Jan 2008

Jacko Returns To Score At Tynecastle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feb 2008

Fright Celebrates His Dons Winner!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 2008

Danny Scrambles Home the Buddies Winner!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 2008



Killie Batter Hearts But Can Only Draw!

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 2008



Jacko Celebrates His Bairns Winner!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June - July 2008



Russell Joins From Airdrie Utd

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

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

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

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

Aug 2008

Killie Get Off To A Flier Vs Hibs

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

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

Sept 2008

Big Connor's First Goals Sink the Dons

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

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

Oct 2008

Medhi Opens the Scoring at Tynecastle

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

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

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

Nov 2008

Ferdy After Scoring Against the Arabs

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

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

Dec 2008

Make Shift Killie Do The Business At Fir Park

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

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

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

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