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Showing content with the highest reputation since 03/29/2023 in Posts

  1. My birthday 19th August (last saturday) my age 37 year old now than Kilmarnock beat Celtic 1-0 Great weekend and good day of me
    137 points
  2. hi it’s caitlin zachs partner, i wish i could’ve moved up, and still kick my self about it now. and possibly blame my self for last season. however our oldest started school and didn’t want to uproot him for the sake of a season. now this season has came around ( very fast may i add) and now i’m wondering maybe i should up root the kids. it’s what we all have to do in this life style. Your completely right. i do agree with you. but at the time i did what i thought was right x
    113 points
  3. I’m a carer for my Gran, this past 6-8 months hasn’t been great, she gets herself better only to be struck down with something else, the highs of seeing her well, coupled with the lows of when she has a wee down turn can be tricky to manage mentally. The only time off I get is for the football, the home games anyway, as I wouldn’t feel right going to away matches, the difference getting to those games has made to me can’t be quantified, it’s like a elixir, no matter the result. That 84 yr old woman, who has been struggling recently, sat and listened to the game with me today & the smile on her face when we scored, almost brought a tear to my eye. Fitba, it’s just f***ing magnificent.
    93 points
  4. Everyone was sensational to a man! My mum passed away on Thursday so just watched on Sky rather than head up, but she'd have been bursting with delight. She used to phone my answer phone celebrating goals and giving an update on the game. She must have thought I wasn't at the game!
    93 points
  5. After 50 years the Messiah has passed over the killie club batton. Nobody needs credit for attending killie games but this man has gone above and beyond fir longer than I've been alive. Happy retirement Messiah 💙
    91 points
  6. What a guy. Stuck with us. Bided his time. Was given the opportunity and grasped it with two hands. An honest, hardworking professional who gives his all for the blue and white. I thought he was exceptional today, particularly in covering the hard yards and doing the horrible jobs brilliantly. If I were DMC, I’d make him captain. He really drives the team. There are a number this season who you want to see on the team sheet but for me, Lyons is becoming a huge player for us. Delighted for him. 👏🏻💙🤍💙
    84 points
  7. Today, in the 3rd minute of the match, we remember our beloved Craig Benson. His all-time favourite player, Dylan Kerr, shares why CB meant so much to us all.
    84 points
  8. When are we going to have a serious conversation about the wee fannies that are giving the club a bad name? I love, and cannae stress that enough, love the atmosphere that these lads bring to home and away games, but see this masking up s**te, starting scraps that ye cannae finish and destroying property, whether that's seats at Motherwell or a Killie fans car today because ye though they were Don's, it's got to be binned. Shameful and disgraceful behaviour, making a family club look like s**te. Well done lads.
    82 points
  9. My son Jack, who has downs syndrome, has been a killie diehard for many years. His prediction for every game is 5-0 killie. He has missed this in the past as he has been performing at a centre stage concert when we scored 5 goals. At the games when we are behind I always tell him it might end 5-1, 5-2, or whatever. Today I told him at half time it might be 5-2. He is a happy boy. Nuff said.
    75 points
  10. When I was going through tough times and trying to get the mental health help I needed Kilmarnock F.C. was the one constant in my life. Even if I couldn't afford to go to games then watching online or finding highlights to watch and analyse took my mind away from the dark thoughts even just for a few hours. When things were at their bleakest maybe 6 or 7 years back I tried to end my life. I was in hospital and got chatting to a doctor who supported the club too and he made a quip that I surely couldn't give up on my team before I'd seen them win the cup again. Might sound silly to some and trivial to most but at that moment I truly appreciated everything my football team has done for me and everything it will in the future. Win or lose tomorrow I'll always be thankful that Killie exists and now that my life is in a better place I can genuinely look forward to affording possible European trips and big days out at Hampden again.
    72 points
  11. Thinking back to May 2021 when we were relegated. Who could have imagined where we'd be now. Billy and Phyllis took a lot of criticism for some poor decisions, sacking Alessio and appointing Dyer. They deserve a tremendous amount of credit for getting McInnes and backing him. Even through the times when things weren't going so well they persevered and now we are starting to see everything coming together. What a squad DM has assembled. When I look at the predicaments of Livi, St Mirren and Motberwell,begging for money...look at how prosperous we are. Even Dundee Utd who are posting huge loses. Also the fans need a great amount of credit. 5000 season tickets has made significant signingslike Stewart, GMS, Mayo possible. What a time to be a fan
    72 points
  12. Random post - but on the back of an inconsistent season of which we can all disagree on many aspects, one consistent asset to the club over the last few years has been our mascot 🐿️ Rikki has been absolutely top drawer with the wee guys and lassies and he's made my own kid's day more than once with his genuine enthusiasm, happy to have pictures taken and all round interaction. Really active on social media and although it will seem a trivial matter to most on here, the work he does is undoubtedly contributing to making Killie games a positive experience for the wee ones and will help encourage them to return. So aye, Captain Conker has been immense, a real credit and deserves a wee mention. Doing a crackin' job. (No, I'm not Captain Conker...😆)
    72 points
  13. Thanks mate. She had terminal cancer and only lasted 4 weeks. I'll never forget last Saturday while lying at home on a hospital bed, I said that she only had one thing to do and keep her fingers crossed for a Killie win at Coatbridge. She used all her energy to lift both her arms and crossed her fingers on both hands. She too was Killie through and through!
    69 points
  14. thank you for taking the time to reply, i read all your kind words. At the time i thought moving up wasn’t right. however how wrong i was! i still came to every game missing only 1 all season. even when zach wasn’t playing. not just to support zach but support sam and the whole team. i want to be that person that fans can approach and ask for things for example gloves tops etc. I’d love my kids to look up to someone like zach when they’re older. and hopefully that person has someone like my self by their side. it’s easier when yous are a team. Yous are all entitled to opinions trust me i’ve had my fair share over the season. i love kilmarnock honestly yous have a special place in my heart. again thank you for your kind words.
    66 points
  15. If we did not have Bowie and Phylis we would not have a club. Johnston had run it into the ground. Personally I thank the board unreservedly.
    65 points
  16. Seems this partnership started a few years ago 😂
    63 points
  17. Donnelly re-signing. Don't get that one at all. Mediocre at best, fannys about all summer holding out for a better offer, doesn't get one and we then go cap in hand days before the season starts. I know folk will say i'm having a go at the manager but this stuff is mind boggling. We are going to have the same midfield as last year and wonder why we create f**k all.
    63 points
  18. Dear OF fans, "The decision taken to prioritise our own family support by cutting a second away stand for Old Firm games has been successful and we are very proud of the outcome. We have since witnessed an improved atmosphere for players, fans and townspeople in relation to these games. Meanwhile, the potential loss of income has not materialised, with an increasing number of families coming back each week." Get it right roon you. Love, Kilmarnock FC.
    63 points
  19. A quick note of appreciation to CB for again running the KFCSA Man of the Match voting for the season 2022/2023. Brilliantly organised as always! A really interesting feature to look forward to and my 'go to' item after every match. Well done CB and good luck for the new season when it starts.
    63 points
  20. I don't think it is at all fair to describe Innes as "stealing a living". The lad gives every ounce of effort possible when called upon by DM. He may have a bit to go in developing his skills - which no doubt the coaching staff are working hard on - but I don't think any of our current squad can be described as "stealing a living".
    62 points
  21. Ho every Rikki here genuinely thank you for all the great words. When Conker was first announced it was recieved with mixed reactions and of course compared to Nutz. The bar was set so high with all the great work i knew i had to match that level. All the fans reactions on match day is always brilliant and on the hottest of days that's what gets you to the finishing line. With the Blair Alston goal i blinked and he was on me and still a moment i treasure. I always feel bad if security refuse me past rhe chadwick stand to start chatting in the east or don't allow me to walk acrossthe pitch. So i climb the stands and try and see as many people as i can. I'll never be in influence on the pitch but off it I'll be the best influence i can. Thank you all for the kind words and the honour of being the Mascot for our Fantastic club.
    62 points
  22. Having watch us secure safety and have a bit of time to look back over things I was on clubs YouTube channel, letting the videos play. Watching this particular interview back can’t help have nothing but huge respect for Rory. He’s so honest throughout, talking on the pressures of winning a title, how he struggled etc but then the calm confidence he believed we could do it in securing top flight status this year. He talks about family, knowing football will end eventually, he just seems to be in a great place and smiling throughout. Probably the most argued about player in recent years. Whether you love him or hate him, it’s a great watch for a load of reasons,
    61 points
  23. They slagged off the goalie, Mayo, Deas, Lyons, Wakins, they questioned McKenzie and Cameron, they wanted rid of McInnes and Richardson is useless…… Well get it up every single one of you!
    60 points
  24. Just for the record, these forums are anything but "toxic" and we take exception to the insinuation, but there are certainly a few members who could take ownership of such a title. It's the people not the place, and damn few of them compared to other social media platforms.
    59 points
  25. After one of the most unified displays by the team and crowd do we see on these KILLIE FANS BOARDS the same old posters slaughtering the same players, I remember getting a warning for trolling on here, what I read every day from some who are obviously on better ground with the mods is beyond trolling. if you cannot come on here and be positive about a game where we came good against all the odds then I think you are on the wrong forums. I am in the ground, in the hotel, in the pubs and strangely don’t come across such comments, why is it only on here? The fans Forum??? Not in my eyes, balloons Forum IMO, and yes I fall into that bracket at times, but not for stalking some of our long playing stars . just do one!
    59 points
  26. Well done to the fans who were patient and believed we would come good. I couldn't see the woods for the trees last year but what an unbelievable transformation. Incredible!!! Well done Derek!!
    57 points
  27. Booing our team off at a pre season friendly? How embarrassing can our support be at times. Cringing thinking about it, oh my.
    54 points
  28. A last minute equaliser at Celtic Park and this is the post? f**k sake.
    53 points
  29. My grandson has been a match mascot this year and I just signed up to show my appreciation for the people taking care of the mascots this year. The experience started the night before the game with a stadium tour and that was a brilliant warm up for what was to come the following day. A massive pat on the back to the trust and the players and staff who made the wee man feel like royalty, no more than that, they made him feel like part of the team, he's not stopped talking about it since! It's night and day compared to how it used to be, so professional and fitting of a club our size, if anyone is thinking about it then do not hesitate. Thanks again! YNTTK
    53 points
  30. DM won a League Championship (coming from a poor league position). DM took us to a Cup semi-final DM took us to a Cup quarter-final. DM secured a striker who was crucial to our league finish. DM has retained our premier league status. DM has already signed an excellent CB prospect. Well done Derek!
    53 points
  31. Can’t argue with decisions made. I would like to give special thanks to Alan Power especially for his first spell at the club. Deserves a lot of credit rather than some of the slagging he currently receives
    53 points
  32. This is absolutely crazy. Some of our 'supporters' need to remember who they're a fan of. We're going to watch Kilmarnock, mate. We (Kilmarnock) are sitting FOURTH in the Premiership. We're comfortably ahead of Hibernian and Aberdeen. Kyle Vassell was one of the only players at Pittodrie who got any sort of pass marks and has offered a lot in terms of his hold up play before that. In terms of goals it's inarguable that we'd want him to contribute more. The reality is that if he had goals in his game alongside his strength and work-rate then he wouldn't be at Kilmarnock. I've been defensive of Vassell for a while because I genuinely believe the stick he gets is mostly unwarranted. His unusual body shape and style of running lures people into thinking he is lazy or not a hard worker - both of which are untrue. McInnes said post-match that Vass hadn't trained all week with a muscle strain... A lazy player or someone who doesn't work hard would have sat the game out. Certainly wouldn't have kept putting in the effort Vass did after that poor first half. Also found myself annoyed listening to Derek's comments after the game. He basically said that he knows and hears what some fans think of Vassell and wants Kyle to know that he's wanted and respected amongst the dressing room even if he isn't from the stands. What a sad indictment of our support who, on plenty of other occasions, has been exemplary.
    52 points
  33. We’re devastated to share that our great friend and colleague Craig "CB" Benson passed away on Monday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Of course there is much more to say but we hold off on that until more appropriate time.
    52 points
  34. Kyle Vassell has seen plenty of young players with ability throughout his career. And Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, who bagged his side’s late leveller against Celtic at the weekend, falls firmly into that category. But what separates Watson from most is his willingness to work at his game, and his determination to do absolutely everything he can to make himself the best player he can possibly be. It is a recipe for success that Vassell believes can lead Watson to the very top of the game. “It’s truly up to him,” Vassell said. “I’ll look after him and I’ll support him until the cows come home because he is such a great lad. “He works so hard. He is out doing finishing with me every day and he really, really wants to be a player. He’ll keep kicking on.” In fairness, Watson isn’t alone at Rugby Park in his dedication, with Vassell giving an insight into the culture Derek McInnes has fostered at Killie that has contributed hugely to their impressive season so far. “It’s all of them,” he said. “I don’t know how they recruit. It started with Clarky [Craig Clark) and now Burkey [Chris Burke] has taken [them on] and all the boys are so hungry. “They all want to learn. They are all out on the training ground longer than anyone else which is brilliant to see because I’ve been at clubs here that hasn’t been the case. “You don’t actually have to push the boys. You just have to guide them and coach them a little bit and help them. “Bobby Wales is the same, Aaron Brown is the same and I’m not mentioning some. They genuinely all work their tails off and that is the fundamentals of having a good club. “I’ve seen boys with ability. Loads of them. And with hunger. Sometimes you have to tell them. You have to do this, you have to work hard. None of these boys here you have to tell them. It’s honestly a privilege to work with them. “There are times they need to be coached a little bit or go on loan with the step up, but if we are talking about the younger boys, they do have the work ethic, they do have the hunger, they just have to learn the game.” As well as the work ethic that McInnes has instilled in his squad, Vassell says there is a real belief within them too which was evident at Celtic Park, with the visitors showing no fear whatsoever as they went toe to toe with Brendan Rodgers’ side. “He’s always believed in us and he’s put a belief into us to get the senior boys to push the younger boys to believe that this dressing room can achieve do something this year," he said. “We came [to Celtic Park] full of confidence. We’ve beaten them twice this year. We haven’t necessarily got the result [there] but I feel like that performance just shows where we are. “It’s anyone. With Rangers at times we felt like we could have got a result there if I’d scored a chance early on – maybe it would have been a different game. Even still, we’d chances late on. “We truly believe to can go toe to toe with them in the league. The depth we’ve got just now just helps us even more. “We’ve got such a good dressing room. The gaffer has brought in boys and it’s the job of the senior boy and mine as captain to get the boys to believe and want to work hard for each other, And they do that.” The contrast in the mood of the Killie players and their Celtic counterparts then was stark after the game at the weekend, with the visiting squad and their supporters leaving on a high as they look forward to the remainder of the campaign with European football and an extended Scottish Cup run in their sights. “It’s been brilliant,” Vassell added. “We know where our budget is. It is nowhere near these boys and it’s not even necessarily near the top six because we know what the other clubs pay in the league. “But we’re just fighting. We’re a team who rolls our sleeves up and if we can get goals on the counter like through Davie Watson, then happy days. “We work hard, make it difficult for teams. That’s what we are good at. Then we will try and score goals from set-pieces and other ways, but first and foremost, we are hard to play against and we showed it again here. “Let’s just go one game at a time. We’ve still got a really tough run-in to come and then we have got the split. "First and foremost, let’s look at getting into the top six. Once we achieve that, then we can look forward.”
    51 points
  35. Anyone who has ever served on a board, or indeed drawn breath, will know that it’s damn hard to make constant decisions without a misstep or two along the way. You go into it with eyes open and try to make the best possible decisions you can with the information you have at the time, knowing fine well that others would do things differently and being brave enough to do it anyway. After a previous utterly disastrous regime which did no end of damage and created so many divisions and festering wounds, the last few years have been a breath of fresh air - to the extent that I honestly think I’m including relegation in that as a valuable part of making us collectively strong enough to be where we are now. I genuinely think we can be proud to have private owners and a professional Trust working in harmony, doing their collective best for the club we all love. The hybrid model is arguably the dream mix for any club. The nature of football is such that we could all be in a s**te mood if we get hammered next week, but overall trajectory and long-term stability are so important in football. On the field we’re stronger and stronger, and have a squad that’s miles better and miles more likeable than we’ve put up with recently, and off-field we’re a much more professional, coherent organisation with facilities that most clubs would be utterly envious of - drink it in and enjoy it, because we’re not far off some decent success. The foundations are there for a Scottish Cup win or a wee European jaunt. We’re in a good place, and Billy, Phyllis, Cathy, the Trust and a lot of other people have done a fine job.
    50 points
  36. Thank you everyone for the kind words. see you all you all on Saturday to see killie get the 3 points for my dad
    50 points
  37. Tommy Burns continued omission is a disgrace.
    50 points
  38. Rory McKenzie has been a decent player for us over many years. Some people rate him some obviously don’t. That’s not going to change now. But is anyone else totally bored out their tits of the same debate by the same people almost every day on here.
    49 points
  39. New one year deal. Delighted for him! https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/news/rory-mckenzie-signs-new-kilmarnock-deal/ Rory McKenzie has penned a one-year extension on his Rugby Park contract. The midfielder, who has made almost 400 appearances for Kilmarnock, will see his story continue. Making his debut for us in April 2011, the youth academy graduate has been part of some memorable seasons in blue and white stripes. Most notably our league-winning season of 2021/22 and when we finished third-place in the Scottish Premiership in 2018/19 to secure Europa League qualification. On signing his new deal, McKenzie said: “I am delighted to extend my stay at Kilmarnock, signing a new deal was a no-brainer for me. “This has been a great season so far, hopefully we can make it one to remember for everyone involved with the club.” Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes said: “We are delighted that Rory has signed a new deal, he is such a valued member of this squad and brings so much to the club. “He has a big part to play here, and I know that he can be so influential for us this season and beyond.”
    48 points
  40. Excellent evening. Thought Del spoke really well and just gets it and the club. I can see a vision and I think he needs time. Football is too quick and wanting instant results but it takes time to implement change and bring success. I randomly ran into Del at Livingston v Ross County last season in the Livi boardroom (I was there through my work) I said I was a Killie fan and he chatted away to me about winning the championship, the season, recruitment, his long terms plans having just signed his contract extension and other stuff. Won’t betray confidences but was impressed with how much he said to me that day, how personable he was and how honest he was with a random fan who had approached him. Last season you could see what he was trying to do. Most importantly keep us up. That’s achieved. We now have a better squad and a squad that is more his. Is it perfect? Nah but with a club like us with the budget we have we will never have a perfect squad. Let’s be honest though he is a good man manager and has guys on that pitch that would run through brick walls for him and the club. Can call me a happy clapper or whatever but he’s always had my support and after tonight continues to have my support and will have it as long as he is our manager .
    48 points
  41. Missed this yesterday but happy 40th to a true kill legend. Boydy played an important part in all our recent successes
    48 points
  42. It’s a friendly, and friendlies mean the square root of f**k all 👍
    48 points
  43. Some people have short memories and some shocking comments. Wouldn't want many of these posters in the trenches. Had a few dodgy moments but scored some key goals. One in particular is a belter All the best Ash. Thanks for the service.
    48 points
  44. After watching DM's after match comments, he is right. We have a proper squad and a proper team. Much better than any of us should ever have expected. He is also right about the relegation, the scrapping promotion and dodging relegation last year. We are in a good good place right now with a team we should be proud of. Do killie win every week, No. Are the players on it every game,No. DM is giving the club everything right now and has put together a squad most other teams in the league would like to have. Even sportscene made mention of the firepower DM has at his disposal. Things were said from the stands yesterday, again something DM commented on. I am not here to preach to any of our fans but Killie are good right now and have and will give us some brilliant games and results, like yesterday. DM is the best manager by a country mile that Killie could ever hope to get. He clearly loves the club and players he has at his disposal. Can we all just concentrate on backing the team, the manager and the club for the rest of the season. The end. Soz
    47 points
  45. Approaching the 400 appearances landmark for Kilmarnock, Rory McKenzie could be forgiven for appreciating a rest every now and then. Except the midfielder wants the exact opposite. Now 30 years old, the modern-day Killie hero is desperate to play more games and contribute to what has been a fantastic season for the Ayrshire club so far. McKenzie’s game time has been significantly limited this term. Derek McInnes’ side sits fourth as the Premiership enjoys its winter break, with midfielders Brad Lyons, David Watson, Liam Polworth and Kyle Magennis all performing well for the most part. This has meant McKenzie has been mainly used as a substitute, with 17 appearances to his name and one goal. He started Killie’s final match prior to the winter break in a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox. And it’s those kinds of experiences that he will never take for granted because, by his own admission, it could well be his last. “It was nice to finish on a slight high,” McKenzie said. “I know we lost the game at Ibrox, but it was nice to go into a break and feel that you’ve contributed having come on against Dundee and then started the game at Rangers. “Personally, it’s been a tough start to the season just with not playing. It’s part and parcel of the game, though. It’s not easy, but you’ve got to keep going and it’s easier when you’ve got a squad full of good lads. “When you’re in that moment you think you’re the only person who’s ever gone through it, but everyone has been through that period in their career. You’ve got to keep going and whether it’s through injury or suspension, you will get a chance. “I’m sitting here like I’ve never not played. I’m not good enough to say that. I’ve gone through spells where I’ve not played, of course. It’s never easy. “But this is probably the longest spell since I’ve been here. It’s just something I’ve had to adapt to. “The more you don’t play though the older you feel. We had Burkey’s son [Cole] training with us the other day, he’s 15. I think that means he was born in 2008. When you see things like that happening it’s quite surreal. “In any other line of work or walk of life, turning 30, great, you’re getting older, but in football, there is a stigma attached to turning 30. “The last two games I’ve really enjoyed. Getting older, playing at Ibrox, the way it’s going, I might never get the chance to play there again. So I just went out there to enjoy it. The older you get the more broadly you look at things. “When you’re not playing, you start to look at it and think ‘Oh god, I’m turning 30 and I’m not playing, what’s happening?’. Fitness has always been a big thing for me. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. “There’s enough games left where I can view it where I can enjoy it a lot more. It’s not going to last forever. Whatever I’m doing in six or seven years, so I’ll try and enjoy every day as much as I can.” McKenzie is out of contract in the summer. With time ticking down on his deal, it’s not exactly a situation he’s not used to, having seen this film before in previous years. With a law degree, it’s been no secret that he’s been preparing for life after football for some time. However, the player knows that no matter what line of work he embarks on when he hangs up his boots, it will not compare to the joy of being a footballer. His ambition is to finish his career at the club he loves – the club he’s known his whole life. He knows that is likely not his decision, though. He said: “It’s whether the club wants me or not really. I don’t know anything else other than Killie. “I would love to finish my career here, but it’s whether I’m wanted here. “I’m very aware of life after football. Anyone I talk to that’s in a certain industry I think ‘Ahh I could do that,’ so it is something I think about quite a lot. Football, it’s difficult at times, but it’s the best job. “No matter what I do after football it’s not going to be as much fun as this. I want to keep playing for as long as I can, whether that’s here or… I hope it’s here.” Addressing a potential testimonial, which he is eligible for, he added: “There definitely is a desire to have one. When I was younger, I wasn’t really focussing on it. I’ve been at this club for so long that the ten years did come around quite early. “Back then it wasn’t really something I was thinking about, but as you get on it’s definitely something I would like to do. “When that is, I’m not quite sure, there’s still no talk of it. We’ll see.”
    47 points
  46. We are indebted to Caitlin for taking the time and trouble to post on here this morning and give us an insight into Zach's situation last season. I would point out that this disproves the theory that it doesn't matter what is said on the Forum, as no players or their families ever read it. No-one would want to curtail the debates - but we should always give careful consideration to what we would think if we were reading posts about you or your family. Of course, people often let fly in the heat of the moment, during or just after after a disappointing match/result. We should, however, just take a minute and think of the potential impact of what we are about to post and remember that no player is going out to deliberately make mistakes. They are going out to do their very best. Unfortunately mistakes happen, as they do in every walk of life. People, including football players, need support and encouragement when things are not going well - not to be blasted with ill-considered criticism. I think Caitlin has highlighted a very important issue for us all this morning!
    47 points
  47. I know I shouldn't be by now, but I'm genuinely astonished that there is chat about bringing back probably our best centre-back of the last decade, and people are suggesting we don't need him because we have a guy on loan from Ipswich who plays a vaguely similar position.
    46 points
  48. Another season of 'happy clapper' chat will push me off this forum We've got one striker at the club and he's not playing We've got lots of recruitment to do We might have recruited badly and it won't work. We might do some good business. Time will tell But its barely July. Booing the team and expecting the manager to apologise to the fans seem widely over the top to me
    46 points
  49. As I have said elsewhere on the Forum, I think there is a strong case to be made for saying that the position of goalkeeper is the most important one in the team. We all remember the disasters of the relegation season because, somewhat bizarrely, we could not find a competent goalkeeper. Any kind of half-decent goalkeeper would probably have been enough to keep us up and yet we completely failed. Hemming did well for us in the promotion season and hopefully, for his and his families' sake, his failure to hit the heights last season is a temporary blip and, no matter where he ends up next season, his confidence and form will return and his career will flourish. On the subject though of Sam Walker, I have to say that I have been highly impressed by his attitude throughout the promotion season, always helping and encouraging Hemming, whilst his own opportunities were extremely limited. Then, when the opportunity presented itself to play much more regularly during the season just ended, to be able to grab that chance with both hands (appropriate terminology for a goalie 😀) and make the position his own. I think Sam has shown himself to be a really good goalkeeper and, having watched his interaction with the fans and young children on matchdays, I think he has become a really important part of the squad and a really good person to have around the Club. It is disappointing to hear that he is now looking to return South and I heard yesterday, from someone who lives beside Sam in the Rugby Park flats, that he has said that he is definitely leaving so that he can see more of his family. At the same time, I was encouraged by the Club's statement of yesterday that said discussions were ongoing - so perhaps all is not yet lost. Given the great importance of the position of goalkeeper to the team, coupled with Sam's obvious abilities, I wonder if it would be appropriate to offer Sam a longer term contract. Sam is young enough to have several years ahead of him in his career, he has now established himself at Killie after being patient for a full season and a bit, playing in a good league in what will hopefully be an improving team in seasons to come, popular with the fans - I wonder if a longer term contract might give Sam the security he needs to perhaps move his family north, to settle in the area and thereby give him the best of all worlds. If we are in the position of having to recruit two goalies for next season - I would be concerned about where we will find the reliable quality that we will need. Look at Dundee United's plight. Many of their fans are blaming disastrous goalkeeping for their results and relegation. That may be a bit harsh, when I think their team has generally been very poor, but it is undoubtedly a factor. I would urge the Club to do everything possible to encourage Sam to sign a new Contract. Hopefully they will recognise Sam's desire to be with his family and will try everything to find a solution that will work for all parties. Finally, if we cannot persuade Sam to sign on, I wish to thank Sam for all his efforts, for the support given to Zach throughout the time when he was first choice, for his great patience and for his outstanding contribution to keeping Killie in the Premier League for next season. I really hope we haven't seen the last of Sam! Apologies for the length of the post - I didn't realise I had gone on so long!
    46 points
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