Mr
Johnston said: “In 2007, we took
18,000 fans to Hampden for our
league cup final against Hibs.
This Saturday, we have a vital
match, bigger than a cup final
game. I want to encourage the
fans to turn out and fill Rugby
Park, support the players and
keep Killie in the top flight."
Tickets for the game, kicking
off at 12.30pm, will be priced
as normal.
“During the big match, I urge supporters to be patient and get behind the team for the full 90 minutes. Please don’t be critical and pick on individual errors. It can be very discouraging for the players who are under pressure. We can deal with any criticism after the match. Our players are out there giving 100 per cent. I am confident we have the players and management to get the result we need on Saturday.”
Fellow Ayrshire side Ayr United were condemned to relegation to the Second Division last weekend after being beaten by Morton.
Mr
Johnston: “It is terrible for
Ayrshire football that Ayr have
been relegated to the Second
Division, but it would be a
disaster if we were both to go
down in the same season. If the
worst came to the worst, the
club would be heavily dependent
on the support of the Bank of
Scotland, We are a major
employer with some 200 staff and
once Johnnie Walker is taken
away from the town, we will be
the oldest surviving business in
Kilmarnock. Kilmarnock Football
Club are a crucial part of the
town, and everything Kilmarnock
stands for. And that is why I am
telling people it is vital to
turn out on Saturday. Everyone
must want to have Kilmarnock
Football Club competing in the
Scottish Premier League next
season.”
Diehard fans fear their beloved Killie, who are £11m in debt, will go into administration if they are relegated to the Scottish Football League next season
