Fingers Crossed For Killie!

Date: 11th July 2019

 

It has been a very exciting era if you are a Kilmarnock FC supporter. 

They finished third in The Scottish Premiership last season, have brought in an Italian manager in Angelo Alessio who has worked at top clubs under world class coach Antonio Conte, they enjoyed great attendances at Rugby Park last term and they’ve now had a board member in Cathy Jamieson representing The Killie Trust for the last year. 

Tonight sees yet another landmark moment that highlights Killie’s recent golden era as they get started in this season’s Europa League. 

They haven’t been paired with a European superpower nor will they have to go on an arduous journey as they faced off against Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads. 

Now the squad has had to endure significant changes. 

Loanee and experienced midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has once again departed the club, while goalie Daniel Bachman has returned to parent club Watford. Energetic and exciting winger Jordan Jones has also left the club, having going league rivals Rangers on a Bosman. Vintage hitman Kris Boyd has decided to hang up his boots and finally fully concentrate on his media commitments. 

Alessio has started to bring in new recruits. He’s used his Italian contacts to bring in Romanian Under-21 international goalkeeper Laurențiu Brănescu from Serie A champions Juventus. I’ve not seen anything from Laurentiu as a shot-stopper but he does possess good pedigree and he handled his signing press conference well. 

The Ayrshire club have also just added a new midfielder in Mohamed El Makrini. The Dutchman could be the man to replace Mulumbu in Killie’s engine room. The thirty-two year old told his new club’s website just what the fans should expect from their new signing:

“I would say I’m a hard-working midfielder who keeps the balance in the team. I link up defence and attack well – really trying to boss in the middle of the park,”

The Killie squad was left in good hands after former boss Steve Clarke left to takeover as the new Scotland manager. Clarke calling up Stuart Findlay, Stephen O’Donnell, Greg Taylor and Eamonn Brophy for his first match as an international manager. Taylor in particular looked very good on the international stage. 

Those experiences away with Scotland could give Killie a good, confident core ahead of this Europa League adventure. 

As I’ve already stated, the club are on an upward trajectory and a victory in the tie against The Nomads could be vital to keep the feel good factor high at Rugby Park. 

Angelo Alessio is an intriguing appointment and it would really benefit the coach if he can guide his side into the next round of the Europa League.

Kilmarnock as a football club have found a winning formula and that’s helped bring the community back to the stadium. In return The Killie Trust have shown the club’s board that supporters can be trusted when it comes to help in running the club.

It’s great to see everything going so well with Killie and fingers crossed the can enjoy a run in the Europa League as everyone in Rugby Park deserves it! 

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