Killie TrustKillie Trust

    Killie Trust

    June 2020

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    Dear Killie Trust member,

    I hope that you are all safe and well and have managed to enjoy some of the warmer weather, despite lockdown continuing.

    Once again, I send my best wishes to all who have been affected by Covid-19 and to those of you who have lost loved ones due to the virus or other circumstances. 

    The online Killie community has been amazing in showing support and I know that many of you are involved in front line work or volunteering. We don’t take your efforts for granted, so thank you for all you do.

     
    Latest on Covid-19 and the impact on Kilmarnock FC

    With SPFL Premiership football now scheduled to return, albeit behind closed doors at the outset, there is now a sense of momentum as we plan for the return.

    The last few weeks have seen numerous calls involving SPFL clubs, and various working groups looking at the logistics of the return, what safety measures need to be put in place, and how training can resume.

    First team players will return to training week commencing 15th of June. Their furlough period will end at that time and the Club will resume full responsibility for their wages, with no further support via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Other staff however may remain on furlough. 

    The initial phase will be non-contact training. Measures will be put in place to take players’ temperatures on arrival as a precaution, as well as to ensure that there is minimal contact except on the pitch. Other safeguards will include use of sanitizing equipment and ensuring parking and entry arrangements aid social distancing. There will be no access to the pitch except for essential staff, and non-football staff will work from temporary arrangements in the Park Suite, again to ensure that social distancing measures can be adhered to.

    The Club has made arrangements for the twice-weekly Covid-19 testing to take place as required, in co-operation with other clubs, to ensure that the most cost-effective solution is put in place. With an estimated cost of £100 per player per week for the tests, it is not an insignificant sum.

    As well as participating in the various SPFL calls, the Kilmarnock FC Board has held weekly calls with the Club Secretary, Head of Football Operations, Head of Commercial Operations and Marketing and the Head of Media and Communications to deal with issues as they arise. Additional calls have involved input from the medical side, to ensure that we are working to the latest best practice.

    Karen Costello as Club Secretary will take the role of Covid Officer going forward. This is a role required by SPFL, and will coordinate the various compliance and safety actions, along with our Health and Safety Officer.
     

     
    SPFL and proposals on restructuring

    Trust members will recall from my last update that we had not at that time reached a final view on league reconstruction, as we had not yet been presented with options from the SPFL Working Group. We had however informally fed-in views on an expanded league, and preference for it not to be a “one season only” fix. Since then, there have been discussions on ideas from the Working Group and the paper from Ann Budge outlining a proposal for 14-14-14 as a temporary solution. 

    While some clubs have favoured a short-term solution, we were concerned at the proposal that this should be for a couple of seasons and then revert back to current set up. We have therefore maintained our position that a short-term fix is not in the best interests of Scottish Football, especially as we are now only weeks away from league starting in August, with no clear plan to examine the wider issues. We have also stated that we would prefer to see a working group or committee established that would include external input, including representatives of fans’ organisations, to bring forward recommendations on future structures and governance.

    A paper has now been brought forward by Rangers FC, suggesting an alternative approach, including “colt teams” being able to participate in the league structure.

    With respect to the resolution brought by Rangers FC on the SPFL governance issue, we were not persuaded that the evidence presented needed a QC-led Inquiry to investigate further, and therefore voted against.
     
    Finance and Commercial

    Like all Scottish clubs, Kilmarnock FC is having to review all of our operational costs and ensure we focus spend on what is necessary to return to football and secure our long-term future.  This may mean some tough decisions as we prioritise, as it is unlikely to be possible to do everything we would wish to do.
    As the season officially closed, seasonal match day contracts also ended. We paid matchday hospitality and turnstile staff for the four missed matches, along with accrued holiday entitlements. As we have no indication as yet of when fans will return to the ground, we are not in a position to immediately offer new matchday contracts and will need to return to that when we have a clearer picture.

    As members will know, we took the decision to offer to refund the unused element of the season ticket – essentially four matches.  If everyone did claim a refund, this would have cost Club in region of £142,000 and we are very grateful to the fans who have responded by waiving their entitlement to claim. We do recognize that there will be fans whose financial circumstances mean that they need the refund, and we do not wish anyone to feel awkward about claiming it.

    Now that we have a start date for the season, and more clarity on the broadcasting deal with Sky, we are in the final stages of putting together the “virtual season ticket”. The Sky deal means that up to five of our home matches could be shown on Sky. We will be able to stream our home matches for season ticket holders. There is ongoing discussion in relation to away matches and how this will work in practice.

    Season ticket income forms a large part of Club income, so we are trying to ensure that we balance bringing in that income with fans getting value for money.  We expect to be announcing season ticket sales in the very near future, and hopefully we will see a good uptake on this.  One thing fans can do to help is to use the option to have their season ticket delivered virtually to their phone wherever possible – producing the plastic cards and sending them out incurs a cost to the club which we would like to avoid!

    A number of people have been in touch with me regarding share applications as they have not yet received share certificates. So far, the applications total approximately £27,000, which is a significant amount of individual applications. The processing of the shares is done by the Company Secretary, Graeme Bryson, of Wm Duncan & Co.  Each share certificate has to be individually signed, including by a Club Director, so they are being done in batches.  If anyone needs their certificate for a specific date, i.e. birthday, please get in touch.  Thanks to those of you have been waiting patiently – they will be sent as soon as possible.

    The Club’s retail partnership agreement with Just Sport has come to an end and saw an online clearance sale of old stock, ahead of the shop being refitted for the arrival of new kit and merchandise from our technical kit partner, Hummel.  When the shop reopens there will be additional safety measures in place to aid social distancing, along with a new online ordering system. Information provided by fans on the previous site will still be valid on the Club’s new online store when we launch in July 2020.
     
    The new Home Kit has now been revealed with a welcome return of the blue and white stripes! 

    Manufacturing and delivery have been impacted by Covid, but information on pre-ordering and delivery will be made known as soon as we can.

    There will be more details on away kit in due course!

    We are very grateful to the Killie Trust for the continued ‘Trust in Killie’ funding which is now being transferred monthly. This is very helpful to the Club.

     

     
    Football Department

    The impact of Covid has been felt across the football department, with decisions having to be made around reserve team, since it is unlikely that the previous reserve match structure will continue.  The decision was taken to focus on the first team and the development players who were seen as being most likely to come through and be part of future plans.  This has meant having to release a number of players and we wish them well in securing new opportunities.

    Discussions are ongoing with football authorities in relation to the shape of Academy Football and when that might restart. I will hopefully be able to update in more detail next month on that.

    We were pleased that Rory McKenzie, Greg Kiltie and Ross Millen re-signed, and hope to have news on others soon. The Manager and Head of Football Operations are working on strengthening the squad but, like most SPFL clubs, are working to an overall player budget. 

    While the Transfer Window had been due to open on the 10th of June, this has now been delayed and we await further information from the Scottish Football Association.
     
    Media and Communications

    With the Media Assistant having been furloughed, the Head of Media and Communications has been working to ensure that the website and social media are kept updated, as well as responding to press enquiries, and issuing statements on behalf of the Club. The Club and the Trust have worked hard to complement each other’s outputs. The ‘Killie Kits’ and ‘1997 Cup Winners’ projects are good examples of how we can all work together to maximise opportunities for fan engagement. The new podcasts with former players started by the Trust complements the Club podcasts with current players.

    The Head of Media and Communications is now working with Head of Commercial Operations and Marketing on what is required to provide good quality broadcasts of our “closed door” matches.
     
    Future ‘On Board In Person’ and monthly updates

    The Trust Board considered whether we could do an online Q and A at end of May or in June, but felt it would be better to hold off on this until some of the lockdown restrictions eased so that we could do a better quality online event in July.

    Therefore, if you have any questions meantime, please send them in and I will do my best to answer!

    I can be contacted in the usual ways:

    Email: [email protected]
    Facebook: Cathy Jamieson
    Twitter: @cathyjamieson
    Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie

     
    Best wishes

    Cathy

    Killie Trust

    Website Privacy Statement

    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 TRUST uses and protects any information that you give KILLIE TRUST when you use this website.

    KILLIE TRUST 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 TRUST 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 

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    We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:
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    When consent is given to use the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:
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    Killie Trust

    Website Terms and Conditions

    Your use of the Killie Trust 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.

    Ownership of Web Site

    This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.

    Headings

    Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

    Trademarks

    The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Killie Trust or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Killie Trust 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 Trust or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.

    Alterations

    Killie Trust 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.

    Phone Calls and Emails

    Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Killie Trust 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.

    Telephone charges

    The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.

    WEBSITE POLICIES

    Commercial use

    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 Trust or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time.

    In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Killie Trust shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.

    Copyright

    The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Killie Trust 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 Trust 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).

    Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements

    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.

    Disclaimers

    Whilst Killie Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Killie Trust.

    Intellectual Property Rights

    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 Trust or its licensed source. All rights of Killie Trust in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.

    Jurisdiction and Law

    Killie Trust 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.

    Links to other Web Sites

    Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Killie Trust. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Killie Trust 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 Trust does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.

    Force Majeure

    Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Killie Trust 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 Trust

    Website Accessibility

    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 use clear and simple language.
    • We use alternative text for all our images 
    • Were possible the HTML we produce conforms to the standard: XHTML 1.0 Strict
    • We have tested the colours we use in the design for contrast.

    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.

    The Killie Trust is a trading name of The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited. The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Kilmarnock Supporters Society Limited is entered on the Financial Conduct Authority Register under reference SP2620RS;
    Registration address C/o Duncan Maclean & Co, 81 John Finnie Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 8BG