Jan 2000

Tosh McKinley is signed up, Andy Smith's loan is extended, and later bought for around 150,000 pounds. Killie get only 2 SPL draws in Jan, 1-1 at home to Celtic, where Killie were very unlucky only to get a draw. Mark "Mavis"Reilly scored with a deflected shot.

Then a drab 0-0 draw at Dundee, where a Martin Baker header was cleared "off the line"..... but all reports are it was in !! Killie finish Jan in 9th place with 15 points from 20 games, and are only 2 points clear of bottom club Aberdeen.

Feb 2000

Killie start the month with "Cups" on their mind....... first of all booking a League Cup Semi-Final place Vs Celtic after a 1-0 win over Hearts, with Jeffrey again scoring with a deflected shot. This was Killie's first win since they beat Hibs in the same competition 13 matches prior !!! During that 12 SPL match span, Killie had 0 wins and 8 DRAWS !! Killie then turned their attention to the Scottish Cup with a home 0-0 draw Vs Alloa, losing the replay 1-0. Motherwell were then outplayed but managed a 2-0 win at Rugby Park, after being reduced to 10 men. Killie's only real bright spot of the season..... their League Cup run ended with Cocard being booked twice in a min. at Hampden in a 1-0 loss to Celtic. Kilmarnock then sign West Ham's 26-year-old striker Samassi Abou (left) on loan until the end of the season. Killie finish Feb brightly with 2 good away results a 4-0 win at Motherwell with French boys Cocard and Vareille (sub) netting twice each for Killie, this was followed by a 0-0 draw at Hearts.

Killie finish Feb with 19 points from 23 matches, and were 2 points adrift of Aberdeen.

 

Mar 2000

March starts with two 2-2 draws snatched from the draws of victories ! Killie were comfortably ahead of Dundee at home 2-0 , only to concede 2 goals in the last 15 mins. Gordon Marshall makes his debut for the season. The second draw at Dundee Utd was even more cruel with a last min header being deflected past Marshall to give United a share of the points. Durrant had now scored 3 goals in his last 2 games for Killie. Killie finish the month with a 6 match un-beaten run with an away draw at St Johnstone 0-0, and get a 1-0 home win over Hibs with Jerome notching the vital winner. This is Killie's first home SPL win since Aug !!!

Killie finish the month with 25 points from 27 matches, and are in 9th place above Aberdeen who have 2 games in hand. It looks like the relegation battle is going to go down to the wire!

Apr 2000

Paul Wright ties the Celtic game at 2-2, making only his 5th appearance for the team as Killie go down 4-2 at Parkhead. Killie then face a huge SPL survival test ...and get two 1-0 home wins over Dundee Utd and more importantly the Dons, with Paul Wright getting the winner. It is learned at this point that Falkirk (with an "un-fit" for SPL play ground) will finish in the top 3 of the Scottish League Division 1, which ensures that there will no relegation from the SPL for this season.

 Killie then have 2 away matches at Motherwell and lose 2-0, and pick up their first win at Dens park since 1980, 2-1 was the score with Wright netting twice, one from the penalty spot after debut youngster Fowler is brought down. Killie finish April with a 1-0 home loss to Hearts, after a superb first half performance, they now had 34 points from 33 matches, and were now 7 points clear of bottom placed Aberdeen. Ian Durrant plays for Scotland in Holland and Gary Holt is named to the bench.

May 2000

With nothing to play for Killie "go through the motions " in a 0-2 loss at home to run away champions Rangers, and then get thumped 1-5 at bottom of the league Aberdeen, with Marshall allowing 2 very soft goals, and Sean Hessey being sent off. Killie regroup to finish up the season on a high note with a 3-2 home win over St Johnstone, after cruising 3-0 with 15 mins to go. Bobby Williamson tells the media that the fans can expect quite a few personnel changes before the start of the 2000-2001 season. Abou & Dylan Kerr are both released.

Killie finish season 1999-2000 in 9th place with 37 points from 36 matches.

June 2002

 

 

Stevie Fulton Signs For Killie In June

The SPL TV deals fall through, and Killie have to juggle their budget to accommodate less revenue coming in, and therefore Tommy Johnson among others cannot be afforded. Jim McSherry departs as commercial manager- Here Midfielder Antonio Calderon leaves Kilmarnock by mutual consent. Killie head to Italy for their pre-season warm-up's & then to Ireland it is announced. Most of the nation becomes Brazil fans, as they take on Ingerland in the 2002 World Cup. Killie then sign midfielder Stevie Fulton - Here

July 2002

 

 

Monty Returns To Rugby Park

Killie legend Ray Montgomerie returns to Rugby Park as the new Public Relations/Matchday Manager - Here.

Gary McSwegan is taken on trial till Dec - Here Kevin McGowne becomes the latest cup hero to exit Rugby Park - Here  Killie win the Scottish Brewers Challenge Cup at Annan when they beat Queen of the South 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Kris Boyd struck woodwork twice, during regulation play, for Killie. Killie then an finish an unbeaten preseason with matches Vs: QoS 2-1, Lisburn Dist 2-0, Glentoran 1-1, Sheffield Weds 2-1 & Morton 3-0.

Aug 2002

Andy McLaren Celebrates His Goal Vs Rangers

Killie handed in their resignation from the SPL at the league's headquarters in Hampden Park, the start of a two-year notice period. The ten had wanted the Old Firm to scrap the existing 11-1 voting majority in favour of  8-4, but the Glasgow duo would not agree. Killie open the season with a creditable 1-1draw with Rangers at home, with Andy McLaren  coming off the bench to save Killie. Jim Jefferies signs Gary Locke  - Here  Up next for Killie were the Arabs away and won 2-1, thanks to goals from Dargo  & Boyd, both of whom came on as subs.  Forth placed Killie then hosted Motherwell and had 3 men sent off (McLaren, Locke & San Juan) while losing 0-3. Killie left the field that day to standing ovation, and out-played Well for the last 30 mins of the match trailing 0-1 with 9 men. Kris Boyd (right) is named SPL young player of the month for Aug as his 2 goals helped Killie grab 4 away points with a 1-0 win at Livingston & 1-1 draw with Hearts.

Sep 2002

Peter Canero Scores The Winner Vs Thistle

Peter Canero scores for Killie in a 1-0 win at home over Partick Thistle, to start Sept in fine fashion, however the writing was starting to be on the wall when it took a Barry McLaughlin goal in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen, after Alan Mahood had opened the scoring.  This would begin a seven game win-less run for Killie. Away losses at Hibs 0-2 & Celtic 0-5 are recorded while also being dumped out the CIS Cup on pen's by Airdrie Utd after a 0-0 120 mins! Killie are really missing Andy McLaren & Craig Dargo at the moment as they are both out hurt. Off the field Bill Costley, a former  Kilmarnock chairman and lifelong supporter, resigns from the board along with  fellow directors Jim Murdoch and Brian Sage, after disagreements over the directions of the club.

Oct 2002

Boyd Helps Killie Get Their Only Oct Point

Only 1 point out of nine is gained in Oct as Killie fall 1-2 at Dundee despite short term contract signing Sammy "Brutal" Boutal scoring on his debut. Kris Boyd then grabbed Killie's only point of the month as Killie comeback twice Vs 3rd placed Dunfermline to draw 2-2 at Rugby park. Greg Shields also scores his first Killie goal in that match. Killie then finish the month at Ibrox as the club start their 2nd set of 11 fixtures, and are destroyed 1-6 by Rangers, while Stevie Fulton grabs his first goal for the club.

Nov 2002

Killie Applaud Their Fans After The Win At Motherwell

A strange start to Nov see Killie lose one, then win one with last min goals being scored! The first was a cruel 1-2 loss to Dundee Utd at home with former Killie-Striker Jim McIntyre shooting through Gordon Marshall's legs in injury time, after Stevie Fulton has tied the game up for Killie. Now in 8th place Killie went to bottom of the league Motherwell looking to avenge their 9 man loss to Well from Aug. Again it was Kris Boyd to the rescue, as Killie win 1-0. Killie then go on to record 3 more  SPL wins in their next 5 outings to take them back up to 6th! Livingston are beaten for a second time while Killie wear their "lucky" 3rd red tops 2-0 at Rugby Park, with Paul Di Giacomo opening the scoring for Killie and sub Gary McSwegan grabbing his first Killie goal into injury time. Killie finish Nov with 2 bad results at home 0-1 to the ever-jammy Hearts, and a dismal 0-3 drubbing at Partick. Some good news that both Craig Dargo and Andy Mclaren are both due back after injuries have kept them each out for the last 7-8 matches. On the fans front the Killie Board reject fans "Killie 125" proposals - Here

Dec 2002

Gary McSwegan Scores Killie's Winner At Aberdeen

Nobody knows why the SPL schedule Killie to travel to Aberdeen on a Tuesday night of all things, but Baz & co duly aboard the "party bus" and a great time is had by all of the 250 fans in attendance as Gary McSwegan scores the matches only goal as Killie win 1-0. The schedule now brings 3 home games on the trot with Dundee being first who were dispatched 2-0 with goals from Stevie Fulton & Kris Boyd. This marks Killie's 4th & final time of wearing their "lucky" 3rd choice red tops, Killie's record in red was; played 4, won 3, drew 1, & lost 0. One disturbing note for the Dundee game was the attendance of only 4,810, which represented Killie's lowest SPL crowd in over 10+ years!  Kris Boyd, Stevie Murray, Craig Samson and Sean Dillon are all named to the Scotland Under 21 team to Portugal from 6th-14th January. Pint sized striker and former killiefc.com player of the year Craig Dargo has just signed a two year extension to his contract ending speculation that he would be offloaded in the winter break before his current deal ran out.- Here Champions Celtic were next to come calling and even though they hit the woodwork on 4 occasions, it was Killie who held on for a deserved point, after Andy McLaren had opened the scoring in the 1-1 draw. Killie's great Dec run continues with a fine 2-1 win over Hibs at home, with our ex-jambos "doing em in"! Fulton scores the winner with 2 mins remaining, after McSwegan opens the scoring. It is announced after the match that Gary will be offered an extension to his short-term contract, thru the end of the season. Killie finish up Dec with a fine 2-0 away win at Dunfermline on Boxing Day with the duo of McSwegan & super-sub Boyd grabbing the goals against the 3rd place Pars.
To close year Killie fall 0-1 at home to Rangers, but this is not enough to stop Jim Jefferies winning the Dec SPL manager of the month award. Killie finish the year in 6th position, 4pts out of 3rd place in the SPL, & 7 points ahead of Dundee in 7th!

Jan 2003

Greg Shields Stops Billy Dodds in the Years First Game

Before the SPL winter shut-down Killie travel to Dundee to take on the Arabs on Jan 2nd, and it took a last min Jim McIntyre header to salvage a point for them in a 2-2 draw, in which United "gifted" goals to both Peter Canero & Andy McLaren. Gary McCutcheon is free'ed to join Dumbarton full time, where he had been on loan. Killie get Motherwell in the 3rd round of the Cup at home.  Shaun Dillion is named Dec SPL Young Player of the Month. Jose Quitongo, Samuel Boutal and Robbie Henderson did not get their contracts renewed by Killie. The youth squad has added Jamie Hamill and Robert Campbell while Chris Boyle was been given a contract extension. Colin Stewart  returned from his loan at Queens Park. Ally "Bully" Mitchell  is released and he signs with St Mirren. Ally was the last remaining member of the 1997 Cup Winning squad. Killie next play to a 0-0 draw in a closed match with Raith Rovers, as they prepared for the upcoming Motherwell cup tie. During the club's AGM a near-£2m loss is announced. The Half-time draw incident from the Sheffield Weds match (way back in July of 2002) was not even mentioned, however the press had a "field day" with this topic! The month is closed out with both the Motherwell Cup & SPL matches being decided by penalty kicks for each team 0-1 in the cup & 1-0 in the SPL. Kris Boyd scored for Killie from the spot with their first awarded penalty in a year (since TJ scored Vs the Huns last Jan!). Colin Meldrum also makes is debut for the season as Gordon Marshall has undergone a shoulder operation, and would be out 4-5 weeks.

Feb 2003

Peter Canero Celebrates His Goal At Livingston

Colin Meldrum starts again for Killie and he keeps a 2nd consecutive "clean-sheet", as we thump Livingston 4-0, and move into 4th place in the SPL. Goals came from McLaren (2), Canero & Boyd (his 9th of the season). Jesus San Juan is released by the club. Kris Boyd picks up his 2nd SPL young player of the month award of the season, winning the award for Jan. Club agree to the "Killie 125" season ticket scheme for 2003-04. Killie then travel to Tynecastle and lose 0-3, in a match that Jefferies said "we just did not compete". This was a big disappointment to the 2,000+ Killie faithful that traveled through to Edinburgh, to see if Killie could pull within one point of Hearts for 3rd place. Killiefc.com on Feb 13th "host" an "official" on-line chat with manager Jim Jefferies & CEO David Heath, a transcript can be found Here.  Killie's next match was postponed at home to Thistle, with the SPL threatening to fine clubs that did not appear to have taken "adequate precautions" to avoid weather related "call-off's". Peter Canero then scores (again) to give Killie a 1-0 home win over the Jag's, before he headed off to Turkey to join the Scotland "Future" squad.

March 2003

Kris Boyd Scores the Equaliser Vs the Pars

Killie start March with great news, that leading scorer (9 goals), 19 year old Kris Boyd has signed a 3 year contract extension to keep him at Rugby Park till 2006. Killie then host the Dons and win 2-0, with goals coming from Gary McSwegan & Peter Canero. This represented Killie's 3 consecutive home SPL win on the trot, with "stand-in" keeper Colin Meldrum now having clean-sheets in 4 of his 5 starts. The same Canero McSwegan "duo" come to Killie's rescue the following week in helping Killie ensure a top SPL 6 place finish with a 2-2 draw at Dundee, after trailing by 2 goals at the half. Melly also "stands on his head" in stopping 3 "one on one's" in the second half of that Dee match. Killie complete their 3 March SPL fixtures unbeaten when super-sub Kris Boyd came to the rescue the following week as he headed home for Killie in a home 1-1 draw with the Pars, for his 10th goal of the season. Poor Greg Shields (left) had opened the scoring for the Pars with Killie's first & hopefully only O.G. of the season, in front of a 10 year low SPL crowd at Rugby Park of 4,021, which had a Sunday 1PM kick off and was broadcast live on BBC, before the CIS Cup Final. To keep fresh Killie play 3 friendly's in Ireland where they go unbeaten.

April 2003

Gary McDonald Gets His First Killie Goal Vs Hibs

Killie destroy Hibs 6-2 at Rugby Park with Gary McSwegan netting four times for Killie! Young Gary McDonald scored his first goal for Killie to open the scoring and "super-sub" Kris Boyd finished the scoring from the spot in the final min. Colin Stewart also makes his first team debut in goal Vs Hibs! Former manager Bobby Williamson looks to be in serious trouble after getting hammered by his "old charges". Next was a trip to Parkhead on Sun the 13th, and Killie lose 0-2. Big Marsh returns in goal as Colin Meldrum's season is now over as he chipped an ankle bone in Ireland 2 weeks earlier.
The split came after the Celtic match and the first of our "Final Five" fixtures saw return to Dens Park (on a Sunday again!) Thanks to a Chris Innes goal Killie  won 1-0.  Shock news prior to Euro Crunch game with Hearts is that David Heath our CEO will be leaving in July More.

May 2003

Baggio in Action Vs the Tarts

Killie open May by beating Hearts 1-0 with former Hearts man Gary McSwegan heading home an Andy McLaren cross to ensure that Killie move to within 4 points of Hearts with 3 matches left to play and keep their slim Euro hopes alive. It then announced that up to 10 players will be released at the end of the season.....inc: Gordon Marshall, Colin Stewart & youngsters Jaconelli, Gold, Chris Boyle, McGlinchey, Coyle, and number 50, David "the Doomed" Woodison. More Killie then head to Ibrox to play Rangers who need to win by 2 clear goals to move back atop the SPL. Killie are defeated 0-4. Also during the week on a positive note, Stevie "Baggio" Fulton wins the 3rd annual www.killiefc.com Player of the Year Award. New contracts are also reported to have been offered to Andy McLaren (who the Pars want also!) & Gary McSwegan. Former manager from the early 80's Jim Clunie passes away. Killie's UEFA cup challenge effectively comes to an end the following week after they could only salvage a 2-2 draw at Dunfermline. Gary McDonald and Kris Boyd in the 91st min got the Killie goals. Boyd also won this site's "Young Player of the Year" award this week it was announced, and he also would go on to finish as the teams top scorer with 11 goals. Killie would then host Celtic in their last game of the season, with the SPL championship on the line, between the Old Firm. Rugby Park will be a "sell-out", perhaps in more ways than one as Killie are being accused by many of being too accommodating to the visiting "hoards"! The last week of the season saw killiefc.com's "2nd annual day oot". The kicking Squirrels beat Bazcelona 5-3. Baz can be seen on the left at the bottom (below). Prior to Celtic match Gary McSwegan signs a one contract from Killie. The final day of the SPL season arrives and Killie are beaten 0-4, but Celtic's win was not enough as Rangers won the title winning by 5 goals on the final day. Many Killie fans were not happy, not so much with result of the Celtic game, BUT the handling of the "segregation" (or lack there of!), as the Club, Rock Steady & the police failed to get "on the same page" in how to have best handled the large traveling support from Glasgow, many of whom ended up sitting next to Killie fans in the home sections of the crowd. 

In closing Jim Jefferies Post Match Celtic Comments...he says...."I told the players they have had a magnificent season" - More

Killie finish their pre-season warm up's wearing their new away kit in a fine 4-2 home win over Sunderland. Boyd scores a second half super-sub double after Nish opened the scoring and Invincible completed it. Bad news however as Freddie limps off in the first half with a hamstring injury. Killie will then head to Ibrox to open the SPL season Vs champions Rangers, and lose 0-4. Meldrum "gifts" Rangers the opener, and then Innes is sent off after only 30 mins. It is reported after the game that Kris Boyd will be joining Wolves on a weeks trial. Francois Dubourdeau was on the bench as a triallist against Rangers at Ibrox, following an injury to Graeme Smith, who is out for three months. (He subsequently signed to a 6 mo contract).  Boyd returns from his Wolves trial in time to hit a super volley in Killie's 2-1 come from behind win over Partick in their SPL home "opener". Both Invincible & Locke are injured, with one the replacements being Killie debut boy Martin Hardie, who obliged his former employers with scoring Killie's equalizer!

Before the Motherwell match the Klin Investment (UK) Ltd has make an offer in writing to the Principal Shareholder of Kilmarnock Football Club to acquire the controlling interest of the club. Statements Here

Saturday comes after the club "knock back" Klin's proposal & lose 1-2 at Motherwell with a 10 man effort after Fowler gets sent off for a deliberate "hand-ball" then a penalty. Freddie score his first goal in 3 years to have pulled Killie even!. Before the final Sunday of Aug the Dee home match the transfer window closes, and Killie see a flurry of activity. Chris Innes is sold to Dundee Utd, while Blackburn stopper Gordon Greer is signed a two year deal. Also  Rhian Dodds has joined until the end of the year.

To close out Aug Killie field a team minus; Dargo, Canero, Invincible, Locke, Hardie & Fowler (suspension). Kris Boyd again earns Killie a point with a great equalising goal in a 1-1 draw, with Stevie Murray featuring.

Killie finish the month with 4 points from 4 matches and are in 8th place in the SPL.

Sep 2003

Baggio in action Vs Hearts

Scotland's Euro 2004 campaign qualifying means Killie didn't play again till Sept 13th at home to 3rd place Hearts, and put in a horror 1st 45 min's! Killie fail to compete and lose 0-2. Manager Jefferies tell the press after the match ..."if I could have used more than 3 sub's ..I would have"! Some good news however was that Peter Canero did make his debut for the season.
Killie then had to embark on their travels which took them away from Rugby Park for 5 of their next 6 matches! A successful start is made at Livingston where Killie record a 2-1 SPL win with Hessey & Boyd grabbing Killie's goals. However that fine result is followed by a shocking performance to an Ally "Bully" Mitchell led Brechin up North and go down  0-1 in the CIS Cup. Killie then turn a decent display at Dundee Utd with Kris Boyd opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw with Andy McLaren scoring for the Arabs. Alan Mahood is injured and never plays for Killie again!

Killie finish the month with 8 points from 7 matches and are in 9th place in the SPL.

Oct 2003

McSwegan Nets the Pars Winner

Killie then host 2nd bottom Aberdeen and are 0-2 down after 15 mins, and go on to lose 1-3 with sub Colin Nish scoring his first goal for Killie. Killie are now "off" till their SPL travels resume at the plastic Pars pitch & Blobby's place, followed by the "In-Firm" both coming to Rugby Park. However during the Euro 2002 break Killie do squeeze in a West Sound challenge match 1-0 win over Ayr Utd, with Stevie Fulton sending the Killie faithful home happy!  Killie then the following week become the first visiting team to win at Dunfermline's plastic pitch 3-2, after trailing 1-2. Greg Shields & Gary McSwegan (a double) did the scoring for Killie. Rhian Dodds makes his Killie debut also that for Killie that day. Killie finish the month visiting "under-fire" former manager Bobby Williamson's Hibs. Killie start the match the same way we did against the Dons earlier in the month, giving up 2 early goals. Hibs score first through Francois's legs then Shields legs! Colin Nish as sub nets Killie's only goal as we go on to lose 1-3.

Killie finish the month with 11 points from 10 matches and are in 9th place in the SPL.

Nov 2003

McDonald Scores at Firhill

Killie start Nov hosting Celtic and lose 0-5. Jim Jefferies complains heavily about Hugh Dallas's performance, giving Celtic 2 penalties the first very "soft", and denying Killie at least one very decent penalty claim of our own. Gordon Greer is Killie's man of the match, and looks to be a real find, after playing in only is 2nd SPL match. Killie are then beaten 2-3  to Rangers at Rugby Park with McDonald & Canero scoring for Killie. A mistake in the 86th min by  Dubourdeau cost Killie a valuable point after a much improved spirited performance. Many of the Killie faithful head off the following week to Hampden to see Scotland's memorable win over Holland. Killie finish up Nov with 2 wins on the trot, firstly at Firhill where bottom of the table and winless Partick Thistle were beaten 4-2, with doubles from both Gary McDonald & Colin Nish, with Stevie Murray being the main Jags tormentor.

The Nov finale is played in torrential rain conditions as Killie outplay 4th placed Motherwell and win 2-0 at Rugby Park. Goals in each half by Peter Canero & Kris Boyd (in the 2nd half) did the job as "McBertie" took in the match. Gordon Greer  shone as Man of the Match for most. This was Killie's first "clean sheet" of the season!

Killie finish the month with 17 points from 14 matches and are in 9th place in the SPL.

Dec 2003

Boyd in Action at Tynecastle

Killie start Dec at Dundee who had just called in the receivers the previous week, who were also on 17 points (from 14 matches in 8th place on goal diff.) Killie go on to beat Dee 2-1 with Nish & Boyd on target again for Killie. Killie break into the top 6 in the SPL for this time, and it had taken them 15 matches to do so. Peter Canero & Greg Shields then play for the Scotland "B" team Vs Turkey, and Gordon Greer is named to the bench also. Second top scorer Colin Nish signs a new 18  month deal to stay on at Killie. Dubourdeau & Dodds also sign deals to keep them each at Rugby Park through the end of the season. Before the Hearts (A) match Killie conduct their AGM. Killie then play at Tynecastle, squander many decent chances and go on to lose 1-2. Sub Gary McSwegan net in the final min for Killie. 

Killie then finished up the year with 2 home matches, both losses without scoring a single goal ! The first of which was against Livingston, where we lost 0-3, after playing some good football and falling behind to a goal early in the second half (& then 2 late sucker blows). Then to the Arabs 0-2 where again we played some decent football and had some penalty decisions go against us. We just seem to have no luck at Rugby Park these days !

Killie finish the month with 20 points from 18 matches and are in 8th place in the SPL.

Jan 2004

Sweg's Nets From the Spot Vs the Pars

Killie start the year up north in Aberdeen, and register their 4th consecutive SPL loss! 1-3 was the final score with Colin Nish scoring a late consolation goal for Killie, after he had missed a penalty to pull Killie even in the 1st half. Our fortune's improve the following week Vs Raith in the cup as their keeper plays a "howler" and we go on to win 3-1 , with goals coming from McSwegan, McDonald & Nish. Killie are then "rewarded" win a home draw Vs holders Rangers in the 4th round of the cup. Rumours are also circulating around Peter Canero's future as me be getting ready to do a Gary Holt, and move off to England before he is lost for nout at the end of the season. Killie had reported making him a generous offer. However the challenge was too much for Pedro to turn down, and was subsequently transferred to Leicester City for around 250K.

Killie then ended their 4 match SPL losing run by picking up a home point with a 1-1 draw with the Pars, Killie's goal coming via the penalty spot (their 1st converted of the season) through Gary McSwegan.
The club then sign French under 21 internationalist Eric Skora on loan from Preston North End until the end of the season. Greg Shields leaves to join Dunfermline with no fee involved.  It was also confirmed that Sean Hessey was released from his contract. Killie had also been in talks with former Dundee player George Nemsadze but his wage demands did not fit into the club's wage structure. It was also reported that Colin Meldrum's contract will not be renewed for next season.
Killie then host Hibernian and lose 0-2, with Williamson's men scoring 2 goals in 60 odd sec's just after the break. Eric Skora does make his debut. The biggest cheer of the day from the home support was the sub'ing of Stevie Fulton before the hour mark. (This was a real "talking point at the time on this site's message boards, with the final thought being that these cheers were "well out of order"). Killie Close out Jan at Celtic and lose 1-5 . Fowler, Dodds, Nish, Baggio & Freddie are all dropped after the Hibs match David Lilley makes his debut after a move from the Jag's during the week. Killie play with a lot of heart and go in 0-0 at the break at Parkhead. However Eric Skora's first goal for Killie is the only bright spot in the second half. Two thirds of the regular season is now complete.

Killie finish the month with 21 points from 22 matches and are in 10th place in the SPL.

Feb 2004

Greer & Lilley Celebrate Vs the Jags

Killie opened Feb with a weeks training in Spain before returning home to host a Scottish Cup tie. Killie go on to lose 0-2 to Rangers despite a very credible performance. The main talking point was Killie's sales with fewer than 2,000 fans choosing to pay their way in (match was not covered by their season ticket). Not helping was this Sunday match was screened live by the BBC. Three days later it was the same 0-2 score to Rangers this time at Ibrox in the SPL.

Killie have now taken 1 point from their last eight SPL matches, and relegation was starting to be talked about.

However Killie took full advantage in their next match to make it 3 wins out of 3 Vs bottom of the table Partick, as Killie recorded a fine battling 2-1 comeback win, with their goals coming from David Lilley and Kris Boyd. Craig Dargo also comes on as a sub for Killie & plays the last 15 mins.

Killie then fall flat on their faces at Motherwell and lose 0-1, on a difficult surface. Stevie "Baggio" Fulton's season is over as he has hip surgery. Killie also take a "pass" on entering the Interlotto cup as JJ indicates July football is too early. Killie then host Dundee and score FOUR goals at home !! Danny Invincibile is the hero with his first 2 goals for the club as Killie go on to win 4-2. Colin Meldrum  also returned in goal. Skora & Boyd (from the spot) net Killie's other goals. This was Kris Boyd's 23rd first team goal for Killie, and Killie have never lost when "Boomer" has scored! Martin Hardie season is now also "done" as he has an "Op".

Killie finish the month with 27 points from 26 matches and are in 10th place in the SPL.

Mar 2004

Late Hearts Equaliser Celebrations

For the second week running Rugby Park reverberated to the sounds of  "Down Under" after Danny Invincibile showed he is finally living up to his name by plundering his third goal in two matches to rescue a point, for Killie in a 1-1 draw with Hearts.The Australian popped up three minutes before the end of this game to score unchallenged with a header. Colin Meldrum had to go off after 47 mins with a calf injury, which meant a first team debut for young Graeme Smith. Killie were then "idle" as Livingston made the CIS Final. The two week layoff see's Killie put a horror opening 45 mins. as we go on to lose 1-4 to the Arabs up there. Manager Jefferies describes the performance "It was the worst performance I have seen from any team I have been involved with!".  Danny Invincibile scored his 4th goal in 3 games as Killie's only bright spot! 

Manager Jefferies then demands a much improved effort when the Dons come calling the following week. Killie respond with an emphatic  3-1 win, with Craig Dargo scoring in the 1st min of his first start of the season, as he filled in for the injured Invincibile. Boomer Boyd gets his 9th & 10th goals of the season. Another bright spot is the home crowd of 7,250 after the club turns back time and allows entry for just a tenner!  Killie have now taken 10 points out of their last 4 SPL matches at Rugby Park.

Killie finish the month with 31 points from 29 matches and are in 8th place in the SPL.

Apr 2004

The Boys Celebrate Their Home Hibs Win

Killie then played 3 consecutive away matches, and picked up only 1 point ensuring Killie's "bottom 6" place. We outplayed the Pars and lost 1-2 with Danny Invincibile netting the opener for Killie. Young teenage goal sensation Naismith makes his Killie debut as a sub!  Then it was a mid week fixture at Livingston where a 1-1 draw was secured with Craig Dargo equalising 5 min's from time. Danny Invincibile picks up an ankle knock that allows Darg's to get on the park.  Killie then lose 0-3 to Hibs at Easter Rd, where the final score was very flattering for Hibs. In many ways these results reflected points dropped where the performances on the park warranted so much more, but defensive errors continued to cost Killie dearly! Francois Dubourdeau & Colin Meldrum are both confirmed by the club as being free to seek new clubs for next season. To finish up the "regular" first 33 games of the season Killie host Celtic and lose 0-1 as the Celts clinch the title. Meldrum gives the club something to think about as he had a fine game in goal! Again some dodgy ref'ing costs us, as an early Kris Boyd strike was chalked off, just the same as a potential game (from sub Nish) winner was nullified with 2 mins to go at Livingston.

Killie finish the "regular" season with 32 points from 33 matches and were in 11th place in the SPL. This represents 18 fewer points than the 2002-03 season.

Managerless Hibs (former Killie manager Bobby Williamson is off to Plymouth!) is the first fixture post the league "split", and a Kris Boyd double gives Killie the 2-0 win. Only 4,886 are in attendance, which was the lowest home gate of the season, despite the "kids for a quid" program being brought back for the last 3 home matches. Again Colin Meldrum has a fine match in the Killie goal, as Killie pick up only their 2nd "clean sheet" of the season, their first since Motherwell at home in Nov 03. Mark Canning plays the last 11 mins coming on as a sub.

May 2004

Sweg's Completes Killie's 4 Goal Livi Comeback 

Killie's most memorable 45 min's of the season are played in the second half of the Livingston 4-2 home  win. Killie came storming back after leaving the field at the half down 0-2 and to a chorus of boos!  Jim Jefferies confirmed his half-time team-talk had been "unrepeatable". Sub Colin Nish netted twice while Mark Canning got his first team goal, on his first team start. Gary McSwegan also scored for Killie off of the bench. With the introduction of Canning & Dodds, long time Killie fan Alan Mahood looks set to free'ed at the seasons end. Mahood had been out injured since the end of Sept. Prior to the Dee away match Killie also announce releasing Martin Hardie & Barry McLaughlin. Killie go on to lose 0-2 at Dundee, with manager Jim Jefferies being absent from the match while scouting defenders/goalkeeper/s in Portugal.

As the season winds down Killie resign Freddie Dindeleux, James Fowler and Garry Hay to one year deals. Danny Invincibile is also resigned on a one deal with an option for a 2nd year. Mark Canning and Paul di Giacomo are both given short-term deals also. Freddie tells killiefc.com (left)  that "he loves Kilmarnock" and would play for less to stay with the club.

Some more good news for the club, as Killie's U-19 beat Rangers 1-0 to win the Scottish Youth cup, with just under 4,000 in attendance at Rugby Park.

Killie's home finale was against Aberdeen, in what was Eric Skora's last match. Killie dispatched a very young Dons side 4-0 with Skora, Boyd (2) & Nish netting for the blues. Graeme Smith also had a shutout in goal, in his first ever start! Manager Jefferies sub'ed Erik Skora during the second half to allow the Killie faithful to give the French 22 year old the ovation he deserved as his loan from Preston was now over.

Firhill was the last match of the season, where Killie picked up a 2-2 draw in a match where 3 penalties were awarded. Kris Boyd scored his 15th of the season netting the rebound after his original penalty was saved. Sub Craig Dargo was both "hero & villain" scoring Killie's 2nd and giving up a 90th min pen to the Jags!

The final day's results cost Killie dearly as the last min Jags penalty (2 points and 1-2 SPL places), plus Clyde's failed promotion attempt means no Bully Wee ground sharing, and yet more revenues lost for Killie.

Before May is gone Killie also announce that 2002-03 killiefc.com POTY Stevie "Baggio" Fulton is being released, however he may be "invited" back to Killie's training camp when the new season begins. Also Gary McSwegan looks set to be moving on as he failed to sign up for a "short-term" new contract.

Kris Boyd is voted as killiefc.com's POTY (Player of the Year) for 2003-04. More

Killie finish the season with 42 points from 38 matches and in 10th place in the SPL.

Killie Faithful at Partick on the Season's Final Day!

June 2004

Killie announce they will again travel to Il Ciocco in July for their pre-season "camp" in Italy. Pre season friendlies are announced Vs Ayr (A), and Leicester City & Derby Co both at home. Stevie "Baggio" Fulton is invited to train with Killie after his contract expired at the end of last season . . Gary McSwegan still remains unsigned, and looks certain to move on. Killie release their new 2004-05 Kit and put their new "Real Madrid" away looking top on sale right away.

July 2004

Manager Jim Jefferies makes Alan Combe his first signing of the "close season". Gary McSwegan joins Ross Co. Gary Wales (ex Hearts) & Peter Leven (ex Rangers 20 yr old) are signed to one year deals. Killie play 3 amateur teams in Italy and win by a combined score of 31-0. Free agent defenders Oumar Bakari and Mickael Wolski and Eric Joly, (he's the  brother-in-law of Freddie Dindeleux who recommended him to the Rugby Park club) who is with Belgian side Mons, played in a closed-doors 2-0 win over Falkirk. Welsh international defender Darren Barnard also played for Killie in their closed-doors midweek win over Falkirk. However, the left-back, who was at Grimsby last season, was  told he will not be offered a contract at Rugby Park.
Without any of these "new boys" Killie travel down to Scumerset and fall to A*r 5-4 on pens. Killie had led by 2 goals till A*r struck twice in the last 12 mins. Killie's scorers were Lilley and Dargo.

Our killiefc.com POTY (Player of the Year) Bash for 2003-04 to Kris Boyd was then held at the Howard on Sat the 24th of July after the A*r West Sound match.
Manger Jim Jefferies had the entire squad come back to the pub which was very well received.

To complete the pre-season lose 2-3 at home (Boyd & McDonald on target) to Leicester, with Pedro making his return, and then a dull 0-0 draw with Derby Co, Alan Combe having a fine game for the home side.

Aug 2004

Killie Celebrate Opening Day Win at Easter Rd

Killie have their "Open Day" on Aug 1st Pic's are Here. Eric Joly is signed to a one year contract. Triallist Patouillard returns to France because he wasn't offered anything. Bakari signs a 6 month deal but doesn't play as Killie draw 1-1 with the Jags in a closed door game at Auchencruive. Killie then withdraw their offer to Bakari 24 hours later. On the eve of the new season Killie miss out on signing Paul Ritchie as he signs with the Arabs. Baz interviews Killie Chairman Jamie Moffat also on the eve of the new season - Here
Opening day comes on Aug 7th, and Killie give debuts to Alan Combe (who was first class) and Gary Wales, at Easter Rd. Leven & Joly make their debuts as 2nd half sub's. Kris Boyd scores with a deflected freekick, after sub Dargo is fouled to give Killie a 1-0 win over Hibs, and a precious 3 points. More importantly Killie record their first "shut-out" away from Rugby Park since April 27th 2003 when we won 1-0 at Dundee. This was NOT accomplished during season 2003-04, so Killie get off to a flier.
Prior to the Celtic game Killie have a very busy week off the field. Firstly Killie sign Allan 'Magic' Johnston on a three year deal. Johnston says "There were offers from several clubs down south and in Scotland but I wanted to sign for Killie". - More Baz & Allan act quickly and sponsor "Magic" for the 2004-05 season on behalf of www.killiefc.com.
Killie General Manager Davie Mackinnon then holds a Press Conference  to announced that leading Aussie lager brand Foster's will become the official beer at Rugby Park as part of a supply agreement with the stadium and The Park Hotel, which represents a £1M investment in the club - More
Killie then fall 2-4 at home to Celtic, after twice taking the lead, and only fall behind for good after we are reduced to 10 men when Lilley is red carded. The two Gary's were on the score-sheet for Killie McDonald & Wales (his 1st for the club).

Killie then go on to lose 0-3 at Tynecastle, despite playing well in the first half. Next up was the Accies in the CIS Cup and a fine 3-0 win is recorded with Danny Boy netting twice & Gary McDonald scoring the middle goal. This was Killie's first goal in the competition since Dargo's wonder strike in the 2000-01 semi at Hampden! Before the close of Aug Chairman Jamie Moffat announces his shares in Killie are for sale, as the club looks for a new investor. Perhaps Marie Macklin is waiting in the wings (Here). The final Sunday month of the month brings Killie a 1-0 home win over the Pars, with Invincibile (right) getting the games only goal, and Alan Combe making a couple of fine save to help keep Killie in it!

Sep 2004

Kris Boyd Ties An SPL Record With 5 Goals Vs The Arabs

Killie didn't play again until  Sept 11th due to the World Cup qualifiers starting. Craig Samson was absent from the Scotland Under-21 team lines against Slovenia after being arrested for breach of the peace, after he and 9 others sneaked out of the Park Hotel.  Samson, on loan from Kilmarnock to Queen of the South, was Scotland's third choice U-21 keeper, and was subsequently dropped altogether. Killie then get their 3rd clean sheet (this is as many as we had all of last season!) of the new term, as Invincibile (his 4th in 3 games!) & Lilley who opened the scoring help Killie pick up 3 points at Livingston with a great 2-0 away win! Killie then host the Dons in a 2nd Vs 3rd battle, and lose 0-1, with the Dons only goal being an O.G. from Jamie Fowler. Then Killie lost in the CIS Cup at Tynecastle 1-2, with Peter Leven scoring on his first team debut.
Then the Killie faithful were treated  to a match & performance that led to an update of this site's "Classic Killie Matches". Kris Boyd scored 5 times to tie the SPL record, for the most goals in a single game, as Killie beat the Arabs 5-2 at Rugby Park. (Kris also had a "6th" chalked off that should've counted also!)

Killie finish the month with 12 points from 7 matches and are in 5th place in the SPL.

Oct 2004

Craig Dargo Celebrates His 1st Goal of the Season Vs Hibs

Killie open the month with a respectable 0-2 loss at Ibrox, with Boyd hitting the post while Killie were only a single goal behind, but we never really threatened enough in the final third (according to JJ). After 2 more dismal Scottish National team World Cup Qualifying results (Norway H, Moldova A). Killie resumed SPL play at Dundee on Oct 16th. Before the Dundee match Killie announce the passing of Killie legend Jackie McGrory, who was a member of great 60's teams, including the 64-65 Championship Winning side. Killie then sign Simon Ford (right) until the end of December. The 22-year-old centre-back  free agent, who was previously at Grimsby  Then at Dundee Kris Boyd's record of never having been on the losing side for Killie when he was on the score-sheet, ended as Killie fell 1-3 after he opened the scoring. Then there are some draws that feel like wins, and there are some draws that feel like losses. The result against Inverness clearly feels like the latter!  Killie were 2-1 up against bottom of the league Caley at home, who were down to 10 men, with less than 8 mins to play and could only get a 2-2 draw.  This was a disastrous result, despite Stephen Murray & Gordon Greer getting their 1st goals of the season.
The Monday after the Inverness game, Kris Boyd sustains a knee injury in training, and will be out 5-6 weeks! Killie do however do regroup and in Boyd's absence, Colin Nish nets 3 goals in his first 2 starts of the season. His first was at Motherwell where Killie held on to win 1-0, and also give Simon Ford a debut also in an overall gritty Killie performance. To finish Oct Killie thump Hibs at home 3-1 with Nish grabbing a double either side of Craig Dargo's first goal of the season. Ford also plays very well in his second start for Killie.

Killie finish the month with 19 points from 12 matches and are in 5th place in the SPL.

Nov 2004

McDonald Felled at Parkhead Gets No Call!

Killie visited Parkhead to start Nov looking for their 1st win there since 1955! And guess what? Yup you've guessed it, referee Steve Conroy, gave the Tic a dubious freekick just outside the box, and then another dubious penalty kick. Then moments later denied Killie a spot kick of their own, when McDonald appeared to be fouled. Colin Nish did pull one back for Killie in the closing stages, but it was all too late as Celtic hung on, and Killie ran out 1-2 losers. Graeme Smith made is debut for Killie and filled in very well for the unfit Alan Combe. Killie prior to Hearts match, launch their official 64-65 title winning anniversary strip - Here  Combe is also "called-up" for the upcoming Scotland friendly international Vs Sweden. Peter Leven then opens the scoring in an entertaining 1-1 home draw with Hearts. Killie failed to kill the match off and Hearts came back to earn a point. More good news for Leven, as he plays for the Scotland U-21 National team, and then appears set to get a new Killie deal! Then disaster struck an "in-form" Killie get taken apart at Dunfermline as we go on to lose 1-4 , with sub Gary Wales  netting his second goal of the season, as Killie's only consolation. Killie also introduce a new 3rd strip an all red kit in the away Pars match. Killie finish up Nov with a dismal 1-3 loss at home to bottom of the league Livingston, with a performance that manager Jefferies described as "the worst of the season". Allan Johnston did score his 1st goal for Killie being the only bright-spot.

Killie finish the month with 20 points from 16 matches and are in 7th place in the SPL.

Dec 2004

Kris Boyd Lets 7 Weeks of Frustration "Out" In The Dec Dundee Win

Killie travel to 3rd place Aberdeen to open Dec and lose 2-3, with a battling performance. Killie go down after twice taking the lead. We are called for 29 fouls! Nish is also sent off, and Combe "gifts" the Dons their 2nd goal. Danny & Leven (He needs a nickname!) with a wonder freekick score for Killie. An out of touch Kris Boyd did however return from injury for Killie. French defender Mickel Wolski has signs a one month contract. Worse was to follow as Killie fell 0-3 to the Arabs, and were unlucky not to go in at least even at the half instead of 2 down. Gary McDonald  signs a new deal to keep him with Killie till May 2006. A much improved performance in 0-1 home loss to Rangers, which was a Sunday live Setanta match. Graeme Smith filled in for the injured  Alan Combe in goal and has an excellent match. David Lilley started a 3 match suspension in missing the Rangers game.

On Tuesday 22nd Dec killiefc.com hosted a "live on-line chat" with Davie MacKinnon & Jim Jefferies and a good experience was had by all.
JJ's transcript is Here & Davie Mack's Here.

Killie next hosted Dundee on Dec 27th and do find their form again, to halt their 5 game (games without a win) losing skid in an excellent 3-1 home win! Smith again plays well in goal, while  Invincibile, Ford (who is now staying with Killie till May 05) and Boyd all net for Killie. This was Boomers 1st goal since Oct 16th. Sean Dillon goes out on loan to Greenock Morton & Craig Samson to St Johnstone.

Killie finish the month (& year) with 23 points from 20 matches and are in 7th place in the SPL.

Jan 2005

Boydie Felled In The Well Home Cup Tie

A happy new year is had by all the Killie faithful as Killie beat Inverness 2-0 at Pittodrie on Jan 3rd to start the new year off in great style. Danny Invincibile scores both Killie goals. Graeme Smith continues to look good in goal for the injured Alan Combe. Luckless Craig Dargo hurts a knee in training prior to ICT game and could be out for a lengthy spell.  French defender Mickel Wolski's one month contract ends (without him making an appearance) and he is "free'ed" by Killie as is Mark Canning. Joly is also told he is free to find another club, and Paul di Giacomo is set to go out on loan to Stirling Albion for the remainder of the season.
Killie then have to play twice in a row Motherwell at Rugby Park, first in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup, followed by an SPL match. Killie win the first meeting 2-0 thanks to first half goals from Gary McDonald & Kris Boyd. Also Alan Combe returns in goal & David Lilley from suspension. In the Premier Motherwell match, Killie come up trump's again with a first half  Boydie double as Killie record a fine 2-0 win. Naismith misses a sitter, (along with many Motherwell missed chances) but has really come on with his non-stop running and aggressive play over the last several weeks. Alan Combe also looks to be back to his early season form with several fine stops during his last 2 shutouts. Killie's good run comes to a grinding halt at Easter Rd  as we went on to lose 0-3.  Killie then sign 19 year old English U-21 international Fulham central defender Liam Fontaine on a loan deal until the end of this season Fontaine's signing was in part due to injuries to Freddie, Greer, & Lilley's suspension going to Celtic home match to finish Jan.
A spirited Killie fall 0-1 to Celtic, after Danny gave up a hand-ball in the box, with Celtic scoring the games only goal from the spot. Sub Gary Wales was upended near the end of the match, but it was the usual "no call" against the Old Firm.

Killie finish the month with 29 points from 24 matches and are in 7th place in the SPL.

Feb 2005

Naismith Scores His First Goal For Killie

Killie start Feb with what was to be the first of 3 straight matches Vs Hearts! This fixture quirk was caused when Steven Naismith equalised for Killie in the last min, at Tynecastle to earn a money spinning Scottish Cup replay (which was covered by SKY). This was Naisy's first senior goal for the club, scoring after he came on as a second half sub. Naismith had earlier that week signed a new deal to keep him at Rugby Park till 2008. Colin Nish had scored Killie's first equaliser (with a broken hand no less), as Killie went on to earn a 2-2 draw, in front of a noisy 4,000+ traveling Killie support. (The club had helped subsidize buses to Tynecastle!). Prior to the Hearts away SPL match Leven & Samson pick up Scottish U-21 caps, in Belfast. The second part of the Hearts trilogy was a very flat 0-3 performance at Tynecastle, with the only real point of note being manager Jefferies post match comments ..."The only good thing is that it will be a different Kilmarnock on Wednesday - I can promise Hearts that". Unfortunately JJ is made to eat his words as Killie fell 1-3 in the replay in front of a National SKY TV audience, to complete the "Hearts Trilogy". Killie were never at the races, and fell behind early and only got on the scoresheet with a last min penalty from Boyd. Killie also played without Locke & Freddie, as the injuries mount in Killie's treatment room. After the Hearts cup replay youth coach Ian Durrant leaves Killie to head to Ibrox, to take a similar position with the Glasgow club. Ian indicates ... he would be open to returning to Killie perhaps one day as manager! After being bounced out of the cup Killie then again turn their attentions to a "top 6" SPL spot, and face Dunfermline at home. Killie beat the Pars 2-1, with Naismith & Boyd getting the goals for a below strength Killie team. Killie finish the month with a trip to Ibrox in a game that was rearranged to suit the SPL (& Rangers). Killie field 9 men behind the ball concede a lot of possession, and only a mistake by Simon Ford let Rangers go 2 to up, before Kris Boyd pulls one back, as Killie fell 1-2. Alan Combe was clearly man of the match at Ibrox,

Killie finish the month with 32 points from 27 matches and are in 7th place in the SPL.

Mar 2005

Boyd Scores The Arabs Opener

Killie's season really is seeming to unravel as they come undone big-time losing for the second time to bottom of the table Livingston 1-3, after Allan Johnston opened the scoring for Killie. Killie's alarming inability to pick up points was highlighted the following Saturday with a 0-1 home loss to the Dons, after Kris Boyd missed a penalty right at the death of the 1st half, to give Killie a deserved lead. Man of the match was stand-in keeper Graeme Smith, who made several fine saves in the second half.  It is becoming clear that had our form not been decent the first 11 matches of the season, we would certainly be one of the fav's for the drop having picked up only 13 points from their last 17 SPL outings. The following week Kris Boyd makes amends for his missed penalty Vs the Dons, as he scores twice along with sub Danny Invincibile (rignt) in our 3-0 home win over Dundee Utd. This loss moved the Arabs to the foot of the table. (Their manager McCall is fired 3 days afterwards) It was also Killie's first clean-sheet in nine outings, and this stat would not have happened if keeper Graeme Smith had not saved a first half penalty.  Simon Ford undergoes a double hernia operation and is done for the season, and Liam Fontaine is back and forth to Fulham, for treatment on his ailing back. Jim Jefferies "rubbishes" press rumours of him being a candidate for the vacated Dundee Utd job.

On Weds 9th March 2005... The one millionth front page "hit was achieved for www.killiefc.com .

Killie finish the month with 35 points from 30 matches and are in 7th place in the SPL.

Apr 2005

Leven Nets The Winner From The Spot at Inverness

Killie start April at Dundee and lose 0-1 to the relegation threatened side after a dubious penalty is awarded against Lilley . The following week it is "do or die" Vs Inverness at home to have any remaining chance at a "top 6" finish. Killie slash prices to just a tenner, to try and add some numbers to the gate. Killie scorn a barrel load of chance and lose 0-1, as they slip down the table to 8th place. Only an extra 4-500 take in the match with 4,862 in attendance.
1997 Cup Winning goalkeeper Dragoe Lekovic returns to Rugby Park to take in the Inverness CT home game as a guest of the club. Gordon Greer returns after months on the sidelines as Killie are unlucky only to take a point at Fir Park. Peter Leven (left) scored a wonder first half free-kick, only to have a freak Alan Combe OG cost us as we ended up with a 1-1draw with Motherwell. Then Joe Tonner, 38 our former Killie Nutz mascot is exposed as a paedophile, by the Sunday Mail. Killie then host Dundee in the first game after the "split" and win 1-0 thanks to super-sub Craig Dargo netting in the 86th min after being only on the park for less than 5 mins. The result does mean that Killie's SPL status will remain intact for the 11th straight season. An alarming attendance is noted of only 3,770! Worse news was to follow when the SPL attendance statistics were released, that indicated Killie's gates were down -13%. This 800+ fewer (on av per home game), was the worst drop in the SPL.  Killie the following week traveled to Inverness (for the first time this season) and get a 2-1 win with each team getting a dubious penalty. Killie's winning goal was from Peter Leven, who took over the spot kick (above) duties in the absence of an injured Kris Boyd. Gary McDonald opened the scoring, and was also gave up the penalty for Caley Thistle's goal. Manager Jim Jefferies missed the match, due to being on scouting duties. The last piece of April news, was that Killie unveiled their new 2005-06 home kit. The top would go on sale at the last home match of the season (Vs the Pars on May 21st. Killie also took the initiative to take "pre-orders" of the top via their official website.

Killie finish the month with 42 points from 35 matches and are in 8th place in the SPL, one point behind Inverness for 7th. The 42 points won represent the same total as in the entire 2003-04 season.

May 2005

Dodds, Gary Mac & Naisy Celebrate In The Seasons Final Match

The final month opens with Gen Manager Davie MacKinnon, putting out all kinds of fires in the press, as Jamie Moffat once again steps in to float Killie's monthly overhead. At the same time manager Jim Jefferies shares that Killie are open to listening for offers for top scorer Kris Boyd, mainly because Killie know they can't afford to keep him. Before the last away game of the season at Tannadice, the "Killie Cull" begins, with Neil McGregor being released along with 5 year man Craig Dargo. Craig was a fan fav, but had missed about half the games over the past 3 seasons with various injuries. It is also announced that Danny Invincibile has a stress shin fracture and will miss the last 3 games of the season. The first of those last 3 was the final away match of the season at Tannadice. Down 0-1 at the half, Killie come-back to earn a very creditable 1-1 draw. Sub Kris "I'm for Sale" Boyd hammers home off a rebound from the post from 2 yards out, for his 8th goal against the Arabs this season. This was the first time Killie had trailed at the half, and NOT gone on to lose all season long in the SPL. Prior to the Livingston home match, Killie get; Dodds, Wales, Nish, Hay,  & Graeme Smith, signed up to new 1 year contracts. Also Di Giacomo is signed to new 6 mo deal. Jim Stewart's goalkeeping coach (right) role was not re-newed however. Stewart had a 34 year association with Killie ! Killie then go on to beat Livi 2-0 with Boyd & on the park less than 2 mins & sub Allan Johnston netting Killie's goals. Killie are still waiting on Locke & Freddie's decisions on their contact offers. Dindeleux may have played his last game for the club, as he had a fractured wrist which he picked up with a collision with Boyd in training, that would sideline him for the seasons final 2 matches. Craig Samson is the next "out the door", but Locke (2 years) Dodds,  Murray & Fowler get signed up for next term.
The season finale comes against Dunfermline at home. Killie romp home with an emphatic 4-0 win, their largest margin of victory all season. The first 2 goals, were also firsts of the season for the scorer, captain Gary Locke then Rhian Dodds. Boydie grabbed his 19th and Gary McDonald his 5th as Killie ran out easy winners. A fine finish to an inconsistent year, but this final performance certainly left all the Killie fans with a great sense of optimism for next term. Killie also on the final Saturday of the season, invited & recognised our 1964-65 championship winning team, with the trophy, during the half-time of the Pars match. The "old-timers" got a tremendous reception from all in attendance, and brought a tear to few eyes as well!

Killie finish the season with 49 points from 38 matches and were 7th place in the SPL. This point total represented a 7 point improvement over  the 2003-04 season.

The final of week of May saw Chairman Jamie Moffat relinquish his role as Chairman, and hand the reigns over to Michael Johnson. Jamie's final gift was to pump in an extra half million quid to keep the club afloat, while a final a new financial package was arranged with the clubs creditors.

Alan Combe is voted as this website's "Player of the Year".

Without the safety-net of Moffat's money Killie are certainly in for an interesting 2005-06 season!

June 2005
 

Fraser Wright Joins Killie

Killie move into the close season attempting to forge ahead with optimism despite the departure of  Chairman Jamie Moffat who relinquish his role as Chairman, to Michael Johnson. Johnson has since made several appeals via the clubs website for the fans to put their hands in their pockets, and to spend their disposable incomes on Killie wherever possible. On the player front Freddie Dindeleux appears to be returning to France to finish his career out there. Freddie was a class act and a huge fan favorite, during his 6 seasons with Killie. He is gone but nor forgotten! Also Simon Ford received a 6 month contract, to keep him at Rugby Park at least until Dec. Killie are again reported in turning down an offer for top goal-scorer Kris Boyd, from Aberdeen. Boyd also loses his drivers license for 2 years, and doesn't look keen on extending his stay at Killie based on the 2 year extended offer Killie gave him. Before the end of June manager Jefferies signs Fraser Wright to a one year deal. Wright 25, is a left sided defender, who helped Stranraer to promotion last term. To close out June Rugby Park successfully hosts it's first ever concert with Elton John who donned a Killie scarf during the show.

July 2005

Killie Thrash Ayr Utd 4-0 in the West Sound Big Match

Killie head off to Il Ciocco, in Italy for a weeks conditioning, and at the same time Boyd expresses an interest in a move down South a Championship League team. Killie return home to preseason matches with Hamilton a 3-2 away win (Leven (2,1 pen) Nish) then fall to 2-3   (Naismith (pen) & Di Giacomo) at home to Southampton. The final 2 pre-season warm up's are against Cardiff 1-2 (Nish), and a 4-0 (Boyd 4, 1 pen) thrashing of Ayr Utd for the West Sound Challenge trophy, both at Rugby Park. Killie beat Ayr with their neat new sky blue away kit on, which went on sale the following day at the club's annual "open day" which was also a big success. Killie then open the season and fall 2-4 at home to Hearts after taking the lead through Naismith. Greer also scoring for Killie. David Lilley was out, and the defense sorely missed him!

Aug 2005

 Naisy Nets the Dons Winner

Brent Sancho and Soulamane Bamba are brought in for trials but fail to win deals at Killie. Chairman Michael Johnson then hits back at agent Raymond Sparkes on BBC Radio in response to Sparkes comments about the clubs direction under Jim Jefferies. Boyd's contract extension still remains on the table for Kris to further ponder. Killie then head North to take on the Dons as massive underdogs, as we had lost 3 straight to the (all by 1 single goal in 04-05). Allan Johnston gives Killie a dream start as Killie scored in the 1st min. 18 year old Stephen Naismith gets the winner as Killie pick up their 1st win of the season with a surprise 2-1 win! Leven is dropped & Danny Invincibile doesn't even make the bench as Lilley returns for Killie. Killie's financial plight is now "out" as Chairman Michael Johnson shares that relegation would certainly put the club out of business. The players do a great job of not allowing the off the field stuff, interfere with their start to the SPL season. A fine 4-1 home win is recorded over Motherwell, with Johnston & Naismith shining for Killie. Killie's goals were scored by Johnston, Boyd (2) & McDonald. Boomer's heads his second and Killie's 4th goal above.
Jim Jefferies then gets it right at Inverness, down 0-1 at the half, he juggled the teams formation replacing defender David Lilley at the half with Danny Invincibile, who played a midfield type role!. Twice trailing Killie fought back to earn a valuable point. Killie had to wait until after the split last term to notch a result (the 1-1 draw at Tannadice), when trailing at the half!  So lots of positives could be taken from this spirited performance, at Inverness as Killie extended their unbeaten run to 3 games! The match ended 2-2 with sub (on for Naismith after 8 min's) Colin Nish pulling Killie even, with Boyd doing likewise some 3 mins later! Killie finish up Aug with two home 3 goal wins! First was Stirling Albion in the CIS Cup 4-1, (after trailing for over 30 mins 0-1) with the first two goals scored Rhian Dodds, & Danny Invincible, followed by subs Gary Wales & Paul Di Giacomo. Then it was a first half Colin Nish "hat-trick that saw off bottom of the League Livingston 3-0. Between the Stirling & Livi games Kris Boyd travels to Cardiff to sign for them and then does a last minute 180 & returns to Killie and played in the Livi match.

Killie finish the month with 10 points from 5 matches and are in 3rd place in the SPL. (Celtic in 2nd & Hibs in 4th were also on 10 points, 5 points behind unbeaten league leaders Hearts).

Sep 2005

Boomer, Doddsie & Danny All Score Vs the Pars

Killie didn't play again till Sept 10th, when they hosted the Pars, due to Scotland's World Cup qualifiers against Italy & Norway. After falling behind early and then taking the lead after goals from Dodds then Boyd, Killie still needed a dramatic last minute winner from Danny Invincibile to pick all three points, in a 3-2 win. Prior to the Pars match Killie sign eighteen-year-old defender Ryan O'Leary who was out of contract with Aberdeen. Killie then traveled to Ibrox and lost 0-3, and were unlucky to go in at the half a goal down, having matched Rangers for the majority of the 35 mins. A horror start again happens in the CIS home tie with the Pars as Killlie fell behind 0-3 in the first 16 min's! Manager Jefferies is criticized for not fielding Hay or Fowler. Killie went onto lose 3-4, with a brace from Boyd and a Pars own goal. Stephen Naismith picks ups his Aug SPL Young Player of the Month award.

Prior to Bairns match to finish up Sept, club general manager David MacKinnon hands in his notice! Killie pick up a single point to the Bairns in a 1-1 home draw, thanks to a Kris Boyd penalty. Killie miss the injured Colin Nish & Gary Locke. Garry Hay has been wearing the captain's arm-band in Locke's absence.

Killie finish the month with 14 points from 8 matches and are in 4th place in the SPL.

Oct 2005

Show Racism the Red Card Prior to the Celtic Match

Killie then travel to Tannadice and come away with a 0-0 draw, with the main talking point being a late "stonewall" penalty not being awarded to Killie, after Stille tripped Boyd. Simon Ford's fine form also continues, as Combe did not have a shot to stop all day, although a late Arab effort came off of one of his posts (which would have been day light robbery). The following week it was a game of two halves as Killie lost 2-4 at Easter Rd, after leading 2-0 at the half. Defenders Ford & Fowler were Killie's marksmen. David Lilley and Graeme Smith returned for Ford & Combe for the visit of Celtic, as Killie fell 0-1 with a spirited performance on the Sunday Setanta match. Strachan himself said Killie were unfortunate not to come away with something!  Allan "Magic" Johnston continues to be the talk of the all the Killie fans, as he is producing some fine form for the Ayrshire men.

The first 1/3rd of the season was now complete and Killie stood in 5th position with 15 points from 11 matches, with a record of 4 wins, 4 losses, & 3 draws. Their 4 losses were all from teams above them in the table (Hearts, Celtic, Hibs & Rangers), and therefore Killie had taken at least a point from every team they were "supposed to" have taken a point from!

To finish up Oct, Killie played at manager-less Hearts and lost 0-1 with Smith in goals again and Fraser Wright making his debut for Killie, in a midweek clash. Killie's only Oct win is against the Dons at Rugby Park, which turned out to be the Kris Boyd show, as boomer laid on the first two for Simon & Danny and netted a brace himself in the 4-2 win! Graeme Smith saves a penalty also for Killie with 8 min's to go also! Boyd sends a message to struggling Rangers in the Dons post-match... "If you want me ... come get me!" More .

Killie finish the month with 18 points from 13 matches and are in 5th place in the SPL.

Nov 2005

Nish, Danny & Boomer Celebrate Well Injury Time Equaliser

The Kris Boyd machine rolls on to open Nov, as Boomer nets the opening and injury time tie-ing goals to help earn Killie a 2-2 draw at Motherwell. Boyd is now the top goal scorer in Scotland with 11 goals on the season. Alan Combe returns in goal also. Credit must also go Jim Jefferies tactics as he sticks on Wales, Murray and Nish, as Killie finish the match with 5 forwards on the park! A new song surfaces among the Killie faithful .... "Same Ole Boydie.... Always Scoring!". Killie had no game the following week, and then hosted Inverness CT. Down 0-1 at the half, Killie came storming back to take the lead, only to settle for a 2-2 draw, with Craig Dargo netting the equaliser for Caley. Killie's goals were from Boyd & sub Nish. Prior to the Caley match manager Jim Jefferies signed to a short term amateur deal Ukrainian under-21 Dmytro Pronevych. Before the kick-off of the Livingston away match to close out Nov, there was a minute's silence around all the UK football grounds, to remember George Best who passed away 2 days earlier. Kris Boyd then kept his torrid goal scoring form up with his sixth & seventh goals in just his last four games, as Killie ran out easy 3-0 winners. The Killie fans in attendance at Livi quickly chanted .."Are you watching Walter Smith?" Stephen Naismith notched Killie's 2nd goal, in a sweeping move that was a contender for goal of the season.

Killie finish the month with 23 points from 16 matches (tied with Rangers who were in 4th) and are in 5th place in the SPL.

Dec 2005

Hooky Delivers Against The Pars

Kris Boyd  joins Alan Combe, Gordon Greer, Garry Hay and Gary McDonald in being named to the Scotland "future" squad for the game at Rugby Park on Tuesday the 6th of Dec,  Vs Poland.. Congrat's to all 5 !!!!! More good fortune for Killie who win 1-0 at East End Park to move into a lofty 4th spot in the SPL. Kris Boyd notches his eighth goal in five matches, to get the games only goal. Then the following Tuesday all 5 named Killie players get a game and play well in the Scotland "B" international at Rugby Park, as the Scots run out 2-0 winners, with Killie's Gary McDonald opening the scoring, in front of over 3,000 fans. Rangers that evening  get a draw to move into the Champions League last 16, which is a little worrying for Killie fans, going into the Sunday Setanta match at Rugby Park, as Rangers much maligned  confidence must have received a boost! Prior to the Rangers match, Kris Boyd was been named the Bank of Scotland Player of the Month for November. He was outstanding for the Rugby Park side, scoring five goals in three games in the Scottish Premier League. Killie then host Rangers on the following Sunday and lose 2-3, bringing to an end their 5 match unbeaten run, with again "dodgy" OF refereeing coming into play! Malcolm clearly handles the ball, and Killie get no spot-kick. For the record Killie's goals were scored by McDonald and who else... Boyd! Manager Jefferies is sent to the stand, after disputing Rangers first goal being offside, but later apologies, after seeing the goal on TV. Jimbo did accept his punishment and serve's a 2 match sideline ban. Killie do rebound after the Rangers loss, and an injury time Boyd (right) goal seals a fortunate 2-1 win for Killie at Falkirk. Jamie Fowler scored a screamer earlier in the match to give Killie the lead. This win was Killie's 3rd consecutive road win, which is an SPL best for the club!
Killie then accept an offer from Sheffield Weds for Kris Boyd's services, however Boomer was really only interested in signing for Glasgow Rangers. After an initial bid from Rangers is rejected, Killie then do get an acceptable fee for Kris Boyd, and Boomer would join Rangers in  Jan 2006.
A chorus of "If you hate the f*cking Rangers clap your hands" greeted the SPL's  leading scorer as he emerged for the half-time draw during the Boxing Day home match to the Arabs. However, any residual hostility soon gave way to a show of appreciation when it was announced that Boomer had made a £20,000 contribution to youth development at the club. Killie won their final outing of the year 2-1 with goals from McDonald, and a second consecutive 90th min winner, this time from "super-sub" Gary Wales.

The win moved Killie back above Rangers into 4th place with 32 points from 20 matches.

Jan 2006



Naisy, Hooky & Co Celebrate the Hibs Injury Time Equaliser

Killie extend Simon Ford's deal for 18 mo's, & Di Giacomo through the end of the season, prior to the Hibs home match. Gordon Greer is now out (for 6-8 weeks) with a stress fracture in one of his ankles. Killie open the year with their 3rd 90th min goal in a row, to earn a deserved point in an end to end affair with Hibs, which ended 2-2.  Young Naismith opened the scoring for Killie, and it was Gary Wales (for the 2nd match in a row) that snatched the injury time goal. This was Killie's first point off of a team above them in the SPL.
Killie then head to Edinburgh to take on Hearts, and lose in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup 1-2. Killie play without Locke, Danny & Gary Mcd (suspended) & lose recent goal scoring threat Gary Wales after only 30 mins. Colin Nish snatches what would be a consolation goal with 5 mins remaining, to give Hearts a nervous hang-on win! To complete Killie's 2nd round of 11 fixtures, it was a trip to our hoodoo ground Parkhead, having not won there in the league for 55 years! After falling behind early 0-2, a Danny Invincibile header from a Hay cross (after Naisy disposed Keane in the box) pulled Killie even at 2-2. Killie only held out 3 mins, and went on to lose 2-4. Naisy had pulled the 1st one back from the spot, after Nish was upended.

Sean Dillon is released so he can join QoS for the remained of the season.

It also now confirmed that Killie's management duo of Jim Jefferies & Billy Brown, have signed new contracts to keep them at Rugby Park till 2009!

The second 1/3rd of the season was now complete and Killie stood in 5th position with 33 points from 22 matches, with a record of 9 wins, 7 losses, & 6 draws. Their 7 losses were all from teams above them in the table (Hearts, Celtic, Hibs & Rangers), and therefore Killie were still on track in taking at least a point from every team they were "supposed to" have taken a point from! Motherwell were in 7th position with 29 points, so Killie had a 4 point "top 6" cushion.

Killie then picked up their first win of 2006 with a gutsy 1-0 home win, over Hearts (a team above us!) for their  first win over the Jambos in their last THIRTEEN meetings! Danny scoring for the second straight week, right after half-time. Nish misses the "sitter" of the season in the dying moments also. Manager Jefferies describes Killie's performance as.... "The best performance of the season" ... so far!

Before the Jan transfer windows manager Jefferies secures 3 additions to his squad, all for the balance of season. Giorgos Fotakis,  Lindsay Wilson & the return of Eric "the King" Skora Click on the players name to take you to the player's 05-06 profile.
Killie close Jan at the Dons, and take their 7th point of the season off them, after twice coming from behind! Killie last season 2004-05 took no points off the Dons, what a turn around! For the record Stephen Naismith (who was named as the Young SPL Player of the Month for Jan) netted from the spot, and an 86 min leveler came through David Lilley to help Killie earn a 2-2 draw.

Feb 2006

Gary Wales & Co Celebrate His Double Against Motherwell

After a layoff for a full week, Killie then hosted Motherwell in a midweek clash, that turned into the Gary Wales show, as he netted twice for Killie in a fine 2-0 home win!. The match was also notable for Alan Combe being replaced after 19 mins with Graeme Smith, after Combe had made a great save with game notted at 0-0, and Lindsay Wilson making his Killie debut. Wilson was later to be replaced by the now fit again  Locke, this was Gary's first match in over 3 months!
Having been knocked out the cup Killie would play only 2 more Feb fixtures. An exciting share of the spoils was had at Inverness, where each team could only hold a lead for a minute in a 3-3 draw. Naismith opened the scoring for Killie & another Gary Wales "double accounted for Killie's 3 goals! Bottom of the league Livingston were to be the next foes, who were equipped with a new manager, John Robertson. Livi take a shock lead, only to find themselves trailing at the half, after Naismith & Wales each scored, and assisted! Danny Invincibile added a 3rd as Killie ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. The ICT & Livi matches were notable for new man Lindsay Wilson, who played well, covering for the injured Gordon Greer. Also Graeme Smith with these 2 starts for the injured Alan Combe.

With 27 games played this season, Killie's 52 goals were already an "SPL Best" for the club! - Here More encouraging news was that Steven Naismith's contract had been extended through 2010!

Killie finish the month with 44 points from 27 matches (only 2 pts behind Rangers who were in 3rd) and are in 5th place in the SPL.

Mar 2006

Danny Celebrates the Pars Winner

Killie start March with a scrappy 1-0 home win over the Pars, thanks to an early Danny Invincibile goal. Killie play without Naismith (suspended) & Wales (injured), but did see Combe return in goal, Locke & Di Giacomo all start. This was Paul's first start in over 3 years. Next up are Rangers away. Killie lose 0-4, in a very flat performance, where manager Jefferies described us "being scared to play". After Boyd opened the scoring, Rangers last 2 goals are scored against Jamie Fowler in the Killie goal, after Alan Combe picked up Killie's first red-card of the season. Killie remain the only SPL team not to have picked up a point against the Old Firm this term. Killie do go on to bounce back the following week with a scrappy 2-1 home win over the Bairns. Danny opened the scoring early, and Naisy provided the winner! Smith covered well as a stand-in for the suspended Combe, as Killie moved back into 4th in the SPL. This was Killie's 5th straight home win, and they had now taken 19 out of a possible 21 points! at "fortress" Rugby Park.! Before the Bairns match Bazcelona recorded a fine 5-0 win over our visiting Kaiserslautern friends, to regain the killiefc.com Challenge Cup. After the Bairns match Alan Combe (left) was presented his 2004-05 Player of the Year award from this site. The following week Killie go on to rue losing a 2 goal half-time advantage at Tannadice, in a game that ended 2-2. Naismith scoring twice to give Killie the early lead. The linesman saw a mystery-invisible Killie player on Combe's goal line which let the Arabs clearly offside leveler stand. Killie did dodge a penalty claim after Nish  handled in his own box A draw in the end was decent result for both clubs. In their 18 matches against the "bottom 6" Killie's record for the season was 13 wins 5 draws and no defeats.

Killie finish the month with 51 points from 31 matches (5 pts behind Rangers, 2 pts ahead of Hibs) and are in 4th place in the SPL.

Apr 2006

Steven Naismith is Named Young Player of the Year!

Killie's remaining last 2 pre-split fixtures were at Hibs on a Weds night, followed by champions Celtic at Rugby Park on the Sunday. Killie go down 1-2 to the Capital side, surrendering a Gary Wales opener, to two goals in the last 10 mins. A real six pointer dropped for Killie! Worse was to follow as Killie huffed & puffed all afternoon in a 1-4 home loss to Celtic, with Colin Nish getting a late consolation for Killie. The main talking point of the match was March SPL Player of the Month Steven Naismith's equaliser incorrectly being chalked off, right before the half time whistle!

So Killie completed their regular season in 5th place one point behind Hibs in 4th, with 51 points from 33 matches. The final 5 fixtures were unkind to Killie getting only 2 home and 3 away matches, including a 3rd trip to Aberdeen!

Killie open their final five, "top 6" matches with an away 0-2 loss to Hearts. Again the officials find themselves having to explain a poor (non) call for Killie, as Invincibile is felled en route to a "1 on1" goal scoring opportunity just before the half. No call, no freekick, no penalty(s), no Hearts red-card, just no luck for a gutsy Killie! There was some good news for Killie prior to the Hearts match, as Steven Naismith was named the SPL's Young Player of the Year! Also Jamie Fowler joins the growing number of squad members being signed up for next term. Hay, Lilley, Wright, Combe, Ford.

Killiefc.com during Feb - April of 2006, helped Kilmarnock FC finish first among all SPL clubs in a fan based daily polling Coca-Cola competition. For the record Killie finished 7th overall in the UK, and outpaced 2nd place Glasgow Celtic by over 38,000 votes! To see the final week standings click the above banner.

Aberdeen were then held to a 0-0 draw up there, with Simon Ford twisting his knee ligaments, and would now be out for a 4-5 month recovery period. Rangers at home were next, and Killie through Colin Nish took a half-time lead, which they could not hold as they went on to lose 1-3 Marvin Andrews, who was brought on to cope with Nish, scoring twice along with Boyd. Garry Hay would now also be done for the season after colliding with former team-mate Boyd & picked up a season ending concussion.

May 2006

Killie Finish the Season in Style With A 3-1 Win Over Hibs!

With Hearts clinching 2nd place, there was to be no Euro place for 4th position in the SPL this term, and Killie's motivation was clearly missing in a disappointing 0-2 loss at Parkheid to Champions Celtic, with both their goals again coming in the second half. It was nice however to see Peter Leven get a rare 05-06 start!

So Killie entered their final match of the season not having won in 7 outings, and having conceded 14 second half goals in these matches. Killie had also slipped to 6th position in the SPL table, behind Aberdeen. Prior to Hibs home finale Killie reveal their new 06-7 away kit, a bright yellow, with blue trimmings which was generally very well received by the fans. More 

Killie did have to lean on Alan Combe's performance to keep them only a goal adrift as Hibs went in 1 up at the half! But Kilmarnock produced a fine second-half fight-back against Hibernian to ensure their coffers swelled by an extra £70,000. Naismith converting an early 2nd half penalty (which saw Hibs reduced to 10 men), before Gordon Greer & Colin Nish scored wonder volleys, from Peter Leven serves into the box as Killie ran out worthy 3-1 winners! Nish finishes the season a high note - Here

Killie boss Jim Jefferies had the following to say in Hibs post match interview...."It was a great finish in front of our own supporters and I thought we played some great stuff.  The extra £70,000 helps the club as the higher we finish, the more we get. The players can be well satisfied and coming fifth speaks volumes for the squad. It has been hard ever since I have been here, but we accept it and get on with it. We finished seventh last season and fifth this year. It'll be hard to top that, but we'll consolidate and try to do better."   JJ's Season Comments - Here  

In their 22 matches against the 7 teams below them, Killie's record for the season was 15 wins 7 draws and no defeats. Only the Old Firm did Killie fail to take points off of (or actually beat, as Killie had at least one victory over the other 9 SPL sides!). Fantastic!!!.... Bring on .... 2006-07!!

Gary McDonald decides to move on from Killie, having failed to be a regular starter this season. Lindsay Wilson returns to PSV Eindhoven at the end of his loan spell.  Gordon Greer signs a new one-year deal with a one-year option.
FC Kilmarnock defeat Glasgow City  3-2 to win  the Women's Scottish Cup Final at Kirkcaldy. Congrats to the Killie Girls! 
James Fowler is announced as the killiefc.com Player of the Year for season 2005/06 - More
Bluehand wins the Premier Division,  of our Prediction League. Complete season ending stands are as follows:  First Division, Second Division and Third Division

July 2006



Di Giacomo Scores Against Preston NE

Killie lose only one first-team squad member in Gary McDonald (who moved on to Oldham) during the off season. Invincibile was the last team member to sign-on again, and does for two more seasons!  It is also learned that Killie may be sweating Alan Combe's availability for the season opener at champions Celtic on July 29th, as he recovers from a hip surgery. Killie take three trialists to Il Ciocco, in Italy. Keith Lasley 26, who spent five seasons with Motherwell before moving to Plymouth Argyle in 2004. Australian 21-year-old McClenachan who played 34 times last season for the MK Dons (on loan from West Ham United), and 30 year-old defender Grant "Bert" Murray, who was with Partick last term. Murray impresses manager enough to warrant a 1 year deal with Killie. Killie's new home top was released early before the "Open" day, and was very well received. Killie then start their pre-season tune-up, coming twice from behind to draw 2-2 with QoS, down in Dumfries, with Danny & Naisy grabbing Killie's goals.

Killie then play 2 games in 2 days at Elgin in the Ennstone Challenge Cup. Killie beat Elgin 3-0 (Jacko (2) & trialist Barrowman), and fall 0-1 to Ross Co, (with Naisy missing a penalty.)
Killie then host West Brom and win 2-1 (Jacko & Nish), then draw 1-1 with Preston NE 1-1, with Jacko again scoring, his 4th goal of the pre-season.

The Killie open day, was held on July 23rd, and is now called the "Killie Festival" and a great time was had by all!

Before Killie's  06-07 SPL season opener at Parkhead against 05-06 SPL champs Celtic, they sign Andrew Barrowman to a one year contract.

Killie fall 1-4 at Parkhead to extend our 55-56 year league misery there! Naisy opens his account for Killie was one of the rare good Killie talking points. Stand in keeper Graeme Smith also gave a good account of himself also!

Aug 2006

Naisy & Big Colin Both On Target Vs Hibs!

Killie host Hibernian for their first match of the new season, at Rugby Park, and it took a great first half performance by stand in keeper Graeme Smith, to keep Killie in the contest only down a single goal at the half! A fierce team-talk by JJ at the half resulted, in a much more spirited 2nd half performance, and Killie were soon on level terms with Colin Nish putting Killie even. A wonder solo goal (right) by Steven "Kid Goals" Naismith sealed a fantastic 2-1 comeback win!

Killie then toil against the Arabs at home who played 50 odd min's a man down holding Killie to a disappointing 0-0 draw. Killie offer Keith Lasley a deal, but he knocks us back to return to bottom of the league Motherwell. Better signing news is that David Fernandez does sign, for 2 years (with an option for a 3rd year).
Killie then travel to Westfield and pick up 3 points with Gary Wales pulling Killie even, and sub Paul Di Giacomo (left) netting a late winner as Killie steal the points, in a 2-1 win over the Bairns. This was Jacko's first league goal since Nov 16th 2002 (when we beat Livi 2-0 at home!). Grant Murray also plays very well in his Killie debut! This was Killie's first away win of 2006, having not won away from Rugby Park, since we beat Falkirk 2-1 in Dec of 2005!

Killie bring August to a close with a Sunday match at home to Rangers. Killie come twice from behind to thwart a Kris Boyd double, and earn a 2-2 draw, with Graeme Smith making several fine stops in the Killie goal.
This was Killie's first point off of the Old Firm in 4 years! Fraser Wright scored his first goal for the club, and Steven Naismith scored in the 90th min from the spot, after several Killie penalty appeals had been denied. Fernandez made his Killie debut, and looked pretty good! Naisy also headed down to London to train with Arsenal after the match, but nothing concrete came of his visit.
Before the transfer window closes, manager Jefferies snaps up Iain Campbell, a 21 year old, left full-back, from Dunfermline.

Sep 2006

Naisy Goes Close at Love Street

The Euro 2008 qualifiers, meant that Killie did not play for 2 weeks, and then  threw away the points in a 2-3 defeat to the Pars at East End Park, after twice having taken the lead through Invincible, & Wales. Some better new for Killie was that Jim Jefferies was named the SPL's manager of the month for Aug!.

Killie do bounce back with some fine football at Love St, with a 1-0 win over the Buddies. Gus heaps the praise on his former employers, stating Killie were the best footballing team to come to Paisy so far this term!  For the record Killie's winning goal was an O.G.!

Killie then go into the next 2 week international break where the match will go down as the "Fir Park Fiasco", conceding 3 goals in 9 min's to winless bottom of the league Motherwell, after Danny had headed onto the bar with the game scoreless. Killie went onto lose by a 0-5 scoreline, a real sore one!

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 12 points from 9 matches.

Oct 2006



JJ Celebrates His First Killie Win at Tynecastle!

Many Killie fans went into the Aberdeen home match worried about the team's defensive frailties after the Well match, and with Greer & Lilley both out. However Simon Ford made a welcome first start, but could not see the match out and Ryan O'Leary had to step in to replace him from the bench. Both contributed in helping Killie grind a fine 1-0 home win! Gary Wales scoring the game's only goal. Naismith also seemed to be in hungrier form, having been given a week off, prior to the match by manager Jefferies.  Killie then headed of to Tynecastle, to play 2nd placed Hearts, where we had not won for 6 seasons. Jim Jefferies face (see above pic) said it all as Killie won comfortably 2-0 with Invincible, & Wales scoring for Killie. Gordon Greer also returned, and Wright, Fernandez & Fowler were singled out as 3 men of the match in a tremendous all-round team performance.

Killie finish a good October with a home match against Celtic. Killie lose 1-2 in a match most noteworthy for a horrendous challenge on David Fernandez by Caldwell, that should have produced a straight red. Fernandez tears his knee ligaments, and his season would now be over. Colin Nish Ferdy's replacement opened the scoring with a fine shot, but sadly Killie could not hold on for what would have been a well deserved point.

Killie finish the month in 5th place in the SPL with 18 points from 12 matches.

Nov 2006

Killie Move On To The CIS Semi's!

Killie start November against a newly appointed John Collins Hibs side at Easter Rd. Four goals in the first 20 min's of the 2nd half see both teams play to a 2-2 draw. Killie open the scoring with a deflected Naisy shot (credited as an O.G.), and then pull even, with a close range Naismith header.
Killie then hosted Motherwell in the CIS Quarter-Final, and picked up a modicum of revenge for their 0-5 Fir Park loss, just 5 weeks earlier. Fraser "Fright" Wright scored a double (conceded a penalty also!) and was named "man of the match" by the sponsors as Killie moved on to the Semi's. Danny Invincibile (left) scoring the winner with a wonder left foot shot!

Killie then travel to Tannadice, and put a very "flat" performance and fall 0-1, without Wales, AJ (& obviously Fernandez).

With no wins in their last 3 SPL outings the Bairns home match was labeled by many as a "must win"! Killie do win, 2-1, after trailing at the half. Garry Hay scoring the game tie-ing (his first since Dec 2001), and Fright forcing a headed Bairns O.G. to give Killie a valuable much-needed 3 points! Colin Nish unfortunately picked up Killie's first red card, for allegedly diving in the box.

Rangers away were next, and Killie's dismal run in Glasgow continued as they fell 0-3. Graeme Smith in the Killie goal was our star man keeping the score respectable. Boyd again scores against his former club to add to Killie's woe!

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 22 points from 16 matches.

Dec 2006

Killie Net Five Against The Pars!

Killie bounce back from their Ibrox failings to pick up 4 out of  6 points at Rugby Park over the Pars 5-1, and a 1-1 draw with the Buddies. Colin Nish nets a double against his old club as does Paul Di Giacomo. Garry Hay & Gordon Greer were to left to argue about who picked the Pars opening goal. Jacko  (right) opens the scoring against St Mirren, but Killie could only salvage a point, despite dominating for long periods, as the Saints score with their only shot on goal, which was deflected (into the bargain). Both games saw Gary Wales missing with a hamstring injury.

Killie are also drawn away to Morton in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup, to be played on Jan the 8th of 2007.

Killie then pick up a stunning 4-3 victory at Inverness, after twice falling behind. Naisy tied the score before a Colin Nish double made it 3-3, and a Naisy penalty sealed the win! Graeme Smith made several key stops, to help Killie pick up the 3 points. Killie then fall flat on their faces, with what Billy Brown called their worst performances in 18+ months, as Killie fell 1-2 to Motherwell at home, and then worse 1-3 at Aberdeen on Boxing Day. Stephen Naismith scoring both consolation goals for Killie.

The in-form Di Giacomo was lost for at least a month just 4 min's into the Well match with a broken cheek bone. Hay is sent off in the dying moments also meaning a real make-shift outfit was fielded at Pittodrie, as Wright also was unavailable.

Killie finished the year without flu-ridden Colin Nish, and with Peter Leven playing up front in the 0-0 year finale at Rugby Park against Hearts.

A great team performance saw both teams miss great chances, where neither team deserved to lose.

It was nice to see Simon Ford back in the Killie line-up, along with Gordon Greer & Grant Murray who all had great games in the Killie defence. Andrew Barrowman also features in the final 2 matches of the year as a sub, having been recalled from his QoS 3 month loan.

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 30 points from 22 matches.

Jan 2007

Naisy Wonder Show Puts Killie Into the CIS Final

What  a crazy January it was for Killie! We opened the month with 3 straight 2 goal losses, followed by 3 straight wins. Killie’s first fixture of the New Year was Jan 2^nd away to champ’s elect Celtic, where we lost 0-2, and had manager Jim Jefferies sent to the stand, for laughing at the linesman’s call leading up to Celtic’s opening goal. Our 56 year hoodoo continued when Fraser Wright headed against their bar, before they scored a last minute 2^nd goal. Worse was to follow, as a gutless showing in Greenock saw Killie bounced out of the Scottish Cup 1-3 to Morton, after Colin Nish gave Killie an early 2^nd half lead. Killie’s 3^rd straight loss, was another sore one, losing 0-2 at home to Hibs, where they fielded a crop of youngsters in their starting XI, in this Monday night Setanta fixture. The game was also noteworthy for Alan Combe’s first start in the Killie goal, all year, new signing Mohammed Sylla’s debut, and for a Gary Wales Red-Card.

It is also reported that Danny Invincibile now needs a groin op, which would have a 6 week recovery period. So with this in mind JJ swooped for 19 year old Rocco Quinn on a loan from Celtic (they probably felt obliged having crocked "our" Ferdy back in Oct).

Killie’s season was now pretty much at crisis point, having not won in 6 outings, taking 1 point out of 15 in the SPL, having dropped out of the "Top 6", and the Scottish Cup being a non-starter!

The next 3 games were to be crucial to Killie’s season, two win-able SPL matches, and a CIS Cup Final berth being up for grabs.

Well in typical Killie fashion (unpredictable as you know what) they won all 3, with 3 clean sheets on the trot, go figure! Killie beat the Arabs 1-0, at Rugby Park, thanks to a Peter Leven goal, after a great move involving both Hay & Johnson. Quinn (below left) also impressed in his Killie debut!

Killie then faced Falkirk twice in 4 days, and maintained their 11 year jinx over them. In the SPL Killie picked up all 3 points, on their travels, thanks to goals from Nish & Naismith, in the first half, as Killie ran out 2-0 winners. This win moved Killie back into the "Top 6" back above the Bairns!

Four days later Killie booked their spot for the 2^nd time in 6 years in the CIS Cup Final (against Hibs), with what can only be described as the “Steven Naismith Show’. Naisy’s wonder showing resulted in a hat-trick, with 2 super strikes, and a spot kick. Alan Combe was also called on to help keep a clean sheet as Killie’s cup dreams stayed alive, in this 3-0 win at Motherwell’s Fir Park.

Prior to the Jan transfer window closing Killie play some more musical chairs sending Stevie "Ruby" Murray & Jamie Adams out on loan to Queens through the end of the 06-07 season. In return Killie sign Queens Willie Gibson, then loan him back to QoS. Andrew Barrowman is then free’ed also, as he also heads down to Dumfries. Eighteen year old David Gray  joins Kilmarnock on Jan 31st 2007,  after leaving Scottish Premier League rivals Dundee United.

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 36 points from 26 matches, and with a CIS Cup Final to look forward to on Sunday March 18th.

Feb 2007



Murray & Locke Hold the Pars!

Killie next hosted Rangers on Sunday Feb 11th at Rugby Park and lost 1-3 with Kris Boyd scoring a "hat-trick" against his former employers. A strange game saw Killie concede 2 penalties (the first of which the ref had to acknowledge afterwards that he's blown the call as Simon had cleanly tackled Boyd). Killie themselves missed a penalty (by Leven, as Naisy was off the field hurt at the time). Naismith did get Killie a consolation goal. Killie then headed off to East End Park and opened the scoring again through Naismith (his 5th straight Killie goal!). Killie could only pick up a point as Ford is sent off just before the break in conceding a penalty, as the match finished a 1-1 draw. Before the Pars match Killie sign Ivory Coast striker Aime Koudou to a short term deal, and then scores a "hat-trick" in his first outing, for the reserves. Eric "The King" Skora, (right) also resumed training with Killie as JJ starts his planning for next term!

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 37points  from 28 matches.

March 2007



Killie's Magnificent Fans at Hampden

Killie open March with 2 wins to virtually assure themselves of a "Top 6" SPL finish! Firstly a fine 2-0 win at Love St, with Colin Nish netting a double, which was followed by a 3-2 home win over Inverness, After falling behind to an early goal. Jacko netted twice before Naisy scored the winner with a wonder over-head kick. Combe is rested for the Caley match in preparation for the CIS Cup Final the following week. Rolf Harris releases a new Killie version of "Fine Day", as Killie gear up for the Final.
Also of note was the ICT crowd was well over 7,500, (their highest non-Old Firm crowd of the season) as Killie reduced the prices to get some of the "fair-weather" fans back into Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock then contested their 5th League Cup Final, on Sunday March 18th Vs Hibernian.
CIS Cup Final Preview Here & Build Up Here

An estimated 20,000 Killie fans made their way to the National Stadium at Hampden, only to see Killie suffer 1-5 at the hands of Hibernian. Was it stage fright or was it frost bite? Gordon Greer at least scored Killie's first goal in a Final of this competition. Things could have been so very different if only Killie had taken their chances in the first 25 min's, but sadly lost the opening goal to set piece when Jones headed home from 6 yards in the 27th min. After that Combe made a couple of good stops, to keep Killie in it at the half. A second half comeback never materialised, and Killie only had one decent spell after falling behind 0-3. "Killie Till I Die" could be heard ringing around Hampden, after Greer pulled one back, but two more slack defending situations cost Killie dear, as Killie attempted to chase the game. The fifth Hibs goal being a personal nightmare for Alan Combe.

Some good news for Killie was that Inverness's home loss to the Pars confirmed Killie's "Top 6" SPL finish, with 3 matches to spare!

Dons at home on March 31st concluded the month. Killie "hammered" (JJ's expression) the Dons and ended up getting "mugged" in a 1-2 defeat. The Dons scored on Graeme Smith twice with only one shot on target the entire game, due to Fowler-Howler OG. Naisy scored a late penalty, but Killie were truly robbed of something from the match. The SPL then releases the post-split fixtures, and Killie draw the short straw again and will play 18 at home & 20 away matches (for the 2nd season in a row!).
Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 43 points  from 31 matches.

April 2007

Greer & Nishy Celebrate the Theft Of 3 Points at Fir Park

Killie finish up the regular season (before the "split"), with 2 bizare results! Firstly a 1-0 win at Fir Park, in a game we were really never in! Sub Colin Nish scoring in injury time with a fine header, from a Leven corner. Then a cruel 0-1 loss was suffered at Tynecastle where Killie certainly gave as good as they got for the entire match. Killie went into this match with Stephen Naismith being named March's Young SPL Player of the month, and with a growing treatment room. Unavailable for the Hearts match were: Combe, Hay, G Murray, Fernandez, Lilley, Gibson, Koudou, Invincibile & Magic (who just had season ending surgery). JJ gives Jamie Hammill his debut, and he goes on to put an excellent shift. Eric "the King" Skora is also named to the sub's bench. This was the first time Eric's name had been on a Killie team-sheet since May 12th 2004 in his final loan appearance (from Preston NE) against the Dons.

Killie finish the regular season in 5th place in the SPL with 46 points from 33 matches.

Killie then hosted SPL Champ's elect next at Rugby Park, on Sunday April 22nd. Celtic needing a win to clinch the title. Nakamura had the last say when he curled a sweet strike round the defensive wall and beyond a stranded Alan Combe, in the 92nd min to rob Killie of a deserved point, as Killie fall 1-2. Killie certainly the champ's as good as they got with Colin Nish netting after fine work by Wales. Again there are problems in visiting fans sneaking in to home sections of Rugby Park, and also the "world's greatest fans" wreck hundreds of seats, celebrating after the final whistle. Stephen Naismith after the match then wins his second straight writers SPFA Young Player of the Year.

Killie finish April up at Aberdeen and fall 0-3 to the Dons. The third being a freak goal where Alan Combe had a  quick throw out, strike the back of Mackie's head with the ball, which bounced directly into of his net.

May 2007

JJ Picks Up His First Old Firm Win!

Killie go on to finish the 2006-07 in fine style with three straight one nil wins!!  This was the best form of any of the teams in the "top 6", post the "split". Firstly Killie pick up a modicum of revenge, for their CIS Cup Final failure, with a fine 1-0 win at Hibernian. O'Leary, Hamill & Gibson all start as JJ opt's for youth. For the record it was Colin Nish who headed home a ball over the keeper in the Hib's goal, for his 14th goal of the season.
Interesting Hibs had not picked up a win in 8 outings since their CIS win over us!
Next up were Rangers at Ibrox, and manager Jim Jefferies picked up his first Old Firm win! A first time volley by Stephen Naismith from a nice headed feed from Big Colin were enough to sink the Gers, as Alan Combe had a second great outing after his Dons "gaff". Aime Koudou makes his first start for Killie, and looked decent, and may have done enough to get a 1 year contract for next term.
All the Monday morning paper talk was about Naisy heading to amongst some places... Ibrox!

Killie then go on to complete their closing "hat-trick" of wins at home to JJ's former employers Hearts at home. Hearts needing a win to keep their UEFA Cup aspirations alive, fell 1-0 to a 82nd min Naisy penalty, (right....his 19th of the season) after Gordon had fouled him. Prior to the Hearts kick-off a moments silence is honored for club photographer Tom Brown, who had passed 2 weeks earlier.
On the player front, it looks like Peter Leven, has joined Graeme Smith in leaving Killie both having rejected Killie's final offers to each of them. However Johnston & Skora (2 year deals)  Locke (1 year) are each re-signed.

Jim Jefferies shares his thoughts on the 06-07 season......"We've equalled the record number of wins for a season, we got our first win for seven years at Ibrox last week and we've been to a cup final. It's time to quit I think - only kidding!  We would be quite happy to start next year with the same targets - trying to get into the top six and another decent cup run."

Killie finish the season in 5th place in the SPL with 55 points from 38 matches.

June 2007

Steven Naismith Makes His Scotland Debut

Gordon Greer (Doncaster Rov), Stevie Murray (Partick T) , Peter Leven & Graeme Smith (Rangers)... are the only "first team" members reported thus far, to be moving on. Magic, Fowler, Clancy, Hay, Skora, Koudou & Locke are all signed up for next term.
Steven Naismith wins his first Scotland "Full" cap, as a late sub in Scotland's 2-0 win over the Fareo Islands. Naisy is now all the talk of the Scottish press, with both sides of the Old Firm being reported as being interested in his signature. Killie chairman Michael Johnston speaks exclusively to the fans via killiefc.com - Here  A fresh bid worth £1.5m (£700K initially) with add-ons was then reportedly made to the Rugby Park club, by Rangers, however Killie rejected this offer!  Rangers then have to cheek to blame Killie for playing out the transfer in the press!

July 2007



"Le God" Returns!

The Killie first team squad reported back for training on July 3, flying out to their Italian training camp at Il Ciocco for a week-long stay. In Killie's travel party is newly signed Craig Bryson (from Clyde) & the recuperating David Fernández. Also French keeper Damien Rascle is brought in on trial. Killie then take on Dumbarton and play to an uninspiring 0-0 draw, without Steven Naismith in their ranks as manager Jim Jefferies tells the press he is now resigned himself to the fact that he will now be moving on.

Killie's new sponsor is also announced, Small World Media, who are an Irvine based company.

Killie then draw 2-2 at Dens Park (Jacko (Pen) & Naisy) followed by a bizarre 1-3 home loss to Notts Forrest after conceding 3 penalties, 2 of which were fouls by Fright!
Big Colin ensured a 2nd half "win" for the Killie. Steven Naismith then hands in his formal transfer request to Killie, and he is then promptly dropped from the 1-0 win over Leicseter City at Rugby Park. Gary Wales (left) scored in the 1st min, as Killie went on to record both their first win and clean-sheet of the pre-season. Sunday July 29th was the annual Killie Festival, and a great day was had by all, although a certain Mr Naismith was ill and could'nt make it... MMMM?

 

Aug 2007



Ford & Combe Perform Parkhead Heroics!

Killie opened their SPL season at Parkhead on Sunday Aug 5th, and earned a costly point in a 0-0 draw against last terms champions. Jamie Fowler suffered a serious ankle injury, Garry Hay a hamstring injury, and sub David Fernandez, an eye socked bash! Prior to the Celtic match Stephen Naismith withdrew his transfer request, and Momo Sylla, fell out with manager Jefferies, and subsequently would be moving on.

The history books will show that Kilmarnock won 2-1 twice in five days having prevailed after looking like they should have been dead and buried long before two late winning goals were scored. First a 2-1 win over the Arabs was recorded on a Monday night Setanta match. Killie getting late goals from Gibson (on as a sub), and Nish. Hay & Fowler were both missing from the Celtic match. Then it was on to Fir Park where another 3 points were "stolen" with Rhian Dodds netting an injury time winner, after Lillie had pulled Killie even. The Well PA announcer credited Dodds injury time winner to "Dick Turpin".
Rangers were Killie's final Aug opponents, and they put in a fine shift in a 1-2 losing effort. Danny Invincibile (right) scoring a fine goal for the Ayrshire men. Prior to Gers match Killie brought in 21 year old striker Ryan Jarvis on-loan from Norwich, and making way for Jarvis was Paul Di Giacomo, who headed out on loan to Partick. Invincibile also reinjures his groin, and he too would now be missing!
To close out Aug Killie picked up a fine 3-0 win in their first ever visit to Peterhead in the 2nd rd of the CIS Cup. This match was to become even more note-able as it represented Stephen Naismith's last game for Killie. Naisy was on the score-sheet that night (along with Nish & Wright) before his 11:45pm 31/8/7 2 million pound transfer to Rangers.

Killie finish the month in 6th place in the SPL with 7 points from 4 matches.

Sept 2007



Fright Nods Just Over Against The Dons

Killie fans had a miserable day the 1st of Sept 2007, as many fans woke to breaking news that Naismith had been sold, and to rub salt in the wounds Killie lose 0-1 to the Dons at home, having been worth at least a draw. Even worse was the loss of Gary Wales, as Killie's treatment room gets even busier. Killie then head to the friendly confines of Fir Park, and take on Gretna for the first time, and pick up another 2-1 win. A wonder goal from Wullie Gibson, (right)and a first goal for Jarvis (from a perfect knock down from Nish) put Killie into cruise control. Again unfortunately another injury as Ryan O'Leary breaks his nose giving way to debut for Tim Clancy.
Clancy makes one more appearance in a drab home 0-0 draw to the Buddies before he his also lost to a hip injury! Some good news is that "BeckenFowler" did return from an opening day injury. Craig Bryson comes off the bench to make his Killie debut, and nearly wins at the end for Killie. Killie then head to new Douglas Park to play unbeaten 1st Div leaders Hamilton, and put in a shocking 90 min's and crash out of the CIS Cup 0-2. Rhian Dodds limps off after 8 min's giving way to teenager Iain Flannigan, while Bryson make his first start for Killie. Sub Fernandez gets a red card, for 2 quick dissent yellow cards, to compound Killie's misery, in front of over 1,200 unhappy travelling Killie fans.
Manager Jim Jefferies then has to suspend practice the Thursday prior to Hibs away match as Nish and others pick up knocks in training.

A complete summary was....Rhian Dodds (ankle ligaments) Colin Nish (hamstring) David Fernandez (twisted knee) Chad Harpur (ankle), Ryan O'Leary (broken nose), Danny Invincibile (groin), Eric Skora (knee), Gary Wales (foot), Garry Hay (hamstring) and Tim Clancy (hip) on the sidelines.

O'Leary does make the Hibs match, only to get a red card, as Killie concede 3 (2 converted) penalties, in 1-4 loss at Easter Rd. Colin Nish (only fit enough to start from the bench) nets Killie's first goal in over 240 min's of SPL action. Aime Koudou having scored 3 goals for Killie's first placed SPL reserve team makes his first start of the season. Alan Combe makes several key stops including a penalty save to keep the score some-what respectable.
Killie finish the month in 7th place in the SPL with 11 points from 8 matches.

Oct 2007



Jamie and Nishy Celebrate Against Hearts

Killie without Invincibile, Johnston, Wales, Fernandez, Hay Dodds, Clancy (& O'Leary suspended with Locke, Murray& Jarvis only fit enough for a seat on the bench) host Inverness and pick up a point in an entertaining point in a 2-2 draw with Inverness. Koudou scores first goal for the club, and "Big Colin" (right) got his 4th of the season. Other notable points were Simon's luckless "OG" and first team starts for Craig Bryson & Iain Flannigan. During Caley's (after Ford's OG) next corner, one of the Killie Faithfull could be heard yelling at the Killie defence... "Someone mark Simon (Ford)".....
Aye Its still great to be a Killie fan!

Killie then complete two more October fixtures, and finish up the month unbeaten! These matches were away to Falkirk & at home to Hearts. The Falkirk match ended 1-1 with Killie getting off to the worst possible start goingl a goal down after just 2 mins, but not to worry as Fraser "Fright" Wright (left) headed Killie even some 10 mins later. Making their returns were Danny Invincibile & Gary Wales, as Killie remained unbeaten to the Bairns for over 10 years!
Hearts were then emphatically thumped 3-1 at Rugby Park, with Garry Hay returning to the side as captain! A 10 man second half Hearts succumbed to a Gary Wales volley, a Colin Nish penalty (our first of the season) and a Wullie Gibson goal, from a poor keeper clearance. Alan Combe (right) was booked at the 90 min mark, for winding-up the remaining Hearts fans behind his goal, as he went on to kiss his Killie badge on his shirt!

Killie finish the month in 5th place in the SPL with 16 points from 11 matches.

Nov 2007


Rare Nov Bright Spot As Taouil Starts

After an unbeaten Oct Killie then go on a 5 match winless streak that would not end until the home Dec Gretna match.  November's results were a 1-2 loss to Celtic, where Fright pulled Killie even, and then a 0-2 loss at Dundee Utd. In both instances JJ had to have unrepeatable half-time team talks. Alan Combe did save his second penalty of the season in the Arab match.
To finish Nov, Killie hosted an in-form Motherwell and went down 0-1, where sub Koudou missed a sitter in the last min. Also Mehdi Taouil made an impressive first start for the club. Also Jim Jefferies tells the press that top goal scorer Colin Nish has knocked back the terms of a new contract that was offered to him, and he has been linked to perhaps signing a pre-contract with his boyhood hero's Hibernian, in Dec-Jan when the transfer window re-opens.

Killie finish the month in 8th place in the SPL with 16 points from 14 matches.

Dec 2007

Danny & Ferdy Both On Target Vs Gretna

Killie open Dec at Ibrox, and after conceding an early goal, they gave a good account of themselves. Neither Boyd or Naismith scored either, as Killie went on to lose 0-2. Killie's on-going injury worries continue as both Clancy & Hay come back in and out of the squad.
The club announce new 2 year deals for both Simon Ford & Fraser Wright, keeping them at the club till May 2009.
Killie then pick up their 5th straight loss up at Aberdeen, after taking a deserved lead in at the half. In a brutal second half half 5 min period, Ryan O'Leary gives up a dubious penalty, and both Danny & Fright are lost to injury, as Killie eventually went down 1-2, with Ferdy scoring his first goal in over a year.
Killie go into the Gretna home match with just three fit defenders available as they looked to halt a five-game losing streak.  Despite falling behind 3 times Killie do "stop the rot" (JJ) and pick up a battling point in a 3-3 draw. Again Ryan O'Leary gives up another dubious penalty, for Gretna's 2nd goal, however if the truth be told Killie should have been dead and buried at the half, with only the woodwork & Alan Combe keeping Killie in it. For the record Killie's scorers were Danny, Ferdy & Gibbo (with a cross into the net).

On Dec 22nd, Killie travelled to Love St, and draw 0-0 in a very dull encounter. Killie then host on Boxing Day, a free-falling Hibs team, who had only won once since they destroyed us up at Easter Rd. Killie put on their best performance, in weeks, and pick up an impressive 2-1 win, with Hibs only scoring in stoppage time via a dubious penalty. Taouil scored his first goal for the club, with the opener, followed by Colin Nish (right) header , who may be be Hibs bound as he is being courted by them. To close out the year Killie's mini-revival comes to a thundering halt to an in-form Inverness side in a 1-3 loss up there, with Big Colin netting a late consolation penalty. It is also learned that Alan Morgan will be joining from ICT once the transfer window re-opens in Jan.

Killie finish the year in 9th place with 21 points from 20 matches.

Jan 2008

Jacko Returns To Score At Tynecastle

Killie open the New Year hosting a flying Bairns side and go down 0-1, representing Falkirk's first win over Ayrshire's finest in 10+ odd years. Alan Morgan makes his debut as a second half sub, in a game where Killie were denied several time at the death, where Fraser Wright saw red also. Killie then travelled to Tynecastle and drew 1-1 with Hearts. Paul Di Giacomo, netting upon his recall from his loan to Plastic Whistle. Newly signed ex-Motherwell man Martyn Corrigan, starts in place for the suspended Wright, and puts in a solid shift. Despite playing against only 10 men, it was Alan Combe that was the man of the match, with several outstanding stops.

With two-thirds of the season now completed Killie stood in 9th place in the SPL with 22 points from 22 matches but had picked up only one win (Hibs at home), and 6 total points,  from the current 11 game rotation.

Killie were then due to next travel to New Broomfield to play Airdrie Utd in the Scottish Cup, however the match was postponed, due to a water logged pitch.

Site picks up it's 3 millionth Front Page "hit"! Thanks for all you support Allan & Baz.

Killie then started their final 11 matches of the "regular" SPL season and fell 0-1 to Celtic at Parkhied, with Martyn Corrigan, scoring an OG. JJ's post match comments... "They had some really good chances but Alan Combe was brilliant"

Killie then next hosted Dundee Utd, and lost 1-2 with sub Gary Wales netting for Killie. The Arabs winning goal, was a real nightmare for Corrigan & Combe, who collided with each other giving the Arabs a simple free header into an open goal.

Some good news at last see's Taouil extend his Killie contract through the end of the season.

To finish Jan, Killie went to New Broomfield to play Airdrie Utd in the Scottish Cup, knowing there was a big pay-day waiting for the winners with a home BBC tie against Celtic.
Killie put in a professional shift and came out victors 2-0. Jamie Hamill opened the scoring and Colin Nish converting from the spot in what would turn out to be his last appearance fro the club. Chad Harpur also made his first start for the club in goal also that night.

Nish then signs a pre-contract with Hibs for 08-09, and Killie then choose to cash-in and get £100K transfer fee, and transfer the lanky striker at the close of the Jan transfer window.

With Nish's departure immanent Killie took Ex-Brighton striker Baz Savage (left) on trial and he featured in a reserve game against Rangers, however JJ questioned his overall fitness, and nothing further has come of Killie's interest. Killie also missed out on Airdrie Utd striker Allan Russell, as the transfer window closed, with the press having a field day at our inability to scrounge up the funds for the second division striker (as a replacement for Nish).

Killie finish the month in 11th place in the SPL with 22 points from 24 matches.

Feb 2008

Fright Celebrates His Dons Winner!

Killie open Feb hosting a BBC televised lunch-time Scottish Cup tie against Celtic. Only 6,491 bother to show up, and Killie promptly responded with a dismal 2nd half showing, allowing 4 goals as they crashed out of the cup 1-5 to the holders. Hamill scoring his 2nd cup goal in a week, along with Combe's form in the Killie goal, being the only real bright spots for Killie. Killie then travelled to Fir Park and despite losing 0-1 (to a cruel 91st min injury time goal) put in a decent shift.

Two consecutive Sunday home fixtures, were on the horizon. The league leaders Rangers were first, and Killie battled Rangers all the way in an 0-2 home loss, where their 2nd goal was a penalty converted by a certain Mr Boyd. This would be Killie's last loss at Rugby Park for the remainder of the season, as Killie went on to win 4, and draw 2 in their final 6 home games!

Killie then hosted the following Sunday a travel weary (back from Bayern in Germany) Aberdeen side, having picked up only one point in their prior 7 SPL outings (which including 4 narrow one goal losses). The improved play from both the Motherwell & Rangers matches, continued as Killie thumped the Dons 3-1 with a double from "man of the match" Craig Bryson, (his first goals for the club), and Fraser Wright. Invincibile & Hamill also had fine games. The Dons didn't get on the scoresheet till the last few min's with a freak OG, from Wright. Making his debut for Killie as a late sub in the Dons match was new signing (till the end of the season) Paul Dalglish. A great team performance, and first league win for 2008!

The win over-shadowed a small band of Killie fans message of "Johnston Out", aiming their angst at Killie's Chairman Michael Johnston.

Killie then reported that Eric Skora and Aimie Koudou had both left the club, with Eric "Le King"  retiring (knee problems) from football at the age of 26, to return to his native France.

To close out Feb, Killie would then travel in a confident mood to take on bottom of the league SPL strugglers Gretna on the last Weds of Feb. A win would see Killie open a 15 point gap over them, and pretty much assure Ayrshire's finest top-flight football for a 16 consecutive season. With Killie knowing the importance of this match, the club put on free busses, up to Motherwell, and with some 1,300+ in attendance gave the team an outstanding vocal backing.  After a bright start Killie "committed football suicide" (JJ) and allowed 3 goals towards the end of the half. A fourth goal brought "Your Not Fit To Wear the Shirt" howls from the stands. Killie were clearly missing Combe & Lilley, with Chad Harpur having a howler in the Killie goal. Killie scored twice late on, through Ford & sub Gibson, but the result was never in doubt for a poor Killie team.

Killie finish the month in 11th place in the SPL with 25 points from 28 matches.

Mar 2008

Danny Scrambles Home the Buddies Winner!

Killie, just 3 days after the Gretna debacle, hosted 10th place St Mirren, and with a win could see Killie move above them. Which Killie team would show up... the team that trounced the Dons 6 days earlier, or that mob disguised as Killie that got embarrassed by Gretna?

Killie in an no-frills fashion beat the Buddies 1-0 thanks to Danny scrambling home a fumbled corner. Both Lilley & Combe returned, to command the Killie defence, as Invincibile & Bryson had stormers.

See webmaster Auld's diary "home" for the Gretna & Buddies matches - Here

Prior to Killie's next match at Easter Rd, bottom club Gretna filled for administration, and incurred a 10 point penalty deduction, leaving Killie in a safe league position for the remainder of the 2007-08 SPL season. Chairman Michael Johnston, reassures us 11th place in the SPL will not be relegated  - Here 

Killie do fall 0-2 at Easter Rd, but manager Jefferies tells the press "That was the best performance from a Kilmarnock side away from home in a long time" Some good football, without a lot of punch up-front.

Inverness were next to come calling to Rugby Park, and after a poor start Killie found themselves a goal down, only to come back and pick up their biggest victory of the season by a 4-1 margin. On target for Killie Wright (after giving up a penalty) Bryson with "double" & young Flannigan (his first senior goal for the club). Clancy also returned to the side and gave a good account of himself! This was Killie's 3rd straight home win!

Killie closed out March with a 0-0 draw away to Falkirk. Alan Combe made a couple of stops, and again Killie provided little "punch" on the break on a very cold blustery away day. The draw stopped the Bairns making the "Top 6", in a game they had to pick up 3 points from.

Killie finish the month in 10th place in the SPL with 32 points from 32 matches.

Apr 2008



Killie Batter Hearts But Can Only Draw!

Killie then batter Hearts in a home 0-0 draw, twice hitting the woodwork, and were well worth all 3 points. Again, Killie stopped Hearts making the "Top 6". Gary Locke made a rare start and battled hard against his old employers. Regardless of what you might think about JJ, he certainly doesn't like to give them any "freebies". Fright is sent off in the closing moments, and goes on to get season ending surgery after the match.

Killie finish in 10th place, at the "split" with 33 points from 33 matches, and have a 3 match unbeaten run going into the final 5 matches.

Prior to the Caley match, JJ confirms he has spoken to Gavin Skelton, the Gretna midfielder, as JJ starts to turn his attentions towards the 08-09 season.

Killie go into their final 5 fixtures, missing, Bryson, Fright, Gibson, & Morgan, all of whom have had season ending surgeries. Corrigan, Magic  and Taouil (at the last min) were also all missing for the Caley clash. As expected Killie fail to score for their 3rd straight match, and fell 0-3, in a showing that JJ described ... "Some of the players who have contracts on the line did not help themselves". Manager Jefferies then has the entire squad come in for Sunday training, after the Caley performance (or lack there of), to send a message that the season was/is by no means over!
In other player news, Rhian Dodds contract is re-worked to keep him at Rugby Park thru Dec 08, David Lilley is offered a 2 year deal, and Simon Ford may want to move on, having not played since the late Feb Gretna (A) debacle.

Ford did return to the starting line-up for the first time in almost two months while Paul Dalglish made his first start for the club, as Killie hosted relegated Gretna, who can only now be described as Killie's "bogey" team. David Fernandez (left) scores Killie's first goal in over 350 min's of SPL action, but Killie fail to hang on and go on to draw 1-1, and were not worthy of the win. To make matters worse for Killie was "in-form" full back Tim Clancy was carried off in the first half, with a suspected broken leg.

Killie finish the month in 11th place in the SPL with 34 points from 35 matches.

May 2008



Jacko Celebrates His Bairns Winner!

Killie then travelled next to Love St, on May 3rd, and in true 2007-08 fashion found a way to lose 0-1 conceding the games only goal in injury time. This result would ultimately cost Killie any shot at finishing above the Buddies for 10th place in the SPL. Gary Wales comes on as a 2nd half sub for Ferdy, and accomplishes very little, in what was probably his last outing as a Killie player. One bright spot was the return of Mehdi Taouil (as 2nd half sub) who had been missing since the Hearts home 0-0 draw.

Killie then went into their last away match of the season having not won away from Rugby Park  in almost 6 months (since the Gretna Sept 15th 2-1 Fir Park win).  After a dull first half Killie go on and put in a decent 2nd half shift, and record a fine 2-0 win at Tynecastle. The Hearts match scorers were Grant Murray & sub (making his 1st appearance in almost a month) Paul Di Giacomo. Teenager David Cox makes his Killie debut as a late sub for Ferdy, who had been booked earlier for overly-celebrating Murray's goal!

With the loss, Hearts became the only team in season 07-8, NOT to register an SPL win over Ayrshire's Finest!

Prior to the last match of the season Killie boss, Jim Jefferies completed the signing of Allan Russell (a 20 + goal scorer from 2nd Div outfit Airdrie Utd) & Abdul Osman (a 22 year old midfield utility player from Gretna).

Thursday May 15th 2008, ........ will sadly be remembered as the day that Tommy lost his battle against skin cancer, at only 51 years of age. To a generation of Killie fans he will be remembered as one of the best players they ever saw don the stripes... R.I.P.    ........   "TB". Tommy Burns Do You Remember - Here David Ross tribute to Tommy Burns - Here

Killie's place in the Tommy Burns story has inevitably been overlooked, but to the supporters of the Ayrshire club he will never be forgotten for his huge contribution to their cause.
During his three + years as a player and then player-manager at Rugby Park (before Fergus McCann whisked him away to Parkhead in 1994), he not only took Killie into the Premier Division but, against all the odds, kept them there. (Killie manager history - Here).

Killie's supporters left a wealth of flowers, scarves, tops and tributes, outside Rugby Park, and there was a minute's respectful clapping to mark Burns's passing, prior to the Bairns home match kick-off, to show their appreciation to "TB".

Killie go on to finish up the miserable 2007-08 season in style, dominating the Bairns off the park, (except on the scoreboard), with Dalglish (along with Ferdy & Danny) being the culprits in not destroying Falkirk. For the record a 2-1 was picked up, with Taouil pulling Killie even, and super-sub (for the second week running) Paul Di Giacomo netting the winner after coming off the bench.
Manager Jefferies tells the press one of his main priorities is to get Mehdi Taouil signed up for the 08-09 season, as he really makes a huge difference in how Killie play. Killie also introduce their own "1869" brand of shirts, dumping Lotto as their equipment supplier. The home top receives rave reviews when Killie play in it during the last match of the season.

Killie finish the season in 11th place in the SPL with 40 points from 38 matches.

The record books will show Killie's defence continued to improve conceding 52 goals in 07-08, representing a 2 goal improvement over 06-07, and a 12 goal improvement over 05-06. (However should be noted that 05-06 & 06-07 were "Top 6" finishes). The 52 goals conceded represent Killie's best ever SPL performance for a 38 game season!
The opposite was true for Killie's goal scored for season 07-08, netting only a mere 39 times representing Killie's worst ever SPL performance for a 38 game season! The drop-off is further illustrated when you consider Killie scored 47 SPL goals in 06-07, and 63 goals in season 05-06. Clearly the selling off of Boyd, Naismith & to a lesser extent Nish, needs to be addressed, to help make Killie more competitive again.

July 2008



Russell Joins From Airdrie Utd

The Killie first team squad reported back for training on July 3, flying out to their Italian training camp at Il Ciocco for a week-long stay. Killie go into their training camp, without Gary Wales & Paul Di Giacomo, Airdrie Utd), who were not offered new terms for the 08-09 upcoming season.  Killie target Abdul Osman (ex-Gretna) signs for Northampton, after failing an initial medical with Ayrshire's Finest. Some positive news was that the club confirmed that Moroccan midfield maestro Mehdi Taouil  has signed a new contract which will keep him at Rugby Park until 2011. Also in June Simon Ford makes his International debut for Jamaica  in the Reggae Boyz 5-1 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Killie make inquiries into Linfield's forward Peter Thompson but nothing comes it, midfielder Craig Rocastle (ex-Port Vale) has a try-out, but manager Jefferies decides to keep his coffers for a striker, as he feels Killie have good coverage in the middle of the park.

Killie's first piece of real bad news for the season, was that newly signed striker, Allan Russell had to return early from Italy, for  treatment on a twisted knee, and would now be out for about an 8 week period.

Killie then play 3 away pre-season matches: Airdrie Utd (3-0, Danny (2) & Bekenfowler), Alloa Ath (1-1, Anson) & Stenhousemuir. Killie then hosted Wolves, and lost 0-3, QPR were beaten 1-0 (thanks to trialist goal from Pascali. Manuel would later sign a 3 deal with Ayrshire's finest, joining from relegated Parma). Killie finished up the pre-season with a 0-2 loss at home to Coventry. Killie do complete a loan deal (till Dec) for the Sky Blues Donovan Simmonds to complete their squad for opening day. Complete Pre-Season Recap's- Here Killie Festival Pic's are - Here

Aug 2008

Killie Get Off To A Flier Vs Hibs

Killie opened August in a month that would see them go unbeaten, and un-scored upon, and also have manager Jim Jefferies pick up the SPL Manager of the Month award. Killie picked up their first win in their home SPL opener over Hibs, 1-0. In a spirited end to end match, it took a late Jamie Hamill (left) strike who was just on as a sub, to give the home side the victory. David O'Leary is lost for the season with the clumsy Colin Nish being the culprit in dislocating David's shoulder. Sammon & Pascali, make their Killie debuts against Hibs too! Killie followed this result up in a disappointing 0-0 draw at Love Street, where Mehdi hit the bar in the closing stages, but Killie were never worth all 3 points. Then it was unbeaten Accies who came calling and Killie again prevailed 1-0 with Manuel Pascali heading home right on half-time. Pasca was now fast becoming a cult legend with the Rugby Park faithful. In midweek CIS Cup action it took second half goals from Fright & Bryson to see off Brechin 2-0, before the end of the month clash at Tannadice. Allan Russell makes his Killie debut also! Killie then went top (for a day) of the SPL, with a fine "smash & grab" 2-0 win over the Arabs. Gavin Skelton (making his first start), headed Killie to a half-time lead, before Danny opened his account for the season after a well engineered piece of play from Taouil.

Killie finish the month in 2nd place (tied for 1st) in the SPL with 10 points from 4 matches. They had scored 6 goals (all by different players) in 5 Aug matches, without conceding.

Sept 2008

Big Connor's First Goals Sink the Dons

After Killie's fine August SPL start, the fixture makers threw out back to back "Old Firm" matches, and a trip to Inverness. Killie would take ZERO points in Sept and fall from 2nd to 5th. For the record Killie fell 1-2 at Ibrox, after Fright had given Killie a shock lead at the half before a certain Mr Boyd double sank Killie. Killie then lost at home for the first time since Feb to Celtic 1-3 with Medhi scoring a late consolation penalty. Again Fright makes the headlines with a "slap" at Nakamura. As usual the Old Firm are award three penalties against the Killie.
Probably the most disappointing Aug result was the loss at Caley, where Killie went down 1-3, after Big Connor had given Killie the lead. Killie go on to self-destruct picking up 6 cards, (one red Beckenfowler) and concede yet another penalty. Killie had gone into this match having thumped Aberdeen 4-2 at Rugby Park in the League Cup, just 4 days earlier, with high expectations. On target Vs the Dons were Sammon (2), Ferdy & Mehdi. Killie then draw Celtic at home in the League Cup Quarter Finals to be played on Oct 29th, and will be screened live on BBC Scotland.

Killie finish the month in 5th place in the SPL with 10 points from 7 matches.

Oct 2008

Medhi Opens the Scoring at Tynecastle

Killie after an SPL winless Sept, come out with a cup-tie spirit at Tynecastle and out battle 3rd placed Hearts to a deserved 2-1 victory. Taouil opened the scoring (above) with a "Beckham-Eske" wonder freekick, and Bryson netted the winner, after good passing work with sub Simmonds. Killie pick-up 6 more yellow cards (that's 12 in two weeks!). Another point of note, this was the first time in some 7 odd years that neither Garry Hay (injured) or Jamie Fowler (suspended) featured for Killie. This allowed JJ to name new Killie "cult-hero" Manuel "Pasca" Pascali as Killie capt for the first time.

Killie go into the international break in 3rd place, and will host Motherwell on Oct 18th. Killie do go on and pick up the 3 points verses a 10 man Well 1-0 thanks to a late Bryson goal. This win was the to be the last in 5 outings for Killie. Killie the drop 3 points at home to lowly Falkirk 1-2, with sub Simmonds scoring a late consolation. Killie the crash out of the CIS Cup at home to Celtic 1-3, with Danny on target. Invincible however would the be lost for some 6 weeks. Strachan complains to the press about Killie's "rough" play, as JJ/BB compliment Killie's attitude.

Killie finish the month in 3rd place in the SPL with 16 points from 10 matches.

Nov 2008

Ferdy After Scoring Against the Arabs

Killie go into a busy 6 SPL match November in 3rd place, pick up only 3 points and fall all they way to 7th. Killie's only win came in an unlikely manner, 2-0 against the Arabs, who were on a 10 match unbeaten run, at the time. For the record Killie lost 0-1 at Pittodrie, 0-4 (with all 4 goals coming in the 2nd half, 2 by a certain Mr Boyd, after Combe had saved a first half penalty off of him) at home to Rangers, and 0-3 at Parkhead. JJ certainly caught the press's attention by not fielding Ferdy or Hammy in his Parkhead lineup," resting" them for the Arabs visit. Interestingly enough both scored (Hammy's was a pen) in Killie's 2-0 win... go figure!
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Killie finish up November with 2 "winable" fixtures Vs Caley (H) & Accies (A). However two one goal losses are racked up, the first at the hands of Caley at home, where a Combe "gaff" gifted a 2nd goal to Inverness leaving Killie an uphill task, Sub Gibson scoring a late consolation, as Killie went down 1-2. Allan Russell did make his home debut, replacing the injured Sammon. To make matters worse Mehdi blasted over a late penalty, that cost Killie a draw. A real "6 pointer" then loomed as Killie went to new Douglas Park to play bottom of the league Hamilton. In a game Killie certainly should have taken something from, they went on to lose 0-1. Rascale made his first start (having replaced the injured Combe the prior week at the half). Sub Simmonds & Ford had great opportunities to help Killie pick up a worthy point, however it was not to be.

Killie finish the month in 7th place in the SPL with 19 points from 16 matches.

Dec 2008

Make Shift Killie Do The Business At Fir Park

Killie were scheduled to host Aberdeen on Dec 6th, but the match was postponed due to a frozen pitch, and Killie get a "rap" on the fingers from the SPL. Killie then travel to Fir Park, for a Monday night Setanta match, missing Bryson, Taouil, Ford, Gibson & Lilley. Killie move Pasca to sweeper, and give Allan Russell his first start. After losing Danny, Pascali heads home to give Killie a deserved half time lead before Russell netted a fine acute volley for his first SPL goal, as a make-shift Killie ran out worthy 2-0 winners.
Killie next hosted the Buddies and fell 0-1, and were too predictable in trying to break down the Saints. It is also confirmed that Killie would travel to Somerset to play in the 3rd Rd, of the Scottish Cup.

Killie closed out 2008 in style, in a game that saw the yo-yo Killie troops headed off to Easter Rd, with fans uncertain of which team would show up. To many's surprise, Killie produced what manager Jefferies describes as "Killie's finest performance in his 7 year reign". Up 2-0 (Danny & Russell) Killie concede 2 penalties in the space of 5 min's, and limped into the dressing room knotted at 2-2, with only 10 men, as Combe saw red, during the 2nd penalty incident with Nish.

Killie came out and got second half goals from Invincibile & Hay, with a fantastic work rate and team spirit, as they went on to record a stunning 4-2 win. Rascale also did well as Combe's replacement, allowing Taouil to be replaced for the short-handed Killie.

Killie finish the month in 7th place in the SPL with 25 points from 19 matches.

Jan 2009



Killie Prevail Against A*r In The Cup

Killie opened 2009, with a come from behind point at Falkirk. Killie started with Rascale in goals, and were also missing Danny, & Taouil. A clever 2nd half substitution replacing Hamill for Bryson got Killie going. Ferdy notched Killie's leveller, as the Bairns clung on for a point, in a 1-1 draw. Killie played in a new 3rd white kit for the match, which got decent reviews.

Killie then played A*r Utd on 10/1/9 in the Scot Cup 3rd rd, and drew 2-2 with A*r notching a late goal to force a replay. Killie twice led through Pascali & Bryson, and should have put the match away. however Russell missed from the spot!. Over 9,000 watched the match, with well over 3,000 coming up from Killie. The replay would then become a Thursday night Setanta match, so Killie picked up a TV windfall despite not advancing at the first attempt over their Ayrshire rivals. Prior to cup match both Combe & Invincible signed new contracts to stay on at Killie! Combe however was not fit enough to feature Vs A*r.

Killie would now play 4 straight home games on the trot. Two home losses to the Dons 1-2 (after Russell scored the opener), and Hearts 0-2, saw Killie go into the A*r replay facing a 5th consecutive home loss, something Killie had never done in their 140 odd year old history.

Fortunately Killie bounced back to prevail 3-1 in front of 11,563 at Rugby Park. Down by a goal at the half, and reduced to only 10 men, things look ominous for Ayrhire's Finest, but a Simon Ford double, and Taouil strike sent Killie through to the next round. Fernandez did see Red for an elbow, as Killie went on to outplay the Dishonest Men, a man short.

Killie then complete a miserable trio of home losses in SPL action losing 0-1 to the Accies, in a dreadful Sunday affair, where JJ told the press "We deserved nothing from the match"

To finish out a 7 match January, Killie travelled to Paisley, to be the Buddies first opponents in their new stadium and pick up a creditable point in a 1-1 draw. Scoring for Killie was debut man Kevin Kyle, signed on a "free" from Coventry City, to an 18 mo contract. Alan Combe saved a penalty (& could have seen red after fouling Dargo), and then flaps at a cross to let the Buddies score late on. Manager Jefferies was missing from the sidelines, as he had minor surgery.

Killie finish the month in 9th place in the SPL with 27 points from 24 matches.

Feb 2009

Hammy Helps Killie Pick Up First Home Point in 3 Months

Killie open Feb at Caley in the Cup, and let down their almost 1,000 travelling fans (in the mere 2,500 odd crowd) 0-2, on a cold snowy winter Saturday. Controversy surrounded the match as Killie could have been awarded a penalty, only to have the officials be un-sure of the markings of the pitch due to the snow covering the penalty box lines. (JJ would argue this should have been a reason for the match to be called off!). New boy Kyle see's red, as 10 man Killie go tamely out of the Cup to a newly appointed Terry Butcher's Caley side. Inverness are clearly now becoming a "bogey" team for Killie! To make things worse Jamie Fowler, breaks his foot, and would now be out for several weeks.

Prior to the Hibs home match, luckless Allan Russell does his knee again for a 3rd time since joining Killie, and he would now be out for the remainder of the season (lucky him?). Invincible too, was missing for Killie in the highlands, and he would join Fernandez & Kyle (both suspended) in missing out on the Hibs match. Killie put in a terrific shift, against Hibernian, but go in a goal down (to a deflected shot!) at the half. Killie do not quit, and eventually get a great equaliser from Jamie Hamill to pick their first home point in THREE MONTHS, as the match ends at 1-1. The recalled Connor Sammon, had a luckless display, and could have won it for Killie in the dying moments but it was not to be.

Next up was a visit to Ibrox, and despite opening the scoring though Hamill, Killie go down 1-3 conceding 3 goals in a 6 min period that did them in. Killie now have fallen to 10th place in the SPL, and are only 6 points clear of the relegation spot.

Mar 2009

Killie In Goalless Stalemate With Well

With the 2010 World Cup qualifiers resuming Killie would only play 3 SPL fixtures that month. Killie open the month with a home midweek fixture against Celtic. Killie hold the Celts for 80+ min's before falling 1-2, in a showing that most would have not denied them a point from. Invincibile was on the scoresheet to pull Killie even. After the layoff and with 2 weeks to prepare, Killie head north to play a rejuvenated Inverness team (who had picked up 9 points from their previous 4 SPL matches). Again Killie  fall 1-2  and rack up their fourth loss of the season to Caley. Ford pulling 1 back before the half, was all Killie could muster. Combe was badly at fault for Caley's 2nd goal, after failing to punch clear a routine cross. Killie close out March, picking up their only point for the month in a Saturday lunchtime matchup with Motherwell in a 0-0 home draw, that again Killie probably should taken more from.

Killie finish the month in 9th place in the SPL with 30 points from 30 matches.

In late March former Killie player and die-hard fan Blair Millar  released this statement: "Following recent discussions on killiefc.com a number of concerned fans met up on Wednesday 25th March. The aim was to set up a fans action group that will look at how the fans can help the club through its current Plight".   Kilmarnock Fans For Change would become this groups name.

April 2009

Kyle Bags Killie Hat Trick Vs The Bairns

Killie fall further into the relegation mire with a 1-3 loss at Tynecastle after Danny heads the opening goal. Pascali picks up another yellow card and is subbed off. JJ then benches Pascali for the next 5 matches in an attempt to avoid him picking up a 6 match suspension. JJ tells the players to start doing their talking "on the pitch, instead of the lacklustre performances of late.  On the player front Steven Old (profile Here) from New Zealand, is granted a work permit and joins Killie through 2011. Injured Jamie Fowler signs a 2 year extension, and Alan "Magic" Johnston learns he will need to make a decision on an operation to have any chance of resuming his career. 

Killie go into their final home match of the season prior to the "split" knowing a home loss at the hand of the Bairns, would see them fall to the bottom of the SPL. Having not won an SPL match in 2009, and not at home since the 2-0 Nov 15th 2008,  Arabs match the pressure was clearly on JJ & Killie! How would Killie to respond to this gut-check match? Killie come out with all guns blazing and a "cup-tie" mentality, and win all the battles all over the field. JJ drops both Pasca & Ferdy, and brings in Skelly, Clancy and Bryson (from suspension). The rest as they say is history as Kevin Kyle bags a "hat-trick" in Killie's fine 3-0 win over bottom the league Falkirk. The win put Killie 6 points clear of the Bairns (and 8th position) with 6 SPL matches remaining in the season.

Prior to the Bairns match the Kilmarnock Fans For Change group handed out fliers to fans to encourage as many as possible to get more involved in how their club was/is being run.

Killie close out the "regular season" away to Dundee Utd, and go on the pick up their 7th point of the season against the Arabs in a 0-0 draw. Kyle missing out through a hamstring injury that went un-reported prior to the match.

Killie finish the month in 8th place in the SPL with 34 points from 33 matches, 6 points above bottom club Falkirk.

May 2009

Kyle Bags 4 Goals In May To Win 7 Points For Killie!

Killie start their final 5 post-split fixtures with a 3rd straight 1 goal loss at the hands of Hamilton. Hamill scores a late penalty, but Killie put in a woeful performance, in a 1-2 loss. To make matters worse Killie would next host Falkirk, and a loss would see Killie go to the bottom of the SPL. Suspended Kevin Kyle is named by Jefferies as the first name to be on the team sheet for the Bairns clash.

Kyle and Willie Gibson came in for the injured Danny Invincibile and David Fernandez, as Killie outplayed the Bairns in the first half but Darren Barr headed them in front 11 minutes after the break. Kyle was the man that pulled Killie even with a fine volley, to share the spoils in a 1-1 nervy affair, where both teams had decent penalty claims waived aside.

Killie then hosted the Buddies, in a mid-week fixture, where both teams needed to avoid a loss to stay off the bottom the league. Killie up their game and put a real battling shift and again Kevin Kyle is Killie's salvation netting 2 more goals. Jamie Fowler replaces an injured Craig Bryson for his first action in almost 3 months. But as usual Killie do things the hard way and concede a 90th min goal, and need the ref to (correctly) chalk off (pic left) an injury time Buddies leveller, as Killie went on to pick up the 3 points in a 2-1 win.

Killie then host their "bogey" team Inverness, who had beaten them FOUR times already in season 08-09. A draw would ensure both team's SPL safety. And a draw looked like the outcome till "that man again" Kyle netted, perhaps against the run of play to give Killie a narrow 1-0 home win.  Pascali make his first appearance in over a month, as an 80th min sub, and manages to pick up his league leading 13th yellow card of the season.  This was the first time since August that Killie had picked up "back to back" home wins. The 3 points ensured Killie's SPL safety, and an 8th place finish. Also on display was Killie's new home 09-10 home kit, and was very well received by the majority of the Killie Faithfull.

Clearly the acquisition of Kevin Kyle, and his season ending form had saved Killie's bacon! The big man scored 7 goals in his last 4 starts (all at Rugby Park, as KK missed the Arabs (A) & Accies (A) matches). These invaluable goals resulted in Killie picking up 10 (out of 12) points, and obviously were the difference in Killie being an SPL club for season 2009-10. It was also a joy to see him getting his dues and enjoying his football again.

Prior to the Caley match Blair Millar  resigns from the Kilmarnock Fans For Change initiative, as the group plans to soldier on without it's founder.

Killie travelled to Fir Park to play match 38 on May 23rd to close-out season 2009 -10. Killie completed a fine "double" over Motherwell at Fir Park en route to taking 10 out of a possible 12 points from the Steelmen. A 2-1 win is picked up with a 90th min wonder goal from Mehdi Taouil strike, after a great back-heel from Ferdy. Killie made 7 changes (inc Kyle & Combe) from the team that beat Caley. Cammy Bell gets his debut in goal, and a rare start for Flannigan. Danny also returned (after missing 4 weeks) to opening the scoring (his 7th of the season). To make things more interesting Killie had to replace Murray, and Pascali after their clash of heads. Then the in-form David Lilley season was ended after leaving with a wrist injury.

An estimated 800 odd fans many in a season ending party spirit were hassled all day by Fir Park's security, as they attempted to put a damper on their day, including not allowing the Killie players to launch their tops into the crowd at the end of the match.
Killie also probably won't be shedding too many tears over bogey team Inverness's relegation either as they dropped into Division 1, having picked up 3 SPL wins over Killie. Rangers win the title by 4 points as Celtic fail to score in 3 of their last 4 matches.

Jim Jefferies Closing Comments on the 08-09 Season... "People said we did not have the bottle or the character or the type of player to get us through it if we got dragged into the relegation battle, Well, we have shut a few people up. We finished with three wins and that does not happen often in the Premier League. We have been better than our finishing position in the league this season."  Complete Season Comments - Here

Killie finish the season in 8th place in the SPL with 44 points from 38 matches. Final League Table - Here

The player merry-go-round starts the close season, with the club releasing Alan "Magic" Johnston, Grant "Bert" Murray,  Thomas Nolan & Scott Anson. Manager Jefferies tells the press that signing Kevin Kyle to a longer term deal is a top priority. Also Gary Locke's playing days are over, as he is moved into a coaching capacity at Rugby Park.
David Lilley  (now QotS) then becomes the first Killie casualty, to the looming Setanta failure, as Killie further reduce their 09-10 player pool. Twenty-one year old English born, ex-Boro, Graeme Owens is signed to a 2 year deal which allowed Killie to off-load winger Willie Gibson to Dunfermline for a nominal fee. Cammy Bell also accept a new 1 year deal to stay at Rugby Park.

July 2009

Owens & Old Suit Up For Killie

The Killie first team squad reported back for training on July 13th, flying out to their Italian training camp at Il Ciocco for a week-long stay. Accompanying Killie is ex-Celt Mark Burchill who reportedly paid is own way to go on trial. Former Rangers keeper Lee Robinson also joins Killie on a one year deal. Killie return home and release Gary Locke from his coaching role, much to the displeasure of many of Killie 1st team squad. JJ tells the press that the issue was blown way out of proportion, as a player strike was mentioned in the press. Killie do sign Burchill to a 6 month deal, as Russell will now be out till October. Killie open their pre-season fixture with a 1-1 (Invincibile)  draw at Raith, followed by a 2-3 (Hamill & Skelton) home defeat to Partick, just 24 hours later at Rugby Park (after leading 2-0).

During Killie's 09-10 photo call the team signs the "Keep Johnnie Walker in Kilmarnock" Campaign. (Website - Here) Also JJ names Kevin Kyle as club captain for the forthcoming season.

Aug 2009

Kevin Kyle Scores Killie's Opening Goal of the New Season

Killie open Aug with a trip to Wales to take on Swansea, and after a 10 hour coach trek, Killie lose 1-4 (Sammon). Killie played without Kyle, Combe & Bryson all of whom were not 100% fit. Burchill did make his debut. Killie finish up their pre-season with a 1-0 home win over Burnley. Burchill however is lost for several months though injury. Andy McLaren participates in the fans match during the annual Killie Festival, where Killie's new away white top is released to great reviews.

Killie open the SPL season with a fine 3-0 home win over last season's bogey team Hamilton. Kyle netting the first 2 and Hamill the 3rd. Steven Old makes his Killie debut also, with Bell in goal for the injured Combe. The following week Killie travel to Motherwell and "fail to show up" (JJ) and fall 1-3. Old is replaced at the half after conceding a penalty, Clancy who was in for Hay didn't have a great game either's, Hamill scored a fine chip in the closing moments, to give Killie a little cheer.

Next up was Morton at home in the CIS Cup at Rugby Park, where Alan Combe returned in goal. Conor Sammon's double (the first being a penalty) & Kevin Kyle header were enough to see off the Ton 3-1. After the match Kevin Kyle is re-called back to the Scottish National Team squad, for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Kyle however misses out on Scotland duty due to minor knee scope operation. Also of note Jamie Fowler has had an operation keeping out another several weeks. Killie head into the international break, by opening the scoring against the Buddies through an "in-form" Conor Sammon, without Kyle. Despite playing well Killie fall 1-2, and lose on a deflected shot.

Now joining Fowler under the knife would be Alan Combe who required a hip operation, that could keep him out for an estimated 3 month period.
Manager Jefferies then signs Mark Brown from Celtic on loan for keeper coverage through Combe's recovery.

Killie finish August with 3 points from 3 matches, and are in 8th place in the SPL.

Sep 2009

Hamill Goes Closest  in Rangers Home Draw

Killie's resumption of SPL play after the international break, had to be postponed 4 days due Motorway traffic en route to Edinburgh, delaying the Killie's team bus arrival by over 3 hours. Killie then do lose 0-1 on the following Tuesday at Hearts, with Killie again being worthy of something from the match. Ferdy missed a sitter heading over from 6 yards just before the half, being one of a few culprits on the night. Mark Brown plays well in his Killie debut. Kyle returns to action as a second half sub.

Killie then host champions Rangers (without Combe, Hay & Ford), and were unlucky not to pick up all 3 points. Hamill (above) hit the woodwork, when Rangers were down to 10 men, before Pascali  saw red also. Walter Smith picks up a 4 match sideline ban, for an altercation with Sammon (who wanted ref Conroy to play advantage to Killie Vs stopping the game to issue a 2nd yellow card to Mendes). Invincibile also misses a rebound off of a headed save that he caused by blasting over from 5 yards out, as the game went on to finish tied at 0-0. Also it is now Tim Clancy who will be out with an elbow injury, after being fouled by Boyd.
Midweek action in the CIS Cup saw Killie bounced out in cruel fashion. Kyle levelled the match at a goal a piece in the 88th min, before the Buddies scored a 93rd winner, as Killie went on to lose 1-2.

Killie finished a poor Sept, at Brockville picking up their first away point of the campaign in a dour 0-0 draw, A match noteworthy for JJ not using any of his sub's including Russell & Fowler who were not 100% fit for the match. Bryson, Ford, Clancy &  Combe were all missing (along with the suspended Pascali). Some encouraging news has been the play in recent weeks of Ryan O'Leary who has played well in the center of Killie's defence.

Barry "baz" Richmond in late Sept starts his contributions to the Scotsman's Fanzone. You can read these articles - Here

Killie finish September with 5 points from 7 matches, and are in 8th place in the SPL.

Oct 2009

Kyle Double See's Off The Saints!

Killie hosted the Dons on Oct 3rd and could only manage a 1-1 draw (their 3rd straight in the SPL). Without Kyle (knee) Sammon again misses a couple of "sitter's" before Danny opened the scoring for Killie. Old boy McDonald was first to pounce on a Brown "gaff" with 6 min's remaining to give the Dons an undeserved share of the points.

After the final 2010 World Cup qualifying break Killie travelled to Hibs an Oct 17th and fell 0-1 to a late penalty conceded by Gavin Skelton, that had JJ ranting after the match due to the call being very soft, to say the least. Both Kyle & Fowler returned from injury.

Killie played their final home game of October against fellow strugglers St Johstone, and were in desperate need of 3 points, as they were only 3 points off the bottom of the SPL league. After a horrid first half a fine Kevin Kyle "double" early in the second half saw off the Saintee's 2-1 with a late O.G. being recorded by the luckless Frasier Wright. Mark Burchill made the bench as he returned to almost full fitness, which was just in time as Allan Russell broke his hand in training and he would be again lost for a few weeks. Killie close out October with another Parkhead loss 0-3 with Kyle missing several good chances. Bell played very well in goal as Brown was not allowed to play against his employers.

Killie finish October with 9 points from 10 matches, and are in 9th place in the SPL.

Nov 2009

JJ, BB & Killie Pick Up No November Points!

Killie and their fans suffer through a brutal November with 3 (4th straight) SPL losses, 2 of them at home! In both the home losses against the Arabs 0-2 & Hearts 1-2  Killie played well, and more than matched their opponents but ended up with out any points! Killie's only goal came in stoppage time against the Tarts, through Bryson, minutes after Kyle had missed from the spot!

Sandwiched between the 2 home losses was a 0-3 thumping at Ibrox, with nemesis Boyd scoring inside the first 10 mins, as the Gers raced to a 3 goal lead inside 35 min's.

Kevin Kyle became Killie's most recent capped Scottish Internationalist coming on for the Scot's in a second half sub appearance against Wales.

On Nov 19th we reported with great sadness the passing of Killie legend Frank Beattie our 1964-65 Championship season captain.

Gone but will never be forgotten by Ayrhire's finest!

Congrat's to U-19 player Daniel McKay being the SPL's rising star. (He is then loaned out to Brechin City in Dec).


Killie finish November with 9 points from 13 matches, and are in 11th place in the SPL.

Dec 2009

Dec Relief For Killie As They Pick Up First Away Win

With bottom of the league Falkirk picking up 4 points in their previous 2 matches (inc a home draw with league leaders Celtic) Killie headed to Perth knowing a loss could see them go bottom of the league. With Killie's November misfortunes behind them Killie went on to pick up their first away win of the season, a sclaffed Kyle miss-hit being the differences between the sides as Killie beat St Johstone 1-0 . Burchill made his first start as Danny (injured) & Ferdy (dropped) watched from the stands, alongside Sammon & Pascali. Burchy then had his contract extended through the end of the season.  This was Killie's first clean sheet in eight outings!

Killie then hosted an in-form 3rd placed Hibs team (unbeaten in 10 matches), and picked up a valuable point in a 1-1 draw. In JJ's post match comments he said... " We showed we're not that bad a side" . Only one change was made Vs the team that beat the Saints the prior week with Danny coming in for Old, as Burchill scored his first (and only) Killie goal.

Killie's first of 3 festive season matches were to have a telling outcome for the fortunes and direction of the club. On Dec 19th Killie lose 1-2 at home to Bairns and move back to within a point of the bottom of the SPL. Killie had battled hard but to no avail, with Danny providing the leveller! JJ's post match Bairns comments he stated ...  "They had more hunger and desire".... NOT GOOD!

On Boxing day Killie battled with the Arabs at Tannadice picking up a point in a 0-0 draw which saw Ford carried off with a nasty head knock. The main talking point of the Arabs match would become Billy Brown's comments to the travelling fans.... "If you don't like it... then don't come back!".... NOT GOOD!

Killie were then scheduled to end the decade the way it started with a home SPL fixture against Celtic on 30/12/09. However the brutal Scottish winter claimed this fixture, as the access roads to Rugby Park were deemed not safe for the fans.

Killie finish December with 14 points from 17 matches, and are in 11th place in the SPL. (One point ahead of Falkirk who had a game in hand).

Jan 2010



Seven Match Unbeaten Run Starts At Hamilton

Jan 2nd saw the beginning of what would be a very traumatic month for Ayrshire's finest! Killie lose 0-1 to the Buddies, with old boy Innes on target for them, in what would be JJ's last game in charge of Killie. The fans were now clearly starting to turn against JJ & BB, with chants of ..."You don't know what your doing!" being heard with the 70th min sub of Fernandez at Love St. .... NOT GOOD!

On Jan 8th Club Captain Kevin Kyle tells the press that....."The chairman said he wanted to talk to me about sorting out a new contract. But then he asked me about the boss and his tactics"

On Jan 10th Club Chairman Michael Johnston refutes Kevin Kyle's claim and denies attempting to discuss tactics with Kyle.  ... NOT GOOD! More

The KFCSA and the Killie Trust then release a joint statement expressing dismay at the way club was being run.

On Jan 11th (Sunday) Johnston & Jefferies meet and hammer out JJ's release from his Killie boss contract (as he his reported to be furious about Johnston going behind his back to talk with his players, not to mention the abuse we was now getting off of the Killie faithful).

On Jan 12th Kilmarnock FC release a press statement confirming the termination of both Jim Jefferies & Billy Brown's contracts by mutual consent.
Club Chairman Michael Johnston was very diplomatic and thanked the departing managers for their service over the last 8 years.

 

JJ left Killie at 14 points from 18 matches, in 11th place in the SPL. (One point ahead of Falkirk who had a game in hand). After their opening day win, Killie's 11 points from 17 matches was the poorest form in the league, and Killie were really looking like relegation "fodder'.

On Jan 14th, Jimmy Calderwood accepts the Killie Boss job, and he was unveiled as the new manager of Kilmarnock. Killie were also reported to have talked with George Burley, Gordon Chisholm and former 60-70's Killie legend Tommy McLean.
Calderwood's contract would only run through May 2010, as both he, and Killie would wait to see how things progressed.

With less than 2 days to prepare with his new charges Caldy's Killie get humped 0-3 at home to Craig Brown's Motherwell. JC tell the press... "We are going to need players with character to win games here".
Forty-eight  hours later Killie then had to play the Bairns at Rugby Park in the Cup and went onto win 1-0 with a late Pasca deflection being the difference. Cameron Bell (post the departure of the on-loan Brown) started in goal, keeping Killie's cup hopes alive. Joining Calderwood was his long time "No 2" Jimmy Nicholl.

Prior to the next SPL match, Sandy Clark officially joins the club as a coach as Jimmy C goes about getting Killie's house in order.

Ironically Killie's next match would be a trip North to Calderwood's former side Aberdeen where Killie lost 0-1 JC candidly tells the press that Killie didn't show enough until near the end when it was too late for them.

The last away match of Jan was a midweek clash at Hamilton that saw Killie begin a 7 match unbeaten run that would see them move from 11th (1 point off the bottom) to 8th. The Accies match finished at 0-0 in a dour affair with few goal scoring chances. JC did "blood" teenager Liam Kelly in the 29th min for an injured  Burchill who had just missed the game's best chance.

The final match of Jan was in hindsight the start of Killie's mini-revival. Trailing 1-3, after 33 mins against the Arabs, Killie stormed all the way back to take a short lived lead in a 4-4 home draw. On target for Killie were Ford, Kyle, Pascali & Bryson. Killie's 4 goal output was even more surprising as they had not scored in close to 500 SPL min's (Danny Vs the Bairns on 19/12/09). In JC's post match Arabs comments he said .."I'm  a little bit disappointed we didn't win."

Killie finish Jan with 15 points from 22 matches, and are in 11th place in the SPL.

Feb 2010



Killie End Nine Year Drought Against Celtic

On Feb 1st Kilmarnock made 3 new loan signings Scott Severin, Rob Kiernan (both Watford) and Chris Maguire (Aberdeen) and all 3 went straight into the player pool for Tuesday Feb 2nd's Scottish Premier League match against Celtic.

It was on-loan Aberdeen striker Chris McGuire that scored the games only goal with seven minutes of the second half played after Mehdi Taouil played a neat cutback to him. Celtic's new signing Robbie Keane was denied by a series of Cammy Bell saves, that gave Killie a spirited 1-0 victory, over Celtic for the first time since Alan Mahood's winner on May 20th 2001. Severin also started, and Kiernan made a 2nd half sub appearance, for Clancy who made his first start since Sept.

Killie next play Inverness Caley in the Cup, and go on to avenge their defeat from the previous season 3-0 at home with young Kelly netting a double after Conor "Fish" Sammon, had opened the scoring, in a match that Caley out-played Killie for long periods of the tie.

A real "six pointer" at Westfield saw Killie snatch a 1-0 win at the hands of basement club Falkirk, and move up to 9th, 4 points clear of the bottom. Again Chris McGuire proved invaluable setting up Craig Bryson with the games only goal, in front of well over 2,000 travelling fans (as the Bairns had reduced their prices).

Killie picked up their 4th straight win with another fine come from behind performance at home to St Johnstone 3-2  . After twice falling behind Killie battle to the 3 points with goals form Maguire, Hooky (from a lovely set-piece right off of the training ground) & Kyle.

Killie fail to make it 5 wins on the trot after a terrific late Mehlmet shot pulls the Buddies even at 1-1  after Maguire had given Killie a first half lead. JC's in his post match Buddies comments said .." It was a point gained when you play as poorly as that."  Alan Combe is named on the team sheet for the first time since Sept as a sub.

Killie's 7 match unbeaten run does come to an end in the mud at the much criticised Fir Park. A Murphy free-kick being the difference as Killie fell 0-1 to Murderwell.

Killie finish Feb with 26 points from 27 matches, and are in 9th place in the SPL.

Mar 2010



Robinson Makes Penalty Save In Killie Debut

Mixed team news ahead of the Hibs away match to open March. On-loan Aberdeen striker Chris McGuire is named the SPL's young player of the month for Feb, and Kevin Kyle picks up an injury playing in a trial match for Russian club Spartak Nalchik, in Turkey. Kyle also finds himself in Caldy's "bad books" for taking the trial without fully communicating with him.

As for the Hibs match itself, the Kick Off was brought forward to a 2pm to accommodate  Easter Rd being refurbished. Man of the match would become 11th min sub Lee Robinson, replacing Cammy Bell in Killie's goal as Robinson went onto save a penalty in his Killie debut. Again for 2nd week running, it was a dubious freekick being awarded against Killie that led to home team's late winner as Hibs went on to win 0-1

Killie's schedule now meant they would face the Old Firm 3 out of their next 4 fixtures! JC joked in the press "Its not often you get the chance to beat both ends of the Old Firm in the same week". Bell did return in the Killie goal, but Kyle-Less Killie failed to score in either Old Firm match, and lost 0-2 to Rangers (SPL) & 0-3 to Celtic in the Scottish Cup Quarters, both at Rugby Park. Both matches were quite similar in the fact that Killie went in level in both matches goal-less, and had much the better of the play!

One of the biggest disappointments of JC's short Killie reign came at Home to the Accies in a 1-2 midweek loss.  McGuire scored a late consolation for Killie. JC summed up Killie dismal outing with... "There weren't a lot of positives tonight"

To finish up a horrid winless March, Killie travel to Parkhead to play a newly appointed Neil Lennon managed Celtic who were coming off a humiliating 0-4 thumping at Love St a few days earlier. Killie start Burchill and Maguire in wide areas and Kyle & Russell upfront, only to be over-run at the back, as the experiment ends in a 1-3 defeat. In-form Craig Bryson does net a fluke consolation goal, but the Ayrshire men depart Parkhead still not having won at Celtic since 1955, and with a 6th consecutive loss!

Killie finish Mar with 26 points from 31 matches, and are in 11th place in the SPL.

Apr 2010



Russell Loops In A Beauty In Dons Win!

Killie open April on Easter Sunday for a 3:30pm televised home match to the Dons. Killie were now on a 6 match losing run, and were only a point off the bottom (with the Bairns winning at Well the previous day). On-loan Aberdeen striker Chris McGuire was ineligible, Craig Bryson was out injured, & Pascali suspended. Killie made four changes, with Garry Hay, Danny Invincibile, Mehdi Taouil and Jamie Fowler coming into the starting line-up. Killie opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Severin blasted in from close range and Grassi deflected the ball into the back of his own net to hand Killie the opener. Allan Russell sealed the win for the hosts with 16 minutes remaining after he latched on to a searching Fowler ball and delivered a superb looping header (above) back across the face of the Aberdeen goal & into the top of the net. Many named Tim Clancy as the "Man of the Match" in Killie's 2-0 win, operating at the centre of Killie's defence, after Fraser Wright picked up an injury in the 3rd min.

Killie then travelled to Tynecastle for the last match prior to the SPL "split" and lost 0-1 to former manager Jim Jefferies men.

The fixture maker's were not kind to Killie giving them 3 away games, in the final 5 matches, with the bright spot being a final home match with bottom of the league Falkirk.

Calderwood's Killie churn out 2 ugly away performances in losing 0-3 at New Douglas Park, and 0-1 at St Mirren. No goals, and no points, Killie were now fast becoming the pundits favourites for the drop.

Calderwood then foreshadows his future by telling the press ..."It's entirely new for me. I hope it's my first relegation fight and my last."

May 2010

Killie Faithfull Play Their Part In Final Day Survival

Killie host St Johnstone a team they had taken 9 points out of 9 from and despite opening the scoring through Wright (where Bryson broke his nose in assisting) Killie fall 1-2.
Prior to the penultimate fixture away to Calderwood's former charges Jimmy candidly shares to the press..."Considering the run we've been on we're LUCKY we're still second bottom".

So after 6 straight away defeats, and having only scored only 4 goals away from Rugby Park all season, Killie limped into Aberdeen for the midweek fixture. Out of know where Killie pull out a wonder performance, and a shock but deserved win 2-1.
Trailing 0-1 at the half, and sitting bottom of the table (as the Bairns were winning) Killie fought bravely back with Liam Kelly pulling Killie even after 69 mins, and Kevin Kyle heading home the winner just 5 mins later. One other point of note was Alan Combe's re-instatement for the final 2 matches, not necessarily a poor reflection on the play of Cammy Bell, but just Calderwood drying to give his defence a lift with an experienced auld heid being put in.

Killie therefore stayed 2 points ahead of Falkirk prior to their final match.

Chairman Michael Johnston on the eve of the Relegation Decider against Falkirk issued a rallying cry to fans ahead of ..." Everyone must want to have Kilmarnock Football Club competing in the Scottish Premier League next season."

It was to be Falkirk that were to be relegated to Division One for the first time since 2005 as nervy Kilmarnock held on desperately for the point they needed for survival in nervy 0-0 draw.

Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as both sides were thwarted by a series of superb last-ditch challenges.

Falkirk had the better of the first half, while the second was more even.

Ryan Flynn missed a great late chance for the Bairns and the draw was enough for Kilmarnock to extend their 17-year run in Scotland's top flight.

Terrific scenes were witnessed after the final whistle, as Killie fans invaded the pitch, and enjoyed every minute of the post-match frivolities

The Ayrshire side have never been absent from the Scottish Premier League and finished the season two points clear of their final-day opponents at Rugby Park.

With the final curtain on the 09-10 season Killie's 3 loan signings Scott Severin, Rob Kiernan (both Watford) and Chris Maguire (Aberdeen) all expired, as did Killie boss Jimmy Calderwood's contract.

Killie also would go on to lose.... Jamie Adams (St Johnstone), Mark Burchill, David Fernandez, Gavin Skelton (Hamilton), Kevin Kyle (Hearts), Simon Ford (Chesterfield), Lee Robinson, & Allan Russell (Carolina Railhawks).

On May 31st, Jimmy Calderwood confirms we won't be returning to manage the club for the forthcoming season..... "I couldn't fulfil my ambitions under those financial limitations, To be honest, it was more to do with the budget and Sandy (Clark) leaving, To have a fighting chance of making the top half of the table, the budget wasn't enough. It would have made it very difficult to do that and take it on to another level."

Killie then head into the close season down 11 players, a management team, and are already being installed as the bookies choice to go down in season 2010-11. Complete 2009-10 fixtures & results  Here