Quitongo's Left Peg

No. McCulloch has signed a one year playing deal. He even said himself on the STV website that he'll only play as a last resort and that he wouldn't stand in the way of a youngster coming through.

It's been pretty much the way since Mixu's time. In his summer he signed several players on two or three year deals. Very few saw out a year.

Two years is pretty standard, especially when most are "established" players. It leaves the ball in our court in terms of extensions if they're a success, and it means we can offer slightly lesser wages than our rivals who may be offering a one or two year 'straight' deal. It's only really backfired in a few cases (Jaakkola the number one culprit) but there's a list as long as your arm where it's been successful.

He played there a few times for Dynamo, and from what I heard Locke was trying to sell a move to Killie based on a future in that position (i.e. career longevity etc). And I saw him training with the defenders with my own eyes

Should have added: when Driver was training with us in the early days of pre-season, Gary Locke had him training with the defenders and sees his eventual position being left-back. Lets see how well or otherwise that works out if he accepts our offer.

Kilmarnock have offered ex-Hearts player Andy Driver a three-year contract, however he is also weighing up an offer from Dutch side De Graafschap.

Willie Gros is not a good footballer. He's strong and has a very powerful strike, but that's about it. Was a bit too fond of the Killie nightlife and that cost him any chance he had of making it. Was always a big lad, so can only imagine what shape he'll be in after a year out the game.

Something I noticed on Saturday, and it's apparent in those highlights too, is the very high line our defenders seem to be taking. The first Queens goal came from being picked off after a ball in behind, and Berwick got a bit of joy when they did the same at the weekend. Findlay is fast, and Connolly isn't a slouch, but Barbour/Westlake/Smith aren't exactly rapid (DW the fastest) so to play such a high line is a risk.

I'd certainly rather start the season with McKenzie on the right than Obadeyi.

I was talking to another Killie fan about this last night. I can't understand why so many people instantly correlate what someone is like as a player with their coaching ideals. Look at Mixu as a prime example - a towering target-man as a player, yet when he became a manager he wanted passing, free-flowing 'total football'. Then, AJ - a skillfull magician as a player, yet a long-ball merchant as a gaffer. I posted earlier in this thread about McCulloch's part in the book written on Wigan, and he comes across very knowledgeable about the game in that too. ETA link to the interview 'ki11ie' was referring to - http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/kilmarnock/1324597-lee-mcculloch-kilmarnock-is-perfect-opportunity-to-start-coaching/

Because Craigieboy.

Like Killie of last year you mean? Pathetic dick measuring contests make pre-season unbearable.

Not sure it has to be one or the other? If Croserky signs, then I imagine it'll be mainly as a development squad player initially - an area we're struggling to fill at that level. Get him on a long term deal on fairly small wages and it could be a risk worth taking. He certainly looked to have something about him today. We have two right-backs, so can't see us adding there. If Liam Craig signs then that's our central midfield full too. If the rumours about Samson are true (i.e. he wants out & we want him out) then that would be a significant bit of wages saved also, then we can look at one or two extra back-ups. We managed to play two different elevens today, so if not we're still fairly covered.

As for McCulloch, he was a top lad today. As others said, he refused to sign Rangers stuff and gave time to every Killie fan who asked for some. As an aside, in the book 'The Road From Wigan Pier' - there's a significant section about the time McCulloch was there, and he comes across very, very well. The only player to always attend charity events and the main guy to help foreign players who were struggling to settle in. Not only that but he speaks very well about the tactical side of the game too. Plenty of players have been arseholes on the pitch but great off it, and for all we know Lee is one of them. I'm certainly not going to judge him based on a tabloid perception. Until he gives me a reason to be against him he'll get my full support.

It wasn't actually. McCulloch wasn't stripped. The trialist was Ruairi Croskery, a young striker just released from Man U. Looked promising in the second half.

Anyone else heading to Berwick-Upon-Tweed today?

I think we all know the real reason that WRK doesn't want McCulloch As others have said - I'll back him as he's a Killie player/member of staff now. And as Taylor Swift said - "The haters gonna hate, hate, hate."

Lee McCulloch has agreed a deal to become assistant manager at Rugby Park. Like Peter Leven, will be registered as a player.

Going to give this a go, guys...

Boyd has had a hair transplant. Good on him, but always preferred him with a bald head and beard myself... ETA link - http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kilmarnock-striker-kris-boyd-undergoes-6011366

I believe it's only for 6 months initially.

We signed a left back yesterday Craig. I'd imagine that Findlay and Carrick will be our whack, unless a good deal on someone became available towards the end of the transfer window.

Completely agree. The only reason you'd feel demonised would be if the tickets were available from the Daily Mail offices. Most right minded people in the country understand that we all go through tough times.