Shows
Killie HistoriesEpisode 31: Iain McCullochA huge fans’ favourite of the mid-1970s, local boy Iain McCulloch did the hard graft to make it in the game. From an early narrow escape, signing a contract with a club he couldn’t travel to play for, through years working as a heating engineer, the midfielder’s father played a crucial role in guiding him.
For Iain, being the best he could be was the focus. His pride at signing for Kilmarnock is clear, as is his fondness for the support who crowned him Player of the Year.
www.killiehistories.com/iainmcculloch
2023-05-2232 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 30: Jimmy ClarkSynonymous with the club across several decades in numerous roles, Jimmy Clark is perhaps best known as the trusted first-team coach when Kilmarnock lifted the Scottish Cup in 1997. A tactician with a focus on the defensive side of the game, it was his set piece plotting which set the platform for Paul Wright’s winner on that sunny day in May.
Jimmy's story is much, much more than those five years with Bobby Williamson and Gerry McCabe. A supporter since the 1950s, he fulfilled a dream when he became a key part of the early 1980s Killie mi...
2023-04-1345 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 26: Stuart FindlayAfter an underwhelming loan spell in 2015, few Kilmarnock fans would have anticipated the next chapter in Stuart Findlay’s story. Two years later, his “stubborn” nature led the defender to give Ayrshire a second shot.
And it proved a wise decision.
In the following four seasons, Stuart was at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s modern history.
And his relationship with the club did not end with a life-changing move to the USA.
www.killiehistories.com/stuartfindlay
2022-07-2753 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 23: Stuart LayburnStuart Layburn played just seven times for Kilmarnock yet his story spans some of the club’s greatest moments.
From a family of Killie supporters, he followed the team home and away from a young age before becoming a reserve team player in the early 1960s. To be a part-time player in that era was both a blessing and a curse. Stuart was part of a squad which made a serious challenge for honours in the first half of the decade. Yet he knew that any opportunities in the first team would only ever be fleeting at be...
2022-01-2621 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 22: Flight from BacauA caper in the 1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup presented Scotland’s oldest professional club with some of their most resilient European adversaries.
Windswept, militaria-laden passport officers flanked by lines of fighter jets, a henchman goalkeeper specialising in lethal pull-and-punch handshakes, and a referee who “didn’t see nothing” led our adventurers to a chilly denouement: a game of football’s desperate, wheezing, grasping attempt to break free of its predictable fate.
Kilmarnock Football Club elder statesmen, Jimmy Cook, Ross Mathie and George Maxwell look back at the adventures of a lifetime.
w...
2021-12-2120 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 21: Bobby WilliamsonAs both player and manager, Bobby Williamson played a key role in vital periods of Kilmarnock’s modern history. Signed to bring the tenacity, guile and, crucially, goals to the side chasing promotion back to the top flight, 1990 marked the start of a 12-year association with the club.
Bobby’s on-field successes with the club include a famous winner at Ibrox Park and involvement in both the promotion-winning side of 1992-93 and the team which then secured Premier Division safety in a highly competitive league the following year.
However, it is arguably Bobby Williamson’s manage...
2021-11-3058 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 20: Pat NevinAs an epilogue to a playing career that included fans’ favourite status at Clyde, Chelsea, Everton and Tranmere, what was it about 28-times-capped Pat Nevin’s brief spell at Kilmarnock that left such an impression on him, to the extent that he describes it as the most enjoyable in his distinguished career?
www.killiehistories.com/patnevin
2021-10-2659 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 19: Tom BrownA modest marksman with an eye for the big moments, Tom Brown’s rapid albeit belated rise from junior football in the summer of 1993 marked a new beginning.
Following several ultimately unsuccessful attempts to realise his dream of professional status, it was another ‘TB’, the iconic Tommy Burns, who took a low stakes gamble (£160 per week low) by inviting Tom to train with the club for an extended trial period. Those battling qualities Killie fans came to admire in four successful years with the club secured a contract and a shot at Premier Division football.
And wha...
2021-09-2851 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 18: Freddie DindeleuxBobby Williamson had an eye for a Bosman free transfer signing. During the pre-season training camp of 1999, he invited Freddie Dindeleux on trial with the carrot of a new-TV-deal-funded contract for the French defender, recently released by his boyhood team, Lille. Lacking pace and physicality, with not a word of English, his eventual induction to the Kilmarnock Football Club Hall of Fame would have seemed unlikely in that first summer. But after a slow start, Freddie began to win over team mates and supporters alike.After all, being able to run fast isn’t everything.Freddie’s in...
2021-08-3129 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 18: Freddie DindeleuxBobby Williamson had an eye for a Bosman free transfer signing. During the pre-season training camp of 1999, he invited Freddie Dindeleux on trial with the carrot of a new-TV-deal-funded contract for the French defender, recently released by his boyhood team, Lille. Lacking pace and physicality, with not a word of English, his eventual induction to the Kilmarnock Football Club Hall of Fame would have seemed unlikely in that first summer. But after a slow start, Freddie began to win over team mates and supporters alike.
After all, being able to run fast isn’t everything.
Fr...
2021-08-3129 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 17: Derby Days with Garry HaySeason 2021/22 sees the return of the Ayrshire Derby as a league fixture for the first time in almost three decades.Killie Histories heard from Hall of Fame member Garry Hay, reflecting on an epic, two-tie Scottish Cup battle in 2009.Monsoon conditions; penalty miss; last minute equaliser; topless celebration with referee; handball goal; and a red card…what a 180 minutes! www.killiehistories.com/derbydays
2021-07-2718 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 17: The 2009 Ayrshire DerbySeason 2021/22 sees the return of the Ayrshire Derby as a league fixture for the first time in almost three decades.
Killie Histories heard from Hall of Fame member Garry Hay, reflecting on an epic, two-tie Scottish Cup battle in 2009.
Monsoon conditions; penalty miss; last minute equaliser; topless celebration with referee; handball goal; and a red card…what a 180 minutes!
www.killiehistories.com/derbydays
2021-07-2718 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 16: Mixu PaatelainenIn May 2010, Kilmarnock’s last day, nerve-shredding scoreless draw with Falkirk kept the Ayrshire club in the Premier League - just. But, with Killie, the unexpected is always just around the corner. And the philosophy of the club was about to change significantly.
New manager Mixu Paatelainen brought with him an approach to football that placed an emphasis on technicality, style, tactical awareness and, most importantly, entertainment. After a slow start, a 3-0 win at Tynecastle started the motor running.
But by April 2011 it was all over. Mixu - soon to be named Manager of th...
2021-03-2955 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 15: Paul WrightThere is so much more to Paul Wright than scoring the winning goal in the 1997 Scottish Cup final. But that is no bad place to start. His poacher’s strike against Falkirk is the most important of his 72 in Ayrshire.
Killie were fortunate to acquire Paul Wright. In peak form at St Johnstone, the striker suffered a serious injury which ruled him out for over a year. Alex Totten, keen to work once more with a trusted goalscorer, brought ‘Bunion’ to Ayrshire for £340,000 on transfer deadline day 1995. And it was a slow start as Paul fought to regain...
2021-03-2239 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 15: Paul WrightThere is so much more to Paul Wright than scoring the winning goal in the 1997 Scottish Cup final. But that is no bad place to start. His poacher’s strike against Falkirk is the most important of his 72 in Ayrshire.Killie were fortunate to acquire Paul Wright. In peak form at St Johnstone, the striker suffered a serious injury which ruled him out for over a year. Alex Totten, keen to work once more with a trusted goalscorer, brought ‘Bunion’ to Ayrshire for £340,000 on transfer deadline day 1995. And it was a slow start as Paul fought to regain the fit...
2021-03-2239 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 14: Derrick McDickenEvery team in the 1970s needed their hard men. Or so the truism goes. But was that all there was to the imposing six feet three inches of Derrick McDicken; being ‘tough’? In short: no. But, as Paul Clarke, central defensive partner of over 300 games, attests, there is no doubt that ‘Big D’ was a hard player on the park!In a twelve year first team career at Kilmarnock Football Club, Derrick McDicken wore every shirt on his back apart from the goalkeeper’s. His versatility did not - as is often the case - cloud judgement of him as a playe...
2021-03-0139 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 14: Derrick McDickenEvery team in the 1970s needed their hard men. Or so the truism goes. But was that all there was to the imposing six feet three inches of Derrick McDicken; being ‘tough’? In short: no. But, as Paul Clarke, central defensive partner of over 300 games, attests, there is no doubt that ‘Big D’ was a hard player on the park!
In a twelve year first team career at Kilmarnock Football Club, Derrick McDicken wore every shirt on his back apart from the goalkeeper’s. His versatility did not - as is often the case - cloud judgement of him as...
2021-03-0139 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 13: The 'AT Mays' ElevenThe 1990s: a decade of success-on-success for Kilmarnock Football Club.
Mark Reilly played over 300 games in teams which brought Killie back to the top table in Scottish football. Here, the defensive midfielder, so popular with his teammates, chooses his strongest team from the wonderful ‘AT Mays years’.
AT Mays, you ask? Check out the splendid retro kits!
www.killiehistories.com/atmays
2021-02-2253 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 12: Craig BrownCraig Brown's Kilmarnock Carol: A Christmas special, featuring the legendary Dundee league-winner and Scotland manager and his reminiscences of Kilmarnock greats of years gone by.
Stave 1: Ghosting Steve Clarke
Stave 2: Mr Waddell and the year nineteen hundred and fifty seven
Stave 3: Young Brown and of legendary moments
Stave 4: Merriment with that good fellow Mr Burns
Stave 5: The ending of Mr Montgomerie
www.killiehistories.com/craigbrown
2020-12-2426 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 11: George MaxwellA tenacious, ubiquitous presence in the Kilmarnock midfield - and defence - in a career of three decades, 13 years and close to 400 games. George Maxwell made no opponent's life easy!
George reflects on the 2-0 victory against Celtic in 1979, Kilmarnock making it a full year unbeaten at home.
And, of course, he talks about having the hardest shot in Scottish football - and the trophy to prove it!
From joining 'the team of the 60s' to some challenging years ahead, George gives a fascinating, footballer's take on the game in the 1970s.
2020-10-3056 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 10: Gordon SmithFollowing in the footsteps of a famous relative is always difficult. Following the most successful player in a club's history - his grandfather Mattha Smith - is nearly impossible.
Creative midfielder Gordon Smith more than lived up to the expectation. A talented and dynamic central midfielder converted to a left winger, he was a driving force behind some of Killie's best moments in the 1970s.
Here, he reflects on a famous win against Rangers, his role in a thumping of local rivals...and the possible transfer to Manchester...or Ayr United!
ww...
2020-10-1540 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 9: Ross MathieRoss Mathie - a popular Kilmarnock number 9 and one of Scottish football's great enthusiasts.
A steep learning curve in his early days at Cambuslang paved the way to a blistering start in the Scottish professional ranks...and a coaching career of some distinction.
59 goals in 110 games. Then he was gone. But his three years at Rugby Park were the start of a relationship with the club which has lasted decades.
www.killiehistories.com/rossmathie
2020-10-0553 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 8: Jim StewartJim Stewart is the local lad who lived the dream. A Kilmarnock fan as a boy, he emulated hero Bobby Ferguson by becoming the club's first choice goalkeeper.
In this episode of the Killie Histories 'Big Match' series, we hear about Jim's pride at his call up to the World Cup Squad of 1974, his 1977 debut, as well as some memorable moments at club level, including promotion success and some iconic victories.
Jim also reflects on his highly successful twenty-year coaching career as well as his hopes for the future of Kilmarnock Football Club.
...
2020-09-2840 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 7: Jimmy CookThe smart ones knew not to mess with Jimmy Cook.
Despite standing at a mere five feet four inches, Kilmarnock FC's speedy, combative winger proved a match for many of Scotland's top defenders.
A fans' favourite of over 200 games, Jimmy regards one match with special fondness: the 1972 Scottish Cup semi final at Hampden Park against Celtic.
Passion and enthusiasm...and that's just in the interview!
www.killiehistories.com/jimmycook
2020-09-2136 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 6: Tommy McLeanKilmarnock FC Historian John Livingston puts it best:
"Tommy McLean was the star of the greatest ever game played at Rugby Park."
A winger blessed with high-precision accuracy in his delivery, the Killie number 7 is one of the all-time Kilmarnock greats. Tommy talks about his involvement in the greatest comeback in Scottish football history: Kilmarnock's 1964 recovery from 4-0 down against European legends, Eintracht Frankfurt.
www.killiehistories.com/tommymclean
2020-08-0321 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 5: Ronnie HamiltonOnly one player in Kilmarnock FC's 150-year history has been the top scorer for the league champions...Ronnie Hamilton.
Still the club's youngest-ever player, Ronnie talks about the special night in 1964 when Killie were five goals ahead against Celtic. The 5-2 victory set a marker for the Ayrshire men, on route to the club's sole league title.
As player, European goalscorer, title-winner, coach, board member, Chairman, Hall of Fame inductee and supporter, Ronnie Hamilton's service to Kilmarnock can be counted in decades.
www.killiehistories.com/ronniehamilton
2020-07-2834 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 4: Bobby FergusonFrom catching balls on Cannon Hill in Ardrossan to keeping out Pele, Bobby Ferguson's career scaled the heights.
In the final episode of Series 1 of 'The Big Match', Kilmarnock's league-winning goalkeeper reflects on an era when the club went toe-to-toe with Europe's best.
Bobby's Big Match is the famous last-day decider in April 1965. Needing to beat league leaders Hearts by two goals on their own patch in Edinburgh, Killie led 2-0 when a late, late chance fell for the hosts...
Bobby talks about the special moments as Scotland's number one, being a student...
2020-06-1232 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 3: Tom BlackA stylish left back. A scorer of vital goals. A Kilmarnock cult hero.
Tom Black revisits the 1993/94 Scottish Premier Division season, and one game in particular: the last game at the old Rugby Park.
Multi-million pound redevelopment was about to begin, but would the club open the new stadium in the top division...or was it going to be relegation after only one season back with the elite? With two games left, difficult opponents in Rangers and Hibs lay in wait.
www.killiehistories.com/tomblack
2020-06-0547 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 2: Paul ClarkeKilmarnock FC 'Hall of Fame' inductee Paul Clarke looks back at a shock Scottish Cup victory in 1978, before reflecting on his 11-year career at Scotland's oldest professional football club.
A true 'one-club player', Paul speaks about his roles with the club as a captain, coach and, these days, the Former Players' Association.
This episode is much more than the story of one match; it is an insight into a unique era of the club.
www.killiehistories.com/paulclarke
2020-05-2939 min
Killie HistoriesEpisode 1: Ray MontgomerieKilmarnock Football Club's captain for the 1997 Scottish Cup final assesses factors key to the team's success.
Victory was particularly special for the Ayrshire native, leading his local team to their third Scottish Cup win.
www.killiehistories.com/raymontgomerie
2020-05-2325 min