're not scoring when you're on top then you'll get punished when things are not going your way. But they are a good enough squad to get out of trouble, there is plenty of time left. Maybe just a new voice coming in will give everyone a lift and that'll be what they need. I think it's the right time for Billy and me to change. Sometimes someone coming in with different ideas and a different voice can lift the players again to impress the new manager. So good luck to them. I enjoyed my eight years at Kilmarnock, They have a bunch of players who, if they get the breaks, will secure their Premier League status fairly comfortably and can finish in sixth or seventh."
“I’m in my eighth season there and that’s an achievement in itself, The true supporters down there know I’ve tried to play the right football. It’s not been an easy situation but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’ve always felt the true fans have been pretty receptive to me down there. When you’re going well they all tell you you’ve done a fantastic job and they’re lucky to have you, and when you’re not doing so well they’re quick to criticise, especially the ones who didn’t want you there in the first place.”

On Kevin Kyle... "Kevin and I had a great relationship. I brought him to the club and he has done well. I made him captain, he's a bit of a character and a winner. I never had problems with him."
On His Future... "I want to get back into football as soon as possible."

Jan 6th on the Bairns (Cup) Pre Match..."You know you'll be criticised when you are down near the bottom. The only way you'll get out of that is by winning matches. So we need to stick together. I can understand the frustration of the fans - especially after we put on a good performance at Dundee United. But to be fair the Kilmarnock supporters have been good to us and any jeers have been born out of frustration. Criticism is part and parcel of the game when you are not doing well. The fans are entitled to their opinion and you just have to get on with it. But we want to make the supporters happy and the only way we'll do that is by winning."

Jan 2nd on the Buddies Post Match... "It was not the best of games and there wasn't much in it. There were not a lot of efforts on goal or a lot of great play to create chances and both teams cancelled each other out. But, if you don't concentrate at the end and if you switch off for a second, it will cost you. That's how simple it can be when it's as tight as this. Both teams needed a spark to win the game and it didn't come. What came was a corner that wasn't defended well and that's what has cost us."   Match Report

Dec 31st on the Buddies Pre Match... “This is an ideal opportunity for us to get them back for beating us at Rugby Park. It’s a crucial game for both sides and you can guarantee that we’ll be trying to get something out of the game, hopefully taking all three points. If we show the same determination that we did at Tannadice then we have every chance of coming away with a decent result.”

Dec 26th on the Arabs Post Match... "We are disappointed we did not get a goal as Mark Burchill is adamant that the goalkeeper did not have it under control, so we are aggrieved that we did not get a goal. Dundee United have a good delivery and are very dangerous at set plays as they have some big targets, but we did fantastically well. We showed real spirit and determination to get a result and that's what we need. Simon Ford has a real bad one. His eye is closed and he is a big doubt for Wednesday's game." Match Report  

Dec 24th on the Arabs Pre Match... "Craig's departure could see United's players on a little bit of a downer after losing a manager who has done well for them. But they may also be determined to work even harder to impress a new man coming in. So there's no point in thinking about United's managerial situation, we'll just be playing them as though Craig was still there. I'd imagine Peter and his backroom staff will take charge of the team if a new manager is not in place.  So we can't focus on the upheaval at Tannadice, we just have to focus on what we need to do.  We played well against United earlier this season although they got the goals and we didn't take our chances. But we won 2-0 a Tannadice last season. We're capable of getting a result and tend to get one when people don't expect it. United have lost a good manager who won't be easy to replace. His departure will leave a big hole at the club because of the huge role he plays there.  There were two or three people mentioned for the Scotland job but Craig was always the No.1 choice. I'm sure the Scotland players will be happy with his appointment because he knows just how to get a team organised. I don't think anyone will be disappointed Craig has got the job. These are three tough games in a week, and we really have to go out and roll our sleeves up to try and make up for the disappointment of our last game.”

Dec 19th on the Bairns Post Match... "In the second half, we didn't show the desire that we showed against Hibs. The application of effort and commitment wasn't the same as it was the week before. We got on the back foot and it always looked like we could lose a goal - although, not the way we did. It was an unbelievable goal to lose at this level. How it went in, I don't know. After that, you could see we became a bit jaded because we had fought back and we were having to do it again. But I thought Falkirk could have had one or two more - they had more hunger and desire." Match Report

Dec 18th on the Bairns Pre Match... “We will give them (Falkirk) the utmost respect. They may be bottom of the league but they’re not a bad side. We will probably go into the match as favourites, but people shouldn’t be expecting us just to turn up and win. The supporters were right behind us in the Hibs match, and we need more of the same this Saturday. When the fans show their support for the team, it helps spur on the players, so their backing against Falkirk can only help our cause. I said last week that there were a number of teams currently in the bottom half who could finish in the top six and I stand by that. Things are very tight, and while Hibs and Dundee United have been on good runs recently, there are a number of teams just under them who will all be scrambling for a top six place. It will take another good shift from the players to win the match, but if they show the same application and hard graft that they did against Hibs they can get the result we all want.”

Dec 12th on the Hibs Post Match... "We were standing arguing [about the free kick award] instead of getting on the ball. We keep drumming into them in that situation to get on the ball and don't let them take it quickly, and after it was taken our two centre-halves were in dreamland. Both of them, especially Simon Ford, played extremely well but that lapse of concentration never really gave them a chance to recover. It was a problem in the middle of the park in allowing the free kick to be taken quickly. It was a cracking game. It was pretty much end-to-end stuff for a spell and as the game wore on the crowd and the atmosphere were great.  I thought we made their goalkeeper work, and he made more saves in the first half than Mark Brown  Both teams tried to get the ball down, pass it and play; I can see why Hibs are doing so well as they have some good players. When Riordan hit that one at the end, I thought, 'Here we go again', because he's capable of doing that, but that would have been a real travesty. We showed we're not that bad a side and you can't ask for any more - they gave everything try to play the right way."  Match Report  

Dec 11th on the Hibs Pre Match... "It’s now up to them to go out against Hibs on Saturday and build on that, We have to get them on the back foot, because if you let them attack you, they will hurt you. They are a team that have proved they have players who have goals in them, so you have to go out and have a go at them. It's no surprise to see them up there putting in a little bit of a challenge to the Old Firm. That's great. John has done fantastically well, him and Brian, and just got Hibs playing like their philosophy was at Falkirk, getting it down and passing it. He is probably working with a better quality player now and they are certainly showing it."
On Extending Burchill's Contract... "Burchy has been unlucky with injury and we have reviewed the terms of his deal so he now has a contract for the rest of the season. There was a clause where we would review his contract in January if he played a certain amount of games. He was not able to do that because he has been out injured but Burchy is getting his chance now and will play his fair share. All he has to do is perform the way he did against St Johnstone. That doesn't mean to say if he does not score goals we won't keep him. The pressure is off Burchy as he knows he has a deal in place with us until the end of the season. They (along with KK) have played together before and both knew each other from Scotland set-ups. Burchy may not be as skillful or clever as David Fernandez but his experience and movement are great. He is a different type of player and maybe what we have been missing. If we get the right service to Burchy and Kevin they will win points and hopefully help us climb the table."

Dec 10th on the SPL Relegation Battle... "Our win over St Johnstone - and Hamilton winning against Hearts - makes it a very tight league. It's going to be a lot tighter this season. There could be seven clubs involved in the relegation battle and there's about eight clubs in with a shout of the top six. Hibs and Dundee United have both been consistent in keeping in touch with the Old Firm and that's great for the league. Two wins can shove you up the table and two defeats can push you right back down. But there's no need to panic about league positions just now - even for Falkirk - as it's so tight. Points are the most important thing just now as the league positions don't matter just now.  There's 19 games to be played before the split, so that's 57 points to play for. There's still a long way to go and any team that can string a run of results together will give themselves some breathing space. That's what we are looking to do. We will be the underdogs against Hibernian but that's the type of game we respond to. I'm sure the pundits will have Hibs as favourites but that might work to our advantage. We've been unlucky at home, against Dundee United and Hearts in particular, not to take anything from the games."
On Killie's Financial Plight & Budget Constraints... "This has been the toughest year, We knew that would be the case at the start of the year, with some of the things we've had to do. Some you are not happy with, but you have just got to get on with it.  We'll make sure we keep the players focused and try to do our best to get in the top half of the SPL, But the most important thing is to make sure we remain a Premier League club."

Dec 5th on the Saints Post Match... "We really got at them at half-time. We said they would come back - and they're a decent side. One of the best we've played this year.  It's not about how well we go out and play, it's about showing resilience.  They pinned us back, but you could see Mark Brown's handling, it was terrific.  I was quite pleased with the resilience we showed. We've played better and got beat. This week it was all about the three points, and it doesn't matter how you get them - we got them today." Match Report

Dec 3rd on the Saints Pre Match... “We were by far the best team against Hearts, tried to play football and created enough chances to win the game, but we don’t seem to be getting the breaks in front of goal.  All we can do is keep plugging away on the training pitch to make sure that we take the chances when they come along. We know we have lost several games that we should have won, so we have to keep on working hard and hope that things turn for us. There is nothing wrong with the way we're playing, I would be more worried if we weren't creating chances but we are, we maybe even need to create a few more. The trouble is that we need to put the ball in the net. Kevin Kyle said this week that he's had more chances in the last few games than he had last season. The difference is he was putting the ball in the net every chance he got last season. This year it has not happened, but we shouldn't be relying on Kevin Kyle all the time, there are others who have had better chances than Kevin and they have not been sticking the ball in the net. That's something we have got to rectify."
On former Celtic striker Mark Burchill... "We've not been scoring goals so the other strikers have got to be in the frame because we have been playing well enough and creating chances, and Mark has a track record of putting the ball in the net.  Injury has held him back but he got a wee spell last week and he is there if we need to call on him."

Nov 28th on the Hearts Post Match... "It's frustrating because we've outplayed Hearts today. Their goal was the first shot they had on target and we found ourselves 1-0 down.  It's the old saying: when you're on top, you've got to put the ball in the net. I can't do that for them.  I thought we could have been 3-0 in front before Hearts even had a pop at goal today. The supporters know that we try to play the right way. We had some great flowing moves today and we worked hard. How can you criticise the team, except for being more clinical. Conor Sammon had one at the back post that was a yard out and you wonder how they can miss from there, but people do and it puts you under a bit of pressure." Match Report

Nov 27th on the Hearts Pre Match... “It’s a big game, by virtue of the fact that we go above them if we win, and with back-to-back home games on the horizon against Hibs and Falkirk a win would give us a massive boost. The fans have been great this season despite our disappointing results and with their backing on Saturday we can get the win that can give us the impetus to start climbing the league. There’s a long, long way to go, but we can ease the pressure a bit by taking maximum points against Hearts.”
On Missing Chances & Kyle's Availability..."If you make chances you have to take them, for if you don’t you will be made to suffer, and that’s exactly what’s been happening to us. That’s been a big frustration for us this season,” he continued, “for in a few games we have shot ourselves in the foot by not scoring when we should have done. “Knowing Kevin, he’ll be desperate to play in the game, but there’s a definite possibility that he might not be able to.”
On Extending Brown's Loan... "Now I have to find out how Alan is. He's back training with the physio, but he's not back on the training pitch yet.  If he doesn't look like he'll make it by the time Mark's spell ends then I may have to look at extending it. Celtic might not allow that or someone else might come in and buy him and I would have to address that at the time.But if Alan's not going to be fit I'd like to keep Mark at the club. If he is fit then Mark will go back and Comber's our keeper."

Nov 21st on the Rangers Post Match... "We started the game really well but you have to defend well and, after 10 minutes, we went to pieces and the defence was shocking. Young Ryan O'Leary had a torrid time in the first half and I thought about taking him off. But, credit to him, after taking a bit of a roasting at half-time, he stuck to his task better than he did in the first half. I don't think we have had as much possession at Ibrox, or worked the goalkeeper as much, but we can't defend the defence in the first half. We could have lost one or two more". Match Report

Nov 20th on the Rangers Pre Match... “I thought we did well against them in the last match, but we know it will be a different type of game when we go there. It’s all about making sure that we're well prepared and play to our strengths. We must be well organised and take any chance that comes our way. We'll certainly have a positive attitude and look to take something from the game.”

Nov 17th on Being Linked To the Open Scotland Manager Job... "I've been linked before with the position. What I've said many a time when I get linked with a job, whether it's the Scotland job or any other job, I never comment on that. The day I'll comment on anything like that is the day I get asked, and then I'll be able to say yes or no. I have been linked and (it is) very flattering. 
On Burley's Reign..... "George would try 100 per cent, he's a very passionate man," Jefferies continued. Unfortunately for him, it didn't work out and he's had to face the consequences. The players are not entirely blameless,  I think Darren Fletcher's come out and said that.  The one thing I've always said with Scotland is, it's not how you play. People travel and spend a lot of money to see the team get a result.  Because they don't play every week, it doesn't matter how they play. It's about qualifying and getting the points and not losing, because they've not got the same quality as a lot of the nations. If you open up a bit thinking you're going to entertain at that level, if you've not got the quality, it can be a problem. But you cannot criticise George for that because that's his philosophy and, if he did it that way, he's got to stand by it."

Nov 12th on Last Week & the Season So Far... “We played some decent stuff and I thought we started the game very well, as good as we’ve started at home this season. Their goalkeeper had a few good stops, some of it down to good goalkeeping and on other occasions being in the right place at the right time. You could argue that the penalty award for their first goal was a bit soft and for the second Ryan (O’Leary) misjudged the flight of the ball, but to be fair to United, they got the breaks and took advantage of them.  In a few matches this season, things have been a bit frustrating for us, and that’s how we all felt last Saturday after the game, If it had ended 2-2 it would have been a fairer result, but you have to take your chances when they come your way. If Kevin doesn’t score, we’ve been having problems. We have been creating chances, but we’re just not putting them away.  It’s a case of keeping your head down, working hard and hoping things turn your way. You can work well during the week and set up the team right on a Saturday, but if the ball doesn’t go into your opponent’s net then you don’t get the result you want. Maybe some of the players are trying too hard when a chance comes their way, and maybe they just need a bit of composure in front of goal when the chances fall to them."
On Kyle’s inclusion in the Scotland squad ... “We told him when we wanted to sign him that it was a chance for him to play and score regularly and get himself back in the spotlight, and that’s exactly what’s happened. He’s a different type of player to many of his fellow strikers, and other clubs respect and fear him in the box. He was as angry as anyone after the United match, and was blaming himself for missing a couple of chances. But when you’re at the wrong end of the league that’s what happens. However, it’s something that we’ll get sorted out.”

Nov 7th on the Arabs Post Match...  "I don't think anyone was short-changed, We beat St Johnstone here in our last game and I thought we were 10 times better today. United scored the goals, that was the difference. I thought we were terrific in open play, we certainly had the chances to score but unfortunately we didn't put the ball in the net. I can't fault the players for effort but we need players to step up and take the pressure off Kevin Kyle. We are finding it hard to do that.  We can set out the team right, which we did today, but you can't put the ball in the net for them. We do enough shooting and finishing in training but when it comes to the Saturday it isn't happening and that is the only criticism I can level at the players."     Match Report
On the Players Approaching Their Union... "The players accept that there is a fines system at every club, that if they are showing dissent or retribution or making reckless challenges, they understand that, but I think there are other things that have been added on that they are not happy about. It's their prerogative to talk to the union. We'll have to wait and see what the union come back with."

Nov 6th on the Arabs Pre Match... “United are a very good side,and were unfortunate to be behind to Rangers, having hit the woodwork three times. But we have a decent record against them and have caused them a few problems in the recent past. This is the first of three tough fixtures against United, Rangers and Hearts, but with two of these games at Rugby Park, we’ll be looking for the points that will help us climb the league. I like to look at the bigger picture and that is that we’re only three points away from a top six place. But to get there we need everyone pulling together, for one result can make all the difference.”
On Last Week's Celtic Match...“It was always going to be a very difficult task for us to go there and get a result, particularly as they played so well on the day. They came out of the traps very quickly and we rode our luck a bit in the opening 25 minutes. We can have no complaints, and they would have beaten any team in the division with that sort of performance. Kevin had a good chance to pull a goal back when we were 2-0 down, and a goal then might have given us a bit of a lift, “and another couple of opportunities fell to him after the break, but it just wasn't to be.” “Cameron came in and showed what a terrific prospect he is. He had a great match against Celtic and never put a foot wrong. “Mark wasn’t left out of the team against Celtic because of bad form, but because of a clause in his contract preventing him from playing against Celtic. He’s done extremely well for us since he came here, and is a bit more experienced than Cameron, but it’s a great problem for me to have.”
On Allan Russell Returning... "He might not be allowed to play in case of doing further damage to his hand, and with the kind of bad luck Allan has been subject to that might be the right decision. But we’ll wait and see what’s what towards the end of the week.

Nov 5th on Kyle Returning to the Scotland Squad... "It's a big lift when you have someone representing their country. When I tried to convince him to come here, I told him if he did well and adapted to the Scottish game then he would be in the eye of the Scotland manager and have a chance of the Scotland squad again. It's happened to work out for him that way. It's good when you use that as a selling tool that it comes to fruition. It shows what I said to him meant something and it's been proved by him getting selected. He'll be looking to get through the game on Saturday and, if he gets through it, it will be good that he's finally made it. I'm sure he'll be a good option for George. He was unfortunate when he had to pull out when he required some surgery on his knee, then he had a clash in training when he was called into the Japan squad late. We were a bit surprised he was left out of the original squad for the Japan game but that's George's selection. They did have call-offs and called him up but again he was injured after missing the game on the Saturday for us. Since then he's banged in a couple of goals, he's always been a threat and is deserving of his chance.": "It gives the other players a lift but it's up to them. George has shown if you're doing well, it doesn't matter what club you're with, you'll get a chance. That's the challenge to everyone at this club. We're just delighted Kevin is in and he's a handful for any defence, as other managers will tell you."

Oct 31st on the Celtic Post Match...  "We said to the players before the game that they were going to come at us. Celtic were excellent today. We just couldn't get near them.  I thought we were better in possession in the second half when we had a go, and Kevin Kyle admitted he should have scored a hat-trick with headers. But when Celtic play like that they're difficult to contain, so I must praise our boys for sticking to their task."  Match Report

Oct 30th on the Celtic Pre Match... “In the past it’s been pretty daunting going there and facing players such as Larsson, Sutton, Hartson and Petrov, and while they may have moved on, Celtic still have a number of good players who can make it hard for you. But if our guys have a bit of belief in themselves, then we can go there and make it a bit of a contest. We’ve been defending very well this season and if we can keep that going and take our chances when they come along then who knows. The three points we picked up against St Johnstone takes the pressure off a bit, so we’ll go there with a fair degree of confidence.  You've got to give Celtic respect whether things are going for them or not, You've got to appreciate that it's tough for them because the expectations are so great there. They may be lacking a bit of confidence at the moment but confidence can return just as quickly as losing it and they do that by working hard and doing things right.  We have to make sure we don't give them that opportunity to get it right. It doesn't matter if they're not playing as well as people think they should be because, if we don't play well, they will beat us whether they are playing well or not. It's all about what we do and we have to work hard and make it difficult for them. If they struggle to cope with that, hopefully we can cash in.".
On Cameron Bell...   “Cameron is a young goalkeeper with lots of potential, as he shows every day on the training pitch. He played against Hibs in a closed door game last week and looked
On Ryan O’Leary ...  “The physio (Alex MacQueen) will be treating Ryan in the early part of the week, and we’re hopeful that we will have him fit for the weekend. Steven Old did well fitting in for him last Saturday, but Ryan has been playing really well and has been one of our better players so far this season. Since he’s come into the team he’s looked very secure, and it would be a bonus for us if he recovers in time for the Celtic game.”

Oct 24th on the Saints Post Match... "I would have taken a shocking performance and taken the three points because we have been playing well and not getting the results, We got a good 45 minutes and that was it. We didn't give them too much of a roasting at half time, we just told them to settle down and have belief to get the ball down and pass it. We sat off them in the first half but in the second half we got on top of them and when we got the first goal I could see the confidence going through the whole team. We stopped them causing us trouble - they were on the back foot a lot of the time, and Kevin came up with two cracking goals, especially the second one. But today I thought our midfield were great in the second half, because they were non-existent in the first half."   Match Report

Oct 23rd on the Saints Pre Match... "St Johnstone are a good side and they are like us, they probably deserve a few points more, But as long as we keep playing the way we have been playing and keep making the chances, I'm sure the law of averages will turn and we are bound to stick it in the net. The players' attitude has been fantastic, though. We have not lost heart and we are determined to get that second win under the belt."
Latest Squad News.... "Mark (Burchill) had his first 90 minutes in a closed-doors game and I will have him in the squad, If you are looking for a goal then he has got to get a chance. Hopefully, though, if we do put him on the bench we won't need him. Hopefully we can give him a run for the right reasons, when we have stuck the ball in the net and can afford to bring him on. Allan (Russell)  will be out for the next couple of weeks, It is a blow for him and the club.  He fought his way back from a serious knee injury and then this happens to him.

Oct 22nd on Burchill's Status... "I signed Mark on a short-term deal because we had a lot of injuries and were short up front. Then he got injured himself and he made a few attempts at a comeback and took injections to try and make it right.  He'll be desperate to play now because he wants to extend his contract, which is up at the end of the year. Mark had a clause inserted in it which meant that an extension would automatically have been triggered once he'd made a number of appearances for us. The injury meant he hasn't had the chance to do that. It's a dilemma for me, but I will need to weigh up what condition my squad is in when the time comes. If we have a couple of forwards out injured the decision becomes easy. Equally, if he comes in and starts banging in goals it would make a difference. Mark is a goalscorer and we haven't been taking enough of the chances we've been making. He played for the 90 minutes in a closed-doors game against Hibs earlier in the week and looked a bit rusty as that was his first game for a while. He'll be handy to have around because Allan Russell will be out for another couple of weeks after breaking his hand."

Oct 19th on Taouil's Fitness... "Mehdi missed the Aberdeen game with a hamstring strain and Sat out the Hibs clash with a virus.He needed the whole weekend to get over it. However, he was buzzing in training and will play in a bounce match this week."

Oct 17th on the Hibs Post Match... "The penalty decision was harsh. Benji and the crowd got them it. A couple of Hibs players came off the park saying it wasn't one. First half, we were the better side. We made some good chances but we've not been putting the ball in the net. They didn't make Mark Brown make a save in the second half. Overall we're disappointed because it's hard to lose a game that you've put a lot into. We deserved a point today.  It's ironic that the referee doesn't give a decision when (Shaun) Maloney goes over (David) Weir in the Old Firm game a couple of weeks ago yet he gives a decision like that. We're sick, every point in this league is tough and it has been taken away from us by somebody who will wake up in the morning and it will not matter two hoots to him. I think Benji (Benjelloun) was very clever in backing into Gavin. All the boys that have come down from the stands said it wasn't a penalty, as did a few Hibs players. There was an incident where the crowd were shouting for a penalty beforehand and I think it hit someone on the hand but it was never deliberate. The crowd were roaring and I think he was under pressure to give it."  Match Report

Oct 16th on the Hibs Pre Match...  “Players not being available through injury has been par for the course over the past few weeks, but we just have to get on with things.  If Wright doesn’t make it, we could see a central defensive pairing of youngsters Ryan O’Leary and Steven Old, and they’ll have their hands full dealing with the offensive threat of ex-Killie man Colin Nish and the in-form Derek Riordan.   Mark (Burchill) is back in training, but he’ll need a few games before he’s fit to start. Kevin had an injection last Tuesday, but he couldn’t really do anything on the training pitch He has a slight chance of being at least partially fit for the weekend, and I might consider naming him in the squad, but it will be later in the week before I make my mind up. One thing is sure, we’ll have to defend well against them because of the threat they carry up front. They have been blowing a bit hot and cold at home, but on a good day they can be a handful. Hopefully we’ll be set up the right way to deal with them and repeat our display there last December when we won 4-2. More of the same would be nice, but this time finishing with eleven men!” 
On Clancy Reinjuring his Elbow... “It’s a real setback for us, for Tim was making a good recovery and was on schedule to play in the Hibs match.  We’ve been told by the medical guys that this could have happened anytime, so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that it’s happened now and the injury can be put right.”

Oct 8th on Kyle's Injury...  "As it turned out, Kevin’s head injury wasn’t too bad, but when he landed on the ground after clashing with Ryan, he jarred his knee, resulting in him not being able to strike the ball properly so he wasn’t fit for last Saturday. My phone rang while playing in Garry Hay’s testimonial golf day on Monday to see if Kevin was fit enough to travel (with the Scotland squad) . I was a bit surprised when he wasn’t named in the original squad and it’s unfortunate for him again that he wasn’t fit on this occasion.
On Allan Russell's Return... "Allan’s only had 45 minutes of play, so it was great to have him back, and he almost grabbed the winner for us after delivering the pass for Danny Invincibile’s goal.
On Team's Form... “We could have had three goals in the second half,  (Vs the Dons) and were the dominant team after the break, but it was another one of those days.  I thought our defenders could have done better when the free kick from Mulgrew came off Mark (Brown), for they should have been between the scorer and the goalkeeper. But in saying that, we should have had the game won long before that. If you look at the chances we missed against Falkirk, Rangers and Aberdeen, you could say these misses have cost us six points. We deserve more than we’re getting at the moment but you have to put the ball in the net to win games.”

Oct 3rd on the Dons Post Match... "I think we deserved the three points today. I thought we were the better side, particularly in the second half. We made some chances that should have been in the net.  Conor Sammon should have had a double today. Our goalkeeper's had nothing to do.  Charlie Mulgrew's got a point for them because he has hit one of these special free-kicks that the goalkeeper finds difficult to deal with.  We were by far the better side. They will be happier with the point than we were. I can't criticise the players. There wasn't a lot in the first half but in the second half there was definitely some great chances for us."   Match Report

Oct 2nd on the Dons Pre Match...“Hitting the woodwork in three successive games has been hard luck on us, but you just have to get on with the job and hope things turn your way. and the fact that Falkirk goalkeeper was chosen by Sunday newspapers as the top goalkeeper of the weekend speaks volumes. All the teams in the league are finding it difficult to score goals, even Rangers and Celtic. It’s the hardest part of the game, but we just have to keep making chances and hoping that we get a break or two in front of goal.  We only found out earlier this week that Manuel had this suspension hanging over him from last season,  Because there is no reserve league this season that penalty has now been upgraded and, as a result, he will miss out this Saturday.”
On Kyle's Omission from the Scotland vs Japan Squad..."I'm surprised and I think Kevin is a bit surprised because he was in the last squad and only had to pull out for knee surgery,  I don't pick the team, but we thought he might have a decent chance.  They could come back for him if there are call-offs. I don't know if he is on any reserve list, but it won't affect him, he will take it in his stride. He saw getting in to the Scotland squad as a bonus, so it won't affect him. It will make him more determined to prove that he could still do it."

Sept 26th on the Bairns Post Match... "I thought if any team was going to score, it was going to be us, We probably put a bit more pressure on in the second half and their goalie's had far more to do than ours and he made the save at the end from big Kyle's header. We felt we put a lot of good balls in the box and nothing fell for us. We had a lot of players out today, It's our first point away from home this year. We know the teams round about us in the bottom half - apart from Falkirk - have not picked up anything today so we jump a place." Match Report

Sept 25th on the Bairns Pre Match... "It can go two ways for Falkirk, The obvious thing is that it makes them more determined to get that win to get the monkey off their back, as they say. But there does come the pressure of getting that win the longer the run goes. I hope they get it but I hope it's the week after we play them. We will just be looking after ourselves, making sure we play well and if we do that then we can jump up a couple of places. The league is tight. I thought we could have won at Tynecastle when we played Hearts the other week and a win that night would have put us fourth in the league. We could go seventh or we can go bottom against Falkirk depending on the score so we have to make sure that we are doing our best to get seventh. We wanted a cup run, there's no doubt about that but staying in the SPL is the most important thing, We are still not deviating from our thoughts that if we can get the breaks and get everyone fit, then we will try to get into the top six and we will never give up on that. But the most important thing is that we remain in the SPL."

Sept 22ndon the Buddies Post Match...  "They were stunned by the late equaliser and I thought we would go on (to win). We had a couple of great opportunities in behind them to get decent balls in but we didn't put in the final ball that Kevin (Kyle) was looking for.  I thought St Mirren were the better side in the first half. We've not played as well as we have been playing. The second half was a bit better and we pushed to get a goal.  I would have fancied us if it had gone to extra-time because I think St Mirren were rattled. There is very little between the teams. It's been a struggle the last few years here but we'll do the best we can and we'll bounce back on Saturday." Match Report

Sept 21st on the Buddies Pre Match...  "Even Gus MacPherson said we should have had them dead and buried at half-time, a couple of weeks ago.We gifted them the equaliser and that gave them a lift and they played better in the second half, although they didn't dominate the second half as much as we dominated the first half. You have to give them credit, they took their chances when they came along and that's what wins games. We didn't have Kevin Kyle in that game and hopefully he will make the difference. But it will still be a hard game and they are a difficult side to break down. When I look at the season so far, we have played well in all the games apart from the Motherwell game. There was a lot made of Rangers playing midweek but we also had a game at Tynecastle on the Tuesday night. In the last game against St Mirren, we should have had three points so we should be sitting with at least three more points this season. This is another huge match for us because we want to have a good cup run. We're at home and we have to take advantage of that."
On Killie's Cards From Sat's Rangers Game..."The players get fined if they are reckless but none of these boys deserve to be fined - even Manuel Pascali, who was sent off.  What he got sent off for was ridiculous. These bookings can mount up and cost you and some of them aren't justified. But I won't be the only manager saying that, it's just something you have to put up with. We had Steve Conroy in the two cup matches against A*r last year, which were two difficult matches, and the referee did superbly. We've had him in other league games and haven't had any complaints - I think Steve just had a bad day and everyone is entitled to a bad day.  Some of the bookings were just nonsense and the two sendings-off were harsh. If he looks back at it in the cold light of day, I'm sure he will say there were some silly ones. He had a bad day but it doesn't make him a bad referee."

Sept 19th on the Rangers Post Match... "I think Steve Conroy is one of the best referees and I thought he handled a lot of the game well. But I didn't agree with him with the two sending-offs. Mendes' first booking definitely wasn't a booking, it was his first foul in the game. I said at half-time that the big worry was that he might try to even the score. I've been long enough in the game to know that, especially against the Old Firm with the pressure the referees are under. It was nothing daft or stupid, the boy just closed him down and fell over him and it was a very harsh booking. We have never beaten Rangers down here and that was a great chance. It's not often I'd say this against Rangers or Celtic but I thought we probably threw two points away."  Match Report

Sept 18th on the Rangers Pre Match... “There are a number of positives to take from the Hearts game, and there is a fine line between winning and losing in this league. We have to be well organised and give a good account of ourselves, but there is no pressure on us. We may not have beaten Rangers for a long time at Rugby Park, but that run has to come to an end sometime.”

Sept 15th on the Hearts Post Match...  "As the game wore on, we got more and more at them, we took chances driving forward. We created some good chances and Kevin Kyle was a handful for them when he came on.  On chances, we had probably more chances in and around the area than they had. If they had the chances we had, they would've probably stuck them away. We never gave in, we applied ourselves well but we just never took our chances."  Match Report

Sept 14th on Kyle's Fitness... "We were targeting the Rangers game at home next week for his comeback, he wasn't fit enough to play on Saturday but a few days have made a difference.  Kevin has done a bit of training and we will see if there is any reaction. You can never tell with these things so we will leave it to the last minute to see how he is feeling. After the international break you are always raring to get back in to action, It was no-one's fault that the game was called off on Saturday but we are glad that is was rescheduled so quickly and we are looking forward to it."

Sept 12th on the Hearts Match Call Off... "I think the right decision was taken. I've had players on a bus since 10am leaving Kilmarnock. Our supporters were also struggling probably to get to the game. We are all disappointed as, obviously, we were all looking forward to the match. But common sense has prevailed, the quickest the game could have kicked off according to the police would have been at 4.30 to 5pm. For our players, waiting that length of time, it wouldn't have been the best preparation. It  We will just prepare for it as if it was another game, like having a cup tie in midweek. It's not going to upset us too much. It's just disappointing not to play again after having a free weekend last week for the internationals."

Sept 11th on the Hearts Pre Match... "In our last game against St Mirren, we had Lee Robinson, who is is our third goalkeeper, stripped as an outfield player to make up the numbers, Iain Flannigan had gastro-enteritis but he was on the bench. He really shouldn't have been there but we had to make up the numbers. With 10 minutes to go, when I wanted to change the game, the only option I had was Graeme Owens and he is only a young player who we are hoping to step up in the future. The rest were defenders - or keepers. But if we get Hamill and Invincibile back it will look better and of course, keeper Mark Brown has come on loan from Celtic and he looks as if he has a real spring in his step because he has the chance to play first-team football. The Hearts game has probably come too early for Kevin (Kyle) but it looks like he will be fit for the following week."

Sept 10th on Scotland Vs Holland... "I don't think anyone can blame George, he was a bit unlucky, I don't see any reason to change it, they should stick with him. The players gave everything against Holland and you couldn't have asked any more in terms of commitment. George didn't get a lot of breaks with injuries and things went against him at times. But the trouble is deeper than that. You have a set of players, you can't say that they are not committed to play for Scotland, but the bottom line is that they are short. We need to find a way to improve on where they are short. Maybe the Scottish manager has a wee bit to play in that but it really shouldn't be the case, it should come from the bottom up. He (de Boer) made valid points. It's all about what you do when in control of a football. As he said, you look at Iniesta, Messi and Xavi, they are not big strong people, but they can handle a football. Look at Holland last night in tight areas, the touch, the movement and technique of their players, Holland is not a much bigger country than us, their facilities will probably be better but their climate is the same. They are producing players and so we have to look at what they do. I'm sure over the years we have gone over there and looked at what they do. Whether we are not implementing it or going about it the wrong way, I don't know.  But we go to youth games and look at the top teams and they all want to win cups so they get the strong players at 12, 13, 14 and it makes a massive difference. But how many of those players who have physique and size come through?  They can't see the wood for the trees but we have had this discussion time and again. You keep talking about it but nothing seems to be improving and we have to ask why it is not improving."

Sept 2nd on Signing Mark Brown on Loan... "With the news of Alan Combe's injury, we had hoped to get cover. In Mark, we have a player who has plenty of SPL experience and after his great spell at Inverness, he earned his big move to Celtic. It's always difficult to get a player in for the short period we were looking for but in Mark we've found a player who has played in big games and will, along with Cameron Bell and Lee Robinson, provide cover for Alan. We are delighted to have him at the club."

Aug 31st on Combe & the Buddies Match... "Alan Combe a couple of days ago wasn't in the team because of the reaction to the game the other night, But as time wore on it settled down. He will be sore for a few days but it's something that will always deteriorate. That's why right now we need to look for a third goalkeeper. We'll make the decision that Alan has to have that operation. We couldn't have that all the time because he could just break down and I'm left with two goalkeepers."
On  Kevin Kyle... "I don't think it was a bad tear, It was keyhole surgery so it's just a case of recovering for two weeks and getting it moving again. I thought Conor Sammon was excellent, he was our best player.  David Fernandez has been out a long time but he showed some good touches. But he has never been a prolific goalscorer and that's where we missed Kyle, he might have given us the cutting edge that was missing. There was nothing wrong with the effort."

Aug 29th on the Buddies Post Match... "I couldn't criticise them. We were down to the bare bones. We played well, the only criticism was that we gifted them their first goal. Garry Hay didn't clear the ball at the back post, he knows that, it got caught in the wind. They got a lift right away because they were fortunate to only be one down. I think their second goal was against the run of play and it took a deflection. It just wasn't our day."    Match Report

Aug 28th on Killie Keeping Kevin Kyle Thru The Transfer Deadline... "Keeping Kevin might be a problem and I just hope the phone doesn't go. It wasn't good for me that the transfer deadline was extended. But I am sure we will do everything to resist that if it happens. At least if the deadline passes we have him until January at least. Quite a few clubs would like him in their ranks. I have heard him linked with the likes of Hearts, but sometimes that is just an agent trying to put him round. But Kevin is quite happy here. He has got a team there which creates chances for him and helped him get into the Scotland squad. He's had a real lift from that and he showed it the other night when he set up two and scored a header against Morton."

Aug 25th on the Morton Post Match... "We had to do a professional job against Morton and we did it eventually. I would have liked us to be more clinical, but I’m delighted that we’re through to the next round.” Match Report

Aug 22nd on the Well Post Match... "It was the same team apart from one change through injury, but we just weren't at the races in the first half.  I asked them 'when do you ever come to training and hear me tell you to punt the ball up the park all the time?' Even when we did we couldn't keep the ball.  Everything broke up and Motherwell just came at us. Simon Ford and Frazer Wright were holding us together and Tim Clancy did all right. I was hoping we would come in at half-time 1-0 down so we could sort things out but the penalty gave us a mountain to climb. There was improvement in the second half and I said to them the next goal was so important and we have got to make sure we get it,  After 65 minutes we got the best chance and it's not like him to miss. But we can have no complaints about the result. What I'm not happy about is that we didn't turn up in the first half." Match Report

Aug 21st on Kyle Getting a Scotland Recall... "He just has to keep banging in goals because I'm sure that will get all the attention media-wise. If he continues in that vein, you can't ignore him. Kris Boyd banged in the goals and then got the call - before all the pulling out - so goals get you noticed. Kevin is certainly hitting a rich vein of form and continuing scoring goals from last season. Hopefully from our point of view - and not just Scotland's - he continues that. Kevin is someone who has a bit more experience than Kris, being a few years older. But there are a lot of similarities. Anywhere around the box Boydy has an eye for the goal and Kevin has shown that too. Boydy has always been prolific and Kevin has come out this week and said he has never thought of himself as prolific. If you look at his track record, he never was that prolific until we got him. I think he has scored more goals here than any spell he has had at other clubs. Maybe we are doing something right to get the best out of him and get the goals."
On fining Player's For Dissent... "We can never be accused of being a dirty team but one area we have pinpointed is dissent. That's not acceptable and when it leads to fines we have to draw the line. We've emphasised to the players that bookings for dissent aren't acceptable. So we have now established rules and guidelines because this is costing us in the long-run and the players have to be responsible for that. They'll be able to appeal if they feel hard done by and a couple of players and myself will sit down and we'll give them that right.  It'll be for everything - sendings off, the lot. If it's a harsh booking we'll take that into consideration but they'll certainly be fined for dissent and reckless tackles if someone totally loses the plot""

Aug 15th on the Accies Post Match... "Kevin did all the hard work in Italy at the club's pre-season training camp] but has had no games for us, and if he can do that from scratch then he's probably going to get more. The second goal was a stunner, but he's capable of doing that and he showed last season what he can do with the right ball and build-up play - we took a wee gamble in playing him today, and it paid off. When we last got into the top six, we had somebody who scored 19 goals for us, so if Kevin's going to get 19 or 20 then we'll be in with a good chance of doing that. Hamilton had changes in their team and a couple of players out through suspension so we had to take advantage of that. You know things are going to be a bit rusty to start with but we were always plugging away and I thought we could have been a couple of goals ahead before we were.
On Kyle's strike partner Connor Sammon... "Connor came in last year and was raw but he's had a year to work on bits and pieces and knuckle down, and in pre-season he's been a different player. Even if David Fernandez and Mark Burchill had been fit I would have started with him because he's been outstanding in training and games and it's great to see him get that confidence as he's willing, works hard and showed some really good neat touches. We'll enjoy the victory but we know there are another 37 games to go so we'll hopefully build on this."          Match Report

Aug 14th on the Accies Pre Match... "Billy (Reid) has had a lot to contend with,  He has lost quality players and he has got two or three suspensions. Alex Neil, who did a great job last season, is recovering from an operation. He has had to virtually build a new side this summer and had a lot of trialists. So they are going to be a bit of an unknown quantity again.  Hopefully we can cause them a lot of problems while they are settling into things. We've kept the nucleus of the squad, There were one or two players out of contract at the end of the season who, if circumstances had been different, we would liked to have kept because you need a lot of players in the Premier League. Numbers are down so we'll keep our fingers crossed that we've had our bad luck in injuries. We thought at one stage we would be missing four or five people but things are looking a bit brighter. I believe we're well capable of challenging for the top six. Clubs in the top half could easily have been involved in a bottom-half struggle, because there was very little between the teams. I think eight or nine managers would be lying if they didn't say staying in the Premier League is their priority. But you have to set your sights higher and we'll do that. The top six is the target and that will never change. We'll give it our best shot."

Aug 9th on Injuries Prior to the Accies Home Opener... "Alan (Combe) may require an operation which would keep him out for probably three-and-a-half months. That would be a blow because we are already waiting on James Fowler to go in for a hernia operation in a couple of weeks' time. Alan has been training, working on his handling but his kicking is the problem. An operation is always the last resort but right now it's heading that way. "We would then have to get another goalkeeper in the short-term because it just leaves us with Cammy and Lee."

Aug 1st on the Swans Post Match...  "It was an excellent workout for the boys and I'm not too disheartened by the result. We had a nightmare journey on Friday.  We left Kilmarnock at 9am expecting to get to Cardiff about 3pm. Dave Jones had arranged for us to use their facilities and he was waiting for us. We got caught in traffic and didn't arrive until 7pm but Dave, who I've known for years, waited to let us in and we had an hour and a half's training. We didn't get to the hotel until after 9pm and it definitely took its toll on the boys. Swansea are a quality team and are a week ahead of us in their preparations so I can't be critical. I'd like to thank the fans who made the journey down - they were magnificent. It's always nice for them to get a weekend away like this"
On Combe's Fitness... "I'm expecting Alan to make it for the start of the season, but if not, Cameron Bell showed last season against Motherwell he can come in and Lee Robinson is no slouch either. Alan had a double hernia operation in the summer and we're just waiting for that to settle down. We're optimistic he will be fit for the start of the season, but if he's not I've got faith in the other two goalkeepers."

July 31st on Players Striking Over Locke's Coaching Position Being Withdrawn... "We're aggrieved. It's blown out of proportion. They have not threatened strike action. The chairman spoke to the players about Setanta and Gary Locke and they put forward  options to keep him. We're not ruling anything out and it would be great if we could keep Lockie. But if it's not possible we move on."

July 30th on the Upcoming Friendlies... “Swansea will be a difficult game for us because they play in the second top tier of English football, but we were delighted to accept their invitation to play, and we are all looking forward to the match. You want a couple of real quality games against good opposition, and these matches will certainly provide that. It’s an opportunity to test ourselves and to find out what level we’re at as we work towards the new season.”

July 28th on Signing Mark Burchill to a 6 Month Deal ..."Mark has been training with us, he was in Italy (reportedly at his own expense) with us and has looked very sharp. He played in a couple of close-season games and we've been trying to do something. It's all subject to a medical but we've agreed to take him until the end of this year. I nearly signed him last season but he wanted another crack down south and went to Rotherham. It gives me a wee bit of cover with Allan Russell being out and we feel Mark is the type who will complement us. I have a track record of getting boys round about this stage of their careers. Mark is 28 years old and coming into his best years. He has great experience and is a fox-in-the-box type. I'm sure if we provide service he'll feed off Kevin Kyle and get some goals. He gives us competition for places up front. He could play against Raith Rovers (tonight). If the deal isn't through in time, we could list him as a trialist."

July 27th on Gary Locke's Coach Funding Getting Pulled... "We wanted to take Gary on as a coach, but the drop in finance from the TV deal has scuppered it, There are one or two things that have been out on hold because of this.  If things change, we wouldn't be adverse to looking to take him back,  Gary was a popular lad at the club and he was a good link between the players and the management, He was with us in Italy for pre-season and we had hoped to take him on to the coaching staff, but unfortunately that has not been able to happen.  He's tailor made for an assistant's job or a coach."

July 25th on Naming Kevin Kyle Club Captain... "He came in and made an impact last season with his goals. But Kevin is a good type to have in the dressing room and I just felt that the way he's quick to tell other players - in the right way - that they're not doing what they should be, was great. That's one of his strengths, he's not trying to have a go at them - he explains it because he wants them to make the right decisions so that the teams wins. As a manager, that's what you're looking for. Of course, if he starts the season well and a big offer comes in then he might not be with us for very long, but while he's here he's the man. For me, he stuck out as the top candidate to be captain. We've shared it around in the past - Garry Hay and James Fowler did the job and then Manuel Pascali took over when they were injured. But Kevin has the necessary experience. Kevin's goals made a difference last season but the team has also to play well and provide the right service for him and they were doing that."

July 16th From Il Ciccio (Italy) on Killie's Pre-Season Training ... “It was too hot to go out and train straight away, so the guys had a couple of hours to relax before we started training at 5.30pm, getting back to our accommodation at around eight o’clock. We’ll do double sessions all this week, as well as taking advantage of the wonderful range of facilities that we have at our disposal. It’s hard work for everyone, but one week’s training out here is the equivalent of three weeks at home. At this stage it’s all about raising fitness levels, “and everything we’re doing here is geared to that. Nowadays that isn’t a problem,  Modern-day professionals look after themselves during the close season and keep themselves in trim, making it easier for them to get back into shape pretty quickly.”
On Lee Robinson, (Ex-Rangers goalkeeper) Graeme Owens and Stephen Old to get to know their team mates...  “Stephen has been with us for a few months and knows most of the guys well, but for Lee and Graeme it’s an ideal opportunity to get to know the rest of the squad. Stephen has (Old) been flying. He’s got great pace and stamina and is looking really good.”

July 15th on Kyle Being With The Team From The Start Of The Season... "I think that Kevin could be huge for us, It is a big season for him too because he knows that he has a wee bit of a new lease of life here too, and if he kicks on from where he left off last season then there will be a lot of people who will have to sit up and take notice. I felt as though last season there were five teams who were all much of a muchness and there was nothing to pick from, really. But we took 10 points out of 12 from our last four games and to me that was all down to the fact that we had a goalscorer.  Too often during last season we were dominating spells in games and had teams pinned back, but we were doing nothing about it. Then, all of a sudden we would find ourselves a goal down and chasing the game. Kevin made a massive difference because he came in and started putting the ball in the net. He is also a confident lad and sometimes that can rub off on the other players. He isn't afraid to open his mouth and speak his mind in the dressing room and that can spur players on at times, providing it is done in a certain way. We left Kevin out of our final game at the end of last season so that he could go and get his hernia operated on, That all went to plan and he is back fit and raring to go and I think he will have taken a lot of heart from things last season. He has to be sensible, keep his feet on the ground and keep working at it but there is no doubt that we see him as being huge for us this season and he can really help us to push on, but he can also give his own career a kickstart too."
On The collapse of the Setanta TV deal ... "It did hurt us - as I am sure it has a lot of clubs, But we have to get on with it. So far we have brought in Steven Old and Graeme Owens. We are also optimistic that Lee Robinson will undergo a medical and sign for us when we return from Italy."

July 9th on Fixing Up Keeper Lee Robinson... “We’ve more or less agreed everything and now it’s down to the medical which should be carried out this week. I don’t anticipate any problems on that front, so Lee should be on the plane for Italy on Monday.”
On New Zealand defender Stephen Old ...  “Stephen came back to Scotland last week and will be part of the squad that travels to Italy. Because of the problems we had in getting clearance for him he was well short of match fitness in the lead up to the tournament, and that would have been a major factor in him not playing for his country in South Africa. But being part of such a major competition must have been good for him, and now that all the red tape has been overcome, we can look forward to seeing him in action.”

June 26th on Re-Signing Cammy Bell... "Cammy came in at Motherwell for the final game of the season and did very well. We believe he has a lot of potential, His contract is for a year and if he makes a certain number of starts he will get another year. He'll provide competition for Alan but Alan will want that to keep him on edge."

June 25th on Going To Il Ciccio (Italy)... "If the trip does go ahead, the players will leave for a week’s intensive training on July 13. We thought about changing things this year, but when we look back we’ve always started the season well after preparing in Italy. If we go somewhere else, it might not be the same, so it’s the old scenario of sticking to what we know.”
On the Squad Planning...  “We knew that we needed to strengthen in the striking area because of the guys we had lost in the last couple of seasons. Kevin wasn’t match fit when he arrived and it took him a few weeks to get into his stride. Once he got into the swing of things however, he showed what he is capable of and began scoring goals for fun. He’ll be a huge player for us this season. It’s good that we’ll have competition up front. A lot of our play last season was good, but we didn’t convert enough chances on occasions and were punished for it.”
On Damien Rascle & His Injury .. “I’m hoping to find out the extent of the damage this week. If things don’t go Damien’s way, I’ll need to bring in another goalie. As far as Cameron Bell is concerned, he has had similar injury problems, but he’s had his medical and passed with flying colours. I hope to tie him up for another year within the next few days.”

June 16th on Signing Graeme Owens... "Graeme has been a target of mine for some time and we liked what we saw from him during his short spell with us. He was on the fringes of the Middlesbrough first team. He had a spell on loan last season with Blackpool but felt the time was right for a fresh challenge. The bonus for us is that he still qualifies as an under-21 player for The SPL, which helps us when we are having to operate with a smaller squad.” 

June 12th on Not Having the Funds To Re-Sign David Lilley... “I would like to keep him, but we have cover in the central defensive position with Ryan O’Leary and Steven Old coming in. I had indicated to David that I would hopefully be able to keep him at Rugby Park, but that isn’t the case now because of the financial situation.”
On Extending Kyle's Deal...  “I think we would like to, but it’s a question of whether we could or not. We do have him for another year and if we can afford to extend that then I’m sure the club would be delighted to do so. Everyone connected with the club wants him to stay here and extend his contract. There have been a lot of rumours about him moving on, and while he’s an ambitious lad, he has to weigh everything up before deciding on his future. He recognises that his move to Kilmarnock has been good for him and his performances have impressed a lot of people. But he’ll start next season with Kilmarnock unless a huge offer comes in for him.”

June 10th on the SPL Management Merry Go Round... "In football nothing really surprises you and there are always big managerial changes on the go. But I've been a manager for 20 consecutive years now and I've never seen anything like this. It's incredible.  When Strachan left Celtic and Jimmy Calderwood left Aberdeen it all began to change.  Suddenly you have two huge sides looking for a new manager and they want guys with experience. Aberdeen want a very talented and experienced man in McGhee and if Celtic get Mowbray he will also bring Premier League experience.  Mixu Paatelainen resigned at Hibs and John Hughes got the job of his dreams. No one deserves it more. He was the boy who stood on the terraces at Leith to cheer them on and has worked so hard in management.  But even Yogi could not have predicted he'd be leaving Falkirk so soon after the Scottish Cup Final. It was only a few weeks ago he was planning for Europe with Falkirk, now he's at Hibs.  I've been loyal to all of my clubs. I've been linked with moves away from Kilmarnock, but I was at Falkirk six years, Hearts six years and now I've surpassed that here.  I'm proud of my record, but I know it can all change in an instant."

June 4th on Murray & Magic Being Released... "Allan hasn’t played much in the last couple of years because of injury. He’s been involved in the coaching side of things with the club but he told me he wants to continue playing. He understands the situation here and now’s the time for him to move on.  He’s done very well for us since he came here and he’s a dream to work with, a very professional guy with a great attitude. I’ve spoken to his agent within the last few days and he told me that there have been a few enquiries about him – some in a coaching capacity and some as a player/coach. Grant was brought in as a squad player who could play in several positions, but he’s at the stage in his career where he wants to play more regularly. The bottom line is that we have cover in the defensive areas, with Tim Clancy, Jamie Fowler and Jamie Hamill all showing during last season that they can play in the right back position, and we have Steven Old coming in to give us more options in central defence.”
On David Lilley... "David had a plate inserted in his wrist so we’ll just have to wait and see how his recovery goes,” said the manager, “but I’ll be talking to him this week as well as the other guys who are out of contract.”
On new additions to the squad for next season .... “Whether or not we get someone in on a swap deal is always a possibility, for you never say never in this game.”

Jim Jefferies Comments for 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06  2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Killie Manager History 1957-Present Here