Killie Chairman Takes Big Risk

The news that Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown have tonight left Kilmarnock 'by mutual consent' is one of those stories that both surprises and comes as no surprise. There has been clear tension between the management and Chairman Michael Johnston, yet Jefferies seemed to be 'in with the bricks' at Rugby Park. Results have been poor this season but Jefferies has had to work within very tight financial constraints.

The Chairman has acted in response to two issues. The past week has seen a major row erupt over a newspaper article by striker Kevin Kyle. He 'leaked' that while in contract negotiations with the Chairman, he was asked his views about the management and organisational abilities of the manager. The fact that Kyle handed this story to 'The Sun' would indicate that the players were on the side of the Manager. It's not the first acrimonious dispute of the season. Before a ball was kicked an offer of a coaching post made to Paul Ritchie was withdrawn. Then, a hastily-imposed set of fixedpenalties for on-field offences was announced. Both incidents seemed to undermine Jefferies authority at the club. Chairman Johnston, who runs a one-man show in the Boardroom at Rugby Park, has acted decisively to show them who is boss. He's really stuck his neck out now and must be prepared for the consequences, whatever they turn out to be.

The second issue facing Kilmarnock is relegation. If the season ends with them going down then it could well be the end for the cash-strapped club. Jefferies had the experience to get Killie out of that situation. It is now imperative for the club to get somebody in place quickly to steady the ship. With the players seemingly behind the now-departed manager, the new man needs to get in and establish himself fast. With the transfer window closing in three weeks time, there is little space for the new man to add to the squad. Jefferies has carried the can for poor results, dwindling crowds and lacklustre performances. The next incumbent will be tasked with bringing about a dramatic improvement. but the tools at his disposal may be little different to those Jefferies worked with.

Jefferies has earned respect over the years as a reliable manager who produces teams that are effective if not particularly exciting. He worked his way up from Gala Fairydean to Berwick Rangers, Falkirk and Hearts before a brief and unsuccessful spell in England at Bradford City. Billy Brown, whose journeyman playing career makes Jefferies playing experiece seem stellar, has been his loyal assistant throughout. The inescapable thought is that Kilmarnock's Chairman might have been better trying to repair his relationship with Jefferies than disposing of him at this time.

The wisdom of his move will become apparent as the second half of the season unfolds. Killie need points badly to get themselves clear of the relegation dog fight that they find themselves mired in. They also need to get their local community on board once again. Crowds at Rugby Park were better in the early 1990s when the club climbed two disivions in quick succession. Back then the fans were enthused by attacking football and a sense of purpose. Charismatic managers like Jim Fleeting and Tommy Burns breathed fresh air into a club that had stagnated for too long.

The cycle that clubs go through seems to have swung round to stagnation again. Perhaps Jefferies would not have been able to get the club moving in the right direction? Or perhaps it is change at Boardroom level that is required to move things on? If the club recover and climb the SPL table then Johnston will be hailed as a hero. If things go even more pear-shaped than they are now he might be run out of town.