Killie Trust
The latest update from Trust director on the club board Don Bircham....
Timing is everything in life, so choosing the right moment to tell the current Mrs Bircham that our planned holiday to Spain would be delayed by ten days to allow for interviews for a new manager at Kilmarnock required a bit of careful thought. I managed to break the news at the same time as presenting a Christmas gift, which certainly helped!
Joking aside, it was important for me to be involved in the process and to ensure Trust members were properly represented. The response to the vacancy was significant, with applications received from candidates with experience across the UK, Europe and North America. After considering the key requirements for the role, a strong shortlist was agreed that reflected the Club’s needs and the challenges we face.
Interviews and discussion took place over two days, with a unanimous decision reached to appoint Neil and Billy. The process was thorough and well considered, and one that gave everyone confidence in the appointment.
As you would expect with any managerial change, there were a range of views initially. However, following Neil’s early engagement, there has been a clear shift towards a more positive and unified outlook. With the January transfer window now open, work is already well underway behind the scenes to support the new management team in strengthening the squad.
I’ll be meeting with Neil and Billy at Rugby Park this week to introduce myself and explain the role and workings of the Trust. We’ll also look to confirm a date for a ‘Meet the Manager’ event for Trust members in the near future.
I’d like to thank Kris Doolan, supported by Craig Clark and Paul Di Giacomo, for their work during the interim period. Kris will now return to his role as Head of Development and Under-19s Coach.
I was pleased to get along to Rugby Park for the Under-19s Scottish Cup victory over Celtic, which was followed by a terrific away win at St Mirren. Coming back from a goal down at half-time to secure a deserved 3–1 win was a great result, and we now look forward to the semi-final draw.
It was also great to catch up with George Maxwell and Jim McSherry at the recent Trust Club pre-match function in The Park Hotel. I couldn’t resist reminding George of the time I wore his boots in a school cup final at Rugby Park back in 1978. After my own boots failed the referee’s inspection, the Club stepped in with a pair that once belonged to George. Convinced this would inspire a ‘Billy’s Boots’ moment from 30 yards, I can confirm it didn’t quite work out that way!
Please do try to join us at the Trust Club ahead of home matches for a pint, a bite to eat and the chance to reminisce with some of our former players and familiar faces.
Our Women’s team continues to enjoy an excellent run of form and currently sit top of SWPL2 with 37 points from 13 matches, having scored 54 goals and conceded just 10. They recently faced a tough cup tie at Broadwood against Rangers, who currently sit second in SWPL1. While the result went against them, Jim Chapman and the squad saw it as a valuable test against the level they are aiming to compete at next season.
I’d encourage Trust members to get along and support them where possible. Their next fixture at Rugby Park takes place on Sunday 25 January, kick-off 3pm, against Spartans, who are currently third in the league.
The Club Shop enjoyed a very successful Christmas period both in-store and online. New Killie LTD stock is expected soon, while the 1986 retro top continues to sell well, with limited availability remaining. Killie On Top and the 150th Anniversary Book are back in stock, and half-season tickets remain on sale for upcoming home and away fixtures.
I’m also pleased to report that the SPFL alcohol pilot scheme worked well for us during the Motherwell and Falkirk matches, and we expect to continue contributing to the wider pilot going forward.
Finally, a reminder that all supporters are welcome to join the matchday get-together in the Killie Community Hub, which opens 90 minutes before kick-off. Thanks to the Killie Trust volunteers who provide a warm and welcoming space, with complimentary tea, coffee, and the chance to enjoy the build-up together. It’s a particularly good option for supporters who attend matches on their own and would like the opportunity to connect with fellow fans.
A final reminder that the Club AGM will take place on 29 January 2026, with a 6pm start in the 1869 Suite.
Killie Trust
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
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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.
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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.
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You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
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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:
ââ name and job title
ââ contact information including email address
ââ demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
ââ 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:
ââ 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.
ââ 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
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.
This Web Site belongs to Killie Trust.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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 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.
