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

May 28th on Fernandez Resigning....  "The plus for us in the last three or four weeks has been David Fernandez, He looks back to his sharpest. He was never the quickest but he was always sharp and his hold-up play and his use of his body was great against Falkirk. If he stays injury-free and gets another pre-season under his belt, he might just be the difference between us being where we are and being up there challenging. Hopefully, this has been a one-off season. We all start with zero points next season and I think the disappointments of this season will act as a spur. I've still to have the meeting with the chairman and the financial people to discuss the budget. We will sit down and assess squad. You can't keep on adding bodies. Like any other club, you have to make space. I looked at us when we played at St Mirren and Gretna and you think that you need six or seven new players.  Then you put in performances like last week at Hearts and against Falkirk and you think you only need two or three. But we need a bit of freshness about the place. We know the areas we need to strengthen and we will do that. We will lose one or two, we know that, but as long as we replace them..."

May 17th on the Bairns Post Match... "If we'd taken half our chances today, we'd have won 5-1! But at the end of the day we got the win, which is nice to send the supporters away happy for the summer, and maybe's forget about how disappointing the season has been. If we had a goalscorer, we would have won that by five or six.  If we can stay injury-free and add a few faces, we'll be up there challenging next term."
On Paul Di Giacomo...   "Paul's not had the best of seasons, He went out on loan and failed to command a place at Partick Thistle. I gave him another chance to come in and he started all right for a couple of games.  I think he got his head down and lost his motivation for things - maybe he was thinking about something outwith football. At the end of the season, we've brought him back into it and he's come off the bench and got a couple of goals, so we'll be having a decision and a discussion with him. There's one or two other players in that position. To allow players to come in, we've got to make spaces."
On Keepin Taouil..."Mehdi is positive about staying and I will meet his agent tonight. I will get a few bottles of wine into him but knowing my luck he will be tee-total!  Mehdi told me he is desperate to stay but sometimes these boys are controlled by the agents who are trying to get as many options as they can, which is their job. I had a player who told me that he wanted to stay and we agreed terms and then he left. So I will wait until the contract is signed."  Match Report

May 15th on Killie's Prospects For Next Term... "The season we've had will probably be the biggest motivation for next year. By the law of averages we surely won't have the same injury list. If we can add two or three players on top of the young players who have come through this year, then we'll do better. The players don't want to go through what they've been through this year again. So that will be a drive and a motivation. When they return back for pre-season training that is what we will be emphasising to them. We need to get off to a good start and get the momentum going. We've had a horrible season and we've not enjoyed it. The younger kids that have come through, this will help them in their progress, they know what the SPL is all about now.  Jamie Hamill, Craig Bryson and Ryan O'Leary will all benefit, so there is a silver lining.  Hamill has played a lot more than he would have expected. Ryan has had a few injuries and that's hampered his progress.  They've all had more than a taste of it and they'll be challenging for places next season. Iain Flannigan will be eager to challenge next year as he's had a taste of it."
On Signing Abdul Osman From Gretna... "He is only 21 years old and he's one we feel will challenge for the first team and has a lot to come. "We've kept an eye on him for a while. He's a big, powerful lad that can play in the middle of the park. He's got good feet, is a good passer of the ball and has a presence about him."

May 14th on the Signing of Allan Russell... "It's a two-year deal with the option of a third year if he meets certain criteria in the second season. "We still need another striker or maybe even two more as we need competition for places and some players may move on.  There are one or two strikers (Paul Di Giacomo and David Fernandez) where we had options on their contracts if they played a certain amount of games. Injuries have stopped that happening. But, because of the season we have had, we are hoping to tie them up and renegotiate new contracts.  If we can't agree terms, they will go where they accept better terms."

May 10th on the Hearts Post Match...  "It gives us a wee lift at the end of the season, we have not had a lot to shout about because it is a long time since we won a game and it's not very often you go to Hearts four times a year and don't lose to them. It was two good goals we scored and I thought it was a good performance. Just after the start of the second half, we had one or two opportunities. We started passing it better. I thought Hearts were better in possession in the first half but they did not cause us any problems. I think their goalkeeper had more to deal with with Paul Dalglish's crosses."   Match Report

May 3rd on the Buddies Post Match...  "We've let three or four players go away and have operations and we've also got injuries - Simon Ford had to come off today with a hamstring problem for example - so our squad is thin. In the first half, we were doing too much chasing back because we didn't pass it properly. In the second half, we got Allan Johnston in the middle and brought on Mehdi Taouil, who can keep the ball and we did much better. We definitely improved and had a few little chances in and around the box but they fell to people who aren't natural finishers. We probably don't have a natural goalscorer since Steven Naismith and Colin Nish left. They were always liable to come up with a clinical strike. The obvious instances are when Danny was right through at the end and turns inside but gives the keeper an easy save. In the first half, Jamie Hamill had a great chance when their right back slipped. He couldn't score but if it's a striker with that chance, it's a goal.
On the free-kick  which led to Haining's goal...."I think Hamilton has used his experience to get himself a free-kick against young O'Leary because it was never a free-kick - in fact, it was a foul to us. From the free-kick, our keeper Alan Combe has admitted that he gave a shout to his defenders to let the ball come through to him but Haining has nipped in front of him to score." Match Report

May 1st On Allan Russell's Possible Arrival ... "The chairman and his agent are going over the details, crossing the t's and dotting the i's. He had a few choices and he has let the other clubs know that his preferred option is Kilmarnock. It was frustrating that we ran out of time on the last day of the January transfer window, but we made a commitment to him at the time that we would sign him when he was out of contract. In that period, two or three clubs showed an interest. He had to do what was right, talk to them and think about it.  The big advantage we had is he has got a good chance of going in the team and the other thing is he is from the area." 
On Killie's Other Strikeres...."There are one or two strikers (of Paul Di Giacomo and David Fernandez ?) where we had options on their contracts if they played a certain amount of games. Injuries have stopped that happening. But, because of the season we have had, we are hoping to tie them up and renegotiate new contracts. If we can't agree terms, they will go where they accept better terms." 
On Paul Dalglish... "He is unlucky he got injured, But he got fit to play a couple of reserve games and I gave him a run last week, so I have got to make a decision on him very soon."
On Gretna midfielder Gavin Skelton... "He had three or four options, I don't think it's a problem for him terms-wise. But, if he talks to everybody, he will get vibes for what is best for him."

Apr 26th on the Gretna Post Match... "You can see we were missing far too many key players, guys like Craig Bryson, Allan Johnston and Mehdi Taouil who can open up defences.  If I'd have a full squad to choose from then I would have been confident of beating Gretna. We didn't have the creativity to open them up and finish them off, The end of the season can't come quickly enough, but we still have work to do to try to finish as high in the league as we can."   Match Report

Apr 24th on the Gretna Pre Match... "They have had back to back clean-sheets so they have shown they are not just going to make up the numbers. They have nothing to lose and will go out there to give it their best shot. There is no fear about them now. They have lost one or two players but they have some talented boys. They made it difficult for St Mirren and Falkirk and they will make it difficult for us if the attitude is not right."
On Last Weeks Performance... "We have enough responsibility to the supporters to go out there and give it our all and win games, I've made the players aware that the season is not over. That's why their performance on Saturday forced me to bring them in on Sunday and they have been in every day this week. Normally, at the end of the season, you can give them a day or two off when everything is going along fine but they have to earn those days off.  You can't guarantee wins and you can't guarantee how the game is going to go but what you can do is guarantee that your team puts it the effort every week and I didn't think it was good enough last week. Hopefully we show that on Saturday and I won't have to bring them in on Sunday. We have been in the top five for the last two years and those were big games so you have to get yourself motivated otherwise you'll come a cropper, The first of the [bottom six] games was last week and it was a typical end-of-season affair. We treated it like that and that's not right. If that's what it feels like because we are in the bottom six, then I hope it acts as a motivation for next year to make sure we are in the top six and have big games to look forward to.  The relegation issue is settled so there is not a lot to play for in the players' eyes. But, in my eyes, the higher up the league we get the better because it has been a disappointing season. They've got money to earn for bonuses and they have to send the supporters home happy. Some of them are playing even to be here next season and that should be motivation enough."

Apr 19th on the Caley Post Match... "There were a number of players, out of contract at the end of the season, who had the opportunity to show that they deserve new deals. But they didn't do themselves much good. Four players had to have operations while three others we hoped would play weren't fit enough. So I knew we were coming up to Inverness with the bare bones, but I thought it would give me an opportunity to learn a lot. There are players in the squad I am looking at closely, some with clauses in their contracts that if they do not play a certain amount of games, the contract could be cancelled. They should be using these games for that reason and to put on a performance for our supporters."  Match Report

Apr 18th on Finishing Up the Season ..."For us to make top five and a cup final, (last term) we overachieved with what we were working with and what we had to do. You cannot guarantee that every year, and someone always gets a turn. It is Motherwell and Dundee United this year. It's been a bad season for Hearts, but they have the resources to be in there and we haven't, unless someone comes in and ploughs money into the club, The remit is making sure Killie are in the SPL full stop. The top six drives players and management. There is nothing wrong with fans having expectations, but we want to use these games to launch us as it did three years ago. Of our last five matches, we took around 13 points and it gave us a push for the following year as everyone went away thinking it might be our year. We were putting a team together and if we do so again, it will follow a similar pattern. A lot of the boys are playing to be part of it and nothing needs to be said in the team talks. I've told the players it is simple. You want to finish well for the supporters. They have been great to us because they have understood the reasons why we are not in the top six. Also, they have contracts to play for. I've said my job will be harder if they show they are worthy of playing here next year. If three or four come through, I may not have to make as many changes as I felt I might have to a months ago."

April 15th on Signing Gretna's Gavin Skelton... "I've had a chat with Gavin but he'll probably have three or four clubs after him, He is 27 now and has SPL experience. I feel he is a player who can play in two or three positions and that is vital to us."

Apr 5th on the Hearts Post Match...  "You can't lose the players that we have lost in the last couple of years, and have the injuries we have had to key players, and expect the young boys, fringe players and boys we have brought from the lower divisions to walk in and be a team. It's been hard for them but what they have done is found their feet a wee bit now. We've got it in us and we just hope we can steer clear of injury and add two or three players to the squad. I'm sure there is a nucleus there to challenge better for next year."
On Fraser Wright's Red Card.... "I  thought it was a bit soft," he said of the late ordering-off. The lad has played with his strength, Nade is good at that, and if Frazer has caught him it has been a bit soft. I think a free-kick would have been enough. He was a booking away from a two or three game suspension anyway. He was to get a little operation at the end of the season so we will maybe bring it forward. He has a flaked bone in his ankle. He can get through the games but it is obviously causing him a bit of discomfort and it's better to get him fit for the new season."  Match Report

Apr 3rd on the Hearts Pre Match... "In our last six games we've won three, lost two and drawn one. So for a team trying to recover a bit of confidence I think we're on the way up. Hearts have a lot to play for as they're trying to get in the top half and to put pressure on the teams playing on Monday, but we've got our own agenda as we're trying to catch the team above us and to finish as high as possible. If we do that and get some positives out of it for next season it would be a good way to finish and give our supporters a bit more optimism that we'll have a better season than we have had this year I'm looking to next season with the teams I'm picking. I've shown that with Tim Clancy and Iain Flannigan recently while Ryan O'Leary and Jamie Hamill have played a number of games. They're out just now as they need a rest but that gives opportunities to others. You can't fill your team in this league with youngsters but it's given Flannigan and Clancy the chance to show me what they can do with a view to next year. They've shown up great and that might save me a problem in the summer."

Mar 29th on the Bairns Post Match...  "The conditions were difficult today, both pitch and overhead,  It was more difficult to play with the wind than against it today. We played some not bad stuff, kept a clean sheet, but couldn't make the breakthrough. [James] Fowler was the pick of the team today, and the improvement throughout the team might make my summer easier. I may not have to work as hard, and only bring in two or three players, as opposed to seven or eight."  Match Report

Mar 28th on the Teams Away Form... "We've not won away from home for a while, even though we played well at Hibs, so we need to try to get an away win.  I still think we can finish a few places higher. After the split we still have five games and even the team in seventh place are only seven points above us.  So that gives you something to go for. Our immediate priority to win the next game and if results go our way then we could move up another place as Inverness play Aberdeen. We've not won away from home for a long time, Gretna was the last time. There was a spell when we couldn't win at home but we've put that right with three successive home wins. So now we need to take it on and get a couple of away wins between now and the end of the season. You can see the confidence return even against Hibs where we played well but didn't take our chances."

Mar 22nd on the Caley Post Match... "We were very annoyed about a soft penalty award which was just a clash and nothing more but we picked ourselves up and in spells in the first half passed the ball really well. We played far too many long balls which played into their hands though and I emphasised at half-time we needed to get the ball down and pass it. That's what happened in the second half and when we got the third goal suddenly everyone wanted to get on the ball. Some of the quality of the play in the lead up to the goals and other chances was terrific. David Fernandez benefited from playing quite well last week and really caused them problems today. His hold-up play was excellent. We also had Craig Bryson driving forward from the middle of the park - he's always a threat - and young Iain Flannigan and Tim Clancy can be pleased with their performances too. They were given a chance today and they grabbed it with both hands. It was terrific to put on a performance like that. The whole team can be pleased of their showing. Maybe what has happened with Gretna has enabled us to relax a bit more and we just want to maintain the consistency of performance for the rest of the season and finish as high up the table as possible. The challenge is there for the players to make sure they are here next season and if they keep performing like they did today maybe I won't have as much work to do in the summer." Match Report

Mar 21st on Hamill's Scot U-21 Inclusion...  "Last year we brought Jamie in when things were going well, The youngsters who have come in this season have come in during different circumstances. It's easier to blood players when things are going well but people like Bryson and Willie Gibson came in when the team has been struggling. They have come into the team quicker than I would have liked and played more games than I would have liked but Bryson's performances lately have been good and it looks like he is going to be a good acquisition to the SPL. Hamill took his chance last season which made it better for him this year even though he has also played more games than I would have liked. However, his inclusion should act as a spur for the rest of them. Indeed, I was a wee bit disappointed because I thought Bryson should have had a shout because he has been playing consistently well in the last four or five matches."
On Players Playing For Jobs... "We know most of the reasons are the injuries and the players we have lost but there are other boys who have not performed. They should be looking out because we don't want to be in a similar situation next year. Like most clubs, we'll be looking to bring in new players to boost us and there are quite a few who, whether they are under contract or not, have until the end of the season to prove they are worthy of being here next term. You can't just keep adding players and getting people back from injuries. When you work under our budgets you need to make space. We've mentioned it to the players in training and before games so the message gets home. It's up to them, if they want to be part of it, to get out there before the end of the season and win enough games to show there is something to build on for next season. If they don't take up the challenge we'll push on and try to get fresh faces. There are certain ones who will get more leeway but they have to be up for it so we make sure this season does not peter out. They have to play for their futures here. There are players who have not performed”.
On Mehdi Taouil…."I was winding Mehdi up and telling him his mate (Zemmama at Hibs) will be getting a letter for tapping up players! We've had a laugh about it and he's taken it fantastic, he's a great character. He says he's happy here but I've had that situation before when a deal was agreed and the player left, so nothing surprises you. The agent I talk to who represents the people in France are out of the country. We wanted a longer-term deal but they have plans for the lad at a higher level and are looking for an opportunity. We're looking to keep him, though. He'd be good for us for next season as I want to bring in quite a few.
On Allan Russell…. “He has other options. We've had talks with his agent and he'll weigh things up at the end of the season and make a decision. He could have been a Kilmarnock player but isn't and he's now got options. That is part and parcel of the game. It wouldn't be the first player who I have tried to bring to the club and it has fallen through. His agent and I spoke this week and he says he'll speak to Allan. I've asked to be informed because if it doesn't happen, it will let us crack on with something else.It might happen but you can't just wait, you may have someone else you can get. It's a situation we need to resolve and we need some strikers. You can't hang around when others are available and the player runs a risk of something else. It's not just Allan, it's any player."
On Killie's Struggles this Season... "It started with Naismith leaving on the last day of the transfer window in the summer, It looked like we were going to be able to keep him until the next window and so that was a blow to lose him because we had no time to bring anyone in. We actually had lined up a lad called Danny Graham who had been released from Middlesbrough. But when it looked like Steven was staying with us he signed for Carlisle and has been banging in goals for them. So we lost out on two ways in that situation. To lose Colin Nish was also a big blow. He went on the last day of the season as well. Again, we tried to bring in somebody but that didn't happen. On top of that, we had experienced players like David Fernandez, Garry Hay and Jamie Fowler out for long spells,  Fowler got injured on the first day of the season and was out for seven or eight weeks. David Fernandez has been out practically all season and Allan Johnston and Danny Invincibile were also out for lengthy periods. That forces you to put in one or two lads far too early than is good for them just to try and put a side together. Consequently, we haven't had a settled side and that has been the reason that we are down in the bottom half of the league".

Mar 20th on the Current 12 Team SPL Setup... "I would like to see a new league format. The league should be extended because we have to get away from playing each other four times. Years ago it was said we would get bigger crowds in the two home games against Rangers and the two home games against Celtic. That was the main purpose behind the set-up but it's past it's sell-by date. I don't see certain grounds being full when Rangers and Celtic visit in the way they were years ago. We played Celtic in a Scottish Cup tie a few weeks ago and there were six and a half thousand there. Getting back to playing each other just once home and away would be a big help. I'm not sure how many clubs that involves, but certainly playing each other four times makes people switch off. You get to know each other and it doesn't excite anybody any more. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest so maybe we need to look at it. A bigger league would make it easier to survive and we have decent clubs in the First Division. We talk about Gretna's situation and what they offer (to the SPL) but look at some of teams in the First Division like St Johnstone, Dundee and Dunfermline, they are all big clubs. St Johnstone have made two semi-finals in recent years, they have a great little stadium and they are a club that should be in the Premier League. It would help the SPL get back to home and away only which would be good for the game."

Mar 19th on Paul Dalglish's Fitness... "Sometimes these injuries happen when you're thrust into playing after having been out for a spell. You can train all you like and play in closed-door games but in actual games you have to push it a bit and when you've been out for a while you can be susceptible to injuries. Paul's been unfortunate that it has happened but hopefully this injection will clear it up and he'll at least get a chance to play in a few games before the end of the season. We'll make a decision on his future at the end of the season and not before. He's like a few players who are playing for their futures and that's part and parcel of football."
On Rhian Dodds..."Rhian has had a hellish time with injuries and had a setback with his groin problem. He needs a small operation which will be done this week. He started the season well and looked as though he was going to stake his claim for a place as some players had moved on but then he got the injury. Every time he makes an attempted comeback it flares up. We hope this won't be a persistent thing but won't know until we get the results."
Other Squad Members..."We've had a couple of illness problems with Frazer (Fright) and Paul (Jacko). They missed training at the start of the week, so it'll be a case of hoping they recover."

Mar 15th on the Hibs Post Match...  "It was the best performance from Kilmarnock for a long time away from home. We started the game terrifically, never let Hibs get on top and had most of the possession going forward. We were up for it from the start, we were winning tackles and didn't let Hibs dominate us.  Then we found ourselves one down in a game where we should've been ahead.  We looked like we were going to score rather than concede another in the second half. Hibs have got what we have not got at the moment and that's a cutting edge. That's something we have to address for next season."   Match Report

Mar 13th on Gretna's Predicament ... "Everyone's thoughts are with the staff and the players," said Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies. "A lot of people will struggle as they have mortgages to pay. Other clubs may lose a few points but I don't think that is a major issue. The main thing is the players and the staff as they could be jobless. Whether they jumble points around is not an issue for us, the most important thing is that Gretna have an existence and my thoughts are with their players and staff. I hope they can get through to the end of the season. Gretna have had a fantastic few years but they were reliant on Brooks, they didn't have the fan base or the stadium and unfortunately Brooks took ill. That just shows you it's a thin line,"

Mar 1st on the Buddies Post Match ... "Saints are always a difficult side to break down and the fact that we have drawn our previous two games at zero this season is evidence of this. They put us under a bit of pressure in the second half but that's what can happen when you're only one goal ahead. We had two important players - Alan Combe and David Lilley - back for this match and their experience was invaluable. The boys have earned a couple of days off next week as we are not involved in the Scottish Cup on Saturday. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off when we play Hibs at Easter Road, a week on Saturday."  Match Report

Feb 29th on the Buddies Pre Match...  "I told the players it wasn't acceptable and I'm looking for a reaction. They got a standing ovation coming off against Aberdeen but against Gretna the supporters weren't slow to show their dissent, but the players admit they deserve that. The fans have been fantastic to the team and they understand the situation, they understand we've lost players. The fans voiced their opinion, and quite rightly so, when they team was 3-0 down. The fans had been great but they were entitled to get at the players. It's done and we've had words but we're still in the best position, it's in our hands and we need to do something about it. If we put a shift in we've got quality to hurt teams; if we don't then it stands for nothing. You can't just rely on your ability."

Feb 27th on the Gretna Post Match... "I thought we played well in the opening stages and believed it was only a matter of time until we scored, However, after the first goal we had a crazy 18 minutes that left it very difficult to come back from. We committed suicide. If you're 3-0 down at any level at half-time you have got your work cut out. At half-time I sent them out early after a few choice words. Gretna did everything right and played well but we lost the plot and never really recovered. You could say we won the second half 2-1 but that counts for nothing." Match Report

Feb 26th on the Gretna Pre Match... "We should be looking at them and above them. If they slip up, we've got to keep winning games. We've got the ability, and we've certainly got the spirit and determination, and we didn't look like a team who were second bottom of the league on Sunday. If we can keep it going for the rest of the season we can catch not just one team but maybe two or three above us. Remember, at the start of this section of games we played all top-four sides. We've now got a run of games where we feel we're well capable of picking up enough points to finish the season well. If we don't make the top six we'll regroup and go again but the most important thing is to finish well and give ourselves a bit of a platform to go and build on next season. We've done magnificently the past few seasons but we've lost players and had to go and find more. We've had a season which has not gone our way but that's no cause to say there's a crisis or there's panic. We'll get ourselves out of it because we've got the players to come back fresh and ready to go."

Feb 24th on the Dons Post Match... "Craig Bryson was the best player on the pitch by a mile,  Two goals, an assist, into everything, great composure, good feet, he worked his socks off. When you bring a lad up from the lower divisions you want to give him time to adjust and he never really had that. So maybe in his first three or four games he was a little quiet but we didn't have any options. But he is the one thing to come out of it and has shown he can play in the Premier League, and he'll take some shifting if he keeps performing like that. He has a tremendous engine, he is strong and has good feet. He has also got the legs to get across and protect the full-back as James Fowler does on the other side. It wasn't just an important win, because it has been long overdue. It was the manner in which we won. We played some fantastic football and got it down and passed it and created a number of chances. I thought we were outstanding. We had some decent chances where we just couldn't get the last touch. We could have scored more goals. We are happy with the win and really happy with the performance."
On the Dons Consolation Combe OG... "Frazer maybe could have cleared it but he got a shout from Alan and Alan thought it was coming through to him, but (Darren) Mackie was sharp and just flicked it before Alan got there. They will be disappointed but at least we lost it while we were 3-0 in front." Match Report

Feb 22nd on Killie Staying Up...  "We're not looking at hypotheticals involving Gretna. We have enough games to rely on ourselves and if we win the next two or three it won't be a problem.  We play Aberdeen on Sunday and Gretna on Wednesday. On paper we should be able to secure the points that would take us away from the threat of relegation.  We've had three-quarters of our team missing for much of the season. But one or two are making their way back from long injuries and that's making the situation a wee bit better. I'm not concerning myself about anything at the moment other than Kilmarnock getting back to winning ways".
On the Gretna Pre Match... "We are short, up front Gary Wales was injured last week and doesn't look like making it this week. So really it leaves us Paul Di Giacomo and David Fernandez, and Danny (Invincibile) is an option through the middle. Getting another recognised forward isn't easy outside the transfer window but Paul (Dalgleish) was available. He has been training, he is maybe a wee bit rusty, but he played for the reserves the other night and scored a goal, so I think he has got a good chance of being involved."

Feb 20th on Gary Locke's Knee...  "Gary is causing us the most concern but hopefully in two or three days it will have calmed down.  We'll need to wrap Gary in cotton wool because he's a big player for us. It is a problem he has and that's why we've been limited when we can use him. Even if he's trained hard it can flare up. It's unfortunate we've not been able to use him more because you can see the big difference he makes to the team."

Feb 17th on the Gers Post Match... "I couldn't ask any more of them, I couldn't have any complaints about the way we played today and I don't think the goalkeeper had to make too many saves. We didn't get cut up like we did a few weeks ago against Celtic and you have to give us credit for that. There was a lot of spirit and determination and no shortage of ability, there was some good football today. I've a lot to be encouraged about and, if we can do that from now until the end of the season, there will be no problem." Match Report 

Feb 16th on Signing Paul Dalglish... "With Colin Nish leaving, he is what we need and we will have a look at him until the summer."

Feb 15th on an extended Contract for Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Taouil ... "We're looking at Mehdi but it's not all one way. He has to show we need to make him a good offer. However, he's been at top clubs in Nuremburg and Montpellier and has played for Morocco and you can see why. He has loads of ability and keeps the ball.  When you're on the kind of run we've been on you need people who can get on the ball and create something and he comes into that category.
On Team's Form... "It's time to stop using injuries and lack of confidence as excuses. I was heartened by our performance at Motherwell when we were 10 seconds away from a great result against a good team."
On Kris Boyd... "If Kris was still here he'd be in my team every week because he's a goalscorer and we don't have the luxury of being able to leave them out but he's working in different circumstances now.  Walter has other players who can bring other things to his team but I'm sure they won't be leaving it there with Kris - they'll be working with him on the training ground. When Kris was here he had a lot to learn and improve upon. Now he's at a big club he has competition and there are greater demands from the manager about how he wants Kris to play because he's under pressure to get results."

Feb 14th on the Board Providing Funds To Upgrade the Squad... "We know we've got to look at where we go in the future and that can be done at the end of the season. Then we can re-address what's needed to be done to take us forward and get back to the two or three years where we've had success. We know how to do that, whether we can or not will be down to our discussions. I'm sure they've learned their lessons over the last few weeks that you can't keep losing good players, that you have to replace them with good players. We have to relent a wee bit in taking these steps and I'm sure they'll do that. At this moment we should be discussing getting enough points to pull out of trouble sooner rather than later."
On the Team's Plight... "We're frustrated because when you have success you want to go to the next level, but if you keep losing your good players and are relying on finding somebody, that doesn't work all the time. You can't guarantee it because if you could then you'd have no problems. Some youngsters come through that are exceptional like Naismith and Boyd. Guys like Gordon Greer and Peter Leven did well for us, Momo Sylla was a top SPL player but circumstances off the pitch made it unworkable. But he was a good player we lost. To find them in the lower divisions takes time and we've asked them to do too much too quickly. You like to bring them in when we're doing well but that's what we've had to do.  I'm not disillusioned but these are the hard facts and until someone comes in and invests so we can challenge and replace these good players, these are the discussions we have to have. I'm not saying we can't get out of trouble because we have the quality to do that. But these boys have had to learn the hard way."
On Allan Russell as a target for Kilmarnock  (Jefferies hopes to have the player signed on a pre-contract agreement) ...“I was planning on meeting Allan’s agent last week. but I was off with the flu, Hopefully, I will do that this week".
On Bas Savage... "The position with Bas is still the same. Based on what we saw in training and in the reserve game against Rangers, he is lacking sharpness, so we offered him the chance to train with us for a few more weeks and to maybe play in a few more reserve games. We haven’t heard back, and the matter is further complicated as he’s told us he’s talking to another club. With every day that passes, it does look to be less likely that he will take us up on the offer.”
On Playing Rangers on Sunday... "Yes we’ll go into Sunday’s game as underdogs,” said Jefferies, “but if we can get our game together then we’re capable of beating anyone in this league. A result against Rangers would give us a massive lift for the games over the next few weeks.”

Billy Brown Feb 9th on the Well Post Match... "The result is certainly a real sickener and a kick in the teeth because I thought we deserved a point for the way we fought, but we didn't do well enough when we had possession of the ball. In all honesty, though, in the past three years we've scored late goals, and we've scored a lot of them at Fir Park, so unfortunately it's our turn to be on the other end of it. There are no problems with any players at the club - their spirit is fantastic and if it comes down to fight and heart, we won't be in trouble. Life doesn't get any easier when you're down there but in our position we need a concerted effort by everybody connected with Killie and everybody who is Kilmarnock-minded.  We're in bother so everybody has to man the pumps and fight for the cause."    Match Report 

Feb 7th on the Fans Backing...  "I want them to get behind the team. We have had a bad run and to get back on track we need to roll up our sleeves and get results and having the supporters behind you definitely helps. These things make it difficult for the players because it is a distraction. Fans are expected to have their opinions but you need everybody pulling together. I am not having a go at the fans but on match days we should focus on getting behind the team."

Feb 2nd on the Celtic Cup Post Match... "The difference in quality between the two teams is there for everyone to see even before the game so, if you give them too much room, they will destroy you and that's what they did today. Alan Combe was so exposed today. It wasn't his fault. If it hadn't been for him, it could have been more. We had a team talk to say we had to compete for everything and I felt we just sat back, We started 4-3-3 but quickly it ended up 4-5-1 and we were screaming at the wide men to push forward. We began to play a bit better, but the goal at the start of the second half made it a real uphill task. We're not in the best of form and confidence is low at the moment, but there were no league points at stake, and we thought 'we've nothing to lose and everything to gain'. We only had five or six players who came out of the match with credit, I think the rest can look at themselves tonight and say they never put it in, and if you've got that many players not playing well, you get punished."  . Match Report 

Feb 1st on the Celtic Cup  Pre Match... "We have to be well organised, compete well and - since we're at home - get in their faces. You've got a better chance at home, but they're still difficult opponents. We've been heartened by the last few games against them. We've given them a game of it and not made it easy for them. Maybe we're due a wee break, and maybe this might be the time. You never know in cups. We beat Hearts 3-1 in the league at Rugby Park, and then on the Wednesday no one gave them a chance against Celtic in the CIS Cup. But they went there and won 2-0.  You never know in football - who would have thought Havant and Waterlooville would have led twice at Liverpool when no one even gave them the chance of getting a corner. Cup football can be a strange game. It's a one-off, and we could get battered but score a 25-yard strike - or we could have a good performance and still get beaten. I'd rather not play well and get in the next round, but you have to play well against Celtic if you are to have any chance because they have quality players. We've given them a run for their money, so maybe we're due a wee turn - and if it comes on Saturday we'd be delighted. If you get a draw in your favour you can find yourself in the semi-final - and then who knows?  The pressure was all on us on Monday night, and we responded brilliantly. Those are never easy games, and our track record in these kind of games is not the best. The players were really up for it - and the best comment we got was from Airdrie's manager, who felt they went out with a whimper. Airdrie could have caused us problems, but we never really allowed them in the game. We were determined, and that's the kind of spirit we need between now and the end of the season. Now the pressure swings on to Celtic because they're the favourites - they are the favourites wherever they go."

Jan 30th on Colin Nish Signing a Pre-Contract with Hibs... "We got informed of that this morning. Players are now allowed to go at the end of their contracts and he's had a few offers and he's agreed to go to Hibernian. I don't think any player intentionally goes out to particularly concentrate on where they are going, but I think subconsciously it does affect their performances and we will just have to wait and see if it does affect him."

Jan 29th on the Celtic Pre Match...  “We have gone from being the favourites (Vs Airdire) and having all the pressure on us, to all the pressure being on Celtic.  We gave them a hard game at their place a couple of weeks ago and now we are at home, and we've always run them close in the last couple of years. It's set up for another terrific effort for us."
More On the Airdrie Post Match … "It has given everybody a lift. I told them this game was about attitude, commitment, application and desire and, if they don't show it, they will come a cropper like everyone was expecting us to do before the game. Getting beaten wasn't an option and they knew it. They were thoroughly professional and I thought we should have killed the game off in the first half because we had such terrific opportunities down the right-hand side. I'm not going to be too hard on them because I said to them I would take them not playing great football as long as they got the sleeves up and got us through to the next round. The prize is huge for us, not just to get through to play Celtic, but for our own belief, confidence and spirit.  But it's only a start and the application and determination needs to be there every week. No disrespect to Airdrie but there will be much tougher games ahead."
On injured goalkeeper Alan Combe… "He has a chance. (to make Sat) He got clattered on Saturday by Frazer Wright and has some bruising. Forty-eight hours is the usual time to recover and there are still a few days to go so we are hoping he will be all right."
On Chad Harpur making his Killie debut …  "Chad Harpur didn't do badly, he looked fine. He wasn't under too much pressure and he didn't have a lot to do other than when he was asked to make a great save. If it hadn't been for his finger-tips, the ball would probably have been in the back of the net, so he can be pleased with that."

Jan 28th on the Airdrie Post Match...  "You were all here expecting a shock, and I don't blame you. When you are down there, and with the way things are going, you worry about the confidence. I had the players in for a serious chat yesterday and told them that, starting tonight, we needed to show attitude, commitment, application and desire. Getting beat(en) tonight definitely wasn't an option."
On the Nish Latest... I've not had any offers - I've had plenty of people telling me they are going to speak to his agent. What I can say is, if there is anybody out there thinking that we are going to let him go prior to the transfer deadline because he is out of contract at the end of the season and we are going to let him go for some paltry figure of £30,000, £40,000 or £50,000, it's a no-goer. I would rather keep the player for two reasons. I'm not going to see the money anyway, and the other reason is that we need the player more than the money - unless it's something really, really exceptional."  Match Report 

Jan 27th on the Airdrie Pre Match... "We held a meeting with the players this morning and told them when it comes down to ability we should have enough about us to beat Airdrie. We're down where we are mainly because of injuries but that is something we can do nothing about. I have challenged them to prove they have the stomach and fight for these matches and roll the sleeves upto try to grind out a few results. We have to forget about trying to win games playing pretty football but instead have to win ugly for a few weeks to get ourselves out of the situation we are in and get our confidence back. We have to match Airdrie in every department as we can't afford to give them any encouragement whatsoever in this cup tie. If we are sloppy and don't show the right application and do the right things then Airdrie may get the sniff of a result in their nostrils. We lost to Morton in the Scottish Cup last season and Hamilton in the League Cup this season and that should stand the players in good stead as I have told them to go out and make sure they don't experience that feeling again. We have to grind out a result in this cup tie and give ourselves alift not just for this one match but for the rest of the season and that is the question I have asked of them. I know they have quality in their ranks as the last two or three seasons have shown but we are now in this situation as we have embarked on a bad run and it is up to the players to show big hearts to get themselves out of it. Airdrie will not treat us lightly and they know we will be up for it but I will be extremely disappointed if we are not a tough proposition tomorrow."

Jan 26th on the Arabs Post Match... "It's a confidence thing. We are down and there is pressure on us which affects our ability on the ball. For the first hour we made too many mistakes. Players were frightened to do things on the ball. The second goal was a gift. We are a goal behind, they are under pressure, we get a free-kick, we pile everybody in to their box and then we take it short.  Then our players pass it short and we lose possession and then they break away. These things are not what the players are told to do, they just go in to a different mindset. When time is running out, you get it in the mixer because their defenders will feel more under pressure. It's little things like that we need to change."   Match Report 

Jan 25th on the Arabs Pre Match... "Relegation is a reality not just for us but for St Mirren and even Hibs and Hearts have been dragged into it. The only way to get out of it is by picking up points and winning games. We're at home and the attitude of the players has been terrific. They've rolled up their sleeves and we're prepared to battle our way through this difficult time. We're getting players back fit now and they're on the training ground. That means more competition for places, so the boys that have the jerseys just now have to play well to keep them out. At home we've got to look at this as a chance to win the game and we're well capable of putting a run together. For the points that we're ahead of Gretna, we're the same number of points off the top six. It'll be a tough game against Dundee United. They are a good side and with Barry Robson back and in good form it'll be a really difficult match."

Jan 22nd on the Airdrie Pre Match..."We'll be training in the afternoon before the game, going through things. We won't just be turning up as we normally do for midweek games. We should learn our lessons from the Hamilton game and the Morton match last season. Those were banana skins and so is Airdrie because Kenny Black has his team playing good football."

Jan 19th on the Celtic Post Match... "They had some really good chances but Alan Combe was brilliant and I'll never know how he is not in the Scotland set-up. He has been consistently good for a long time and he was outstanding today. I do know why it is but I will keep it to myself. But I know it's not about ability. Overall, I was happy with the players' application, we just didn't ask enough questions. I was disappointed that we lost the game in the manner that we did but you can't blame Martyn, he thought there was a Celtic player behind him." Match Report 

Jan 18th on the Celtic Pre Match..."It is 50-odd years since we last won there so there is no pressure on us. It will happen again one day, maybe in the next game or in 10 years' time. We got a point there on the opening day and that was no surprise. It is sometimes better to play them in the first game when they have had little time to adjust. But we played well that day, we did the right things, we defended well and got the breaks and I think we deserved the draw. There is no doubt that they have players at a far, far better level than I have. But with good organisation, hard work and belief then who knows what can happen? They will be better than us over 38 games but we have run them close in the last couple of seasons."

Jan 18th on the Colin Nish Latest ..."I'm a little bit disappointed that he has not committed to us. I remember when he was released by Dunfermline and he came here. We stuck with him when he wasn't the most popular player. A lot of fans have now changed their opinion of him, he has done a good job for us. But it's not a case of him owing us, footballers are like that in this day and age because it's a short career. I'm long enough in the game to know that some players want to move on for money. The strange thing is that, in principle, he accepted an offer from us. He's got a dilemma now. If you are happy at a place and you are enjoying your football you have to gamble that against getting a few pounds more and it maybe not working out."But if it is money he wants then he will go. Colin will only move on during this month if it is an offer we can't turn down, If we don't get that kind of offer then I will keep him here and use him when I have to."

Jan 10th on the Airdrie Pre Match... "We have drawn some corkers in the last couple of years, Hamilton were flying high in the First Division and were tough opponents, especially on a surface they play on. They acquitted themselves well and got the goals at the right time. Last year Morton were unbeaten at home. We took the lead and looked as if we would go on and win it. But one moment of slackness lets them back in the game and gives them a lift, and that's what can happen with teams like Airdrie and Hamilton. If you give them a sniff of a chance then they get lifted and they get you on the back foot and cause you all sorts of problems. The best way to handle it is to concentrate, compete hard, keep the tempo up to what you are used to week in week out in the Premier League - and hope you have got too much for them. But we won't get it easy and we will have to battle for it. The players want to go as far as they can, It's a big game at the end of the season to look forward to. It shows it can be achieved when you look at some of the teams that have got to finals - Gretna, Dundee and Dunfermline. It can be done if you get through and get the rub of the green with the draw - four or five games, and suddenly you are in the final.

Jan 9th on the Colin Nish Situation ... "We feel now, with the Colin Nish situation, we might look out for a striker. Hopefully next week I can have a look at someone, I'm waiting on word back. He has played in the Premier League but he is considering an offer from another country. It's a striker I feel we need to add a bit more extra.Hibs were good enough to give us a courtesy call to say they would be in talks with his agent with a possibility of a pre-contract. There is nothing wrong with that, that is what any player is entitled to do. Sometimes you can go elsewhere and get a couple of extra pounds and sometimes it might not be the right move. While he seems happy with the contract, you have always got a little bit of hope but I don't know what happens nowadays. It's the agent that runs the players, in this case he seems to be telling him what to do. If somebody makes me a good offer for a player who is out of contract then I would consider it, that is for anybody. But if I don't get that then I am in no hurry. I wouldn't see the money anyway so it is pretty irrelevant to me. We have already pulled in £1.9million for (Steven) Naismith so it's maybe better having the player. I'm not actively trying to push Colin Nish out the door because I don't want to. I've made him an offer, he says he is happy with it, he says he likes it here and doesn't want to leave, so I'm a bit confused."
On Re-Signing Mehdi Taouil...  "He has been a great find. We would like to keep him longer. His agents want him to play at a higher level but we've got him until the end of the season and you never know. He's still adapting to Scotland but gets on the ball and he's learning."

Jan 5th on the Hearts Post Match... "We played well in the first half, we were stretching them and looked comfortable, We were comfortable until the goal went in, then suddenly the game changed, the crowd got behind them and their players got a lift. We played right into their hands by giving the ball away. Every time we won it back, we gave it back to them. The only time we got it down and played was the last 10 minutes when we had three great chances. When you are down there and things are not going well for you, when you go one up you go into a retreat. That's the bit they have got to learn, you keep doing what you did to get yourself 1-0 up. But these lads, maybe their confidence is a bit low, and they are desperate to hang on to what they had." Match Report 

Jan 4th on the Hearts Pre Match... "They've got a good squad of players. For whatever reason they've not had the results. I still regard them as a team capable of challenging the Old Firm. They've got a huge pool to choose from. We can't afford to start playing when the game is halfway through. Hearts have been struggling of late and they'll be trying to make amends for that. We'll go there to battle our corner. It's the same for any ground in Scotland, Parkhead, Ibrox or anywhere, that when things aren't going well the crowds might want to have their say, We know that wherever we go, if we keep it tight for a wee while, the home crowds can become frustrated.  I'm sure the Hearts players will be determined to get the crowd on their side from the first whistle. The first thing we've got to do is make sure we expect Hearts to battle. We've got to make sure we're up for it, and if we do manage to get on top of them that's their problem, not ours. We've got to go there and only think about ourselves.  Despite their run of results, Hearts is still one of the toughest places to go. I always say with any club who go on a long run of not winning, that it should make you determined to end it. For a couple of weeks we looked to have stemmed our own disappointing run but then we let ourselves down by not applying ourselves. You can't get away with that at Tynecastle. We've got to be up for it from the start."
JJ On Being linked with the managerial vacancy at Hearts... "Until the day that a club comes into contact with my chairman, it would be wrong to comment,"
On the Colin Nish Contract Situation... "I made him an offer in writing and he was happy to accept it, It was his agent who told him not to sign. It seems like the day's gone when you're happy at a club and you ace pt an offer. You can only give a lad so long. He's got a week for that offer, then I'll have to start looking for another striker and so that offer will be taken off the table."

Jan 2nd on the Bairns Post Match... "We were punished for our first half slackness and didn't do enough in the second half to get it back. We were saying to players that they have to be desperate. You are looking for people to attack the ball and in the first half their keeper was picking the ball out of the air with no-one near him. We had to show more determination which was the case in the second half which led to a shot coming through a ruck of players. Frazer said the keeper had spilled it and he followed it in, he didn't stamp on him. He just slid in and caught him and Krul reacted. The referee deemed it a red card but I don't know, I never seen it."  Match Report 

Jan 1st on the Bairns Pre Match..."Falkirk are going well and have a good team. We know we have a good record against them but that doesn't wash with me, It is what happens in the next game that matters not what's gone on before. As one of the players said we had a poor record at Ibrox and we won there so records are there to be broken and we know it will happen some time - but hopefully not on Wednesday. This is a massive game because a wee gap has developed between us and we want to close that but we're against a good side who are full of confidence."

Dec 29th on the Caley Post Match... "The disappointing thing was after a good performance against Hibs we played the same team and formation, so the players should have come here on a high, but they never applied themselves in the manner they did the other day. That's what cost them and they have now realised that you have to do it game in and game out because you will not get away with it if you drop your standards. We dropped our standards in terms of our tenacity and application, and that was the difference between the two teams." Match Report 

Dec 28th on the Caley Pre Match... "It's such a tight league that a few results can take you either way. There is still a bit to do now - but we are now only five points away from a top-six spot. Even on our bad run, the games were all closely contested - and we have been without a lot of players. In the team that beat Hibs, we only had four outfield players that have been part of our team over the past couple of seasons - Simon Ford, Garry Hay, James Fowler and Colin Nish. So we have virtually a new team, and it is encouraging we can play the way we did with so many players out. We are getting players back slowly - and now we can start looking up the table to a top-six spot."
On Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Taouil... "We have brought in a a few triallists and we signed him right away until the end of the season. We have given him his opportunity - and now it is up to him."

Dec 26th on the Hibs Post Match... "I am well pleased with the performance, and the effort, and I thought we handled the pressure well in the closing stages.”
On Colin Nish Departing… "He says he wants to stay so we are hopeful but I am very restricted in what I can offer. It's just one of those things, if he gets an offer that I can't match then I will lose him. Time will tell but it certainly won't happen unless we get a massive offer in terms of cash. I will be keeping him until the end of the season and then he will be free to go. It shows you how hard a job it is here because then you have to find people for the budgets you have. Sometimes when you improve them and they do well, they are targets for others and it's very frustrating. He will have an agent collecting offers for him and the funny thing is it will be clubs that are a similar level to ourselves who can offer him a few hundred quid more than I can. But sometimes for a few hundred quid, you are better staying where you enjoy playing." Match Report 

Dec 22nd on the Buddies Post Match... "The final ball wasn't good enough and the two times they were Colin Nish couldn't score. We probably looked a wee bit more threatening but it was our own fault because we didn't have the quality. We didn't look as vulnerable as last week and we had them on the back foot but just didn't cash in in the final third. If we improve on that, we'll be all right."  Match Report 

Dec 21st on the Buddies Pre Match... "I don't know what my wife and kid will get me for Christmas but, from a football point of view, I would like to get all my injured players back. It's been difficult with losing players like Gordon Greer, Peter Leven and Stevie Naismith and we have had a lot of injuries. It's not been a great season for us in terms of getting a break. When you are down, things do go against you. It's always been a challenge for us to get into the top six in the last couple of seasons and that is the target. There is more than half a season to go and they say that breaks always even themselves out. So, if we get our players back, hopefully we can put in that challenge."
On Bringing In Alan Morgan... "I'd like to thank Craig Brewster for giving me a courtesy call to inform me that Alan was out of contract and looking for a move. I watched Alan when he was at Blackburn and I thought he did reasonably well when he got the opportunity at Inverness. We are short of left-sided players and we feel that he can be a good addition to our squad.  I won't be buying players or even increasing the wage bill. If anyone comes in, there will need to be players going out. We hope to bring another two in and we are down the road with one of them."

Dec 15th on the Gretna Post Match...  "The pleasing thing for me about this game was that we stopped the rot. (On Gretna's penalty) "It's better than I remain speechless," he said, "because if I say what I think I could end up in trouble. We had four defenders out injured and we were forced into playing youngsters and guys out of position, so all credit to them for the effort they put into the game.  This proves that despite our recent bad run the players' heads aren't going down.
Praise for goalkeeper Alan Combe ..."Alan has been terrific for us all season, And the fact that he played when he might have a broken toe speaks volumes for his attitude. We knew we would have to rely on him a great deal because of the inexperienced defenders in front of him and he didn't let us down." Match Report 

Dec 14th More on the Gretna Pre Match... "It would be fantastic to get in the top six this season and we won't give up on it. There are a lot of games left, we're only in the second quarter. What's crucial for us is the next run of five games and I've said to the players if they still want to achieve their target of the top six, these games we need to get the lion's share of the points. Because while we're playing these ones the teams above us are playing each other and we will make inroads.  These games are crucial for us. Christmas and new year are always important and for us even more so. This is a massive game for us. Teams like Gretna, Falkirk and Inverness are all teams that are in the lower half of the league and they're teams that we've got to target to get points. So this is a massive game for us. If we can get the lion's share of the points in the next four games we'll get ourselves back in contentions. After that happens we'll maybe have our strongest team for the second part of the season."

Dec 13th on the Gretna Pre Match... "If you look at our results it's been against teams in the top half of the league. Last week against Aberdeen we deserved to win but big decisions went against us and they took advantage when Danny and Frazer went off. If they'd stayed on the pitch we wouldn't have got beaten. We gave a good account at Ibrox and weren't humiliated and the other games were close. This run needs to be put into perspective because of the players we've had out. If Motherwell lost five or six of their first team they wouldn't be doing as well as they are . It's just one of these unfortunate things, players are having to be shuffled round but no team has wiped the floor with us. We'd like to get the players back quickly but until that happens we've just got to dig in."

Dec 10th on Killie Missing So Many Defenders... "We had non-contact in training a few weeks ago and didn't even practise corners in case anyone got injured, and we will have to think about doing that this afternoon. The training will just have to be very light because we can't afford to lose anyone else, especially defenders. So we will have to talk it through and walk it through rather than any physical contact."

Dec 8th on the Dons Post Match... "The players are a bit aggrieved about their penalty as they felt it was outside the box and that there was no contact. But I think the referee maybe had a problem because he booked Miller in the first half for diving and if he wasn't going to give a penalty then he may have been forced to consider that option again. That meant Miller might have been off the park, so maybe that was the reason behind it, but we will have to look at it on video.
On Mair Tripping Nish .... "The Aberdeen player was under pressure, slipped a bit and as he went down impeded Nish from going through on goal. I thought that was a very good claim for a penalty but we never got it". Match Report 

Dec 7th on the Dons Pre Match... "Aberdeen will target games against Kilmarnock to try to push towards meeting their expectations of challenging for third. When we played them at Rugby Park we produced one of our best performances of the season but lost 1-0. It's a good sign when you don't play well but win. We'll not complain about that as we've done that a couple of times this season, so it happens. Maybe it is our turn this time and we won't play well but we'll get a result.  The four games we've lost were Celtic at home and we could have won it with the chances we had in the second half, Dundee United who had beaten Rangers at Tannadice and after a poor first half we had them on the back foot but missed our chances. We played Motherwell, who are flying, and there was nothing in the game but they were a bit more dangerous. Then we played Rangers at Ibrox, we didn't have our best team out and they had four players who they'd paid £2million for. We were 14/1 with the bookies and although we lost an early goal we played our way in and showed character. So these games have all been tight. It's not as though the teams been weakened and we're getting battered. It's just not going our way at this moment. I've been disappointed with our last few performances at Pittodrie as we've not started well, so I'm going to change our routine. The long drive can affect them so we'll head up on the Friday and stay overnight. We did that when we played Peterhead and looked a bit brighter. Our plans were to go and train in St Andrews on Friday but as I can't name a squad yet but we'll train here, see if Simon Ford and Frazer Wright are okay, and then head up."

Dec 4th on Killie's Latest Injury Situation...  "Skora had been back in training but it looks as though he has torn a hamstring. The next 72 hours will determine whether  he has or not.  He is receiving treatment and we'll know once it settles down and he puts some ice on it whether it's torn or not.  We're keeping our fingers crossed with that one. But if it's torn he could be out for a couple of months. We think Rhian may have another hernia. Alex is trying to check it out to see if it is as bad as that. We'll send him to see a specialist to find out the extent of his injury.  David Lilley had to call off on Friday with a hamstring injury. It's difficult to say how long he'll be out because if he comes back too quickly he could tear it. We've not put a timescale on him but it will be a few weeks anyway. He's got no chance for Aberdeen this weekend."

Dec 1st on the Rangers Post Match... "The last four games we have lost we have always been in the game and I thought we were in the game today. We got off to an horrendous start and the last thing you want to do here is lose a goal early, especially with the form we have had. You fear the worst and know that if you lose another one quickly then you are in for a confidence-sapping result. Credit to the boys, They worked hard to get back into it after losing such an early goal.  I thought we looked dangerous until they scored a terrific second goal and left us with a mountain to climb. We have a lot of players missing and the boys out there gave a good account of themselves against a quality side. There were one or two penalty decisions that Rangers were claiming but I felt the referee didn't buckle under the pressure and I thought he got them all right," Match Report 

Nov 30th on the Rangers Pre Match... "We're contesting better. A few years ago we were getting battered by four or five goals, and I'm not saying that won't happen again. But we have competed better against the Old Firm in the last two or three years, we've given them much tougher games and that's what I want to do this weekend. We played well that day but the difference was we had a match-winner in our side in Steven Naismith and now he's on the other side. We know what Steven's capable of, so we had better make sure we don't give him too many opportunities if he plays. We've got to make sure we do the right things as they have far better players than us, have a far better squad than us. If you do that you've got a better chance of getting a result, but you also need luck along the way at places like Ibrox or Parkhead as it's hard to contain them for 90 minutes. You need to concentrate hard, keep your discipline and most of all belief.  If we need any improvement on belief surely we can get it from the last time we went there because we managed to get a win and that does wonders for your confidence."

Nov 26th More on the Motherwell Post Match... "We have to regroup now. What we need is to be nice and solid and grind out a couple of wins back to back. I think that would get us going but we need to knuckle down, because what we are doing just now is not working for us and we may need to change things a bit. I'm afraid that some of the boys who could do better, for some reason, didn't produce it."
On Moroccan Taouil... "I put him in his favoured position off the front two and he caused them all sorts of problems. I played him in the reserves and he showed up really well. And with the way the team has been playing and with Allan Johnston being out, then he helps us get on the ball and lets us play a bit. He must have been pretty happy with his debut and his contribution. But sadly there weren't enough on the same wavelength as him."

Nov 24th on the Motherwell Post Match... "I don't think today's result was about lack of effort. It was a very tight first half but I think their forwards were better than ours. They looked more dangerous than us although there was very little in it.  But to lose the goal in the manner that we did was very unfortunate. I was behind the shot and it was not going anywhere near the goal until it took the deflection. That meant we had to change and chase things a wee bit and that's when Motherwell became dangerous on the break, as they were all afternoon."  Match Report 

Nov 23rd on Colin Nish's Contract Situation... "He can wait and see what his options are, He won't be the first person to do that and he won't be the last. He's said he'd like to stay but we can't give him the money his agent says he can get for him elsewhere. Colin was struggling until we brought him here but now that he's had a decent season he has someone telling him what he wants to hear and players always believe that. If he can get it then good luck because we're so far apart in terms of what we've offered and what his agent is looking for that it's not even worth discussing. If his priority at the moment is making money then he certainly won't get it at Kilmarnock."
On Simon Ford's New Contract..."Simon and I have agreed a deal for the rest of this season and another two on top of that. Simon has been unlucky because he came on a trial basis short term and when he was due to sign a longer deal he got injured. So then he had to go on another short-term deal to prove his fitness. It then happened to him again and it's been difficult for him. We've been negotiating for a couple of months now as we didn't want to wait until the end of the deal but when he was back fit. He's been here a couple of seasons and he's earned this deal.  He's come through a couple of injuries and we felt it was right to give him his year and a couple more as he's not missed many games for us. We're confident his injuries are no longer a problem.
On Allan Johnston's Injury... "Allan Johnston had been coming along great and looked as though he'd be in contention but he did something in the reserve game, jarred it, and will be definitely out for the weekend. He's seeing a specialist and we'll know more after that."

Nov 22nd on the Motherwell Pre Match... "In difficult games we've come out in the second half and shown what we can do. We've got to make them aware that if we start slowly against Motherwell the game might be out of reach before we get started. the season. We've had a two-week break and I've had a lot to consider, whether to make a few changes, We've shown what we can do in the second half after a few choice words from myself and Billy, but if I keep doing that I'll end up in a pine box shortly. I shouldn't need to do that. With the way we've performed over the past couple of years it should be expected that they apply themselves. If you can apply yourself in the second half then it's nothing magical, they've just not applied themselves in the proper manner. Maybe doing well the last couple of years they think it'll automatically happen. But I've hammered home that they need to make it happen as we're not good enough to rely on our ability alone. We have to get the application right. Dundee United and Motherwell have come on this year to make a really good challenge for the top six. It makes the competition much tougher as you still have Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs. But it's good for the game that everything is so tight and we've got this competition. I think the league race will be tight, the European places will be tight and the top six will be even tighter."
Nov 21st on Extending Third Choice Keeper Damien Rascale's Contract... "Damien is another who has impressed us after we signed him, It is not easy to get a keeper to come in and be third choice. Chad did it and got himself up to number two and Damien has to challenge for that. He has the attributes and we would have no hesitation in putting him in as we have confidence in him. He was delighted to get the chance to come to Scotland and is settled here. Now we can give him a little bit of piece of mind by extending his deal until the end of the season and see how it goes."

Nov 10th on the Arabs Post Match... "That is two weeks on the trot we have not started well and our performance between the first half and the second was night and day. There were a few harsh words said again at half-time and that is something we shouldn't have to be doing, especially after last week when we should have learned our lesson. I thought the application and dedication to get back into the game in the second half was there from the players, but we need to make sure we start games in the right way." Match Report 

Nov 3rd on the Celtic Post Match... "It was unrepeatable what Billy Brown and me said to the players at half time. It could have gone on to be four or five if we had continued as we did. We never performed, we never held it in and we never passed it. On top of that we gave away two of the worst goals you could allow. They were allowed to turn and pass and they had a guy of 5ft 8in stooping to score inside the six-yard box without a Kilmarnock player anywhere near him. In the second half we changed the system and we were terrific. Boruc made a fantastic save, although you might say that Colin Nish could have done better but it was from a good move. I just hope we learn the lessons."  Match Report 

Nov 2nd on the Celtic Pre Match... "Celtic don't often lose back-to-back and there are two ways it can go. They might feel under more pressure, which is why we've got to get in about them, or losing at home could equally make them all the more determined. We can't worry about what they might do because it's what we do that counts for me. The good thing is that we're going into the game on the back of a great result against the team which has just beaten them. If we beat Hearts and they beat Celtic then we should be champions but, unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. We've competed well in our last few games against them and it took a wonder strike for them to win the championship in their last visit to our place after we'd matched them all the way. You've got to work hard, concentrate and take your chances when they come along when you play Celtic because they have better players than we do, but you can make up for that with organisation and determination. In that game we lost James Fowler early on and then Garry Hay at the start of the second half - two of our most experienced and consistent players. Our midfield that day was Steven Naismith, Jamie Hamill, Rhian Dodds and Willie Gibson but we managed to get a great result. Celtic had a lot of chances but Simon Ford had a great chance with a header. Gordon Strachan was very gracious afterwards and said we'd played well, deserved our break, but we've got to do that again."

Nov 1st on Playing the Old Firm... "You've got to work hard, concentrate and take your chances when they come along when you play Celtic because they have better players than we do, but you can make up for that with organisation and determination. I think we're finding, and both Gordon and Walter have said it, that other clubs are making it harder for them than they have done for many years and that's got to be good for Scottish football. There's more belief than hope in our dressing room when we come to play the Old Firm these days. Sometimes in the past you could see the players' knuckles turn white because they were used to being turned over 4-0 and 5-0 by them but in those days Celtic and Rangers were spending huge sums in the transfer market and they were very difficult to live with. They're now buying players from other Scottish clubs and we've played against them so often that, even though they're good players, the fear factor is significantly less for all the clubs now. We know that they're still capable of hurting you if you're not careful but we're hoping to continue the trend of giving them difficult matches."

Oct 27th on the Hearts Post Match...  "I've just given them a rollicking for losing that late goal because 3-0 was terrific, and we could have added a couple more. There was only one team going to win it in the second half. The first goal was the key, but we totally dominated the match. They took a man out of midfield in the second half, and we won that battle. This was a massive result for us, because it means we've come out of a tough first quarter of the campaign after losing so many of our experienced players, and we're still in there competing. We always said that when we got our experienced players back we'd be a better team."  Match Report 

Oct 25th on the Squads Injury Status... "Garry Hay has come through a reserve game in midweek and taken part in training. It looks like he could return on Saturday if there is no late setbacks.  That said, as had happened so often with us this season, no sooner is one player back than another one is ruled out. Willie Gibson didn't report for training on Thursday after phoning in sick with a bug. By all accounts he was up all night with sickness and diarrhoea.  We're not sure how he's going to be ahead of the game so he's rated at doubtful. Other than that it's still too early for Ryan Jarvis, at best he'll be on the bench. Rhian Dodds and Eric Skora are out despite coming through the reserve game. If we could get a win on Saturday, and look at the points we'd have on the table, I think we'd be happy.  Things haven't gone for us in this quarter so we'd be satisfied with the points tally. We've just had so many experienced, quality players out of the side. We lost (James) Fowler and Hay at Parkhead on the opening day of the season and that's summed it up for us.  The fact is we've managed to get points on the board - we got maximum points from two games in a row when we played nothing like the way we can.  Recently our performances have improved but I still want as many of the boys we relied upon last season back into the side as quickly as possible."

Oct 20th on the Bairns Post Match... "I think it was a fair result. We got off to the worst possible start and it gave Falkirk a lift. Maybe with the players we have out and things not going well you would think the players' heads would go down after losing the goal, but they didn't. We were a wee bit unlucky not to go 2-1 up. Danny Invincibile was only a coat of paint away from his shot hitting the post and going in and I can take a lot of positives from today. A couple of weeks ago we couldn't even train on a Thursday in case anybody got hurt so we've talked about set-plays rather than going through them. The last thing we needed was anybody getting clobbered and picking up concussion."  Match Report 

Oct 19th on Colin Nish Knocking Back A New Contract.... "He has knocked back our offer. That's the world we live in now and players can do that. It might be the case that he will change his mind or decide to stay if no offers come in."
On Top 6 Finish... "Craig Levein came out a few weeks ago and said that if you don't get into the top six then it's failure. That's nonsense. It's a very small league, it's a very tight league and outside the Old Firm everybody is capable of beating everyone else. If someone goes on a wee run it can put them right up there but in this league you can have two or three bad results and it's a crisis. The most important thing is being in the league because clubs would find it hard if they weren't and that's the first priority - top six is a bonus."

Oct 18th on the Bairns Pre Match... "They (Killie's young guns, filling in for the many first team injuries) done a job and now I know that I can fall back on them and that is a bonus. But you still want your best experienced players available because lads can come in and do well for a while. But it is only right you should introduce them gradually and only maybe one or two at a time  We have gone to Hibernian and lost. But they are up there at the top and not many teams beat Celtic nowadays so that was a difficult fixture even with a full team. We played well against Aberdeen and didn't deserve to lose and when we faced Inverness they were flying and we were the better team.  So even though that has happened we are still there or thereabouts and if we get a few players back then we can be challenging again. We hope to get everybody back by Christmas which is just around the corner. But there's a few games to go between now and then."

Oct 6th on the Caley Post Match... "I couldn't have asked for any more from them, They gave me everything they had. I told them before they went out that I had a good feeling about the game and that this was a great opportunity for them to go out and show what they could do. We got off to a tremendous start with a goal in the first minute and that helped settle us down. I thought that over the 90 minutes we were the better side and probably deserved to take all three points. I didn't expect to play them together in the first team, as they still have a lot to learn, but if they keep improving and doing the right thing they could be big players for this club in the future."   Match Report 

Oct 5th on the Caley Pre Match... "You will see on Saturday that we will have just two available outfield players on the bench, one of whom has never played for us - and that's only if Willie Gibson makes it. He stubbed his toe and then took a knock on it in training on Thursday so he will need an x-ray. I might add another two, like Ryan Jarvis and Gary Locke, and hope that I don't need to use them. Noble - who has never played for the team - and another player will be on the bench with Damian Rascle. If Willie doesn't make it, we will have even one less fit player on the bench. There is no emergency loan in the SPL, only in the Scottish Football League. If that was the case, I would have used it two or three weeks ago. I haven't thought of postponing the match either. We just get on with it. The good news, if there is any, is that the physio is pretty confident a few of these boys will be okay after the international break so there will be a big change in terms of options then. So we have to grind out a performance, and hopefully a result, against a team who are in form at the moment. It will be a tough game for us and we will need the supporters to get behind the team and galvanise us into giving it our best shot.
On Iain Flannigan... "He is one for the future, But such is our predicament that he will play on Saturday. He is a strong boy but maybe not up to the physical side of the SPL yet. He has ability and a good touch and good skill. He has very good awareness of the game and I think he will be a top player in the future. But we need to remember he is a young boy making his first start. He knows he is getting his chance because of the number of injuries that we've got. The plus for me is, if he goes out and does really well, I'll have a player earlier than I thought I would."

Sept 29th on the Hibs Post Match... "Hibs deserved to win the way they did, but it was always going to be a tough game coming here with the guys we have out. But the penalty was the second goal and I don't think anybody in the ground thought it was ever a penalty. John Collins and Tommy Craig looked at me, shook their heads and didn't think it was a penalty. The player fouled said to Frazer Wright he didn't think it was a penalty.  But the only one that matters in the ground is Stuart Dougal and he's seen something, yet different from everyone else in the ground. The linesmen didn't put up his flag, so it was totally the referee's decision. But if you say too much you get into trouble. It came at a bad time and we feel hard done by, but when things are going against you, it didn't surprise me."  Match Report

Sept 28th on the Hibs Pre Match...  "It was around the same time last year when we were beaten 5-0 by Motherwell, I said that was the kick up the backside we needed. We had a full squad then and it's a different scenario now but we are two points off the top six and if we win tomorrow where does that put us? So it's not all doom and gloom but you do somewhere get a game that does give you a kick up the backside. And if you get it early like we did last year then maybe we will go on from here and do as well as we did the last couple of years. One of the things we have always done in the last couple of years is bounce back really well. There aren't too many back-to-back defeats. We are going to a place that over five or six games we have had some decent results. We have to put boys in and there are a couple of lads we brought in recently from lower divisions, We are asking a lot of them early because it's a big step up in standard."We did it with Frazer Wright but it took him a good two or three months training in amongst our players before he got to grips with that level. These lads have been asked to become a Premier League player right away."

Sept 25th on the Accies Post match... "I had the players in the dressing room for three quarters of an hour afterwards and we broke it down game by game where it has gone wrong this season. There was no bawling and shouting - just frank facts. We have never been the greatest team with the greatest players but we always played with passion. We haven't lost the football but we have lost the passion and commitment and we need to get that back." Match Report

Sept 24th on the Accies Pre match... "We haven't got a big squad so that rules out any chance of having a rotation system, But it's something we just have to get on with. We won't be making any excuses - it's just something we have to deal with. It was a disappointing result at the weekend, only taking a point against St Mirren. But the boys who have come in now have another chance to give me a headache by playing well in the cup game."

Sept 22nd on the Buddies Post match... "Probably because Saints had been beaten in their last three SPL games they came here today and played five in the middle and one up front. We knew they would come to Rugby Park and try to frustrate us but our quality of play wasn't good enough to combat that. The onus was on us to put pressure on them but our play wasn't up to the standard we've come to expect and so we struggled a bit. We didn't do well enough to get balls into the box and when we did the quality wasn't good enough. With the exception of the back four and James Fowler in midfield, the rest of the players were well below par. We have set standards here over the past few seasons and we didn't reach those levels today."  Match Report

Sept 20th on his Management Philosophy... "I'm not under pressure,  If you go to Berwick, Falkirk, Hearts and Kilmarnock and ask these people where I've been successful, they've always enjoyed our philosophy, the way Billy (Brown, assistant boss) and I like to play football. We've been getting a lot of praise for that. I'm too long in the tooth and probably too old to change.  We have to be organised, we have to be disciplined and we have to get the tactics right, but we go out to win every game and you have to do it in the right way.  All our training and all our philosophy has been getting the ball down and passing it and playing, and getting the players to do that.  Kilmarnock have been given accolades in the past couple of years for being an entertaining side to watch and we'll always continue to do that. People say we've done well and we've started well, but there's not a lot between the teams and they are well capable of winning the game as well.  We've got to make sure that doesn't happen and we'll only do that if we play well and work extremely hard."  
On the Buddies Pre Match...  "Gus has done extremely well, I think they've been unlucky with Dargo, that he's not been fit. I had young Naismith coming through at the time, and I said to Craig, (Dargo) with the injuries he had, that if he wanted to go and play regularly then maybe a move was the right thing for him. I think it proved to be right for him. He went up there (Inverness) and he did fantastically well. It was the right club to move to at the time. St Mirren did really well to get him. A few clubs might have liked Craig Dargo in their ranks. I'm sure when he's back playing he'll do a good for them. Gus knows what his targets are and it will probably be to challenge for a top six place and he'll know they've got to win games like this to do that. We're not getting carried away with anything other than that we know we're the favourites, because we're at home and we've had a decent start and we're a decent side, but that's all right on paper. We've got to make sure when we cross the line we show people why we're a decent side."

Sept 17th on Ryan O'Leary's Broken Nose... "We are looking at the possibility of Ryan training in the mask this week. The good thing is he wants to continue but we'll have to wait and see what is said when he goes to see a nose specialist. Centre-halves have to go and head the ball and if he gets another whack on the nose he could be out for a lot longer.We'll see how he gets on with it in practice. A few players have worn these masks in the past but it's a bit easier for a midfield player or someone up front because they are not trying to win the ball in the air all the time. A centre-half who can't take part in an aerial battle isn't much use.  Ryan's done really well for us, he's come on a ton, so we'll give him every chance. But we'll take the advice of medical people as well because another bang on it might set him back.  Many years ago we used to play with these injuries.  In my day we never had masks. We were told to get out there and if you got a bang on it, tough luck. The good thing is he is desperate to keep playing. Sometimes when you get an injury such as this it's easy to opt out but Ryan's not like that. Fingers crossed, he will get the OK to play."

Sept 16th on Tim Clancy's Debut.... “He has done well in the reserves and training. He’s not a left-back - he came to us as a right-back and I know he can play centre-half. But I felt it would have put him under a bit more pressure playing centre-half so I put him at left-back because this week at training we got him to fill in there against the first team and he did really well. So I told him to do the same again and keep the ball and I thought he did all right. He was composed on the ball, passed it well, won things in the air and he’s not short of a tackle or two.”

Sept 15th on the Gretna Post Match... "There are probably three or four times in the season where a game takes on that little bit more significance. In our case it was that we played well in the last two games against Rangers and Aberdeen and didn't get a point that we deserved. So we come here and defeat makes it three on the trot and it can set you back a wee bit. Also with losing Naismith and the injuries that we have, it's a huge match for us because you have to win these type of games if you are ambitious to be back in the top six again. So I felt there was a wee bit more pressure on us, and added to that I don't think it will be long before Gretna get their first win because I think they go about it the right way.  I think they are getting punished for mistakes and we had two good bits of football in the first half that got us two goals. But they had some opportunities, none more so than the penalty which might have changed the whole game. But I felt we could have scored more goals in the second half, we had some good chances. I think we just about deserved the win and we managed to call on all our reserves." Match Report

Sept 13th on the Gretna Pre Match..."Gretna are dangerous opponents for two reasons, "One, you don't want to be the first team they beat and two, they will be trying harder than ever to get that first win. It doesn't matter who's playing them. If we beat them on Saturday, it then goes on to the team who plays them the following week. It will end sometime and from a Kilmarnock point of view we have to make sure it doesn't happen on Saturday. It's another tough away game for us, The players will be well warned not to take them lightly or look at their results. The results are a bit false and they have deserved a point or two more. They worked hard to get here and they will be the underdogs in every game. But Gretna are a very unlucky side to be sitting on one point given their start to the season."

Sept 1st on the Dons Post Match... "It was a sloppy goal, we missed the first header and allowed him too much space, But credit to our boys. We went up a level and I thought we battered them for the last half hour. Another couple of decisions that were very close went against us." Match Report
On Naismith's Departure..."At the end of the day, the club got the £2m that we were looking for all along, The only down side for me was that I did not have time to bring someone in as a replacement. But I will just need to go with what I've got until January. Rangers were obviously desperate to get him, I signed Ryan Jarvis as cover for Paul Di Giacomo, who I let go out on loan as he wanted games. But he is a young lad and has still to adapt to Scottish football. I took a call this morning because I had someone lined up if Steven moved, but it was too late to do anything and I now have two injured players on the bench. He has handled it terrifically well and I wish him all the best, It was great to work with him and be part of bringing him along. He is a terrific talent with a great attitude and will go on to great things."

Aug 28th on the Peterhead Post Match... "The downside of tonight was that Danny Invincibile felt his groin twinge so we are all keeping our fingers crossed that there is nothing too major to worry about. In addition, Garry Hay felt his hamstring again and that meant we had to do a reshuffle, so that was a bit of a blow to us as well."
On Naisy Leaving..."I don't think it will be Steven's last goal for us and if anyone was going to come in then I reckon they would have done it by now. If there is a last-minute bid then there is not much we can do about that. But we'll just keep our fingers crossed in the couple of days that are left to go and then hopefully he'll be in our team on Saturday. That will mean we can all settle down until it rears its head in January, but at least we'll have him until that time." Match Report

Aug 25th on the Gers Post Match... "I definitely see a difference in Rangers from last year, they have made some quality signings. That is why it is even more pleasing to do well against them when you've put together a team for two balloons and a lucky bag. It was a terrific effort from the players and nobody's disappointed with their performance, It would have been a great bonus point - or three - today, but we tried and you can't fault the players. The players stuck at their task and were maybe just a little bit unfortunate not to get a break, when it fell nicely for Rangers in the box. If you'd given me seven points from the first four games, two of those games against the Old Firm, I'd have been delighted"  Match Report

Aug 24th on Bringing Ryan Jarvis in on Loan From Norwich... "He's done very well whenever I've seen him recently. It's good for us to bring a new face into the club and it's good for the boy to have a chance to play first-team football. You only have to look at the examples of Anthony Stokes and Kasper Schmeichel at Falkirk to see how a move like this can benefit clubs and players."

Aug 21st on His first 2,000 Days at Killie... "When I first spoke to Jamie Moffat, he said he wanted someone with a track record and I had experienced a similar situation at Hearts, I was from the east and was not the people's choice. I knew that. But if things turned sour, I was assured there would be no panic and we would see it through. A change of manager, somebody without that experience, may have had serious consequences for this club. I had a three-year plan and the problems began after that second year. I could have left then but we stuck to it." More

Aug 18th on the Well Post Match... "There will be times when we play really well, like Motherwell did, and get nothing. That's how cruel football can be. The only positive I can take out of the game is that we were only 1-0 down because through breaks, balls going across the box and Alan Combe making a couple of good saves I just didn't think we were at the races. Once we got the equaliser back, you think you're going to go on and get a point you don't really deserve through resilience, But you can never count them out because we've done it time and time again, coming back in the last minute. We knew Motherwell would be up for it because they've got a new manager, confidence is up and they probably look at Kilmarnock as a target, but these are the games that earn you the right to get into the top six. We're capable of taking points off the teams above us, but they're bonus points for me - these are the ones that earn you the right to go into the top six. I look at plusses and if we haven't played as well as some people think in the last couple of games and we've got seven points from the opening three matches, then look out when we start playing well. To perform like we did isn't acceptable. Motherwell played extremely well and I can see why they've got two wins as they're buzzing. You've got to battle, work hard and compete like they did, so we were very fortunate but this should now give us a bit of belief." Match Report 

Aug 16th on the Well Pre Match..."I remember going there last season and we were heavily beaten. But it turned out to be a good thing because it was a kick up the backside we needed.  We were hurt by that result and I remember in our next game we played really well and beat Aberdeen. But we wouldn't want that to happen again and we'll use it as motivation.  Motherwell have made a great start and that will give them a great lift, especially after last season. They've got a new manager and when that happens there is always a reaction as players are out to impress him. But we know if we win there we'll go above them."
On the Teams Early Season Form... "Some teams have a couple of wins under their belt but it's great that we have four points having already played Celtic. It gives us a bit of a lift but we know we have to keep the momentum going. We've started reasonably well over the last few years but you can only really judge it after you have played everybody once. That's when you know what you have to do, what areas of the team you're happy with or unhappy with".

Aug 13th on the Arabs Pre Match...  "I was delighted with the way my players came back and clinched all three points. From where I was it looked a harsh decision (on the Kalvenes sending off). Overall it was a great fightback, in general I was only pleased with the first & last 20 mins, and we got a little over-run in the middle, which is something we will need to work on".   Match Report  JJ's audio comments  

Aug 12th on the Arabs Pre Match... "Some of the players have said themselves in articles that they have set the standard with a fantastic level of performance, Once you set standards you try to maintain them. We will not face Celtic every week at Parkhead so it was nice to hear them saying they can't let their standards drop, Because if they do, more often than not you will get punished in this division. They are difficult opponents. I watched the game last week and Dundee United were the better team. It took a mistake to get the goal but they were deserved winners, if anybody was. And they will make it tough because Craig came in last year and got them organised and got them out of a bit of trouble.  The expectation level up there is probably for them to finish in the top six, the same as us, so it will be a great contest.  It will be a tough game, there will be very little in it. Both teams have had good results on the opening day and it should make for an interesting match. Our philosophy never changes, even though we are well organised we are always very positive. We try to win every game so we will do that whoever we are up against."

Aug 10th on Naisy Withdrawing His Transfer Request...  "I think that's one of the things that helped the performance at the weekend,  When Steven did that and put it to bed, you could see by his performance, it was terrific. With David Fernandez coming back (from injury) and Eric Skora trying to get back to full fitness, there is a great spirit about the place and I think everyone got a big lift when Steven did that. So now we can concentrate knowing, so far, he is here. I just hope we can get by August without any more enquiries and I don't think it's the worst thing for him to concentrate on playing every week here, because he will always attract attention in the next transfer window and the one after that. He is destined for the top and that's a great lift for everybody at the club."
On New Signings…"It depends if Steven was to go, what we could do. But right now as it stands, no. We are well covered up front, we are well covered in wide areas, well covered in midfield. In central defence we have Ryan O'Leary coming through now which has helped with losing Gordon Greer, and we just feel there is another area we need cover for. It's not urgent but it would do if we manage to get the right person, But if it doesn't happen I will get on with it."
On Derry City defender Darren Kelly training with Killie…"Darren came and trained for a few days but obviously they are looking for money and it is money I don't have,"

Aug 5th on the Celtic Post Match..."When you consider the players we lost, it was a fantastic effort from the boys in midfield to protect the back four, We were magnificent at the back and we got a couple of breaks that you need at a place like Celtic.We had a couple of half-chances, I don't think anyone could deny we were worthy of a point".
On His Injured Players... "James (Fowler) hasn't missed a game for two years, but it looks like he has broken a bone which is a major blow for us David (Fernandez) was screaming in pain and has a lot of bleeding in the eye, we just have to hope it won't be another long term absence. I'm very proud of my players in the circumstances. We had to be disciplined, organised and give it our all. They were all excellent and I was delighted with Steven Naismith. After everything surrounding him, he was terrific. He has withdrawn his transfer request now and everyone starts from scratch if they want to sign him. I'm still hoping he stays."  Match Report   JJ's audio comments  

Aug 3rd on Naisy Withdrawing His Transfer Request... "If he starts the season with us really well and impresses them, and shows that he's worth what we're looking for, then we'll never change it [the asking price] because that's not fair to any club. (If there is a suitable bid) we'll let Steven know and Steven will decide if it's the right move. Right now we are absolutely delighted with the letter that we got yesterday. He's really focused now on helping Kilmarnock and we're really pleased about that.  I watch this kid on the training pitch. He came in yesterday and he looked like a lad who had just had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. He's withdrawn his transfer request, he's given his reasons, he wants to concentrate on Kilmarnock. There's still a month to go in the transfer market and I've told him if anyone makes that offer we'll let him know, nothing will change and he can decide whether he wants to go or not.
On Naisy Staying Beyond the Transfer Window Closing... "I very much hope so. There's a package there that could lead up to £2million, There's a certain amount guaranteed and a certain amount with add-ons. I'm not going to discuss what Rangers have bid because it's not right (to do so). Celtic have asked for permission to speak to the player, that was all, and that permission was given. Celtic know the price that we are asking. That price was a decision made by (Kilmarnock chairman) Michael Johnston and the board, that I agreed with. He's been fantastic in the Premier League for the last couple of seasons, he's also a full Scotland international and what we're asking for is fair. Although he refused to name the price Rangers have offered, Jefferies added: "There's a price that we asked of every club and Rangers have made offers. They are quite entitled to value a player at whatever they like, there's nothing wrong with that, but never at any time have Rangers met our asking price which they've known from day one. Their valuation for Steven Naismith was nowhere near being accepted by Kilmarnock."
On Momo Sylla's Departure... "We need everyone pulling in the one direction and no disruptions, He has apologised and said it is maybe best if he moves on, so it's a mutual thing. You can't have players doing whatever they like. If he can find a manager and a club that will let him get away with that, then good luck to him. He's a bit of a complex character and he has his moments, But he's actually a nice lad. We'll just get on with people who want to turn up and do the right things and we will be alright."

Aug 2nd on the Celtic Pre Match... "You don't get a much tougher start than the champions but we're used to it because in my time here we've had Celtic twice, Rangers twice, Hibs and Hearts on the opening day. It's never easy but we've got nothing to lose. We don't have a great record at Parkhead but we didn't have a great record at Ibrox at the back end of last season and managed to win. It was always mentioned that we hadn't beaten Rangers but it can't be mentioned anymore. It's long before these players and myself were at Kilmarnock that the record has been there but it's never an easy place to win. We've taken a lot of confidence from the end to last season and if we go there and do things right, have a bit of belief, concentrate and if we make any chances take them."

July 24th on the Forrest Post Match..." I thought we passed the ball about well out there and we had a couple of good chances to take the lead.  But if we play that way at the start of the season then I'll be happy enough."
On the Naisy Latest... “There is a club who have not made an offer yet, but made another enquiry today. I might hear something tomorrow and until then I wouldn't want to say who it is. If we do get a bid then that's fine but if not we will just get on with it but we want it all sorted sooner rather than later.  Rangers haven't offered enough, it's as simple as that and all their offers have been final offers! We have never put Steven up for auction but we are not holding him back. But this is not easy for him and I feel sorry for him at times.  This will affect him because Steven is that type of person. Steven and I have a great relationship, remember it was me who brought him through.  People have been mischief-making in various ways like having a go at Michael and then Steven and I. But Steven denies saying anything to the press about that. I just wish people would let us get on with playing football here at Rugby Park."

July 23rd on the Naisy Situation... "I have heard nothing official about Rangers withdrawing their offer, but there's no animosity over this. It is just a case of two clubs having different valuations of the same player.  We have never put Stevie up for sale and we do have other clubs willing to pay what we are asking for. We are a good bit down the road with one, in particular, and we hope it can be sorted out one way or the other quickly because we're all frustrated by this. If we agree a fee and Stevie does’nt want to go that club, so be it. We'd be happy for him to stay. Rangers have known from Day One, when Walter called me, what we are looking for. I don't think it is an unrealistic price given what the boy, who has now made it into the Scotland squad, has achieved over the past couple of seasons. Perhaps Rangers see him more as one for the future and don't want to pay more. I don't know. Let me say that his attitude has been first-class all the way through. He was buzzing around in training this morning and has always given everything."

July 21st on Ferdy's Condition... "He has been able to do a lot more work than we expected him to. We didn't think he would be back before Christmas, but he could be back in action by September or even sooner. David is looking good, but we won't put him under any pressure,"

July 17th on Resigning Himself to Naisy Leaving Killie... "I've resigned myself to the fact Stevie is going. Whether it takes a few days or a few weeks we don't know. If Rangers do agree on a fee then I think he would go there. I would be very happy to have him here for next season but we can't hold the boy back,"

July 14th on the Naisy "Want Away" Stories... "He assured me he never said anything like that and I take his word for that,  As far as Steven and I are concerned, he knows that I've kept him up to date with everything. What we've asked is a fair and reasonable price for a tremendous talent, and if anybody offers that money he'll be free talk to anybody. He'll probably be in a bit of turmoil at the moment. He hears this and that, and he wants it resolved. He's been strongly linked with Rangers but we've had no contact with Rangers in well over a week. There have been other clubs and if somebody makes an offer which is acceptable we'll allow Steven to talk to them and if he wants to go, he'll go, and if he doesn't we're not going to be too bothered about it because we've never put him up for sale. People get a chance to go where they like when they're out of contract, they can choose their club. But when they're in contract it's always the same for every transfer - the two clubs have to agree a deal. The key thing to this is the club aren't asking for ridiculous money. Steven knows what (the price) is. They do know what we're looking for and it's a reasonable amount for a player of his quality. I don't think we can be accused of pricing him out of the market.
On Squad Being Unsettled ...  "To suggest there's any effect on the squad, that's sheer and utter nonsense. It's been made very clear that the money would go towards the club, Obviously we operate with a budget for wages and we have to stick to that, and that money would take a lot of the pressure off because we're still burdened with debt."

July 11th on French Keeper Damien Rascle Coming In On Trial..."With Graeme Smith leaving and Cammy Bell being injured, we really need another goalkeeper. You need three goalkeepers, but you're limited when you are wanting to bring someone in as your third choice. There have been a few goalkeepers floating about, but they want to come as number one and play. Alan Combe is our No1 and Chad Harper has now been promoted as cover for Alan. So you are looking for someone to come in and challenge, but also understand that initially they will be coming in as cover in case we have any injuries to the other two. So that limits your options, but Damien understands that. He has done quite well in a practice game in Italy and in training. It's a bit early to make a decision, but he certainly looks the part. When we get back we may bring him over to Scotland, let him train with us and see how he is before we make a final decision. This is an area where we are a wee bit short in. Our other goalkeeper, Peter Logan, is just a young kid without any first team experience. He is training with the first team and is being brought on by that, and if Alan was injured then we'd have to put him on the bench as back-up to Chad. But we're looking to get in an experienced goalkeeper and Damien fits the bill."

July 4th on Rhian Dodds New 2 Year Deal... "Unfortunately, Rhian had a bad year with injury, but we wanted to improve his deal. We have really good competition in the middle of the park, but we feel Rhian is a  very useful part of the squad. He had a hernia problem last season, but is fine now and is raring to go."
On the Naisy Latest... "There has been a bit of dialogue in the last 24 hours and we've both agreed that something will either happen or it won't happen. That's the latest. There's no 48-hour deadline or anything. It will only happen if the two clubs agree what we feel is a reasonable deal for the player. Right now the proposals that have been put to us aren't acceptable. That can still change. We're just a little bit short on the amount as well. I don't think it will drag on much longer than a few days so we will see what happens. There isn't any animosity or bad feeling between the clubs. It's perfectly simple and straightforward - they want one of our players so we negotiate. I've been in the game long enough, and dealt with enough decent-sized transfers, to know that what we're asking for that laddie isn't over the top. Kilmarnock have got an outstanding young talent. He was second top goalscorer in the league, which is a good achievement for a club like Kilmarnock. He has also picked up numerous awards in the last two years and he has had a better season than the one he had before. He's a terrific player and what we're asking for him isn't way over the top or about making things difficult. If Rangers want him, they just need to offer the money. They know what that offer is. It must be difficult for him," he said. "He's handling it terrifically well but, of course, he doesn't know what's happening and he doesn't know whether he's going to be starting the season there or here. That's why it should be resolved. He has to know one way or the other. If it doesn't happen, it's a big club and I'm sure he will be disappointed. But that's life and you get on with it. It's not as though it could be the last move of his career. He's 20 years old. There's time for him yet."

June 29th on  Ferdy Being On the Mend Quicker than Expected..."Our physios have been so impressed that there is now every possibility that he will be able to join us in Italy next week. Of course, he has quite a bid to go but when he first suffered the injury and needed two operations it was felt he would not be able to kick a ball before Christmas. That has now changed and it is so very, very encouraging. The player himself has gained an enormous confidence boost from the progress. Nothing would please me more than seeing David and Stevie Naismith on the park together playing for Kilmarnock.  David is a genuine class act and we all know that Stevie is one of the brightest and best young players in the land. Having players of the high calibre of Naismith and Fernandez playing week in week out for Kilmarnock would make a huge difference and set us up for a really good season.  We all know that our strengths at this club is a marvellous team effort from all concerned but having top quality in the ranks into the bargain would be a terrific boost."

June 26th on the Gers Latest Bid on Naisy... "I spoke to Michael Johnston the Kilmarnock chairman and he filled me in on the discussions that have taken place. Rangers have made an improved offer but it was still not near our valuation. There has been talk of more than £1million with add-ons but it was not in that area. It was an increase on their last bid but not substantial enough for Kilmarnock to consider acceptable. It was also structured with half up front, and half in a year's time. It's up to Rangers what happens next. We have always said that unless we receive a bid that we consider acceptable then Steven will stay with Kilmarnock for next season. If the right money is put forward then it will be up to Steven what he does."

June 15th on the 07-08 SPL Fixtures... 'You're joking, we went there last year. I find it very strange we should be going back there for back-to-back opening days. Maybe somebody else should have had a turn at playing the champions at their home on day one. I know we have to play Celtic at some stage of the season, but this is obviously one of the more difficult starts to the new season. I would have thought we were due a home game by now, so it really is very strange. Killie seem to have had little luck over the years with opening day fixtures, as 8 out of the last nine seasons we have faced Celtic, Rangers, Hearts or Hibs in the first game, with only two of these being at home. This is compounded by the fact that we had to play 20 away games last season with only 18 home matches after having to play Aberdeen away 3 times the previous season. Again, it was the second time in succession the fixtures gave us three away games and two at home for the last five games. So, we had two-in-a-row for this as well as having to go to Parkhead. We always seem to be given the difficult route.'

June 8th on Ryan O'Leary's Future...  "Ryan has been in a little bit of a tug-of-war between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland and the Irish were hoping that with his family connections, they'd get him. Thankfully from Scotland's point of view, he has opted to play for us and I am sure he will go with the Under-20s to Canada for the World Cup this month. I'll be very surprised if he doesn't. He has all the credentials to make a name for himself in the game. He'll certainly go on to play at a high level and I believe he will play for the full Scotland team in the years ahead.
On Naisy's Scotland Debut... Seeing Naisy make his Scotland debut will be a great boost for Ryan and all our boys because it shows it can be done. Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant played for Scotland while at Kilmarnock but they had already won caps when they were with Rangers. It was nice to see Naisy coming on for his debut as it showed we can bring players through and they can go all the way to playing for Scotland. I'm delighted for him to do it at such a young age as well. He can still play for the Under-21s but it shows how much he has come on and how much people think of him that he has a full cap. Naisy has come through and done it and shown that playing at Kilmarnock is no barrier to playing for Scotland and it was ironic he should replace Boydy, who also came through our ranks. The big plus for me was that Steven didn't have to put a Rangers strip on to get that first international cap!"
Naisy Transfer Latest... "It's not as if we are sitting round a table waiting for the phone to ring. If someone wants him, they know what they have to do. The laddie says himself that if anyone comes in, the gaffer will let him know. And if no one comes in, he's happy being a Kilmarnock player. We don't particularly need to sell him. It's not like the situation we were in a couple of years ago. We are heading in the right direction financially and I would like to keep Naismith a while longer. But if we get what we consider to be a fair and reasonable offer for him, we will let Steven speak with the interested club and then it will be up to him. He's already shown in the past 48 hours that he has got his head round the situation. The way he has handled the speculation has been brilliant. He's right to hope that if anything is going to happen, then it happens quickly because it is in no one's interest for it to drag on. He's a young boy but he's mature enough to realise that it will happen for him some day, even if nothing happens this summer. He's got that belief in his ability. If people want him instantly, they know what to do - pick up the phone and make an offer that is in line with his talent. We have said we won't hold him back and we will allow him to speak to clubs but we are not going to do it if they make insulting offers."
On the Pars Gary Mason  "Mason is a good player but I don't know where the story has come from. I haven't made any enquiries and I am well covered in the midfield area. I don't know if it's an agent trying to create interest in the boy but I haven't spoken with Dunfermline."

June 7th More Naisy Speculation... "We don't have an exact valuation of Steven. I've said that in the past.  He's been called up to the Scotland squad and is with us for another three years, so he is valuable to us on and off the park. And if he stays then it will help us consolidate our position in the SPL.If we don't get a fair price for a player who has his potential then he will stay."

June 2nd on Naismith Going to Ibrox... "Until someone comes in and makes us an offer that we cannot turn down, this is just speculation, If it happens, and if it's the right move for Steven, then he'll take it. But just now we're not in that position. There hasn't been an offer from Rangers, it's just another rumour.
On Naisy's Scotland "Call-Up"...He has got the potential to be a regular Scotland player, whether now or in future years, He probably thinks he's a bit ahead of the ball game at 20. It's great for him but he has got a long time to go and his main aim is to get more call-ups. I spoke to him and wished him all the best. I eventually tracked him down and he's had to change his holiday plans, but he doesn't mind that. He's a great kid and it'll be great for him. It was terrific news for the club. Alex had called me after the League Cup semi-final against Falkirk, after Steven got his hat-trick. That was back in January and he said that providing Steven remained in that sort of form, it wouldn't be long before he was called up, and that was good news for us. When the chance came up, Alex has been true to his word, so credit to him. It's fantastic for Steven. We've had a number of players in the Scotland Under-21s, Peter Canero was the last to be in the full set-up (Canero won one cap, against Denmark, in 2004) I don't think there have been many Scotland internationals from Kilmarnock - full stop. There was Ally McCoist and Ian Durrant a few years ago, but they had achieved that through Rangers so there are not too many we have brought through. It's a nice little reward for what we're doing at the moment."

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