Kilmarnock FC

[kenny hoggan]

Pretty decent result, never easy to go to tynecastle

was one of the easier times to go though, both these teams are playing much worse than anyone would have expecte, both were in the top 6 last year, now they are sitting at the foot of the table, poor!

[kenny hoggan]

Kilmarnock extend Taouil contract

Taouil has scored once for Kilmarnock in 10 appearances
Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Taouil has agreed to stay at Kilmarnock until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has made 10 appearances since arriving at Rugby Park in October and boss Jim Jefferies told the Daily Record: "He has been a great find.

"We would like to keep him longer. His agents want him to play at a higher level but we've got him until the end of the season and you never know.

"He's still adapting to Scotland but gets on the ball and he's learning."

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Kilmarnock | Kilmarnock extend Taouil contract

[kenny hoggan]

very pleased with this, means he can do the business in the SPL for a bit longer

hes been our best player so far this season

[kenny hoggan]

Airdrie vs Killie game postponed due to frozen pitch

[kenny hoggan]

Celtic moved to within a point of Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers thanks to an own goal from Kilmarnock's Martyn Corrigan in Glasgow.

Alan Combe was the Kilmarnock hero, the goalkeeper producing a series of fine saves to deny Scott McDonald and substitute Derek Riordan.

Claims for a penalty when McDonald went down were waved away after the break.

But Corrigan deflected a wayward Scott Brown drive into the net on 64 minutes for a fortunate but deserved win.

Paul Hartley had come into the reigning champions' midfield in place of the suspended Aiden McGeady.

Kilmarnock's suspended top scorer, Colin Nish, was replaced with Mehdi Taouil, who went on to produce a classy display in midfield.

Defender Frazer Wright returned from suspension to take over from Tim Clancy, while Craig Bryson came in for Gary Locke.

Both sides threatened in the early stages, although Combe was the first goalkeeper to be called into action, diving to turn a Scott McDonald drive round the post.

But Celtic suffered a double injury blow, with Chris Killen and Riordan coming on as replacements after 17 minutes.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was withdrawn with blood streaming from a headwound after a clash of heads, while Andreas Hinkel came off with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Combe came to Killie's rescue again, blocking a volley at point-blank range after his defence allowed a cross to reach McDonald.

A fine Shunsuke Nakamura cross found Brown breaking into the box, but the midfielder's glancing header flew a couple of yards wide.


Celtic's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came off early with a cut head

Garry Hay did well to block at the front post after a low Killen cross found McDonald.

Celtic were now in total control and Combe did superbly to tip the ball over the top following a deft chip by Riordan.

When Combe failed to hold the subsequent corner, the ball was cleared off the Killie line after a goalmouth melee.

Combe followed that with a superb, one-handed save after Riordan had broken forward before firing a powerful drive from just outside the penalty box.

McDonald was first to threaten after the break but headed straight at Combe from a Nakamura corner.

The Australian striker was booked for complaining when he was denied a penalty after being sandwiched between two Killie defenders.

Kilmarnock looked to have weathered the storm until Brown's 20-yard drive was turned into his own net by Corrigan.

Killen sent a 20-yard drive just over as Celtic looked to consolidate.

Lee Naylor's last-ditch tackle prevented Paul Di Giacomo having a late opportunity in front of goal to equalise, but Celtic held on comfortably.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel (Riordan 18), Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura (Sno 89), Scott Brown, Donati, Hartley, McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 17).
Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Zurawski, O'Dea, Conroy.

Booked: McDonald.

Goals: Corrigan 64 og.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Frazer Wright, Ford, Hay, Hamill, Corrigan, Bryson (Gibson 80), Taouil, Invincibile (Fernandez 88), Di Giacomo.
Subs Not Used: Harpur, Johnston, Morgan, O'Leary, Clancy.

Booked: Di Giacomo, Gibson, Hamill.

Att: 56,618

Ref: M McCurry

BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Celtic 1-0 Kilmarnock

[kenny hoggan]

Jefferies blast over Combe snub

Jefferies was pleased with his side despite defeat by Celtic
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has claimed that in-form goalkeeper Alan Combe is being left out of Scotland squads for non-football reasons.
"With his ability, that boy should be in the Scotland squad," Jefferies said after Combe starred in a 1-0 defeat by Celtic. "I think it's a personal thing.

"I don't think it's because of Alan Combe's ability."

But, asked if he would like to expand, Jefferies said: "No, I wouldn't. They know what I am talking about."


Interview: Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

The 33-year-old Combe, previously of St Mirren, Dundee United and Bradford, has been in several Scotland squads without winning a cap - but not in recent seasons.

We were a little bit unfortunate not to come away with a point

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

He played in the Scotland Futures side that defeated Poland in 2005.

A Scottish FA spokesman declined to comment in response to Jefferies' allegations.

While Combe was man of the match, his team-mates rarely threatened Celtic's goal, although only a Martyn Corrigan own goal separated the sides.

And Jefferies praised a side that have suffered from injury problems this season.

"Celtic played quite well today, but there were not a lot of clear chances," he said.

"Everybody worked their socks off and we were a little bit unfortunate not to come away with a point."

Kilmarnock now sit second bottom of the Scottish Premier League.

"We are where we are because of the injuries we've had," stressed Jefferies.

"But the boys are coming back and will find their feet in the next few weeks."


BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Kilmarnock | Jefferies blast over Combe snub

[kenny hoggan]

the celtic game was a one sided game in the 1st half but supposidly we could have got a point if the luck was on our side, better performance than previous weeks by the sounds of things

[DavidMc]

Celtic 1-0 Kilmarnock
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 19th January 08
Celtic Park, Glasgow

Celtic moved to within a point of Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers thanks to an own goal from Kilmarnock's Martyn Corrigan in Glasgow.

Alan Combe was the Kilmarnock hero, the goalkeeper producing a series of fine saves to deny Scott McDonald and substitute Derek Riordan.

Claims for a penalty when McDonald went down were waved away after the break.

But Corrigan deflected a wayward Scott Brown drive into the net on 64 minutes for a fortunate but deserved win.

Paul Hartley had come into the reigning champions' midfield in place of the suspended Aiden McGeady.

Kilmarnock's suspended top scorer, Colin Nish, was replaced with Mehdi Taouil, who went on to produce a classy display in midfield.

Defender Frazer Wright returned from suspension to take over from Tim Clancy, while Craig Bryson came in for Gary Locke.

Both sides threatened in the early stages, although Combe was the first goalkeeper to be called into action, diving to turn a Scott McDonald drive round the post.

But Celtic suffered a double injury blow, with Chris Killen and Riordan coming on as replacements after 17 minutes.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was withdrawn with blood streaming from a headwound after a clash of heads, while Andreas Hinkel came off with what looked like a hamstring problem.

Combe came to Killie's rescue again, blocking a volley at point-blank range after his defence allowed a cross to reach McDonald.

A fine Shunsuke Nakamura cross found Brown breaking into the box, but the midfielder's glancing header flew a couple of yards wide.


Celtic's Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came off early with a cut head

Garry Hay did well to block at the front post after a low Killen cross found McDonald.

Celtic were now in total control and Combe did superbly to tip the ball over the top following a deft chip by Riordan.

When Combe failed to hold the subsequent corner, the ball was cleared off the Killie line after a goalmouth melee.

Combe followed that with a superb, one-handed save after Riordan had broken forward before firing a powerful drive from just outside the penalty box.

McDonald was first to threaten after the break but headed straight at Combe from a Nakamura corner.

The Australian striker was booked for complaining when he was denied a penalty after being sandwiched between two Killie defenders.

Kilmarnock looked to have weathered the storm until Brown's 20-yard drive was turned into his own net by Corrigan.

Killen sent a 20-yard drive just over as Celtic looked to consolidate.

Lee Naylor's last-ditch tackle prevented Paul Di Giacomo having a late opportunity in front of goal to equalise, but Celtic held on comfortably.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel (Riordan 18), Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura (Sno 89), Scott Brown, Donati, Hartley, McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 17).
Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Zurawski, O'Dea, Conroy.

Booked: McDonald.

Goals: Corrigan 64 og.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Frazer Wright, Ford, Hay, Hamill, Corrigan, Bryson (Gibson 80), Taouil, Invincibile (Fernandez 88), Di Giacomo.
Subs Not Used: Harpur, Johnston, Morgan, O'Leary, Clancy.

Booked: Di Giacomo, Gibson, Hamill.

Att: 56,618

[kenny hoggan]

Scottish Cup 4th Rd: Airdrie Utd Vs Killie match postponed. The match will now be played on Monday January 28, with a 7.45pm kick-off

[DavidMc]

Kilmarnock v Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 26th January 08
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock defender David Lilley and midfielder Rhian Dodds have returned to training but are unlikely to feature against Dundee United on Saturday.

Striker Colin Nish is still suspended, while midfielder Eric Skora remains sidelined through injury.

Striker Mark de Vries could debut for United after signing from Leicester.

Midfielder Danny Swanson has recovered from a knee injury, goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska is fit again, but Lee Wilkie joins Steven Ross on the sidelines.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kilmarnock (from): Combe, Corrigan, Hamill, Ford, Hay, Fernandez, O'Leary, Johnston, Taouil, Di Giacomo, Fowler, Bryson, Gibson, Koudou, Invincibile, Harpur, Clancy, Wright, Morgan.

Dundee United (from): Zaluska, Dillon, Kenneth, Grainger, Kovacevic, Dods, Conway, Flood, Swanson, Buaben, Gomis, Kerr, Robson, Hunt, D Robertson, De Vries, Odhiambo, Szamotulski.

[DavidMc]

Kilmarnock 1-2 Dundee United

Dundee United kept a grip on third spot in the SPL with a deserved win over dispirited Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The Tangerines dominated most of the play in a mainly drab encounter, and Barry Robson's clipped effort after 31 minutes set them on their way.

Simon Ford had a first half goal disallowed for Killie, but they failed to test United keeper Lukasz Zaluska.

Craig Conway made matters safe for United in 66 minutes, with Gary Wales' late strike insufficient for Killie.


The Ayrshire outfit were in dire need of a victory in order to arrest a recent slump to second bottom in the table.

Boss Jim Jefferies was still forced to do without striker Colin Nish who was completing his two-match ban, so kept the side which lost 1-0 in disappointing fashion at Celtic last week.

Mark de Vries, meanwhile, United's new signing, was named as a substitute following his recruitment from Leicester City.

However, defender Lee Wilkie's injury saw him replaced by Darren Dods while goalkeeper Zaluska came in for Euan McLean, who dropped to the bench.

The inconsistent Danny Invincibile looked in the mood for the home side in the early stages but United gradually began to ease into their passing game.

In the 14th minute, in-demand Tannadice skipper Robson swung in a corner from the right with Killie keeper Alan Combe doing well to rise above a crowd and push the ball away from danger.

It was less than inspiring fare for the crowd with open chances at a premium as United sought to consolidate their third spot.

And, eventually, their territorial advantage paid off when Robson played a characteristic captain's role for the opener.


Killie's Danny Invincible wins an aerial battle with Robson

Noel Hunt played in the midfielder - reportedly wanted by Celtic, Newcastle United and Burnley - and after eluding the attentions of Frazer Wright, Robson's right foot shot inside the box slid under Combe.

Killie did respond rather belatedly when Ford had the ball in the United net after 35 minutes with a close-range header, but it was ruled offside.

But in keeping with the first half progress, Combe was called upon again to deny the visitors, pulling off a good save from a Dods header.

Kilmarnock continued to labour without any end product, and although United were not at their sharpest, they made it comfortable with a second.

Somehow Combe managed to lose Robson's cross, the keeper colliding with Martyn Corrigan, and, as the ball flighted to Conway, the United midfielder had a simple task to net with a free header into an empty net.

Substitute David Fernandez did revive Killie in the closing stages, bringing an attacking bent to their play - and he played a key role in the home side's consolation.

The Spaniard drove forward to set up Wales, and the striker's low drive past Zaluska with just eight minutes remaining dragged up a marginal lifeline for Jefferies' men.

But United held on - with the brief introduction of new boy De Vries - and their three points were merited with Kilmarnock now staring at a statistic just one victory in their last thirteen games.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Frazer Wright, Ford, Hay, Hamill, Corrigan, Johnston (Gibson 46), Bryson (Fernandez 67), Di Giacomo (Wales 46), Invincibile. Subs Not Used: Harpur, Locke, Taouil, O'Leary.

Goal: Wales 82.

Dundee Utd: Zaluska, Dillon, Dods, Kenneth, Grainger, Flood, Gomis (Buaben 46), Kerr, Robson, Hunt, Conway (De Vries 88). Subs Not Used: McLean, Swanson, Kovacevic, Odhiambo, Milligan.

Goals: Robson 31, Conway 66.

[kenny hoggan]

Somehow Combe managed to lose Robson's cross, the keeper colliding with Martyn Corrigan

reason for that was Combe injury, he was playin hurt and wasnt fully concentrating, it was clear for everyone, Harpur was ready to go on before half time but JJ never made the call

[kenny hoggan]

Hibs snap up Nish on pre-contract

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen is an admirer of striker Nish
Hibernian have completed the signing of Kilmarnock striker Colin Nish on a pre-contract agreement.
The 26-year-old is due to join the Easter Road club in the summer, but the clubs could yet agree a deal where the player joins Hibernian immediately.

Nish was out of contract in the summer and Hibs beat off competition from Scunthorpe, Leyton Orient and Preston for his signature.

He has scored eight goals this season for the Rugby Park outfit.

Nish, who joined Killie from Dunfermline Athletic in 2003, has also played for Clyde and Alloa.

Meanwhile, defender Torben Joneleit has returned to Monaco after Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen decided to cut short the German's season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old, signed by previous manager John Collins, had made just one start and two substitute apearances for the Easter Road side.


BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Kilmarnock | Hibs snap up Nish on pre-contract

[DavidMc]

Motherwell 1-0 Kilmarnock
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 9th February 08
Fir Park, Motherwell

David Clarkson headed in an injury-time winner for Motherwell to sink 10-man Kilmarnock at Fir Park.
The home side had squandered a host of chances before the striker bravely nodded home a cross from Simon Lappin.

Ross McCormack slammed a penalty wide on 22 minutes and Alan Combe made good saves to deny Steve McGarry and Steven Hammell as Motherwell pressed.

Killie defender David Lilley picked up his second booking on 70 minutes and the visitors could not hang on.

It was Motherwell's first game in 18 days and their first home league clash of 2008 after a spate of postponements.

And Mark McGhee's side looked rusty in front of goal, with McGarry shooting wide early on.

Kilmarnock's only good chance of the game came when Lilley's header drifted narrowly past the post from Paul Di Giacomo's corner.

The Killie man was then caught out by Clarkson's quick feet and conceded a penalty, which McCormack sent wide.

Well skipper Marc Fitzpatrick latched on to a pass from fellow midfielder Keith Lasley, but Danny Invincibile made a last-ditch tackle and the shot from 10 yards missed the target.

Motherwell continued to attack at pace after the break and McCormack was again inches away from the opener on 54 minutes.

Hammell raced up the left and played in a ball which McCormack intelligently left for Clarkson, who laid it back out to him on the left, only for the striker's diagonal shot to sneak wide of the far upright.

A better chance presented itself on 68 minutes when Hammell played a good ball across the box which landed at the feet of Lasley.

Instead of going for goal he played the ball back to McCormack and the Kilmarnock defenders threw themselves in the way to avert the danger.

Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men when a Motherwell attack up the left was halted in its tracks by fouls seconds apart on Clarkson and McCormack by James Fowler and Lilley respectively.

Both visiting players were booked and Lilley, cautioned for conceding the earlier penalty, had to take an early bath.

Fitzpatrick bulleted a header past the post from Paul Quinn's cross and the points looked certain to be shared after Hammell's 89th-minute free-kick from 25 yards was clawed away by Alan Combe.

But Motherwell secured all three points two minutes into injury time when substitute Lappin crossed from the left and Clarkson headed home, with Combe a little slow to react.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, McGarry (Darren Smith 87), Lasley (Lappin 82), Hughes, Fitzpatrick, McCormack (Jamie Murphy 87), Clarkson. Subs Not Used: Daniels, Brian McLean, Danny Murphy, Maguire.

Goal: Clarkson 90.

Kilmarnock: Combe, Fowler, Lilley, Ford, Hay, Bryson (Morgan 87), Corrigan, Hamill, Invincibile, Wales (Locke 84), Di Giacomo (O'Leary 73). Subs Not Used: Harpur, Johnston, Fernandez, Gibson.

Sent Off: Lilley (72).

Booked: Lilley, Fowler.

Att: 6,618

[kenny hoggan]

Skora and Koudou leave Kilmarnock

Skora has decided to retire due to a persistent injury
Kilmarnock have announced that Eric Skora has retired from professional football due to a recurring injury.
Ivory Coast striker Aime Koudou has also been released from his contract with the club by mutual consent.

Skora arrived at Rugby Park in January 2006, while Koudou signed from Airdrie in 2007.

"It is a massive blow for us. He is moving back to France to start a new life," said Kilmarnock assistant manager Billy Brown.