Kilmarnock

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

The much-anticipated battle with league leaders Hearts turned out to be a damp squib for Killie as we picked the wrong time to put in our worst performance of the season.

We gifted three goals that wouldn't have looked out of place in a Sunday pub league.

But our preparation wasn't helped by the loss of goalkeeper Max Stryjek. The three centre-backs certainly seemed to be spooked by his absence.

Eddie Beach did nothing wrong but if Stryjek is out for a while then we urgently need to get an experienced keeper signed.

The league table is tight so we still find ourselves in fifth, although there are only six points between Hibs in third and Livingston at the bottom.

We are off to Ibrox this Sunday, and it will be interesting to see if the manager freshens up the starting XI.

Ben Brannan, Jamie Brandon and Scott Tiffoney are all back from injury and may feature, but I suspect we might fight out a 1-1 draw.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Watch the Sportscene team discuss Kilmarnock's defensive problems following a 3-0 defeat to Hearts.

Former Rangers and Scotland winger Chris Burke has ended his eight-year association with Kilmarnock to pursue a new opportunity. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch highlights as Hearts made it five wins in a row as they eased past Stuart Kettlewell's Kilmarnock.

We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock's 3-0 defeat to Hearts.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Johnny: The players settled well early on then let Hearts in with a undefended corner. We became nervous and the teamwork evaporated from then on in. Hard watch but credit to Hearts, they were well organised and kept things simple. One to forget and move on from. We're still building as a team but were well off it.

John: 20 minutes of Killie dominance tranquillised by a Hearts set piece goal leaving Killie stunned, outplayed and outclassed. A glimmer of the Stuart Kettlewell way, smart crisp passing, energetic pressing resulting in midfield dominance was superb to watch, unfortunately undone after the first goal 19 minutes in. The remainder of the match was a tough watch, poor passing consistently giving Hearts chance after chance. Our Achilles heel remains in the final third where chances are few and far between, our strikers need remedial shooting training. Losing to the team at the top is fine, they weren't great but took their chances, something we must get better at.

Robert: First half performance showed that we are not far from being a really decent team. We still lack that wee bit of quality in the midfield that would make all the difference. We've generally defended well so far this season so hard to understand the basic errors made for all three goals. Definitely no need to panic.

Brian: I agree 100% with Stuart Kettlewell that we shot ourselves in the foot. We presented Hearts with opportunities and fair play to them for taking them. Not much between the sides but Hearts deserved their win. Kettlewell is doing a great job for us at Killie.

Alan: Dreadful defending all night, basic errors gave the game away. With the exception of the magnificent David Watson, we had no midfield whatsoever, so all the analysis that is done on a Monday should clearly show that up, or will it? We actually looked like a part time team as the game went on, men against boys sadly.

Robert: Hearts weren't as far ahead of Killie as the score would make appear. Three poor defensive decisions, two of which were individual mistakes directly leading to goals. Liam Polworth and Marcus Dackers were totally tactically unaware slow and poor passing summed them up, Kettlewell must be furious. However, have to point out another abysmal inconsistent refereeing performance

Kilmarnock miss a chance to consolidate third place in the Scottish Premiership as they slip to fifth after a 3-0 home defeat by a Hearts side now led by former Rugby Park boss Derek McInnes.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell thinks his side shot themselves in the foot with some uncharacteristic defensive mistakes.

Read Clive Lindsay's match report.

And give us your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell bemoaned his side's defensive errors in their 3-0 defeat at home to Hearts.

"I thought we were on the front foot," he said. "And then we drop a marker and it's a really good header [for Hearts' first goal] and I thought Hearts grew into it at that point.

"We got to a point tonight where we were trying to make passes and put pressure on ourselves.

"Hearts are going to punish you if that's the case, and the frustrating thing is we haven't seen those individual errors so far this season.

"We didn't show a great reaction to the first goal, definitely didn't to the second, and by the time the third goes in, Hearts are playing with real confidence."

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock striker Djenairo Daniels is likely to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury picked up on international duty. Marley Watkins is working his way back from a heel injury while Jamie Brandon, Matty Kennedy and Tom Lowery remain out.

Hearts have Christian Borchgrevink and Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) pushing for a return, but Ageu (hamstring) and Frankie Kent (knee) will remain out for another week. Ryan Fulton (groin) and Finlay Pollock (hamstring) are still missing.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock defender Dominic Thompson says the side "don't fear anyone" as they welcome league leaders Hearts to Rugby Park on Saturday evening.

Stuart Kettlewell's side currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership, but full-back Thompson says the side won't be getting ahead of themselves despite only losing once in 90 minutes this season.

"We sit third at the moment, so we don't want to get carried away in terms of where we are at the moment," he said.

"If we were first, it would be the same thing, there's a long way to go.

"But we still want to keep the momentum and keep taking points where we can

"We don't fear anyone.

"I don't think we go into games with an underdog mentality, we always know our own ability and capabilities as a group and how we can hurt teams. There's always a chance for us."

Many Killie fans have been impressed with the defender's start to this season since he signed a one-year deal earlier this season, but the 25-year-old says the best is yet to come from him in a blue and white top.

"I still feel quite far from it [my best] to be honest," he said.

"I still know within myself I've got a long, long way to go, but I'm fairly content with my performances at the moment.

"But there's still more to come from me for sure in terms of physicality, athleticism, and fitness."

Image source, SNS

• Kilmarnock have lost both of their last two Scottish Premiership games against Heart of Midlothian, as many as their previous 13 beforehand (W7 D4 L2).

• This will be Heart of Midlothian boss Derek McInnes' first league match against Kilmarnock since leaving the club. McInnes has only lost one of his last 30 top-flight matches against Killie (W23 D6), and is unbeaten in his last 16 away games against them at this level (W13 D3) since a 3-2 defeat with St Johnstone in February 2010.

• Kilmarnock have won both of their last two league games without conceding, but haven't won three in a row with a clean sheet each time in the Scottish Premiership since April 2018 under Steve Clarke.

• Heart of Midlothian have won 10 of their last 11 league games (D1), including each of their last five away from home. Not since January 2011 have Hearts had a longer away winning run in the top-flight (seven).

• David Watson has scored in both of Kilmarnock's last two home league games; the last player to score in three successive home appearances for Killie in the top-flight while aged 20 or younger was Steven Naismith in March 2007.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell says it looks like Djenairo Daniels' season is over after sustaining "a significant knee injury" on international duty with Suriname.

The 23-year-old striker was a half-time substitute in Friday's 1-1 draw with Guatemala but was withdrawn after 64 minutes. He is due to visit a specialist on Thursday.

"What I probably can say is it looks like that'll be season over for him," Kettlwell said.

"I don't want to get carried away but he's got an appointment with a specialist. The most important thing is that we want to show our support to him.

"Very disappointing because he was on a high, his performances had earned him the right to go and play for the national team.

"My words to him are it's not even close to a career ending injury. We need to remember the mentality side of it for football players. We need to look after him and we'll do that medically but also on a personal basis.

"The players have been unbelievable with him and we're a tight knit group here, we insist on it. The players immediately get round him and pick him up."

Kilmarnock, who are looking to make it three wins from their last three games in the Scottish Premiership, host league leaders Hearts on Saturday as former manager Derek McInnes returns to Rugby Park.

"I look forward to the game because they are league leaders and they've started the season so well," the 41-year-old added.

"We want to test ourselves against teams that are doing well and playing well. We're doing not too bad ourselves so we want to maintain that and try and keep that good run of form going.

"I think there will be a big crowd and it's what this league throws up. I believe it will be a real tough test but I hope to see our players go from strength to strength."

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's home game against Hearts.

Here are the main points:

• Kettlewell says it looks like "season over" for striker Djenairo Daniels who suffered a "serious knee injury" on international duty with Suriname.

• Although disappointed, the Killie boss is focused on looking after Daniels and has been pleased with the response from his teammates to "pick him up".

• Kettlewell admits Daniels' injury is a "double blow" following Marley Watkins' injury a few weeks ago and says he's going to have to "be creative" with how they operate at the top end of the pitch.

• But the Killie manager is hopeful his injury woes won't force the Ayrshire club to change their priorities in the January window and insists he's focused on "trying to accelerate the recovery of certain players".

• Kettlewell is looking forward to coming up against the league leaders and admits it "will be a real tough test" but hopes his players can continue going "from strength to strength".

• On Derek McInnes' return to Rugby Park, the former Motherwell manager says he knows what it's like after his return to Fir Park this season but stresses neither he, nor McInnes, can control how fans will react.

• The 41-year-old stresses the importance of the home crowd on Saturday but insists his side "need to give them something to be positive about".

Image source, SNS

Hearts boss Derek McInnes says the manner of his departure from Kilmarnock was not ideal - but he feels comfortable with the way he handled himself.

Top-of-the-table Hearts head to the Ayrshire club on Saturday, whom McInnes left in May to take over at Tynecastle.

"I was disappointed I never got the chance to say goodbye properly," he said.

"I get the emotion of it all and how quickly it turned towards the back end of the season, but I can look myself in the mirror and say I did everything right by Kilmarnock.

"I'd said to them that if Hearts made the approach that I wanted to speak to them, and that was the only thing that probably didn't sit well with a lot of people at Kilmarnock.

"The main people at the club were all fully aware. When I look back now, I made it clear through my agent to Hearts and Kilmarnock that I wasn't going to speak to until Kilmarnock were safe. I feel good about that.

"I felt it was the right thing to do. I wanted no distractions and we made sure once Kilmarnock were safe, I was hoping then there could be a natural opportunity to speak to Hearts.

"I took the game against Motherwell, it was Billy who had asked me to take the team and I went along with it, but I thought for obvious reasons it was always going to be a difficult once it became clear I was keen to speak to Hearts.

"That's all in the past. I had some brilliant times at Kilmarnock. My family were fully invested in the club, three-and-a-half years there.

"Our promotion, fourth spot, European adventures, the majority were good times. I have only good feelings towards Kilmarnock and the people there."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Every time we have an international break it simply reinforces how much I love Killie and how much I miss them as we endure the national team's battles.

The old club versus country pub argument was always 'would you rather Killie win the league or Scotland win the World Cup?'

It's a no brainer for me - Killie all day long, though I'm not holding my breath for either.

If we are going to bag the title this season the best place to start would be beating league leaders Hearts on Saturday.

It's really set up to be a belter with both teams in form and a late kick-off ensuring the home supporters will be well oiled and in good voice.

I'm sure Derek McInnes will get a frosty reception after leaving Killie for Hearts in May and I fancy he'll head back to Gorgie with a single-goal defeat.

I'll back David Watson to be the goal scoring hero again and I predict there will also be a red card.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Image source, SNS

Scottish football's head of referees says that the type of penalty that earned Celtic a last-gasp Scottish Premiership win away to Kilmarnock last month should not be given in future.

Kilmarnock defender Lewis Mayo was penalised for handball by referee John Beaton after a VAR review before Kelechi Iheanacho scored from the spot to secure a 2-1 stoppage-time victory.

The ball struck Mayo after a shot had deflected off team-mate Robbie Deas.

Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum told the VAR Review Show: "The arm is definitely up, it's unnatural.

"If the shot goes direct here and hits Lewis Mayo in that position and there's no deflection, it's 100% a penalty kick.

"Even in this situation with the deflection, in law you can justify a penalty because of the body shape.

"The law doesn't talk about deflection or close proximity. This is guidance rather than law, which talks about unnatural position.

"However, it's about stakeholders' views and pretty much nobody accepted this as a penalty.

"We've had good discussions with the KMI (key match incident) panel, with clubs and also players and the feeling is this should not be punished going forward.

"So we want to recalibrate in terms of this decision. That, if it's such close proximity and it's deflected, even if the arm's in this position, then we don't punish it.

"But there's a slight caveat to that and that is two key words - impact, consequence. If we put this in the goal-line and the ball's going into the net then it changes everything altogether."

Collum agreed with decisions over other contentious handball incidents in September, saying Deas should not have been punished against St Mirren because his arm was in a natural position.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock defender George Stanger has realised a "long-time goal" to be selected for an international team at senior level and says it will be "really special" to now earn a first cap.

Darren Bazeley handed the 25-year-old, who has previously played at under-20 and under-23 level, his first call-up to the New Zealand squad for friendlies against Poland and Norway.

Having been unused on the bench for Thursday's 1-0 defeat by Poland, Stanger is now hoping for a senior debut on Tuesday.

"It's something I've been looking forward to since I got the news," he said.

"To get the opportunity to be involved in the squad has been amazing and I'm learning a lot from it.

"I know a few of the boys quite well, so it's been an easy transition in terms of catching up with them and everyone I've not met before has been very welcoming.

"It's been a goal of mine for a long time and something I've been working towards.

"To get the opportunity to be on the pitch would be really special."

We asked your views on our fan writer's suggestion Kilmarnock should be looking to tie down Marcus Dackers and Dominic Thompson on deals beyond next summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Bruce: Spot on Sandy! Dackers and Thompson both put in big shifts and create a lot of chances. They seem very committed to the cause... let's show them we want them.

Davey: In the face of extractive agents and economic realities, contract extension isn't a straightforward task. But, long term, for players and club, it could be a win-win; think Corrie Ndaba. The Theatre of Pies gives the likes of Thompson an excellent platform to perform, as well as for further development of academy players such as Ben Brannan and David Watson. Ultimately, the individual has to decide.

John: We lost important young players last year because contracts ran out and we missed out of potential transfer fees. Don't do a repeat - get them signed up we don't want to lose our promising players and have to start all over again.

Image source, SNS

George Stanger has earned a first New Zealand call-up for friendlies against Poland and Norway.

Djenairo Daniels is part of the Suriname squad as they face Guatemala and Panama in World Cup qualifiers.

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Kilmarnock followed up their fine display and 2-0 win at Tannadice with an equally pleasing repeat against in-form St Mirren.

Back-to-back victories have been few and far between over the past few years so to do it while keeping clean sheets must be hugely satisfying for Stuart Kettlewell and his management team.

In his post-match interview Marcus Dackers paid tribute to the bosses for their hard work with him on the training ground.

It looks like Kettlewell sees the giant striker as a bit of a project - we should maybe get him signed on an extended contract if his display on Saturday is anything to go by.

Dominic Thompson, like Dackers, is improving week on week and is out of contract next summer. After a disappointing debut I can see him turning into a fans' favourite - he is another player who needs a longer deal.

All in all it's been a great couple of weeks for us and huge credit has to go to the manager for our fine start to the season.

Kilie supporters, do you agree with our fan writer on contracts? Let us know your thoughts here.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Kilmarnock impressed in their 2-0 victory over St Mirren at Rugby Park on Saturday, and they've got two players in my team of the week.

James Brown played a tremendous cross to provide the assist for Marcus Dackers as Killie sealed three points against St Mirren and a clean sheet as well.

The tireless tyro in midfield for Kilmarnock. David Watson followed up magnificently when the keeper spilled the ball to put Kilmarnock 1-0 in front on their way to victory over St Mirren. The 20-year-old is a real driving force in a Kilmarnock side enjoying a great start to the season and there is huge excitement about his potential.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell believes Marcus Dackers is starting to reap the rewards of his hard work after netting in Killie's 2-0 victory over St Mirren.

Dackers has scored three times in 12 appearances after moving to Rugby Park from Salford in the summer but Saturday's header was his first Premiership goal.

Kettlewell hopes that after working on his heading technique with coaching staff, the Welshman will continue to score more.

"I need to go back to his work ethic on this and go back to the coaching staff and everybody that works with the players," the Killie manager said.

"It's a brilliant moment because Marcus has headed a few balls this week in practice and we've spent a lot of time with him trying to work on his movement into the box, trying to get away from defenders, but also the quality of the finishes.

"The bit that's obvious is he's six foot seven but we feel that he can pitch in with more goals from those crosses into the box. I think that's why you've seen him running over to [Kilmarnock coach] Stevie Frail and some of the guys after his goal. We're having to drag him off the pitch because he wants to get better.

"That's the most pleasing thing for the coaching staff, that you do your work during the week to try and reap the rewards at the weekend. I think everybody's seen how much the big fella brings to the game. We feel that he can chip in with more goals, as does he. So it's nice for him to get his rewards."

Kettlewell also feels that Dackers' versatility will prove to be a major asset for Kilmarnock moving forward once he gets up to full fitness.

He added: "I think you go to the obvious angle of hold-up play because of his size.

"But I would flip it. You see the dying embers of the game. You see he's got good feet. You can see he can run and shift into wide areas as well. So, I think he's shown us a lot. And one of the simple ones that people kind of forget is match fitness.

"If you'd watched him at the start of the season when he's cramping up and he's starting to fatigue, it looks like he can play 90 minutes now."