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SHOOTING FROM THE HIPPO Welcome to number 165 or King Prawn curry fried rice is how I normally remember that number. I really have to apologise as this is the second issue on the bounce where we haven’t had the match reports and Dick of the Day awards. I shouldn’t really complain as they were dropped solely because we had other articles to include and something had to be dropped. I was going to try and contact Ann Summers and see if they would like to sponsor DOTD…..get in touch if know any of their directors!! It’s a strange old few months in the top league with the fixture scheduling all over the place…..a nightmare for your humble fanzine editor. We have had two games in November and we only have one league and one cup game in January due to the winter break. However during the month when everyone needs their hard earned cash for Xmas and New Year we have seven fixtures, three at home and four away. We are playing almost 20% of our total league fixtures in one month, there really does need to be more thought put into the scheduling but don’t expect it any time soon with the lunatics in charge. Call me a soppy old fashioned romanticist but why can’t we simply play home and away on alternate Saturdays….just like the good old days!! As a result of the small number of fixtures not a lot has changed in terms of league position with 7 teams all separated by just a few points. We have survived in the past when a team gets isolated at the bottom and that allows a bit of breathing space for the teams immediately above. That doesn’t look like happening just now though the run of games in December will probably see one or two teams pull away a bit from the basement battle. It’s going to be a huge month for us with 21 points up for grabs so lets hope we go into the winter break in a more elevated position. You will see a report in this issue on the KFCSA meeting with the fans group stepping up action to try and remove the parasite. You will see there is action organized for the Dundee game and I would urge everyone to attend the protest at the main entrance after the game. This needs to be something that happens at every game from now until he goes as he has had far too easy a ride thus far. There has been a few whispers that a deal may get done to remove him but it’s all a bit hush hush and absolutely nothing has been confirmed. We have our moles on the case and will update you if we hear anything. Finally thanks again for your loyal support and we will have the next issue out quickly, just in time for Xmas. Sandy
ONE FINE EVENING IN KILMARNOCK With all the off-field shenanigans still ongoing, and no resolution in sight, perhaps the time is right to look back at what happened the last time we faced a prolonged fight to overturn an unwanted board. We wouldn’t for one minute try and say the circumstances are the same however the obvious comparison is that a huge majority of fans want rid of the board…..or individual in this case. In hindsight we can at least say Lauchlan and his cohorts were all genuine Killie men unlike the imposter we have at present. They were simply too “old school” and couldn’t recognise the time was right to change things to allow the club to compete at the very highest level it could. One fellow Killie fan (Andy D) got in touch about our current predicament and like many others he is on the verge of chucking it altogether. Here is what Andy had to say: “Enclosed article as required. Have a read at it , do what you like with it. Thought it would be interesting due to present state of our club. Have followed Killie for 60years, presently this is the lowest I have ever felt, even following them in the early 80s. We need a figurehead, someone to follow. I can't believe it's possible for a so called man to have so much self interest and greed as the PARASITE. Half hotel and sucking money etc. out of club for years not enough Unbelievable ! What is Bowies game????? Starting to rant. Not enjoying going anymore. Thinking of giving it a bye. Did not think this was possible as I have had so much pleasure following THE KILLIE. The past three years have been the worst in 60years of support. As other people have said ( it's not my club anymore ) it's in total decline with this monster at the helm. Preaching to the converted here. Have a good one.
Andy is simply saying the exact same as others who have simply had enough and even die hard Killie fans are now dropping off. The article Andy wrote is below and tells the tale of one fine night that was memorable for all those pro-Fleeting fans of the day. It’s a great read and brings back some great, if a bit hazy, memories: Picture the scene, a gathering of people 366 in number to vote on a matter of paramount importance. A show of hands is called “for” or “against”….the result 344 for v 22 against. The result is that the 22 against win!! China? – no, Poland? – no, Russia?, no, Kilmarnock FC EGM, yes. I was one of the privileged people in attendance to witness the vote for acceptance of the bid by a consortium headed by Robert Fleeting for control of Killie. When I say privileged I use the term as one of awe as to the outcome of the meeting. It was held in the main stand at Rugby Park due to the large number of shareholders in attendance. Such was the interest in fact that police were drafted in to control the 300-400 supporters outside the stand who were there to give verbal backing to the bid (1200 supporters turned up at an informal meeting in a local hall which holds 800 just to hear what the bid meant to the club). The evening’s proceedings were the best entertainment I have had at Rugby Park for a number of years (they should have an EGM every fortnight as I believe it would draw large crowds anytime). Babbling Bob Lauchlan (chairman) explained why 4 of the 6 man board had turned down the offer which amounted to “Robert Fleeting is not the man to run KFC”. The other members of the gang of four were then asked why they were against the bid. At this point I wondered if I was listening to a tape recording of the chairman as their reasons were exactly the same. I did see their lips move but this must have been my imagination. One member of the gang actually went into more detail saying “it is not in the interest of the club that the manager, Jim Fleeting, should be the chairman’s brother. No doubt they had not been told this during the 6 months negotiations between Fleeting and themselves, how devious!
As I take in the long informative convincing rhetoric I wondered whether I was going to make the right decision by voting for the takeover. After all apart from their brilliant use of the spoken word they also had a good case for continuing in control of KFC, due to their outstanding record i.e. in 6 years they have taken the club from the Premier to the 2nd division, they have turned a £200k profit into a £270k loss and they are reported to be offering £25 a week payments to players in the 2 nd division. I believe Marradona is interested, that’s Joe Marradona the local café owner’s son who plays in the pub league. This type of wage will of course attract a better class of player, classes of 3rd year secondary school kids looking for sweetie money. The board have also managed to scare off lots of potential investors with their head in the sand attitude. They have also allowed the ground to get rundown looking by not repainting and sprucing it up (albeit it is still one of the best in Scotland, no thanks to them). It hardly seemed to be of concern to them that they would be sitting in the directors box alone next season surveying their empty domain after the outcome of the meeting. Against this background it is easy to understand why the gang could not accept a bid of £500k for an 80% holding in the club with the promise of unlimited cash on top of this, full time football in the 2nd division, a total revamp of the ground, better toilets and other facilities, major sponsors (one is waiting in the wings depending on the outcome of the takeover) etc. And of course they could point to the dubious calibre of the Robert Fleeting consortium comprising a young successful millionaire businessman who has made his money in the entertainment business (of which football surely is a part), a retired successful businessman who is held in high esteem in the local area and last but not least, a top American high society family who mix with ambassadors and politicians. They also have unlimited financial backing and they presently dish out scholarships to various organisations with no return for their money. How could the three men mentioned do any better than the present board……the mind boggles.
In the end this particular EGM made the Boston Tea Party seem tam by comparison. Shareholders were chanting “board out”, “resign” and many others far too naughty to print. Police scurried about the wing stands ejecting the more exuberant members of the supporters who got into the ground. Club ties, scarves and ripped up “Lifeline cards (ed – the old Killie lotto) and anything else that was handy were thrown at the board. Well dressed executive types foamed at the mouth and spat fire and brimstone in frustration at the board’s intransigence…..a most enjoyable evening. Except that is when you start to contemplate about the possible implications. A genuine opportunity for a better future for Killie FC put in jeopardy by 4 men plus 18 of their friends and family….democracy in reverse. Not all seems to be lost however as the gang of 4 subsequently took a thrashing, as comprehensive as the team suffered on the park last season, from the press. Even the normally pro-board Kilmarnock Standard was telling them to accept the offer for the sake of the club. This apparently provoked a rethink and another EGM has been called with the intransigents pledging to abstain from any vote which will allow the bid to succeed if it gets a 75% majority….so onward to victory then? Well hopefully but in the last few days a complication has been introduced into the equation….the possibility of a counter-bid headed by ex-A*r player Alex Ingram and a group of “unknown” businessmen if the 75% fails to materialise. Why Ingram should be interested at all is a mystery as his affinities have always been with the Dishonest Men down Scumerset way, he’s even been an active sponsor of them in recent years. Is it merely a ploy to divide the pro-Fleeting camp (older shareholders tend to be less enthusiastic about him as opposed to their juniors), divide and rule indeed! We’ll just have to wait and see, we certainly deserve something better than that which we’ve had to put up with recently.
Kilmarnock are a club which have one of the most loyal and passionate supports in the land – amongst the largest travelling out with the top six in the Premier League. Despite being kicked in the teeth time and time again we will continue to follow the blue and white shirts even in the 2nd division but only on the condition that those running the club show the same commitment and do clearly what is best for Killie FC. The board of recent years had their chance however two members, Ronnie Hamilton and Jimmy Thomson realised that a change was needed. The four others Bob Lauchlan, Derek Leggate, Lauchie Murray and Stewart Day have come close to killing the club. If they were to remain in position into the new season the prospects (boycotts of home matches by supporters, season tickets being returned, Lifeline members continuing to resign etc) hardly bear thinking about. The circumstances are different, the pantomime villains have changed but it’s astounding how many of the points made are just as relevant to our current battle. · · · · ·
A board/individual unwanted by the huge majority Potential investors getting chased away Directors sitting alone in the directors box Club on a downward spiral Threatened boycotts etc
It may all have happened about 30 years ago but the similarities are uncanny although there are a couple of things that happened then that are not happening now. Fans are currently doing very little to make MJ want to leave….unlike that lot. Secondly the press played a big part as Fleeting was a figurehead who used the media to his advantage. The best line in the article states we will follow Killie as long as those in charge show the same commitment and do what is best for the club……that should be the tagline for any campaign we come up with to remove him. All we need is some clear leadership and a worthy figurehead.
RUSSIA NO MORE…. We do try and stay positive about the fortunes of our national team but it really does look bleak once again. Make no mistake, the manager’s job of Scotland is about as attractive as Susan Boyle with her teeth out. It’s a remarkably difficult task to take Scotland to another final with a squad of players who are, quite frankly sub-standard. The last campaign (Euros) was a massive chance to get through to the finals but we were the only British team to stay at home. It seemed the manager lost his bottle when we travelled to the mighty Georgia and that was the game that killed our chances. The manager should have been hunted before the WC qualifiers started but he was left in place and once again he is leading us headlong into failure…..and it’s not even glorious. Much has been said by fans and media alike but here is an honest assessment from an online blog:
It wasn't a bad performance If we were to look at this as a one-off game, or if Scotland had come into this with six points already on the board, then I think most of us would have been fairly satisfied. Whilst it would be a stretch to say that the Scots played well, their attitude was excellent and they gave everything, at least until the third goal. Had this been Strachan's first game in charge, we might even have been filled with optimism. But context is everything. This was another disappointing result in a long run of disappointing results (Malta and Gibraltar excepted). And the fact that a mediocre England ran out such impressive winners is hard to stomach. This won't be remembered as a glorious failure. It was just a failure.
Celtic trio were a huge disappointment There was definitely an air of "to hell with it" about Strachan's team selection, particularly the decision to play Leigh Griffiths up front. Left on the bench whilst in the form of his life last season, the wee man got the nod at a time when he is starting only sporadically for Celtic, in a game where we actually would have benefitted from having a more physical striker who could hold up the ball. Griffiths buzzed around energetically, but got very little change out of Gary Cahill and John Stones and selfishly chose to shoot from distance when he should have played in Robert Snodgrass for a great chance. Griffiths' Celtic teammates didn't set the heather alight either. Craig Gordon was faultless for the goals, but James Forrest offered little on the left flank, backing up general opinion that he should never be played on the left flank. Scott Brown snapped at some heels but that was about it. There was nothing to suggest we couldn't have got a better shift out of James McArthur. Brown's apparently one-off return smacked of ego, a player who wanted to tell his grandkids he'd played at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier. We would probably have been better off without him.
Lack of defensive organization is all on the coaches All six of the goals conceded against Slovakia and England were the result of crosses - pretty damning when Scotland's centre-backs seem to be largely picked on their heading ability. Grant Hanley has twentyseven caps. Just try and digest that for a moment. Christophe Berra was no better than predecessor Russell Martin, but there's a case for absolving the central defenders of some blame. The team simply aren't organized enough to prevent the crosses nor deal with them when they arrive. The blame for that has to go on the coaching staff.
Strachan's early success as Scotland boss came with a very pragmatic approach; two defensive-minded midfielders sitting in front of the back four to protect them (one of which was usually Charlie Mulgrew) and the use of pacey players like Ikechi Anya to play on the break. The metamorphosis into a side which tries to keep the ball and adopt a proactive approach has been a disaster. Playing such an attacking side at Wembley was such a crazy idea that it might just work. Of course, in the real world, it was never going to.
Will Strachan resign, or must he be sacked? With several months before the next match, now is the opportune time to change coach. Strachan must go. The question is whether he will do the honourable thing and quit, like he did at Southampton, Celtic and Middlesbrough, or he ends up on gardening leave sucking the SFA coffers dry like his predecessor did. Goodness knows who would replace him. One decent candidate, Paul Lambert (I use the word 'decent' loosely) was available after the Slovakia game but has since been employed by Wolves. Alex McLeish appears to be the bookies' favourite; do we really need to go backwards to go forwards? David Moyes is an enticing prospect, if he was to be dismissed by Sunderland. I'd love the SFA to think outside the box though. Could we throw money at Ian Cathro or Marcelo Bielsa? If only...
Scottish football needs big change more than ever Decades of poor planning are coming home to roost for Scottish football, with the biggest issue being the lack of quality players available. In six and a half years, Stewart Regan has overseen numerous failures at first team and under -21 level; he has also completely failed to change Scottish football for the better in any way. He can't even keep a Performance Director for more than five minutes. And he has now twice given an international manager a new contract even though it was clear he was a lame duck.
When it comes to youth academies and facilities - unarguably in need of an enormous revamp - Regan claims he is hamstrung by the attitudes of the clubs. Well, if he's incapable of eliciting change, then someone else needs to have a go.
TOKEN SCUM GAG Two A*r fans were walking along King Street in Killie having just pawned off their mums tooth. The pair of Clampetts were twins and had been christened Haudit and Dawdit. Haudit looked in one of the shop windows and saw a sign that caught his eye. The sign read, “Suits £5.00 each, Shirts £2.00
each, trousers £2.50 per pair”. He says to Dawdit, “Look at the prices! We could buy a whole lot
of these and when we get back to Scumville we could make a fortune. Now when we go in you stay quiet, okay? Let me do all the talking cause if they hear our thick voices, they might think we are cheapskates and try to screw us. I’ll put on my best Grange estate accent”. “OK bawbag, I’ll keep me mouth shut” said Dawdit They go in and Haudit says in a posh voice, “Hello my good man. I’ll
take 50 suits at £5.00 each, 100 shirts at £2.00 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at £2.50 each. I’ll back up me truck ready to load them on, old chap! The owner of the shop said quietly, “You’re from Whitletts, aren’t you?” “Well yes,” said the surprised fud. “What gave it away?” The owner replied, “This is a dry-cleaners……..”
HAZY MEMORIES FROM YESTERYEAR Having gone past my half century three years ago I do notice things are changing with me and with life in general. Where did this nasal hair come from? Why do I need to go for a couple of toilets visits in the middle of the night? As soon as you start getting letters from the NHS asking for bowel samples you know you have hit a certain age!! What the hell has all this got to do with Killie I hear you ask….well I’m just coming to that. It would be fair to say that once you hit “hauf a hunner” the old memory starts to play a few tricks. Every time I leave the house I think I’ve left the oven on and every time I think of Killie thirty years ago I get vivid memories of teams, grounds, players etc…..the problem is I don’t know what is true and what is my hazy memory playing tricks on me. With that in mind I should warn you that some parts of the following recollections may not be 100% accurate however that is how I remember it and nothing you say will change my mind!! I’m doing a bit of word association and when I mention a team, a ground etc I just write down what comes into my mind. I apologise to all you kids who may not make sense of this:
OLD RUGBY PARK · MOUJIKE BOD/JOHNNIE WALKER END · WEE PALE BLUE BUBBLE CARS SITTING BEHIND THE GOALS · OLD SCOREBOARD WITH OTHER SCORES BEING PUT UP AT HALF TIME · BIG CROWDS!! · PLENTY TROUBLE IN THE 70’S WHEN BIGOTS OR HEARTS CAME TO TOWN · HOTHEADS + BAMPOTS · QUICK PINT IN THE KILLIE CLUB AT HALF TIME OLD IBROX PARK · LOOKED A BIT LIKE RP BUT GORILLAS REPLACED HUMANS IN THE TERRACING · BEING IN THE ENCLOSURE WHEN KILLIE WON THE TENNENT CALEDONIAN CUP (STILL THE HOLDERS) · GREGOR STEVENS GETTING SENT OFF · CRAIG WHYTE OUTSIDE THE COPLAND ROAD SINGING “THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER”. · FAT DEREK JOHNSTONE WITH A PERM THAT WOULD PUT FELLAINI TO SHAME CAPPIELOW · ANDY RITCHIE SCORING 30 YARD FREE KICKS · JIM TOLMIE SCORING WHEN ANDY RITCHIE DIDN’T · KILLIE NEVER WINNING…..UNTIL THE CUP IN 1997 · BUSES GEETING BRICKED FAE LOCAL HOOLIES
OLD PITTODRIE · LONG BUS JORNEY WITH NO TOILET ON BOARD….MESSY · NEVER QUITE SURE WHAT END WE WOULD BE AT · SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MAIN STAND AS BRIAN GALLAGHER SCORED A LATE EQUALISER IN THE CUP · CRAPPY WOODEN BENCHES · MY MATE SLEEOING UNDER THE ABOVE MENTIONED BENCHES AFTER A BOBBY HOUSTON GOAL · GREAT WEE BEVVY IN STONEHAVEN ON THE WAY HOME OLD PARKHEAD · “WATCH YER MOTOR FUR YE MISTER” · A CELTIC FAN ATTACKING KILLIE FANS WITH A SWORD! · LOTS OF BLOCKS OF FLATS WITH WOOD RATHER THAN GLASS!! · 50,000 HOME FANS WITH 100,000 TEETH · KILLIE NOT WINNING · FEELING VERY PROUD THAT I SUPPORTED KILLIE AND NOT FUDS LIKE THIS OLD HAMPDEN PARK · BLACK ASH EVERYWHERE IN THE “KILLIE END” · NOBODY USING THE TOILETS….MESSY · THINKING DALGLISH WAS TRULY WORLD CLASS
SCUMERSET PARK · TOMMY BURNS SCORING WHENEVER HE FELT LIKE IT · RAIN · MY BIG MATE ALWAYS ORDERING PIE + BOVRIL BUT NEVER PAYING FOR THEM · RUNNING BATTLES AROUND THE GROUND AND AT THE OLD ICE RINK · MCDICKEN SCORING A GOAL THAT DIDN’T EVEN GO IN THE NET!! · A GUY GETTING MARCHED OUT WITH A DART IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS FOREHEAD….DOUBLE TOPS · CHANGING ENDS AT HALF TIME At this point I would like to thank our county cousins for never having spent one penny on their shit hole. If any younger fans want to pay Scumerset a visit this weekend you will still see what it looked like to us old codgers in the 70’s and 80’s…….the land that time forgot indeed. Finally a few things common to Firhill, Fir Park, Broomfield, Love Street etc · MACAROON BARS + CHEWING GUM · SEGREGATION FENCES WITH FANS CHANTING ABUSE AT EACH OTHER · KILLIE ALWAYS HAVING A GREAT AWAY CROWD · COLD JOURNEYS HOME AS WE CAME HOME WITH ONE OR TWO BUS WINDOWS MISSING · ENDLESS PROMOTION/RELEGATION SCRAPS
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WHAT ARE THE FANS UP TO? We have been doing our best in recent issues to keep you updated with what’s going on in the boardroom civil war. You will see a wee update in this issue too although there has not been a lot going on in recent weeks. You will see the KFCSA report in this article with ex-director Russel Smith turning up and giving a very interesting insight into his time at the heart of the battle. Throughout all this we have maybe been neglecting the fan groups although it should be said that there is only a limited number of things can be done when all the power is held by two guys. With Killie’s game against Aberdeen being moved to 6th December it meant a football free Saturday so the fan groups grabbed the opportunity to organize a couple of meetings. The Killie Trust AGM is usually around this time of year so it was brought forward and held in the Crown Inn on High Glencairn Street. KFCSA were also holding a special general meeting with a view to changing their constitution that hopefully allows them to be a bit more proactive in the removal of Johnston. Here is a wee report from each meeting: KILLIETRUST AGM Having been involved with the Trust from it’s birth until a couple of years ago, I am very aware of the challenges that the guys and gals on the committee have to face. As we always say, clubs normally have to go into crisis before their Trust comes to the fore and the smart thing to do is get the Trust well established and well supported before we reach any financial disasters. The number of members is still low however I would urge EVERY Killie fan to join up because at some point in the future a Trust rep will be on the board and their influence on the club will increase year on year.
I’d hope the first thing a new club board would do is get a Trust rep on the board as soon as the poison is removed. The Trust always get involved in both club and community issues however chairman Jim Thompson explained that the last 12 months has pretty much been spent dealing with the club and hopefully reaching agreement that means a £100k investment will see a trust person on the board. In all honesty talks started when I was on the board about two years ago and are dragged out most probably down to MJ’s usual delay tactics and constant “moving the goalposts”. It seems letters bounced back and forward for months and months however a heads of terms was agreed and signed off at the club earlier in the year. The Trust then have had to do their due diligence but since that involves the club playing ball you will understand that has also dragged on for a ridiculous amount of time…..it really does seem at times that the parasite has something to hide. Both Jim T and Baz gave impassioned speeches about the importance of all Killie fans getting on board and that the Trust in Killie initiative was very much a very long term goal that will help the club survive in the long term even when we are six feet under. Some fans raised concerns about investing money whilst MJ was still there but it was explained that the members would ultimately decide when the money was invested. You can take it as read that there is not a cat in hells chance of that happening while the parasite is still there. I’d imagine the money will simply be held in an account and will only be invested once the black cloud over the Theatre of Lies has been dispersed. Fans made comments from the floor regarding the fluctuating fortunes of clubs who had gone down a similar route like St Mirren or Motherwell. The Well trust have just announced they have 2000 fans signed up for their initiative, something that should stand them in good stead in the long term. From a Killie viewpoint it was also pointed out that we have a number of successful and wealthy business folk willing to invest when MJ goes, that’s not something that either Well or Buddies can say. SIGN UP FOLKS AT http://killietrust.killiefc.com/
KFCSA – SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Many fans were looking forward to hear the KFCSA stance as it’s been a frustrating few months for many Killie fans. There has been a lack of open meetings recently so it’s hoped this meeting and change in constitution will see the KFCSA and all fans becoming far more proactive in doing our bit to rid our club of its huge problem. Both Billy Bowie and John Kiltie had been invited to the meeting yet neither attended. BB did give a statement stating that he was working hard to do what was best for the club. Out of the blue ex director Russel Smith then turned up which was very welcome….more of him later. Acting chairman David Sneddon jnr explained that changing the constitution would allow them to take action against MJ without fear of repercussions. In the past any threat of action has seen MJ throw the constitution in their face. In all honesty he did the same when I was chairman but we just ignored him!! With the official stuff out the way the plan was to discuss any potential protests etc at the Dundee game on 3rd December. However the arrival of Russel saw him take the stage and he was willing to answer any questions the fans had. I must apologise at this stage as I never had my notebook with me so I’ll para phrase from my memory and apologise for any wee inaccuracies that may occur. One of the first things that RS said was probably the most interesting. It was along the lines that things may be sorted out sooner than we think however when pushed he wouldn’t or couldn’t say any more. He stated on a few occasions that the reason was down to a lack of strategy for the club in the coming years. RS offered to get folk in to help with this and was willing to help himself. He said it wasn’t refused point blank but there were always delaying tactics. For anyone who has ever dealt with the parasite you will know this is how he operates so this news came as no surprise. RS also was asked about how the board operates, he feels BB and RS are in a difficult situation. He did state that decisions were made which he knew nothing about…….this sounds like another MJ trait.
RS was very supportive of what the Trust is trying to do and he did say that having a fan on the board is what he would push for. He stated that guys like him and David Moran had went on with the best intention however felt it hard to achieve what they really wanted. One issue where RS didn’t agree with some fans was the suggestion that we should organize a boycott of the hotel. He states that would hurt the staff who work there and he didn’t want to be part of a boycott of that nature. That was about the only point where he didn’t agree and many things were raised where he nodded in agreement and suggested some of the questions should be asked at the club AGM. I asked if there was anything in place that meant MJ couldn’t be removed as Company secretary. It appears there is nothing there to stop that, I reckon this is an example where BB is simply trying to do things in a “nicey nicey” way in direct contrast to his foe who will do almost anything to get his own way. It also seems that MJ can be removed as a director as well however there are lots of “fine detail” that sees these type of things taking a while….assuming there is a desire from BB/JK to make them happen. MJ loves to throw up the “I’m here until 2019” line but as we have stated before this is just nonsense. RS explained there will be financial penalties if he sells before then however a deal could be done now that sees him leave the club and he can collect his ill gotten gains in March 2019. Russel was given a round of applause as he had to leave early to go and collect his granddaughter. The meeting moved on to the actions that fans can take in the coming weeks and months. It was decided that there will be an anti MJ chant on 18 + 69 minutes at the Dundee match followed by a protest at the main entrance after the game. The KFCSA have also purchased a couple of MJ OUT banners that will be displayed at both the East and Frank Beattie stands. There was finally a brief discussion regarding withholding ST money for next season and there was a unanimous show of hands in support of this. The KFCSA are looking at setting up an escrow account. Watch this space for details in the future.
TWO PEAS IN A POD
One is an obnoxious, self centred, arrogant walloper who noises up everyone he meets yet thinks he is God’s gift…….the other is a comedy actor. I must say I reckon Sheldon’s top could be next years Killie away strip..…wonder if QTS will still be on it!
THE CUP HAS LOST ITS MAGIC For as long as I can remember as a Killie fan there has always been something magic about the Scottish cup. The draw always happened on a Saturday teatime just after the games had finished. There was a huge buzz of anticipation as the balls clattered about the bowl and as soon as Killie were drawn out immediate plans were made. It was a tradition with my mates that if Killie were drawn away from home we would head on the Friday night and make a couple of days of it. One trip to Dumfries was particularly memorable, although the tales are probably not suitable for this publication!! The thrill of the cup has dwindled a bit over the years although you still get fans who never normally attend yet will still make a special effort when the Scottish Cup comes around. Recent years have been pants, we drew Sevco in the Scottish much like we drew the scum in the Ayrshire cup. It’s good to try and get a team that we haven’t played for a while, hopefully a long way from home. So what happens this year?? We draw Hamilton at home, probably the most mind boringly dull tie we could have got. Crap crowd, crap opposition who love time wasting and who are always liable to sneak an undeserved win…….think I will just boycott it!!
A FEW HIPPO SNIPPETS I was talking to a few good Killie folk at the trust AGM and we were discussing all the numerous departures in recent times both from the board and from the staff. I doubt this will ever be officially announced by the club but it seems that former chairman and honorary president Sir John Orr has stood down from his manufactured position. I can’t go into detail however it seems his departure followed a disagreement with Nancy Johnston….what a surprise!! I should add that the parasite apparently had the nickname “Nancy” at school so you will know who I am referring to when you see that name. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thanks for all the positive feedback in the last issue especially with regard to both the David Moran interview and our madcap suggestion for £50 season tickets. I’m in the process of setting up a meeting with Billy Bowie to discuss this and many other things. The next issue will be quickly out in a couple of weeks so hopefully it will include a report on our meeting with BB. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Following the departure of General Manager Priti Trivedi it seems ex secretary Kirsten Callaghan has returned temporarily……a little surprising bit apparently another MJ move.
You may seen in previous issues that we have been advertising the big 20th Anniversary Ball on May 20th in the Grand hall. Of course it is a celebration of our never to be forgotten cup win v Falkirk and the KFCSA are working hard to get all the cup winning squad to be in attendance. It promises to be a fantastic night and it seems are going very fast and it will be a sell out. Killie are playing that day but hopefully the fixtures will be kind to us and we won 't be having another end of season relegation battle. To book a seat contact any of the KFCSA committee who will keep you right, you will see their details at kfcsa.killiefc.com/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It does seem the club is being run in a very shambolic manner with scant regard given to the Killie fans without who there would be no club. I heard several complaints relating to the Celtic game where fans simply couldn’t buy tickets prior to the game. One die hard regular travelled down from Aberdeen and got to the ground only to be told they couldn’t sell her a ticket…..disgraceful. We must be the only folk in the whole entertainment industry who have several thousand empty seats but we still refuse to sell to the punters, it truly beggars belief. There was also lots of criticism directed at the hotel for the recent rugby international…….£4.80 for a pint of lager was the going rate. Of course there is a simple solution, every single Killie fan should totally boycott until the place is back in club hands. I haven’t spent a penny in the place for three years.
THE PERFECT XMAS GIFT
As fanzine editor I can stick in whatever I want and when it comes to helping a good pal it’s a no brainer. The lovely Debs is a talented lass and she has been making up these great wee personalized frames for more and more folk. Just provide the names to Debs and she will get you sorted for the perfect Xmas pressie and they are cheap as chips…….mmmmmmm chips. Small frames £10
Medium frame £12.50
Large frame £15.
Grandparents with the names of their grandkids is especially popular but Debs will get anything done for you. To order a frame drop Debs an e-mail debs1983@hotmail.com or text me on 07747718754 and I can pass on your details. Orders will be ready in a few days and delivery can be arranged.