Killie Trust

May/June 2021

Join Opt Out
Join Renew

Join Opt Out
Join Renew
Dear Killie Trust member,

Given the position the Club is now in, this is undoubtedly the most difficult report I have had to write since joining the Board. Like all fans, I was absolutely gutted that we lost out in the playoff matches, and relegation became the reality we had all dreaded. It was particularly disappointing that we lost those matches with such poor performances, especially as we had a number of fans back in the stadium for the home leg.

Without wishing to go over old ground, I do want to reiterate the apology that the Board made immediately after the match. We felt that we had to take our responsibilities seriously and convey the message to fans that we aim to make changes which will hopefully see our time in the Championship be as brief as possible. We also felt it important to give assurances that there was a plan in place to rebuild the squad, and that the Manager was ready to lead this on the football side.

Given the amount of direct communication with fans, and media involvement, in the immediate aftermath, as well as the need for the Board to be working closely with the Manager and Head of Football Operations on implementing the rebuilding strategy, I decided to hold off completing this report until that was done, and initial player departures and signings were completed.

 

Football Department

As supporters will now be aware, a significant number of players were released immediately, and we wish them well with whatever comes next. A number of players were offered contracts and those who did not wish to accept have also left. Some discussions are still ongoing at the time of writing, and we have also seen new players signed quickly.

I am sure that supporters will understand that Tommy and James have a plan in place, with the Board giving financial backing, and wish to do as much of the rebuild as they can at an early stage, given the start of new season is only a matter of weeks away.

We were disappointed to see quotes attributed to Kyle Lafferty in a newspaper, implying that the Club had not acted properly with regard to himself. As Trust members and other supporters have heard me say before (sometimes to their immense frustration!), the Club does not conduct its business or negotiations in public or provide a minute-by-minute running commentary on these matters. Often that means having to ignore rumours and speculation without responding. 

However, on this occasion we did feel it was important to quickly set the record straight, and outline our position. It is disappointing that his time with the Club has ended on a somewhat sour note, but we wish him well and we must move on to ensure that the squad is rebuilt with players who want to play for us with the passion and commitment that fans expect and deserve.

Plans are under way for a preseason training camp in Northern Ireland at end of June, to allow the new players time to work and get to know each other ahead of the first Cup games in early July.

 

 

Season Tickets

I’m delighted to report that there has been an amazing response to Season Tickets going on sale, with a record 1700 being sold in the first week.

This season’s offering was revised in light of feedback from fans through the focus group, and saw the introduction of a new under-18 category, to take account of young people still being at school, a much cheaper under-16 ticket and free under-5 ticket.

The intention is to try to create a pathway which will get children along to matches when restrictions lift, giving them an early connection with their club and hopefully creating lifelong supporters!

In recognition of the fact that fans who bought season passes last year had not received the matches promised, those fans were offered a loyalty discount, in addition to the special edition retro shirt which is being created. I appreciate that some fans who have held season tickets for many years but did not buy last year for whatever reason have been unhappy with this, but it was essentially designed to offer something those fans who did buy. We also appreciate that some fans may have circumstances which mean they need to have a refund and arrangements have been made for that where needed.

Any queries regarding ticketing can be addressed to [email protected].

As well as the fantastic response to season ticket sales, many fans have asked how else they can contribute to the Club. Some have offered to donate the “discount” received either directly to the Club, or Killie Trust, while others have offered to purchase season tickets to go to supporters who can’t afford them. The Killie Hippo Fanzine has received a number of offers of family tickets, and in response to a suggestion from Trust members, there is a facility for fans to donate what they can afford specifically for this, with the Trust continuing to work with the local Social Work Department to identify families who can benefit.

If anyone wishes to contribute via the Trust, please email [email protected]

Once restrictions are lifted the Club will continue to provide free tickets to community groups and organisations so please make any suggestions and we can keep these on file ready to go!  

Please feel free to email me [email protected] or Paul di Giacomo at KCST [email protected].

COVID-19 and fans in stadium
With Covid levels being reduced, a number of fans have been asking about anticipated numbers being allowed back into stadium and when this may happen.

At time of writing, we do not have a decision from the relevant authority on how many will be allowed in. Obviously we want to maximise the numbers to ensure season ticket holders will be able to access, but we cannot give any concrete information at this point.

We appreciate the co-operation from the fans who were in attendance in adhering to entry and exit arrangements. The authorities appeared to be happy with the safety arrangements for the home playoff leg and we are hopeful that this will stand the club in good stead.

 

Commercial
As announced at AGM, work has now commenced on converting the “Killie Club” to accommodate the shop and a museum / exhibition area, which will double up as a lower cost hospitality offering on match days. The work on this development is being funded by Club Director Phyllis McLeish. The new shop will open in July, with new strips and leisurewear ranges due to be on offer. The existing shop building will be removed. 

Hospitality offerings will be dependent on Covid restrictions, but we are hopeful that we will shortly be able to see the 1869 Suite back in operation for small events.

I joined Club Ambassador Ray Montgomerie and Supporter Liaison Officer Allen Kyle to hand out the signed shirts to those who had sponsored them last year. Once again, we were limited in what we could do given restrictions, but were able to get sponsors into the ground for socially distanced photographs. You can read more here.

Ray is currently working on securing advertisers for next season, so if anyone wishes to advertise on boards at the stadium, or to sponsor a player’s home or away shirt, please get in touch with him directly [email protected].

These sources of income are vital to the Club and the commitment from advertisers and sponsors is much appreciated. I will again be sponsoring the Nil by Mouth advertising board in the Chadwick Stand. 
 

 

Stadium Developments

Work has also begun on the memorial garden which will be situated along the wall which runs from the 1869 Suite towards the Ticket Office. The plan is to have an area of turf from the old grass pitch available for those who wish to scatter ashes, and for fans to be able to buy memorial plaques to remember loved ones. We do not have the full details of how this will work as yet, but if anyone is interested please contact Gregg McEwan, Head of Commercial and Marketing [email protected] and he can keep you updated. I have already received a number of queries and these have been collated and passed on to Gregg.

Planning permission has been granted by the local council for office space at the top of the Moffat Stand. This will be created by removing 10 rows of seating at the rear of the stand and installing prefabricated buildings. This will affect 32 people who have had season tickets in that area and they will be relocated.

I appreciate that there has been some confusion over the purpose of these offices, so its maybe helpful if I clarify that these are offices for staff and not for letting out. The office premises at Portland Road were a short-term solution, and have not been used since the pandemic began, as staff have been working from home or within temporary areas within the stadium. The development will allow for space for Academy and Community staff, bringing everyone into the stadium campus. Discussions are ongoing regarding letting out of the old fitness centre building. 

Preparation is also under way for installation of the viewing platform for disabled supporters in the Moffat Stand. Seats are being removed to create space for the ramp, which has been fabricated off site, and the shelter to be installed.  

Work on the office space is being funded by Club Director Billy Bowie and the Disabled platform and viewing area by the Killie Trust.

We are also exploring options for siting the Sensory Room within this area as well as alternative locations in the stadium.

 

Ray Montgomerie and Provost, Jim Todd, at the site of the memorial garden.
Photo credit: Douglas Reid, Twitter.

 

Media
The media team has been focused on the aftermath of the playoffs, players leaving, new signings and of course the season ticket campaign, Heart of our Homeland, which was designed as recognition that fans are at the heart of our club and how much we have missed having them in the stadium. 

As well as the interview with Club Directors post-playoffs, there have been interviews with the Manager and the Head of Football Operations. I did interviews with BBC, STV, Sky Sports and Westsound, and Phyllis McLeish has done an interview with the Kilmarnock Standard. 

Over the next few preseason weeks, the media team will be working on content to help fans get to know the new squad members, not forgetting the final matches of the season for Women’s Team. They will also be working on content from the preseason training camp to keep fans updated.

 

Youth Academy
Academy Director Paul McDonald has provided this report for the Killie Trust, as official Academy Partners: 

“We have now reached the conclusion of the 20-21 season for the u18s and it has been an extremely positive and exciting time for our young players. The u18s missed out narrowly from qualifying for the European Youth League, taking the competition to the last day of the season before finally succumbing to Celtic at home. Our boys thoroughly proved they are a match for their counterparts in the top academies in Scotland. 

It has also been extremely encouraging for all of our young academy players that the pathway has been somewhat re-established with another two academy players Ross Smith (u18) and Jon Craig (u17) joining the first team squad for the final playoff game of the season. Hopefully a sign of things to come. 

Jon Craig and Steven Warnock joined up with the National u19 squad at beginning of June, joining our former academy player Liam Smith (Manchester City) in the 20-man squad. 

We are waiting to announce our new academy fulltime players who will be joining us this summer. 

On a negative note, we have to wish those players who did not receive new contracts the very best of luck in the future and thank them for their time with us. They have been an absolute pleasure to coach and fingers crossed they will bounce back. Hopefully they all leave with many happy memories, such as the Scottish Youth Cup Semi Final win.  

Our u17s remain unbeaten in the CAS Cup competition beating our Ayrshire rivals Ayr 4-0 in May. We have a number of players from this group also in the reckoning of the next u17 National Squad, which will be announced shortly.

Finally, a thank you to the parents of our players for being so respectful to all of the difficult guidelines set out due to Covid which denied them the opportunity to watch their sons play for us.”
 
The Club will be shortly be restarting the review of the Academy set up with a view to ensuring that we get the best outcomes for talented young players. I have had some queries regarding the set up for the girls’ / women’s Academy, particularly in relation to the opportunity for girls for the School of Football at the McIlvanney Campus. This is something which I will pick up and report back on in due course. 

 

Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust
The community team has been busy out and about going into schools in East and North Ayrshire and this will continue throughout June.  These visits include using the Hexagol, and also the schools programme, with Mini Kickers and Walking Football also on the agenda. 

We have had discussions on how Club and KCST can work to extend community work into North Ayrshire, and also with Club, Trust, KCST, East Ayrshire Council and the Cruyff Foundation on possible community projects.

 

Child Protection and Welfare
As part of work undertaken for Club Licensing Audit, and in response to the SFA Report on Historic Abuse in Football, the Club has identified a number of areas where we could make changes to provide increased safety for young people, and also do more to ensure that the needs and views of young people are sought and listened to. I have joined the SFA Working Group on Child Wellbeing and Protection and will be involved in regular discussions on best practice and developing policy.

I am in the process of bringing together a small advisory group to support the work of our Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer Charlie Adams, and to develop closer links with the Killie Trust and supporters’ groups. The demands will not be onerous but could involve meetings (mostly online) helping review and refresh policy and procedures, and generally contributing to good practice.  

If any Trust member has a background relevant to child protection and wellbeing and is interested in assisting with this group, please contact me [email protected].

 

Thank you to Killie Trust members
I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the Trust members who have been in touch restating their commitment to the Trust and the Club. It is often the case that times of crisis or difficulty can bring people together for a common cause and, after the initial shock and anger of relegation, the response from Trust members and fans generally has been constructive and supportive. New members joining, additional subscriptions to ‘Trust in Killie’, and offers of practical help have all been very welcome.  

Trust Chair Jim Thomson will be putting out further calls for specific roles, but meantime if you have skills to offer, please get in touch [email protected].

 

Contacts
Just a reminder that I can be contacted in following ways:

Email : [email protected]
Twitter: @cathyjamieson
Instagram: cathyjamiesonkillie
Facebook: cathy jamieson 

Club staff, the Supporter Liaison Officer, the Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer and Kilmarnock Football Club Disabled Supporters Association (KFCDSA) can be contacted directly with details available on club website here.

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.