We’ve invited fans of the 42 SPFL clubs (well, some of them at least) to give us a preview of their team’s upcoming season. Let’s find out what Russell Abercrombie from the One Team In Ayrshire podcast thinks is in store for Kilmarnock…
Last Season’s Position – 10th
This Season’s Prediction – 7th
Best Signing of the Summer So Far: Kallum Higginbotham
With Alexei Eremenko leaving for warmer shores, the squad looked to be seriously lacking in attacking flair and creativity. With the addition of Kallum Higginbotham however, we’ve not only plugged that gap but also significantly weakened one of our opponents. Higginbotham can blow hot and cold, but on his day he can provide that spark or moment of magic to haul his side over the line. His excellent dead ball delivery will also come in handy given the loss of Sammy Clingan and the aforementioned Eremenko.
Key Man: Kris Boyd
What can you say about this man? Whilst others will scoff at his acquisition based on his Championship campaign at what is a toxic football club, Killie supporters know all about what Kris can offer. During his last spell at Rugby Park he was a player transformed, and I have little doubt that he’ll score goals if he’s given the same arm around the shoulder and reminded how important he is to the club’s success. Boyd needs to be loved, and we at Rugby Park have full hearts ready to spew love all over him. In the most non-sexual way possible, of course.
The Manager: Gary Locke
Locke has a lot of work to do in order to get the majority of supporters on his side. Many couldn’t understand why he was given the job with little or no thought given to other candidates, especially considering his very patchy managerial record. However, his signings this summer look positive (at least on paper) and if his Kilmarnock side start passing the ball about and playing attacking football then fans will get onside again soon enough.
Expectations
Season 2014/15 ended horrifically, and Gary Locke has quickly attempted to remedy that by bringing in a whole host of new faces. Creativity was never a problem for us last year, however we lacked that focal point up-front who could be relied on to put the ball in the net. With the signing of Boyd we look to have resolved that, and if Higginbotham, Obadeyi, Johnston and co. can get the ball to him – he will score. Josh Magennis is an enigma wrapped in a riddle, and if he and Boyd strike up a good understanding early on then their contrasting styles could actually complement each other pretty well.
As for season’s expectations, it’s pretty simple really – play an exciting brand of football, blood some youngsters and stay well clear of possible relegation. If Locke can achieve that then we should be in a good position, a year or so down the line, to be able to challenge for the top six and beyond. Especially given the focus on fitness that new Head of Physical Performance Dave Sykes is implementing. A season of mid-table mediocrity will do me just fine.
About The Author
Russell Abercrombie is the co-creator of the One Team In Ayrshire podcast, a show all about Kilmarnock FC from a fan’s perspective.
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