Killie Hippo - November 20

KILLIE HIPPO AN UNOFFICIAL KILLIE FANZINE NOVEMBER 2020

R.I.P. NORRIE LANG

• THE KILLIE FAMILY • 5 REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL • NO SCOTLAND NO PARTY

HUGE THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS RAINBOW INK CO. MODWAY SCOTLAND URQUHART OPTICIANS TONY BONE LEGAL COLIN MCDONALD HOME MAINTENANCE BILLY BOWIE SPECIAL PROJECTS LTD I LOVE GIFTS BACK ONSIDE – MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY GMC CRIMINAL LAWYERS CRAIG TARA CARAVAN SALES PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS CONTACT E-MAIL : Killiehippo@aol.com NO ARTICLES TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION BACK ISSUES 2–204 INCLUSIVE AVAILABLE All views expressed are those of the contributors

SHOOTING FROM THE HIPPO It’s been a tremendously difficult time for everyone as the world has been a weird and different place for the last 8 months. It’s like all the good stuff has been taken away and we continue with the usual turgid routines without having anything good to look forward to at weekends…..for many of us that means football and our beloved Killie. Since the last issue there has been some positive news regarding a vaccine that gives us hope that some kind of normality may return in the new year but in the meantime lift the phone and speak to friends and family on a regular basis and if anyone wants to chat about Killie or life in general I could gab for Scotland so email me at killiehippo@aol.com…….that is a sincere offer to anyone feeling a bit low out there.

It does seem that the second wave is so much closer to home and sadly we have input a few obituaries recently for good Killie fans no longer with us. I’d like to thank good Bellfield lad David McManus for sending us a very fitting tribute to Norrie Lang who recently fell victim to Covid-19. I never knew Norrie well but any time I saw him he loved nothing better than to talk about Killie….a man after my own heart. He’ll be sadly missed by many and our heartfelt condolences go out to Norrie’s family and friends.

Before we get to Killie we have to mention SSC and how all of a sudden the nation is showing their love for the great man, just like Killie fans have been doing for a while now. The whole country has been lifted after that fantastic night in Belgrade, had he stayed at Killie I’m sure the Killie fans would have had a similar night in Belgrade over a year ago. We have a wee article in here about Scotland but what a turnaround in our fortunes and it’s because of a Killie legend.

So eventually we get to Killie, as they often say on Sportscene!! It’s been a bad few weeks for us as we have lost three league games on the bounce 1-0 and there are a few fans growling at the manager. The two league cup games gave the chance for players like Mulumbu, McGowan and Haunstrup to get a run out and I’d expect there to be a few changes for Ross County on Saturday. I’m not one for changing manager after a few bad results but AD has to recognize that negative performances like the one at Perth are unacceptable and there needs to be both personnel and tactical changes.

McGowan has been a bit of a disappointment so far but he has had personal issues. Millen has cost us in a few games and I’d expect to see McGowan given a chance on Saturday and hopefully he’ll grab the opportunity. Our midfield is strong but totally lacks creativity, Mulumbu isn’t Eremenko but he has more creativity than the rest so should hopefully be a fixture in the weeks to come.

Please keep sending those articles, the one from our Professor in Canada is outstanding in this issue.

Sandy

5 REASONS TO STAY CHEERFUL AS A KILLIE FAN IN COVIDLAND 2020 Alex Clark, Edmonton, Canada.

It’s certainly been a year to remember - in almost all the wrong ways. Few of us will look back on the COVID-storm of 2020 fondly - but one thing that research shows makes a big difference to our mental wellbeing is that reflecting on what makes us grateful makes us happier. With this in mind - I share my top five Killie-based reasons for being grateful in 2020. What are yours?

1. Killie in the top-league for 27 years.

It was pretty swell to be a Killie fan from 1899 to 1947. It was the top league all the way for us. That said, if standing in the rain watching Killie in January didn’t put you at risk for Britain’s top three causes of death (pneumonia, tuberculosis and diarrhoea) - the Second Boer War or conscription to the forces in the First or Second World War were distinctive complications and likelihoods - at least for men. And while the top-hats may have been dapper, your life expectancy would be 55 years, women couldn’t even vote until 1928, and there was no Kille TV. What progress we have made!

Barring this almost half-a-century of top-of-the tree league placing with precarious living, we now live in THE most successful period in Kilmarnock Football Club’s history. Yup - 27 years in the top league - and counting.

That’s a recent record that Hearts, Hibernian, Dundee United can’t match.

Only Celtic, Motherwell and Aberdeen have ridden the ride with us. Over this time, we’ve been lucky enough to win Scotland’s two main cups. And Ayr United have maintained their continued jostling’s with the lower divisions. They are the gift that has indeed kept on giving.

Of course - on the eve of literally every new season in our 27 not-out, not one of us really knows in our hearts if we’re going to finish bottom or third.

Glorious unpredictability over more than a quarter of a century - which leads us to reason two…

2. Never feeling entitled

In confidence dear reader, on a few occasions, I have sat in the main stands at Ibrox and Parkhead. Never on my own or voluntarily mind you - but not accidentally either - usually as a favour for earnest friends and family in need of a person. Honestly.

I excuse this indiscretion by reflecting that - in tune with my job for 20+ years, this was to research culture and behaviours from an insider’s perspective. One only really understands what it is like to support one of the Old Firm by observing 50,000 to 60,000 people squirm at close quarters in increasing apathetic silence, incredulity, and nervousness as they await their side’s (almost) inevitable first goal / win. You literally can hear pins drop in the anxiety and impatience.

What is really going on here though? A stadium united by tens of thousands in demanding expectancy, not darned hope. Pure entitlement, not pure excitement. Having travelled with the noble away support Killie to Brechin on Boxing Day, Berwick to Stenny, it’s astounding that 600 people can feel like the world - but 60,000 can feel like a vacuum.

Ultimately, we all could have chosen to support either Rangers or Celtic.

Just like some people like to choose the blandest thing on the menu - no surprises, safe as houses. Of course - we’d then bask in respective periods of consistent Scottish titles- cups too - and wondering if we’ll ever go far in Europe again.

But that’s not the path we chose. Give me Killie any day. We don’t go into any season or match feeling so entitled. Though we frequently appeal to ‘Dear God’, we leave our religions at the turnstile.

Over the last 27 years - there have been some truly momentous moments beyond our dreams. 3-0 at Ibrox against the Advocaat and Amoruso’s reigning champions in 2000? Kris Boyd demonstrating that - when combined with Watterseque deity- a lack of pace or demonstrable work ethic are no barriers to scoring five goals in a single game. Staying up at Easter Road. Signing Cocard, Durrant, Eremenko, Mulumbu, McCoist and seeing them strut their stuff for us at first hand. Scotland caps coming back, Stevie Clarke’s going away. European trips. Third in the league. For sure - we’ve had our failures most years, most months. Out-of-Europe crushingly early, defeats from the jaws of victory.

As the philosopher Albert Camus expressed: the beauty is in the struggle.

You can keep the endless nervous banality of entitlement following the Old Firm. I am grateful for the routinely unexpected ecstasy of a Killie victory.

Which takes us to number three…

We hit the trophy highs We are in a veritable golden mile of Killie trophies. Many of those who were there in ‘65 are still about. It’s hard to even comprehend what THAT must have been like. Positively, we get to hear their stories and share our own too. I was lucky enough to be there when Killie won the Scottish Cup my Dad bought us tickets. Before that, Killie had won it last in 1929 - a time-span which was from 1997: the precise life expectancy of a Scottish man. Yet, many of us got to be there: Killie triumphing over the whole of Scotland. A Cup Final in which Killie not only had the pressure of winning, but doing so as hot favourites. Which of course, for a Killie fan, IS your basic nightmare cup final scenario.

To win, we had to endure the most excruciatingly tortuous matches of our non-league-title-winning life - scoring fairly early to hold on doggedly and a mite luckily - at the end - there was never a doubt. Thank you Mr Monty, Mr Lekovic; thank you Mr Wright. We will for ever be grateful to you.

Could it get better? Perhaps?! Many of us - though not me alas- were present for our only League Cup win in our history but 9 years ago. A very different kind of victory. By getting there - it’s bonus time - we prevented our Ayrshire cousins from playing in only their second national cup final (outside of the Challenge Cup which doesn’t count and they did not win).

Many of us - admittedly unentitled and facing Celtic in the final - would have gladly folded at that. Memories of a 5-1 humping by the Hibees but five years before - left scars and lost hope.

Ultimately, winning the 2012 final is one of our club’s biggest achievements since 1889- and possibly it’s biggest single-game surprise. This was a sweet victory in ways diametrically opposite to our other cup triumph: stone-cold second favourites in a two way race, we scored late. Not even Willie Collum dared give Celtic their inevitable last minute penalty. This was not the friendly final - and this day was ours! Mr Van Tornhout, we salute youthank you. This one one amazing day never to forget and always be grateful for- which brings us to number 4- coming together as one.

4. Being connected to the Killie community It was great to hear Chris Burke on the BBC share in October about his own and his families’ new and strong affinity to Killie. From coming without caring from Ross County in 2017, he and they are now firmly connected Killie is their club. Their community. He get’s it….we’ve had it for many years too.

Killie are not a distant and faceless corporation. Without too much difficulty, you can get to meet the players. They are in our shops (sometimes unmasked) and often in our schools. They will like your comments on Twitter and take time to chat.

COVID has tested many of our understandings of what community is and how much we’ve taken community for granted. Community is about something bigger and more enduring than ourselves - it binds us together in all our shapes and sizes around a common bigger cause.

Being part of the Killie community, for me, is part of my upbringing, part of my life. It is when my Dad first took me to Rugby Park to see us in the League Cup against Forfar in August 1988 (1-0 if you need to ask). It is watching Rusty Harkness on seemingly endless baltic Tuesday night games score goals. It is seeing that perfect grass pitch appear and stretch out before my younger eyes - hanging about on the old terraces with everyone from school as we all (including Killie) struggled to hold basic minimal standards together.

Having lived abroad for almost 20 years, you understand more, by coming away. Now for me, community is the forums, it’s watching Killie TV most Saturdays to catch the 8am game or chatting with Monty in the Park Suite when I can make it back for one game a year - if I am lucky. Things change, but also remain the same.

The Killie community is about something bigger. It’s not all about winning it can’t be. It is our history, our hopes, our memories. It’s the club caring for us - and us caring for our club. Like a dysfunctional family, those in communities can bicker constantly and differ in virtually every aspect of life. But the Killie community binds us beyond our differences - and for this I am truly grateful. Which brings number five...

5. Just because it’s common, doesn’t make it ordinary For now, COVID has robbed us of what many of us most associated with being a Killie fan. The countless times meandering to Rugby Park without second thought to join with a few thousand souls to follow our team into its next battle with football. The smells, the buzz, the rituals, the roar of the crowd in the cold, socially-acceptable swearing in close proximity. All these things make being a Killie fan what it is.

Living without coming to games reminds us: just because something’s been common, doesn’t make it ordinary. It’s special, extraordinary and...we miss it and each other.

Facing an uncertain few months and indeed 2021, it’s good to be grateful not only for who we are, what we stand for, but who we stand with. I stand with Killie. An experience that has been extraordinary. Always have, always will. It’s about who we are and who we not. The ability to come together to support our club thick and thin. I hope we can all get together again soon but for now, it’s good to be grateful. What are you most grateful for?

Alex Clark is a professor who does research into heart disease in Canada. He has supported Killie for 33 years, he’s watching the Killie TV, posting on the forums and wants to be back again soon.

Hippo says – I’m honoured that a Canadian Killie fan takes the time to write an article for our humble grammatical disaster. On one hand it is fantastic to see a professor in heart disease sending a superb article to the Hippo. On the other hand the article only highlights how much absolute mince is normally written by the fanzine editor!! Thanks again Alex and I hope we can look forward to some more excellent articles in the future….good luck to all our Killie chums in Canada. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

KILLIE FAMILY 1 Former Killie hero Dylan Kerr is managing in south Africa and recently put out an appeal for fans over here to donate “boots for Africa”. A host of Killie fans including Susan Russell along with Cathy Jamieson from the club asked for the help of Killie fans. On a wet and windy afternoon Killie fans answered the call and an amazing donation of over 200 pairs of boots are now winging their way to Africa where under privileged kids will be absolutely over the moon. A huge well done to all concerned…..it’s all about working together.

MENTAL HEALTH AND KILLIE (writes Nick L)

This was a tweet from a national journalist, that caught my eye. I was in a hotel, by myself and it hit a nerve, I realised that its been over 7 days since I spoke to someone in a non work conversation. I realised that football was an integral social experience for me and having it removed left me more isolated and alone.

As a single child, Im used to being in my own company. I have a close circle of friends, and a well connected family, Im very much on the outside of these groups, never left out but never fully included, this in normal circumstances suits me fine, I have an enjoyable job, I keep in touch thru WhatsApp and such chats and Im quite happy plodding alone on my tod.

However with the onset of this new COVID restricted world, i find myself more isolated and it has an impact on my mental health. Specifically I miss my football, and the social group that Im firmly in the centre off.

Home and away for the last 4/5 years I've been the organiser of the road trips, The designated driver, the booker of hotels and flights (for ill fated trips to Belgrade). Forcing my Dad along to begin with, It brought us closer together and made our relationship stronger, not to mention giving my Mum a welcome break from him! Football “uncles” who used to drive me around the country, abandon me in car parks whilst they had a pint, are now getting chauffeured around instead.

With me happy to take on the driving duties and allow them to enjoy a drink.

On reflection, I realise that I did this as I needed to have some form of social interaction, the enjoyment, doesnt sit within the 90 minutes of the game, but in the car journey, the prematch pint, the coupon check at halftime and full time and come defeat or victory the journey home dissecting it. I cant say that i was aware of the little things that make my football experience so enjoyable. But as the saying says “you dont know what you've got til its gone”.

I am fully aware of what I’m missing now.

A trip to Rugby Park, would see my car load drop off, and i would then nip away to do a quick errand or listen to the radio or terrace podcast in my car ahead of the game. My day is then peppered with interactions that I miss now. From The Hippo, who like probably 90% of our fanbase i stop and blether for a few minutes. pressing him for “inside info”. I then stop off at the corner of the Moffat and get my halftime draw tickets, Usually from a young boy, and his Grandfather, who always shares a story about how the young lad is doing with his football team. I get into the stadium around half past, i like to read the hippo and check the teams out warming up, Usually its interspersed with folk around me arriving, 3 rows back, a Grandfather and father and Daughter are always in attendance, and wee chat about the team, and football in general comes naturally. Next to arrive is usually the father and son duo in front of me.

I love having these two close by, Seeing the next generation of Killie fans enjoying there first night-game, first cup reply, first penalty to send us to Europe is an absolute joy. Across the aisle a middle-aged group arrive, on the end the gent, who forced me, (and i mean force) to turn around and watch Brophy dispatch his penalty on that glorious day.

As I burst into tears of joy and laughter surrounded by family, these figures on the peripheral are as big a part of these memories as my Dad and Uncles.

I dont know any of these people by name, but I miss them. Saturday was my social day, and I didn't realise how much a part it played in my mood until it was taken.

When the new season was approaching under much more relaxed restrictions, our Killie WhatsApp group grew to include some non Killie friends and family. Missing the camaraderie and banter it was a great place to chat all things football. Staying myself we christened my flat the Killie HQ and on game days, we had from 6 to 14 attending, with pies and other half time snacks.

It was a more than watching a game of football for myself and the others in attendance, It was a brief respite from the realties of real life, an opportunity to enjoy inane football chat, A highlight of the week, something to look forward to. Its been paused due to the increase in restrictions, the sweep and group bet now live on thru the group chat, but its not the same. Sat idly in a room alone, its natural to drift to your phone and lose focus on the game.

Football needs fans is the current message. But id say the much more important message is that for many “fans need other fans”. When the restrictions are relaxed the Killie HQ will reopen and it will be warmly welcomed by all. But when we finally get into the stadium again, I hope to see all the familiar faces, I will greet them with a handshake and introduction. Connections that are small but important deserve better.

I’d like to assure anyone reading this that, although it has had an impact on my mental health, that I’m totally fine. But for those in a similar situation, Or struggling during the current situation your not alone, My twitter handle is @nl_kfc drop me a message to chat to about football, or anything else my DMs are always open. Killie Family has a much clearer definition now.

Nick Liv Hippo says – Huge thanks to Nick and I’m sure the points he raises has struck a chord with many hippo readers. Back Onside are staging a fantastic fight against mental health so please do not feel alone……speak to a family member, a friend or contact Nick or myself.

R.I.P NORRIE LANG

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of Norman Lang (Norrie) died 31st of October 2020 Aged 72.

Norman Lang, known to all of us as Norrie, a family man first and foremost, but also an honest hardworking man and a true Gentleman. A life long Kilile fan home and away.

Norrie a regular in the East Stand where he sat for many years along with myself, my brothers , Locky Travers, Mark, Bob Craig and Bobby Gillies (when home from New Zealand) to cheer on the boys in Blue & White. A well kent face in the Park Hotel and Killie Club after the games where he would analyse every kick of the ball.

Norrie best described as a real character who knew just about everybody & loved a good blether. Always positive and supportive of the team even when we were struggling.

I don't believe I ever heard him speak negatively of our chances to win no matter the opposition as we shared a few beers before the game.

Norrie loved an away day and we followed our beloved Killie all over the country by Bus (Burns), Train and Car and many an adventure we shared.

Norrie had a habit of getting himself lost when coming back from the pie hut at halftime and ended up sitting out the second half on his own and of course with all the pies. Norrie enjoyed to dabble in the kitchen and was actually a very good cook as the lads from The Burns will confirm and his Ginger Bread was a firm favourite with all that was lucky enough to try.

Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to his wife Annette, daughters Yvonne and Lesley and grandchildren Christopher & Maxine. He loved them dearly and was very proud of them.

I still cannot believe our wee pal Norrie has gone, we will miss his infectious sense of humour, enthusiasm and his unconditional support for Killie!! Quite simply for all of us that knew him, the football and the pub before and after the game will never be the same.

RIP Norrie Lang.

David McManus. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

KILLIE FAMILY 2 I’m sure you all read about the very sad passing of Ian Downie who was better known to Killie fans as Nutz for about 20 years. Ian went out of his way to be an ambassador for the club and regularly attended events off his own back just to spread the good word about his beloved Killie.

Killie fanatic Stuart Burns decided we should have a Nutz Killie flag by way of tribute to the great man and withing a matter of hours after putting an appeal on social media Stuart had enough money to buy a flag and to make a healthy donation of over £1000 for the British Lung Foundation….a fitting tribute to a special Killie man.

CATHY’S CLUB UPDATE With so much going on since my last report, I have combined information from September and October to date. I hope that the information will be of interest to you, especially as we are still in uncertain times. I would once again like to thank you for your continued support to Kilmarnock FC. All of the Directors appreciate the contributions made by fans whether through ‘Trust in Killie’, share purchase, buying items from the shop, Season Passes and PPV, visiting the Killie Club or supporting the team virtually on match days!

While the players are 100% professional and get on with the job, matches without fans loses the atmosphere and sense of community that we all feel around KFC. With current Covid restrictions in place it is more difficult to engage in the way we would like, but we are trying to ensure that we do as much as we can to keep everyone updated. It is a challenging time financially for football and we have had to take some difficult decisions, but we have done so with the best long-term interests of the Club at heart. As always, if there are specific questions, please get in touch!

Covid-19 and impact on the Club

The impact of Covid-19 has really hit home at the Club in the past few weeks, with a number of players having tested positive.

Initially, this led to the postponement of the match against Motherwell, as Health Protection Scotland decided that the whole first team squad should self-isolate. A Betfred Cup match was then forfeited, with a second Betfred Cup match having a team with a number of our under-18 players included.

As there is a live investigation under way by SPFL into the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, I cannot go into full details as the matter is with our lawyers. However, I can say that the Club co-operated fully with the SPFL and Health Authorities and we are glad that the affected players are safe and well. It was unfortunate that some unfounded rumour and speculation appeared on social media, and I am aware that many fans were concerned by the discussions that took place in the media about potential sanctions, before the investigation has been concluded.

In his press briefing, Manager Alex Dyer made the very valid point that, with the virus prevalent in the community, football is not immune, and it is not the case that everyone who contracts coronavirus has done something wrong – we are all potentially vulnerable in our everyday lives, as many of us know having lost family and friends.

The Club has now undertaken two deep cleans at the stadium.

Environmental Health has made a number of visits and we continue to monitor all procedures to reduce the level of risk as much as possible.

While the Health Authority had no issue with the Killie Club remaining open at the time of the outbreak, it was subsequently closed due to the restrictions imposed by Scottish Government, as it does not meet the criteria to be considered a ‘café’.

In my last report I was optimistic that we might see a limited number of fans returning as lockdown eased, and we had hoped we might see some movement on this during October. However, despite some test events taking place at SPFL Clubs, the present restrictions have made that look less likely.

Discussions are ongoing between SPFL and Scottish Government and with the safety measures we have put in - including the sanitising equipment bought by The Killie Trust - we will be prepared when given the go ahead.

Football Department

First Team After some tricky matches, it has been great to see a better run of results for the team, and a rise up the league table to 5 th place. The result away to Livingston was particularly pleasing given the short space of time the team had to prepare after returning from self-isolation.

The Manager had to make the tough judgement call regarding the Betfred cup match against Falkirk and came to the conclusion that it would not be correct to field a team of entirely youth players. This was backed by the Board and the Club issued a statement explaining the rationale.

The match against Dunfermline saw the return of several first team players, who took to the field with under-18s. Although losing the match, there were some promising performances from the youths, which bodes well for the future.

Kyle Connell has joined Airdrie on loan until January and development player Keir Russell will spend time at Spartans, also on loan.

Youth Academy Everyone connected with the Academy is delighted to have the partnership with The Killie Trust. Academy Director Paul McDonald describes this as “a fantastic opportunity for both organisations to work together sharing ideas helping to support youth development and produce home grown talent, both of us working towards one goal of ‘Making Kilmarnock FC Academy a High Performance Environment.’”

The Academy has faced a number of challenges due to Covid restrictions.

Having returned in early August, it is not yet operating in a full-time capacity.

13 new players were welcomed into S1 at the School of Football at Kilmarnock Academy, giving us a total of 20 S1 & S2 players. Paul McDonald reports that the feedback has been incredible from the school staff, the families and also the young players and that they will be delivering a Presentation to our 3rd Year intake shortly, which will increase our programme to around 30 players or more.

The Academy Games Programme has been paused for a couple of weeks due to travel restrictions. But it is hoped this will recommence shortly.

As Academy Director, Paul also said how proud he was of how our young players rose to an extremely difficult challenge against a very strong and experienced Dunfermline team. We had nine academy players making their debuts, some of whom he has worked with since they were nine and ten years of age. Added to the sale of our under-18 player Liam Smith to Manchester City recently, Paul believes this will show our supporters that we have some extremely talented young players in the building, who staff in the Academy firmly believe in. With more hard work and opportunity they will hopefully represent this club more regularly in the future.

Paul also extended a big thanks to the senior players who guided them through, saying that they are a credit to our club.

Finally, Paul is still hopeful that our under-18 youth team are granted the opportunity to play the outstanding Scottish Cup Final!

Kilmarnock Ladies FC The first team season has now started, and we are looking at what we can do to support the team on matchdays, to ensure that they get coverage.

There are also opportunities to sponsor individual players. This can be a huge help, for example by covering the costs of boots and kit, bearing in mind that the players are not paid, and are trying to balance football with work or study. If anyone is interested in helping out with this, please get in touch. More information on the squad is available on the Club website.

Academy graduate Josslyn Fletcher

Club Licensing Having been audited by SFA in February 2020, the Club Secretary has reported that we have now received certificates confirming that we successfully retained the standards previously awarded: Legal / Admin / Finance /code of practice – Gold Youth – Gold First Team – Silver Ground - Silver

Finance and Commercial

Individual Shirt sponsorship There has been a very good response by fans who wanted to sponsor players’ home and away shirts, and there are only a few left up for grabs! If you are interested, follow this link, click on individual player profiles to see who is still available, and get in touch directly with Ray Montgomerie - raymondmontgomerie@kilmarnockfc.co.uk

Shop Sales Sales continue to be very good, with more than 1000 home shirts, over 500 away shirts, and around 500 junior shirts sold, surpassing previous kit sales.

The new Killie Ltd range is proving popular and future ranges will include gym wear, and women’s and kids clothing. Stock for Christmas has already been ordered and will include duvet sets, as well as a range of other items, and a further limited-edition retro shirt is planned.

The new limited edition book Kilmarnock: 150 Years in the Making celebrating 150 years of Killie history in pictures, will also be on sale in time for Christmas shopping!

Name Bricks Work is underway to revamp the “bricks� and create a new offering for fans.

More details will be announced in due course.

Sponsorship Partners With Covid impacting on many local businesses, the Club is grateful to those who have renewed their stadium advertising, and to new firms joining to support the Killie family. There are a few spaces available at a range of process depending on location, and anyone interested should contact Ray Montgomerie. Energy Check have also become partners, with more to be announced soon.

Season Passes, Match Streaming and Pay Per View Since my last report a further 59 season passes have been purchased, taking the total to 2879.

Sales of pay-per-view have been steady and it is worth noting that the Club receives the money paid for PPV for our home league matches, while Betfred Cup matches see the receipts split. I am aware that some fans were disappointed that season pass holders did not get the Betfred cup match free. However, as many fans did appreciate, this would have cost us a considerable amount at a time when we are working extremely hard to ensure the player budget is protected.

Killie Club Prior to the new restrictions being implemented, we were working hard to advertise the Killie Club across social media and also by leaflet drop in the local area. We are also looking at whether a “coffee shop” offering would be welcomed, in addition to the catering which has been on offer. The first themed “Curry Night” took place just before the restrictions came into play and was very successful.

The Killie Club launched a new takeaway offering on Monday 26th October.

More news will follow from the Club. Again, it is worth emphasising that as with the shop, the Killie Club being now run by the Club ensures that profits are reinvested into the Club and helps support the football side.

Killie Cares Fund ( Lotto) The Killie Cares Fund currently has 1250 subscribers, with an average of 850 weekly draw users. It is now available on an App, which is easy to use, with play from £1 per week (£50 for an annual subscription) and you can sign up for yourself or gift a subscription to someone. We’re rethinking how to make this work for agents, and an update will follow very soon. There will be a further promotion of this in lead up to Christmas, with reminder that the profits are shared between the Youth Academy and KCST. Meantime, anyone interested can sign up here.

Media and Communications The Media Team has continued to focus on keeping fans engaged with the club via our social media channels, with a large amount of time taken up keeping supporters and members of the media as informed as possible surrounding the Covid outbreak and the sporting implications involving our contests with Motherwell, Falkirk and Dunfermline.

As stated in this report, we felt it was crucial as a club to explain the thought process behind difficult decisions made during an often fluid and unprecedented situation.

As part of our continually evolving Killie TV offering, we spoke to Under-18s head coach Craig Clark about the youngsters who many supporters would have seen for the first time against Dunfermline, to give an added insight into life in our Academy structure. The media team will continue to produce bespoke features for our fans to enjoy.

Former Kilmarnock FC captain Paul Clarke will join our commentary team for this weekend’s match against Hibernian and there are plans to have a number of former players involved for future matches.

A short fan survey covering our Killie TV offering will shortly be circulated to help inform our future plans.

The club has been prominent in publicising material surrounding Black History Month with all first team players showing their commitment to Show Racism the Red Card’s Fortnight of Action.

While the current Government Guidelines have caused a slight delay in the next planned episode of the ‘We Are Killie’ podcast, our manager Alex Dyer spoke to BBC Scotland for great insight into his background and career – find out more here.

If you are on LinkedIn, please connect with the Club account, as well as following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Killie in the community Billy, Phyllis and I recently joined a virtual meeting with the Leader of North Ayrshire Council to hear more about their Community Wealth Building initiative. They were very complimentary about Killie’s impact across Ayrshire, and are keen to work with us, in cooperation with East Ayrshire, to look at how we can work to bring mutual benefits to Club and community

The KCST team has recommenced the Community Programme for children, and details are regularly updated on social media.

Killie Legend Dylan Kerr’s work in poorer communities in Africa has prompted Susan Russell to start up a collection of boots and kit to send to them. We will announce a drop-off date and time at the Club, so please look out anything you might want to hand over and watch for more information.

KFCSA will be doing its annual “ Bring a Gift” collection, in conjunction with East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHA) The collection normally takes place on a match day, but given current situation, we have agreed that collection will take place at Rugby Park, on Sunday 6th December. KFCSA will announce full details in due course, but if you are starting to think about Christmas and can buy a toy or gift for a child or teenager, please add to your shopping list!

Remembrance Day With current restrictions in place, large remembrance ceremonies are not able to take place this year, but the Club will be marking the occasion in an appropriate way. Pin badges with Poppy and Club Crest are available in the shop.

Ian Downie The Club was saddened to hear of the passing of Ian, better known to Killie fans as “Nutz”. Ian was a popular figure and most Killie fans have stories to tell about meeting him. Our condolences go to his family, and the Club and supporters paid their respects as he made his last journey past Rugby Park yesterday.

Club contact details A reminder that contact details for key staff at the club can be found by going to the link https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/contact/ Please use the contacts if you have queries, or get in touch with me using the details below and I can pass on or provide a response.

My contact details I can be contacted in the usual ways: Email: cathyjamieson@kilmarnockfc.co.uk Facebook: Cathy Jamieson Twitter: @cathyjamieson Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie Best wishes Cathy

NO SCOTLAND NO PARTY (One fan’s view) Scotland beat Serbia on Thursday night to reach a major tournament for the first time since 1998. The result sparked huge celebrations in Scotland – here’s what it means to Tartan Army member and Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

“In England football is big, in Scotland it’s massive”. The words of Darren Fletcher on Sky Sports earlier this season were backed up by the scenes of jubilation in Scotland and from Scots all around the world.

This was perhaps the best night of my life – and I was sitting in my flat in London watching the TV and drinking on my own. Scotland have qualified for a major tournament for the first time since 1998. The magnitude of this achievement, what it means to us and what it can do for the country cannot be underestimated.

Ryan Christie’s raw emotion after the game during his post-match interview summed it all up. He epitomised how a whole country was feeling. I was crying on Thursday night – a lot. In a Teams Meeting on Friday morning, another Scottish colleague was struggling to hold back her tears when talking about the game. I’m even welling up writing this. This is a huge moment for us and for Scotland as a nation.

Ryan Christie was moved to tears after helping Scotland secure their place at Euro 2020 with a penalty shoot-out win against Serbia.

For too long we have seen glorious failures turned into inglorious failures. It was normal for Scotland to not be at a major tournament – each time we were looking at who England had in their group in search of a team to support.

We’ve been the butt of all the jokes from our neighbours. England fans sing “Are you Scotland in disguise?” when they are beating a team easily. It’s been a tough ride.

I was six years old when Scotland last played at a major tournament – World Cup 98 in France. I do remember it, but I didn’t experience it in the same way I can now.

Scotland fans haven’t been to a major tournament since Craig Brown led the team to the France 98 World Cup I’ve been following Scotland around the world as a journalist and fully paid member of the Tartan Army, ever since – and we’ve never qualified, until now. A whole generation of Scots have never seen the men’s football team at a World Cup or Euros.

Qualifying draws were made and each time I’d think “this is our campaign”. Each time seeing a new slogan – “Nothing Matters More” became “This Time” – and still nothing happened. I was going on trips with the Portlethen Tartan Army and the game would be the worst part of it. I stood on the terraces at San Marino last year, after a 3-0 loss to Kazakhstan a few days before, watching Scotland struggle to break down a team of part-timers, hoping for the game to end and to put me out of my misery.

Don’t get me wrong, there have been highs. But for every 1-0 win over the Netherlands and Griffiths free-kick against England, there’s been a 6-0 drubbing in Amsterdam and a Harry Kane equaliser. The pain was normal. The lows were normal. It was very much part of being Scottish.

And a generation of Scots have been brought up like this. It’s shaped the mentality of the country – we are generally pessimistic. I would say to people: “We always find a new way of going out”. It was the hope that killed us, so we stopped daring to dream.

But on Thursday night, Steve Clarke’s side changed everything.

Steve Clarke will be the first Scotland manager to lead his team at a major tournament since Craig Brown in 1998 I was incredibly nervous before the game – I had to go out and walk for two hours to burn off energy and kill the time.

Then the game started and I was strangely calm. Scotland were playing well.

One-nil up and it was going on two or three. I was becoming uncomfortable at how comfortable it was. “This isn’t the Scottish way?” I thought to myself. I was daring to dream.

We were 30 seconds away from qualifying and then there was the inevitable sucker-punch – Serbia’s equaliser. I was flattened. I thought that was it – we’d go on to lose in extra-time or penalties. But we didn’t.

Nothing is ever simple for Scotland. And it wasn’t last night, but it had a very different ending to the 22-year series we’ve been watching and it was an amazing feeling.

This scene has become the norm for Scotland fans over the last two decades Scotland can now look forward to Euro 2020 with the backing of a nation that has been allowed to dream again. A generation of younger fans, who’ve maybe felt disconnected from the national team in the past can look forward to seeing their own players on the big stage. I will be properly experiencing it for the first time.

No one knows what kind of tournament it will be. Hopefully by June next year, fans will be allowed in stadiums. It would be just our luck to have qualified for a tournament that will be without fans – especially with two games at Hampden and a date with England at Wembley.

Fingers crossed coronavirus will be under more control and we can party like it’s 1998.

The Tartan Army will add value to Euro 2020 for sure – we are among the most loyal, friendly and jovial fans around. As we’ve been saying: “No Scotland, no party”. This time there will be Scotland – and there will be a party.

I was gutted not to be in a kilt in Belgrade yesterday drinking with the Tartan Army. It felt weird not being there for the most important game in our recent history. But if it means we can invade Trafalgar Square before a clash with the Auld Enemy at Wembley, then it’ll be worth it.

Scotland fans have another Wembley date to look forward to If not, we’ll still be doing our bit to show our support. The bunting will be out, flags will be draped over windows, pipers will be piping, kids – and adults – will be painting their faces blue and I’m sure Ted Christopher will continue hosting virtual gigs. There’ll be a Panini sticker book with Scotland players in it.

There’ll be a real buzz about the place. There’ll be hope, there’ll be joy, there’ll be optimism and – who knows – it might just catch on. That kind of infectious feeling could change the mentality of the nation going forward.

If it continues, kids growing up will be dreaming about playing for Scotland at a major tournament – and it will be a realistic aim. They will see their heroes playing on the biggest stage. These Scotland players will be genuine role models.

And now we can maybe give them a better chance. The SFA will be getting around £10million just for competing – money which can go directly into youth development, facilities and coaching. For 22 years, we have missed out on this – 10 tournaments without this kind of money to develop our game in Scotland.

Project Brave could become Project Success.

We have a lot of catching up to do, but we can still rise and be that nation again, who were consistently at World Cups and European Championships.

We’ve jumped over the biggest hurdle and the benefits of it could go beyond our imagination.

For now, our focus is on next summer. Whatever will be, will be – we’re going to Wembley.

KILLIE FAMILY 3 Killie cup winning legend Mark “Mavis” Reilly goes out his way to raise funds for Rett Syndrome, a dreadful illness that his lovely daughter Dionne suffers from. Mavis is a glutton for punishment so here is his latest challenge….we would join him but I have a problem with my feet, they keep taking me into kebab shops.

I am competing in the Marathon des Sables (MDS) in April 2021.This is a 156 mile ultra marathon in one of the most inhospitable places on earth, the Sahara Desert.It is a self sufficient race regarded as “the toughest foot race on earth”. The organisers will only provide me with water and I will race carrying my food for a week and sleeping bag in temperatures approaching 40 degrees during the day and dropping to around 10 degrees at night.

In 2021, I will also undertake the 100 for Dionne. I will run 100 miles between the football clubs I played for, starting at St Johnstone Football Club, running to Motherwell Football Club then to St Mirren Football Club and finishing at Kilmarnock Football Club(100.3 miles).I will look to complete this in 24 hours and certainly within the 30 hours cut off.

If the MDS is postponed due to Covid, I will complete the 100 for Dionne in April 2021, alternatively if the MDS goes ahead I will complete the 100 for Dionne late summer 2021.

Rett Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that renders girls unable to walk,talk,feed themselves and requiring 24/7 care. Rett Syndrome has been reversed in the lab in 2007 and clinical trials began in London in 2017.

Reverse Rett receive no government funding. Dionne and everyone with Rett Syndrome deserve a better life.

Thank you Mark We did a wee fundraiser for Mark a few years back and I know how grateful he is for what Killie fans have done to help over the years. If you would like to donate to this amazing effort go to google and input “just giving markreilly12” and give what you can afford.

GIVE JIM A CALL AND QUOTE “KILLIE HIPPO” TO RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE AVAILABLE

WIN £300 CASH FOR XMAS

Ok I promise you wont get paid out in Peckham pounds….you’ll be paid in genuine Scottish smackeroonies!! Massive thanks to Billy Bowie for his generosity in sponsoring this competition.

To win simply tell me what Sheff Utd player is on loan to Killie at present.

Answers to killiehippo@aol.com no later than 14th December….good luck to one and all

IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT PLEASE MAKE A DONATION AND ALL MONIES WILL GO TO TRUST IN KILLIE. THE NORMAL COST IS £2 BUT FEEL FREE TO DONATE WHATEVER YOU CAN. BANK DETAILS ARE: SORT CODE – 074456 ACCOUNT - 46480868

PROMOTION v COWDENBEATH 1990

A fantastic pic of the Good Lord Willie surrounded by his flock celebrating a fantastic day when Davie McKinnon scored that penalty followed by the iconic celebration in front of a packed main stand. If you look hard you will spot Gorgeous Rab Reilly as well as the classy John Sludden who left the dark side to join Killie‌..how many others can you name??