On the pitch
As Killie fans we know following the Club is a real rollercoaster ride and in the 55 years I’ve been a supporter I’ve experienced some real ups and downs. So I get the disappointment and frustration that we feel when matches don’t go well, and the exhilaration and excitement when they do.
It’s probably fair to acknowledge that there have been more than a few of those lows and highs this season and some real contrasts – away league form being poorer than we’d like yet still getting to a Hampden cup semi-final and showing that the team had the heart to compete at that level.
And like all football fans every one of us has dreams and ambitions and want to see success. In reality, we knew that getting up from the Championship at first time of asking was a big ask, but we did it. We know that the priority for this season is to stay up, and build for the future, while competing well in the Cups where we can.
Getting the recent league win against Dundee Utd was crucial, given how other teams are sitting at the bottom of the table, and last week’s cup win again kept us in the mix for the next round where we will make the trip to Inverness.
The supporters have been fantastic in backing the team throughout, and I know it is appreciated by the management team, players, and the Board.
A few questions and comments have been raised with me about the transfer window, and I have shared the points with other Directors. I appreciate that it’s frustrating for fans that we can’t do a running commentary on all stages of negotiations on players but from experience I also know that things can fall through at a late stage.
From a Board and management team perspective, the January window was not going to be the time for a complete rebuild of the squad, but rather to look to strengthen where needed, and to allow some of the squad to go to other teams, or on loan to give them first team football. Derek has expressed in interviews his disappointment, which is shared by the Board, that he was not able to get some deals over the line later in the window, after having secured Kyle Vassell early on. Plans and priorities also had to change with the injury to Ben Chrisene, and we were pleased to get Luke Chambers in on loan from Liverpool.
As Trust members will appreciate, I can’t go into detail due about the circumstances of Kyle Lafferty’s departure other than to say that it was not a decision taken lightly by the Board, particularly after we had backed him over the incident which led to his 10 match ban.
With respect to the Jordan Jones situation, a very last minute communication on transfer deadline day rom Wigan FC advised us that he was being recalled immediately. We there for had no option but to cancel his registration with us. Subsequently we were made aware that due to an error at their end, Wigan had not registered the necessary paperwork in time. Discussions therefore took place and permission was given by the football authorities for him to be reregistered with Killie, leading to his inclusion the squad for the Dundee Utd Cup tie.
Everyone at the Club was saddened to hear of the passing of former Goalkeeping Coach Billy Thomson, and the minute’s applause at Tannadice was a fitting tribute for the service he gave to both clubs.
In other news on the football side.....
- The Women’s Team has had a few tough matches recently but their desire to improve and perform has seen them move up to third spot in the SWPL2 and only narrowly beaten by league leaders Montrose. Manager Jim Chapman has strengthened the squad by bringing in some new players as the women aim towards a promotion spot. SWPL Chair Mary Galbraith attended the match against Montrose as part of her tour around all SWPL teams, and spoke positively to me after the match about the standard of play and what the Club is doing to support and promote the Women’s Team. A good win over St Johnstone at the weekend sees the Womens team into the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup where we will be at home to Glasgow City, who currently sit at the top of SWPL1.
- An updated fixture list for Womens First team is available HERE. Entry to our women’s matches are by donation via the Moffat Stand.
- Arrangements are on track to bring the Girls Academy into a similar set up to the Boys Academy under KCST (Killie Community)
- In the Youth Academy set up, the under 18s have again shown their abilities with a well deserved win against St Johnstone. Having moved to performance level in the Club Academy Scotland set up following the first team being relegated, application has been made to rejoin the CAS Elite league.
- An updated fixture list is available HERE
- For the younger age groups, the Killie Trust circulates fixtures by email – these can be arranged late in day and subject to change! A big fundraising effort is being made to get our under 13 and Under 14 boys to Northern Ireland in the summer for SuperCupNI tournament and there will be opportunities for fans to help.
- The updated fixture list for reserves can be found HERE
Off the pitch
- With Phyllis McLeish having taken on the role of Managing Director, and Gregg McEwan as General Manager, day to day operational and contractual matters now largely fall to them, with the Board having more of a strategic overview, but still with very regular contact between Board members on key decisions.
- As members will have seen Billy Bowie has unveiled plans for a training facility to be built, and it was good to see fans come along to see the proposals in the exhibition at Rugby Park, where the architects were available to answer questions and hear feedback.
- Within the stadium, the majority of the exterior work has been completed on the portacabin installation at the rear of Moffat Stand, but with current limitations on capital budget the next phase will be scheduled for close season
- The Trust has been in discussion with the Club about possible options to invest the TiK funds which have been accumulated. A number of options were looked at and costed for installing screens which could be used during matches to give information to fans. However, the initial costing and ongoing running costs were much greater and the likely revenue from advertising much less than initially anticipated. This would have required the Trust to commit to longer term funding on an ongoing basis, so at this stage it has not been taken beyond the exploratory phase. Discussions are ongoing regarding other potential options which could see enhanced facilities for fans. Any proposals will be put to Trust members for views and vote before commitment made.
- A number of fans have contacted me about blue bricks having fallen off the wall. These are being repaired. Some of bricks on the wall at Moffat Stand have also come loose and there are areas which need repointing. I have raised this and also discussed with SLO who has also had questions raised with him. We are looking at what can be done, possibly in conjunction with Trust and KFCSA.
- The media team (Andy Fitzsimmons and Scott Symington) have been working on developing the social media output, including key women’s and under 18 matches where they can, as well as more behind the scenes and special content eg ahead of the Cup Semi-final at Hampden.
- As part of our refresh of the Youth Academy structure to meet the requirements of CAS Elite status, Peter Irons has been appointed as Child Welfare and Protection Officer. We are delighted that Charlie Adams has taken on the role of Youth Ambassador, playing a key role in the development of Schools Supporters Groups and wider engagement with young people’s groups.
- Retail sales still continue to outperform previous years. The new knitwear collection has been very well received and the Killie LTD restock is flying out the door. Coming down the line the 94’ Retro will be restocked soon along with a special anniversary whisky and leatherbound 150th Anniversary book for collectors.
- Plans are underway for the Club AGM which will take place in March and details will be sent to shareholders within the required notice period.
- The Club’s Annual Ladies Day is set for Saturday April 1st, where we face Hearts. Places are £85PP or £800 for a table of 10. This event is always popular, so book your slot early if you can.
In the Community
- As previously reported, I have joined the Board of KCST and have therefore been working more closely with Jordan Allison, Charity Manager on developing programmes, building more cooperation and collaboration with the Killie Trust, and extending links to the wider community and local businesses. While the Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust remains the legal title, you may have noticed that we have rebranded KCST as “Killie Community” for social media and communications. This was done following feedback from focus groups and staff as it was felt KCST didn’t really highlight the wide range of activities taking place. By bringing all under the Killie Community banner, a much clearer message can be conveyed, and activities identified as being very much part of the ethos of a community club. In addition to the football fun activities for children and young people, women’s recreational football, walking football and para football, Killie Community is working with other partners to deliver a range of health and wellbeing programmes, including Weigh to Go for men and women, Dad’s FC, Football Memories, New Scots involving refugees and asylum seekers, and supporting employability opportunities for people out of the labour market. The latest initiative is the Killie Winter Get Together, which is using space in the stadium as way of offering older people in the community a palace to get together on a Wednesday afternoon and have some soup and pies and a cup of tea and chat. Jordan and I met with Peter Telfer, Chair of Kilmarnock Business Association, to discuss how we can reach out further and potential opportunities to work together.
- Killie Community is working on the fanzone with the Killie Trust, with aspirations to make this the go to place for young supporters to participate in activities on match days. The next fanzone will be at the home match against Motherwell, when we will host a groups of young people from local primary schools, Cumnock Juniors, Ardeer Thistle, First Stewarton Boys Brigade, as well as adults involved with UCAN. Free tickets are given out for home matches via Killie Community and an online application form is now available HERE
- Supported by the Killie Trust, a regular Foodbank Collection has been taking place at daytime home matches, with the next due at the match v Motherwell on 25/2. Feedback from Fans Supporting Foodbanks has been very positive, highlighting that Killie is one of the league leaders in Scotland in terms of donations collected, which is a testament to our generous supporters, especially in the current climate
Killie Trust in action
- At the Trust AGM in December, the revised strategy document was given the seal of approval. This will now be discussed with Trust members and plans are in place for some in person and online events to take place.
- As part of our ongoing engagement with members, the next online members forum will take place on Tuesday 28th February at 7pm and details will be circulated to members
- The forward plan includes the process and timetable for electing the next Trust Club Director, to take over when my term office ends at end of May 2024. To be eligible to stand as a potential candidate, Trust members must have served on the Trust Board for a minimum of 6 months, and complete appropriate training. Anyone who is interested in standing should contact the Killie Trust Chair Jim Thomson for more details and initial discussion.
- The Junior Trust is going from strength to strength, with new memberships coming in each week. Kids enjoyed a very successful Christmas Party and buses have been arranged for some away matches, including the Hampden trip. Thanks to Jordan at Killie Community, a number of free child tickets were obtained, making it possible for more families to participate. To learn more about the Junior Trust and to join, scan this QR code.
- The Killie Trust Goalkeeping Academy has started up again, providing specialist coaching for boys and girls. Sessions take place at the Ayrshire College on Tuesday nights between 7-9pm. More information can be obtained by emailing - [email protected]. A big thanks to local firm MHB Consultants for their recent donation to this project.
- To kick off the Trust’s 20th Anniversary year, a fantastic evening was held at Centrestage with former players on 10 February. Organised by the Trust with support from Ray Montgomerie and the Club, the evening was very ably chaired by Trust member Chris Mallaband and heard memories from former players and club staff on key moments during the Club’s rise from the second division back to the top flight, and the decisions which saw the redevelopment of Rugby Park. Thanks to all who helped make the evening a success. Funds raised from ticket sales, auction, raffle and memorabilia will go towards the Youth Academy trip to the Supercup NI tournament. Thanks also to KFCSA who raised funds for the trip at their recent Sportsmen’s Dinner. KFCSA will be holding their annual Player of the Year event on 22/4/23.
- The Annual Killie Masters Golf event will be taking place on 26 May at Ballochmyle Golf Club - more information will be circulated on this soon, but please get in touch if you are interested - [email protected].
Further Trust events are being planned for this anniversary year, so watch this space!
- Volunteering opportunities are available for a number of roles within the Trust including supporting the fanzone on match days, helping with Foodbank collection, assisting with matchday duties at Women’s matches, helping with stadium clear ups post matches, assisting with events and fundraising – please get in touch via the Trust email address if you can offer some help.
- It has been a pleasure to welcome Trust members Bill Johnston and guest, Connor Raeside and guest, and Graham and Amy Hopkins to the Killie Boardroom. Andrew Dunlop was the winner of 2 tickets for the Cup semi - final, courtesy of the Club, while Neil Murray, Gordon Jones and Chris Mallaband have attended away Boardrooms with me as guests of those clubs. I look forward to hosting the next Trust draw winners.
Keeping in Touch
I hope you have found this update useful and please get in touch if you have any questions or feedback
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @cathyjamieson Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie Facebook: cathy jamieson
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cathy-jamieson-frsa
While I am happy to engage via social media, I’m sure members will understand that I am not monitoring that round the clock and may not be able to instantly reply and its not always possible to do a running commentary when events may be unfolding! An email to me is often a better way of dealing with more complex issues!
Club SLO Allen Kyle can also be contacted by email [email protected]
