Football Season Guide

It was a season to remember for Kilmarnock as they finished fifth in the Premiership last season and bagged wins against both halves of the Old Firm. This was all the more incredible given the shocking run of early-season form that saw Lee McCulloch sacked from Rugby Park and replaced by Steve Clark whilst in a relegation dog-fight. However, Clarke recruited wisely and turned the side into an organised unit that looked impenetrable at times last season. Building on that will be difficult, but Clarke has been able to keep the core of his squad intact from the previous campaign. One particular key piece of business was getting Stuart Findlay signed up on a permanent deal from Newcastle United. The centre-back earned rave reviews last season, and will be expected to hold the fort at the back once again this season. Replacing Youssouf Mulumbu will be the biggest challenge for Clarke and Kilmarnock however. The midfield powerhouse dominated so many games for his club last season, and was instrumental in the home wins over Rangers and Celtic respectively. As of yet, a replacement hasn't been signed, and Clarke has confirmed the midfielder won't be back next season. Mikael Ndjoli and Ross Millen have been the other acquisitions from Bournemouth and a free transfer respectively. However, a box-to-box midfielder to fill the void left my Mulumbu still has to be addressed. Strong movement can be expected from Killie before the end of the transfer window, but it looks as though Kris Boyd, Lee Erwin and Eamonn Brophy will be relied upon once again this season to notch the goals. Jordan Jones will continue to be the main source of creativity if Killie can hold onto him, whilst this could be another big season for Greg Kiltie, who continues to receive admirers throughout the country. A similar finishing position to last season would seem unlikely, but Kilmarnock won't want to lose their place in the top six. Their focus this season will be maintaining their competitive nature, and ensuring the loss of Mulumbu doesn't take them back to the relegation battle.