Killie Trust

Club Director Monthly Update - March 2021

Join Opt Out
Join Renew

Join Opt Out
Join Renew

28/03/2021

Football Department

It is good to be sending this report out after the team securing a convincing win in our last home match against Motherwell. Like all Killie fans, I enjoyed seeing the good goals, and felt the sense of relief at getting the three points. I was particularly pleased for the Manager, who has been working extremely hard with the team. We still have challenges ahead with the post-split matches but, with three of those at home, we have a decent chance of getting more points on the board.

Once the international break is out of the way, we have a packed few weeks of first team fixtures, kicking off with the Scottish Cup tie against Stenhousemuir. Once again, it will be a real pity that, due to Covid, fans are still not able to be at matches and get behind the team for that match and the crucial league games to follow.

To ensure our development squad players are getting match time, Tomas Brindley has joined Dumbarton FC on loan until end of the season, Ally Taylor is spending time on loan at Stranraer, with Euan Deveney resuming his spell at Falkirk and Kyle Connell seeing out the season at Airdrie.
 

 

Club Annual General Meeting
The calling notice for the Club AGM has now been issued to shareholders, by email where possible, and by letter to those without email addresses. Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic restrictions, this year the AGM will be held online using Zoom. It will take place on Monday 12 April at 7pm and full details are in the calling notice, along with information on how to access the audited accounts and agenda.

The Board has tried to give as much information as possible in the AGM documents, to give shareholders the opportunity to send in questions for answer on the night. 

The accounts cover the period ending 31 May 2020, and show a profit of £61,483 in that financial year. This is a reduction on the previous financial year, which saw the club post a profit of £125, 096.  Since the onset of the pandemic, and the premature end of season 2019/20, the Club has had to face a number of challenges due to reduced income.

With the 2019/20 season brought to a close after 30 of the scheduled 38 matches due to Covid-19, the club ended the season in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership.

The transfer fees received for the sales of Greg Taylor to Celtic and Academy prospect Liam Smith to Manchester City were reinvested into the club infrastructure and these funds were very important given the financial impact of the shortened season. 

In addition to the upfront sums and monthly investments by the Killie Trust, Directors Billy Bowie and Phyllis McLeish committed further funds to the club in times of greatest need, in excess of £400,000. The support from fans has been tremendous, and everyone at the Club is extremely grateful for the contributions made.

In order to register to attend, shareholders must request access to the Club Secretary, Karen Costello via email on [email protected].

The login details for the AGM will then be sent to registered email addresses who have contacted the Club Secretary requesting a link to view this. The email will include a link and instruction on how to login to the portal.

If any shareholder does not receive an email or letter regarding the AGM, please get in touch – please note posted letters may not arrive until Monday!
 

 

Youth Academy

The Academy has started back albeit in a slightly restricted format, with junior players now in for two sessions per week. The under-18s started back on Friday 19 March, initially being restricted to non-contact training.  In order to participate in the u-18s league, which is expected to resume around 9 April, Clubs are required to test players. This brings an additional cost for the full testing regime.

 

Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust
With Primary-aged children returning to school, the Hexagol has been out and about across East Ayrshire. The KCST team has joined up with NHS Ayrshire and Arran to bring the ‘Weigh To Go’ programme virtually for the first time. Taking place over Zoom every Wednesday from 6-7pm, the current programme is open to males aged 16 and over, with plans to launch a female programme in the summer.

The 12-week programme includes regular health check and physical activity ideas with trained instructors and provides a supportive and motivational space to learn about healthy eating, food labelling and advice on cooking healthy meals.

For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
 

 

 
Commercial and Finance
The retail operations continue to go well, with the current sale having this season's season kit available at reduced prices. The commercial team is constantly looking at refreshing ranges and once again the Killie Ltd items are proving popular, as were the 1965 and 1985 retro shirts.

Following last month’s report, a number of fans got in touch regarding blue bricks and these queries have been dealt with. There has been a slight delay caused by a shipping holdup from China due to the global Covid pandemic. We expect the next load of bricks to be installed within the next 2/3 weeks. Anyone wishing to buy one can do so via the shop website: KILLIE BLUE BRICK.

The Killie Cares Fund is the perfect way to help fundraise for our community, Academy and Women's Team development whilst being in with a chance to win some great prizes. The jackpot is currently sitting at over £12,000 and our user guide is now available to download from the club website or by contacting Katrina Watson on [email protected].

If anyone has any issues regarding shop or commercial operations generally, Gregg McEwan Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations is happy to hear directly from supporters. He can be emailed at [email protected].

The first meeting of the Season Ticket Focus Group took place to discuss options for next season. Representatives from the Killie Trust, KFCSA, KFCDSA and individual fans met on a Zoom call with Club staff, Allen Kyle (Supporter Liaison Officer), along with  myself and Phyllis McLeish. This was a very constructive meeting, and the dialogue will continue at the next meeting on 8 April.

Killie Trust members have been invited to feed in thoughts and ideas to Trust Chair, Jim Thomson, so that he can reflect these in his input to the meeting.
 

 

Media and Communications
As we head towards the crucial climax to the season, the Media and Communications team have been busy providing comprehensive coverage across all our channels, including feature length interviews, alternative angle footage as well as the odd GIF!

Before departing for Philadelphia Union, Stuart Findlay sat down with our team to say a fond and heartfelt farewell to Rugby Park with an emotional interview as well as covering some of his most memorable moments in blue and white.

We've continued to welcome some familiar faces on Killie TV over the past four weeks with Andy McLaren and Mark Reilly joining us on commentary for matches against Dundee United and Motherwell respectively while record-appearance holder Alan Robertson took up the microphone for our away trip to Ross County.

Manager Tommy Wright sat down to review his first month in charge at Rugby Park while fans got to know a little bit more about Assistant Manager Paul Stephenson as part of our last weekend's half time coverage.

As I couldn’t listen at half time, I decided to play it later while doing some daily exercise on the treadmill. This maybe wasn’t the best idea as I laughed so much at the tumble drier tales, I nearly suffered an injury! Suffice to say laundry days will never be the same again!

Outside of football-related content, the manager and players showed their fun side by reading some children's stories as part of Onthank Primary School's promotion of the power of literature. 

While the media team loves creating content for the fans, they were also delighted to receive contributions from supporters themselves, including this essay from Colin Duff, providing the second instalment of the Killie Rituals series with heart-warming tales of sneaking into one particular 1980s team picture as well as the odd sneaky beverage or two while watching the club at home and abroad. You can read Colin's story in full here.

Poignantly, we released Colin's story to coincide with the one-year anniversary since fans were allowed to attend matches at Rugby Park.
 

 

Inclusion and Diversity
A group of Killie fans are looking at whether there is interest in establishing a Killie LBGTQ+ supporters’ group, to provide a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ fans to meet online initially and to help challenge prejudice and homophobia in football.  

Anyone interested can contact them via twitter @LGBTKillie and they plan to issue more information in coming weeks.
 

 

Fundraising
Two of our 1997 Scottish Cup heroes are undertaking huge challenges to raise awareness - and funds - for very worthwhile causes.

On Saturday 22 May, Mark Reilly will complete '100 for Dionne' for Reverse Rett. Rett Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that renders girls unable to walk, talk or feed themselves and requiring 24/7 care. Mark will run 100 miles between the four clubs he played for and he is aiming to do it in 24 hours, finishing at Rugby Park. And then in October, it's off to the Marathon des Sables: the desert marathon! You can find out more - and donate towards the £7,000 target - here.

During April, Ray Montgomerie is doing 'Run the Month' for Prostate Cancer awareness. Monty will be doing a 10K daily run. The national event aims to inspire the online community and help beat prostate cancer - the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. You can back Monty's efforts here.

Good luck to both!
 

 

 
Contacts
I can be contacted in the usual ways:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Cathy Jamieson
Twitter: @cathyjamieson
Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie

Best wishes

Cathy


    Killie Trust

    Website Privacy Statement

    Our policy relating to data collection and privacy has fairness at its heart and is never intended to cause objection or complaint and to that end if there is any dubiety we will not store your information. As a business we wish to stay in communication with your and keep you up to date with news, offers and updates on our product which you may find of interest, but we will only do this with your clear and specific consent.

    Standard Privacy Policy

    This privacy policy sets out how KILLIE TRUST uses and protects any information that you give KILLIE TRUST when you use this website.

    KILLIE TRUST is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

    KILLIE TRUST may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 13th Jun 2018 

    Security

    We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online and offline.

    Where we collect this information

    As a business we collect data for a number of sources, but our data policy applies to all of the following including personal data collected at reception, check in, exhibitions, on and off-line competitions, guest questionnaires, online bookings, online communications, digital newsletter sign ups from websites and social media, shared promotions with partners and others not listed.

    We confirm that unless specific consent is given by the user the information shared will not be stored beyond the purpose intended. If specific consent is given to use the information collected it will be stored securely and digitally encrypted and password protected. 

    How we use cookies

    A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
    We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data, using Google Analytics normally but on occasion other aggregation tools that advise us about web page traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

    Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

    You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

    Links to other websites

    Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

    Controlling your personal information

    You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
    ●    whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
    ●    if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us or by clicking unsubscribe where available.

    We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting only if you specifically consent to us that you wish this to happen.
    We undertake that third parties will only include businesses that support our business and your stay such as travel providers, visitor attractions, event providers and others directly related to our business offering.

    If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us [email protected] as soon as possible, at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

    Our Website and In House Data Collection Policy

    Our email collection policy is fully consent based and in entering your details clear consent is given by the user to receive future marketing materials from ourselves. The following information makes clear our policy on use of consent based email marketing and communications.

    What we collect

    We may collect the following information on a consent only basis:
    ●    name and job title
    ●    contact information including email address
    ●    demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
    ●    other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

    What we do with the information we gather

    The majority of the information we gather is required for contractual and legal purposes and to allow us to offer products and services as purchased. 
    When consent is given to use the information for marketing and communication purposes it is used for the following reasons:
    ●    We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
    ●    From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you using your provided email address for market research purposes. 

    Your information will never be shared with any third parties and at all times you have the right to unsubscribe permanently from our database with a simple click of the unsubscribe information at which time your details will be deleted from the mailing lists and removed from the database permanently with no archived records retained.
     

    Killie Trust

    Website Terms and Conditions

    Your use of the Killie Trust Web Site is subject to these terms and by using the Site you show your agreement to such terms. If you do not accept our terms, please do not use the Web Site.

    Ownership of Web Site

    This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.

    Headings

    Headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect their interpretation.

    Trademarks

    The images, logos and names on this Web Site which identify Killie Trust or third parties and their products and services are proprietary marks of Killie Trust and/or the relevant third parties. Nothing contained in this Web Site shall be deemed to confer on any person any license or right on the part of Killie Trust or any third party with respect to any such image, logo or name.

    Alterations

    Killie Trust reserves the right, at any time and without prior notice, to remove or cease to supply any product or service contained on this Web Site. In the event that such removal takes place we shall not be liable to you in any way whatsoever for such removal.

    Phone Calls and Emails

    Telephone calls using the telephone numbers provided on this Web Site and email correspondence with Killie Trust at the email addresses accessible through, or discernible from, this Web Site may be recorded or monitored. By using such communication methods you are consenting to the recording or monitoring of the same.

    Telephone charges

    The price of calls may vary depending on your telecoms supplier. Please check with your operator for exact charges.

    WEBSITE POLICIES

    Commercial use

    This Web Site is for non-commercial, personal use only. The services contained on this Web Site may be supplied on a commercial basis on payment to Killie Trust or its service or product suppliers of its charges from time to time.

    In the event that you use any of the services contained on this Web Site for commercial use, Killie Trust shall be entitled to charge you at its applicable rates in respect of such commercial use.

    Copyright

    The copyright in the material contained in this Web Site belongs to Killie Trust or its licensed source. Any person may copy any part of this material, subject to the following conditions:

    the material may not be used for commercial purposes;

    the copies must retain any copyrights or other intellectual property notices contained in the original material;

    the products and technology or processes described in this Web Site may be subject to other intellectual property rights reserved by Killie Trust or by other third parties with no license granted in respect of those intellectual property rights); images on this Web Site are protected by copyright as its text by IPR and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without the written permission of their respective owner(s).

    Changes to Terms and Records of Agreements

    We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time by posting changes on the Web Site. It is your responsibility to review the Web Site terms and conditions to ensure you are aware of the latest terms and conditions. Your use of this Web Site after a change has been posted will be deemed to signify your acceptance of the modified terms and conditions. We recommend that you print off and retain for your records a copy of these terms and conditions from time to time and a copy of any terms and conditions relating to any product or service which you apply for online, together with any related application form completed and submitted.

    Any amendment to terms and conditions must be agreed in writing by us, or, if appropriate, by the relevant company or individual supplier with whom you contract.

    Disclaimers

    Whilst Killie Trust has taken due care and attention in the preparation of the contents of this Web Site, this Web Site and the information, names, images, pictures, logos, icons regarding or relating to Killie Trust or our products and services marketed on the site (or to third party products and services), are provided on an 'as is' basis without any representation or endorsement being made and without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to, any implied warranties of satisfactory quality, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, compatibility, security and accuracy.

    To the extent permitted by law, all such terms and warranties are hereby excluded. In no event will Killie Trust be liable, whether in contract or tort (including negligence or breach of statutory duty) or otherwise for any losses sustained and arising out of or in connection with use of this Web Site including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data or loss of goodwill (in all these cases whether direct or indirect) nor any indirect, economic, consequential or special loss.

    Killie Trust does not represent that the information contained in this Web Site is accurate, comprehensive, verified or complete, and shall accept no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this Web Site or for any reliance placed by any person on the information.

    Killie Trust does not warrant that the functions or materials accessible from or contained in this Web Site will be uninterrupted or error free, that defects will be corrected or that this Web Site or the server that makes it available are virus or bug free or represent the full functionality, accuracy, reliability of the materials.

    If any of these Terms and Conditions (or any terms and conditions relating to a product or service referred to in this Web Site) should be determined to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable by reason of the laws of any state or country in which such terms and conditions are intended to be effective, then to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability, and in relation to such state or country only, such terms or condition shall be deleted and severed from the rest of the relevant terms and conditions and the remaining terms and conditions shall survive, remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding and enforceable. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Killie Trust's liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence of Killie Trust.

    Intellectual Property Rights

    All Intellectual Property Rights (including, without limitation, all database rights, rights in designs, rights in know-how, patents and rights in inventions (in all cases whether registered or unregistered and including all rights to apply for registration) and all other intellectual or industrial property rights in any jurisdiction) in any information, content, materials, data or processes contained in or to this Web Site belong to Killie Trust or its licensed source. All rights of Killie Trust in such Intellectual Property Rights are hereby reserved.

    Jurisdiction and Law

    Killie Trust makes no representation that any product or service referred to on or through the Web Site is appropriate for use, or available in other locations. The information and other materials contained in this Web Site may not satisfy the laws of any other country and those who choose to access this Site from other locations are responsible for compliance with local laws if and to the extent local laws are applicable.

    These Terms and Conditions and any terms and conditions relating to products or services described in this Web Site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of Scotland. Disputes arising in relation to the same shall, unless otherwise expressly agreed, be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.

    Links to other Web Sites

    Certain (hypertext) links, advertisements or suppliers promotion will lead you to Web Sites that are not under the control of Killie Trust. When you activate any of these links, you will leave Killie Trust Web Site by opening a new window and we have no control over and will accept no responsibility or liability in respect of the material on any such other Web Site. By allowing links with third party Web Sites Killie Trust does not intend to solicit business or offer any security to any person in any country, directly or indirectly.

    Force Majeure

    Every effort will be made to carry out the contract but its due performance is subject to cancellation by Killie Trust or to such variation as we may find necessary as a result of inability to secure labour, materials or supplies or as a result of any act of God, War, Strike, Lockout or other labour dispute, Fire, Flood, Drought, Legislation, or other cause (whether of the foregoing class or not) beyond the sellers control.

    Killie Trust

    Website Accessibility

    We have tried to make this website as accessible as possible and easy to use for everyone, regardless of circumstance or ability.

    All our page templates comply with the WCAG Priority 2 checkpoints as a minimum requirement. And we make every effort to ensure that all the content on our site meets this standard too. We are making every effort to ensure that we don't exclude any users. For example:

    • We try to use clear and simple language.
    • We use alternative text for all our images 
    • Were possible the HTML we produce conforms to the standard: XHTML 1.0 Strict
    • We have tested the colours we use in the design for contrast.

    We try to publish all our text content as accessible HTML rather than in other formats such as PDF. Where we do publish PDFs or other formats our policy is to make them as accessible as we can.