1996-97 Scottish Cup Winners
1996-97 Scottish Cup Winners
1996-97 Scottish Cup Winners
Killie FC
(Tennants Scottish Cup Final, Ibrox, May 24th 1997)
IT WAS entirely fitting that 25,000 Kilmarnock supporters cavorted for half an hour after the end of the 112th Scottish Cup final to the tune of their adopted anthem, Paper Roses. This was the season when - for the first time since 1929 - the trophy went country and western, borne off to their market town in the heart of rural Ayrshire by a Kilmarnock side who merited an end to their 68 years of exile from success in this tournament.
It was a homespun affair in more senses than one. Apart from the fact that none of the Scottish cities was represented, for the first time in 40 years, there was no exotic contingent of Brazilians or Italians on display as there had been at Wembley a week previously. Aside from Dragoje Lekovic, Kilmarnock's Yugoslav goalkeeper, and Dylan Kerr, born in Valetta, the teams were composed of native talent.
Perhaps the match lacked the personalities who had been at Wembley a week earlier. Perhaps the quality of play did not match up to the highest standards, But the game had drama and controversy and commitment and, in the end, Kilmarnock gained revenge for the defeat they suffered against the Brockville team 40 years ago when they last met in the final.
The sight of the respective managers, Bobby Williamson and Totten, being interviewed on television beforehand, arms around each other's shoulders, evoked the flavour of an era when the game still comfortably accommodated the aspirations of gentlemen.
The dictates of modern coaching were soon in evidence once play got under way, however. Organisation is the hallmark of Totten and since each team has spent half of this season under his tutelage the game proceeded in tight patterns.
Falkirk quickly began to work their favoured ploy of Gray orchestrating set-piece play for the benefit of James, the tallest man in Scottish football. For all his height - 6ft 7in - the 21-year-old James is gangly rather than imposing and he found it difficult to win the physical contests against Ray Montgomerie or Kevin McGowne.
Kilmarnock, by contrast, were making more versatile use of their young talent, springing David Bagan down the right touchline and Alex Burke along the left. It was Burke who made the more significant inroads, reinforced by Kerr and by the end of the first quarter of the game he had begun to direct a stream of telling crosses into the Falkirk penalty area. Nelson, the Falkirk goalkeeper, was clearly discomfited by this development and could not get to the ball through the press of bodies.
After 21 mins the breakthrough arrived which allowed Kilmarnock their goal and their glory.
When James conceded a corner kick rather unnecessarily - he had time to put his clearance into the main stand - Falkirk found themselves exposed again. Mark Reilly took the corner, curling towards McGowne, who glanced it on towards his head. Jim McIntyre drew back his left foot to strike it on the drop but he was beaten to it by Paul Wright, who steered it into the net just inside Nelson's right hand post.
Falkirk had been punished for a rare moment of defensive negligence. That two opposing forwards had been able to attack the ball unchallenged at the same moment was one sign of a lapse in concentration. The other was the absence of a covering player at the post. Andy Seaton had acted as sentry there at previous corner kicks but the teenager was elsewhere on this occasion.
Wright did not seem to connect cleanly with the ball. But from that range the shot was still good enough to cross the line and eventually send the Scottish Cup to Rugby Park for the first time since 1929.
Said Wright: "It wasn't the best goal of my life. I pulled away from my marker well enough, but then I sclaffed my shot. However, it went in and that's all that mattered to me at that moment."
It must have been difficult for the first division men to accept that they had been beaten. In the second half they dominated the game and the towering figure of Kevin James, a cult hero at Brockville, brought menace whenever he moved into the Kilmarnock penalty box, which, in the second half, was all too often for the Ayrshire team's comfort.
Twice the giant centre half might have saved the game for his team. Once he was thwarted by a magnificent goal-line save by Dragoje Lekovic (left & right) and then, five minutes from the end, after one of his headers had set up the opening for Neil Oliver, whose clean strike gave Lekovic no chance however Falkirk’s frolics were halted when the linesman on the main stand side, Archie Roy of Aberdeen, flagged for offside.
And while they argued about the decision at the time, TV evidence later proved the Falkirk 'scorer' had been offside. Roy was vehemently jeered by the dark blue legions and Alex Totten, the Falkirk manager, prudently pulled himself back from further remonstrations with the official. Nevertheless, Roy was correct because Oliver had peeled behind the advancing Kilmarnock back line just a shade early and was quite definitely offside as James knocked his header on.
So the contest hung on a single goal, as so many had predicted.
Yet if the game was not by any means a classic, this was a final of Corinthian demeanour. With a dismal Scottish spring having at last given way to balmy sunshine the crowd was in shirtsleeve order as though arrayed for Centre Court or the Oval. The favours displayed around the ground, in dark blue and light blue, brought the Boat Race to mind.
James said: "I could not believe that the keeper reached the ball. (Pictured right). I was so sure that it was going over the line. When I saw him hold it down at the post I began to think that it was not going to be our day. When I flicked the ball on from another of Andy's throw-ins towards the end and saw the linesman's flag go up then I knew these feelings were right. After being able to knock Celtic out in the semi-final at the same venue we all felt t hat we could win again. All we needed was a break on the day, but it never came."
Later, Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson explained how his defenders had been able to play Oliver offside so close to the goal-line. He said: "We worked out a strategy to try to cope with Kevin James' ability in the air, knowing it was almost impossible to match someone who is 6ft 7in, we tried to concentrate on the second ball, the ones he was liable to knock down. "They were the ones we dealt with, either by coming out quickly, as we did when they had the ball in the net near the end of the game, or trying to read where he was going to put the ball and have a defender there to deal with it." It worked well for Williamson and his players for the most part, although these two second half moments might have handed Falkirk the lifeline their performance merited after half time.
The Kilmarnock manager was swift to admit that his opponents had controlled that period of the game. By then the Rugby Park players had lost the verve and the invention they had displayed in the first half. The goal they had scored through Paul Wright in the twenty-first minute began to seem more and more precious to them as the game wore on and, instead of the flowing attacks they had used to such good effect up to the goal - and even immediately after it - they dropped back and allowed the initiative to move in the direct ion of their opponents.
At the final whistle, Totten was dignified in defeat, shaking hands with each Kilmarnock player in turn. In response, the Kilmarnock supporters applauded Falkirk as they made a disconsolate tour of the pitch. The sport on offer was unmemorable but the atmosphere was far removed from the rancour and triumphalism associated with the Old Firm's contribution to these occasions.
Then it was on to the celebrations and both sets of supporters acclaimed both sets of players and the Falkirk fans gave us all another moment to remember as thousands of them remained to cheer Kilmarnock as they went on a lap of honour with the trophy. For many cup final veterans like myself, that was a reminder of better, more civilised, times, when supporters mixed together on the terracings and the loutishness of today had not scarred the game.
May 24th 1997 will live on for ever with every live Killie fan on the planet.....bar none!
Kilmarnock: Lekovic, Kerr 
, McGowne, MacPherson, Montgomerie, Reilly, Holt, Burke, Bagan, (Mitchell 88 mins) McIntyre (Brown 82 mins) & Wright (Henry 77 mins).
Attendance: 49,899
Killie FC
Our policy relating to data collection and privacy has fairness at its heart and is never intended to cause objection or complaint and to that end if there is any dubiety we will not store your information. As a business we wish to stay in communication with your and keep you up to date with news, offers and updates on our product which you may find of interest, but we will only do this with your clear and specific consent.
Standard Privacy Policy
This privacy policy sets out how KILLIE FC uses and protects any information that you give KILLIE FC when you use this website.
KILLIE FC is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.
KILLIE FC may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 13th Jun 2018
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online and offline.
Where we collect this information
As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.
We confirm that unless specific consent is given by the user the information shared will not be stored beyond the purpose intended. If specific consent is given to use the information collected it will be stored securely and digitally encrypted and password protected.
How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data, using Google Analytics normally but on occasion other aggregation tools that advise us about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
ââ whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
ââ if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us or by clicking unsubscribe where available.
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting only if you specifically consent to us that you wish this to happen.
We undertake that third parties will only include businesses that support our business and your stay such as travel providers, visitor attractions, event providers and others directly related to our business offering.
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us [email protected] as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
Our Website and In House Data Collection Policy
Our email collection policy is fully consent based and in entering your details clear consent is given by the user to receive future marketing materials from ourselves. The following information makes clear our policy on use of consent based email marketing and communications.
What we collect
We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:
ââ name and job title
ââ contact information including email address
ââ demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
ââ other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers
What we do with the information we gather
The majority of the information we gather is required for contractual and legal purposes and to allow us to offer products and services as purchased.
When consent is given to use the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:
ââ We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
ââ From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you using your provided email address for market research purposes.
Your information will never be shared with any third parties and at all times you have the right to unsubscribe permanently from our database with a simple click of the unsubscribe information at which time your details will be deleted from the mailing lists and removed from the database permanently with no archived records retained.
Killie FC
Your use of the Killie FC Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.
This Web Site belongs to Killie FC.
Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.
The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Killie FC or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Killie FC and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Killie FC or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.
Killie FC reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.
Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Killie FC at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.
The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.
This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Killie FC or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time. Please contact us on Email: [email protected]
In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Killie FC shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.
The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Killie FC or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:
the material may not be used for commercial purposes;
the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;
the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Killie FC or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).
We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.
Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.
Whilst Killie FC has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Killie FC or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.
To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Killie FC be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.
Killie FC does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.
Killie FC does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.
If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Killie FC's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Killie FC.
All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Killie FC or its licensed source. All rights of Killie FC in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.
Killie FC makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.
These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.
Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Killie FC. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Killie FC Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Killie FC does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.
Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Killie FC or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.
Killie FC
We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.
All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:
We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Please feel free to share the content of this page with your friends – simply click on where you would like to share it.