Ewan Paton
McInnes must take action or the drop beckons for Kilmarnock
WITH the exception of the 2021/ 22 campaign, Kilmarnock have spent the best part of 30 years in Scotland’s top flight. It’s fair to say Killie belong amongst the country’s elite.
Relegation during the Covid season was a bitter pill for supporters to swallow. With fans locked out of stadiums, it was tough to sit helplessly at home and watch the disaster unfold under Alex Dyer and Tommy Wright.
While it wasn’t pretty, last season’s objective was simple: win promotion. Derek McInnes was appointed in January this year and within four months turned the club’s fortunes around and won the title.
However, unless the pressing issues facing the Ayrshire side in the Premiership are addressed by McInnes & Co, a quick return to the Championship beckons.
Killie sit in the relegation play- off spot on 15 points, just three above basement boys Dundee United, who now have a game in hand. Killie also have the worst goal difference in the division.
They lost their first match back after the winter break against Hearts, making it four defeats in their last five games. This was probably the expected outcome, but the manner of the first- half performance was concerning but an all too familiar sight this term. Two defensive mistakes gifted the hosts two goals. It could have been more. Things improved after the break, but that wouldn’t have been difficult.
There are various factors for Killie’s poor form in the league, but the obvious reason appears to be an unsettled team and formation.
Just once, in all the club’s 23 competitive domestic games this term, has McInnes elected to play the same team in back- to- back fixtures.
On the face of it, that’s a major problem. Fans are certainly confused every week as to why so many changes to the personnel are constantly made. But it’s not just the
players that have been changed, it’s the formations too. Killie have lined up in a 3- 5- 2, a 4- 3- 3, a 4- 2- 3- 1, a 4- 5- 1 and even a 3- 3- 3- 1.
I’m far from a tactical expert, but these decisions don’t seem conducive to the consistency levels required to survive in the Premiership.
Don’t get me wrong, there have been occasions where said changes to the starting XI have proved successful. Beating Hibs prior to the World Cup probably being the outstanding example after being demolished by Dundee United just a few days before.
No Killie manager should be judged against Steve Clarke. The Scotland manager was in a different stratosphere to the level of coaches
the club have employed in their modern history.
But Clarke always spoke about keeping things simple. You could predict his line- up every week. This helped to create a well- oiled machine and total understanding throughout. Also, the occasions when players were played out of position were few and far between. A return to anything resembling this model surely points to greater chances of success.
The obvious defence McInnes has is that too many of his squad are not good enough. That’s not new information. It was clear during the summer that the player pool was bloated with Championship players.
One transfer window was never going to fix that. Killie need to hope that two might. The upcoming January period is critical for the club’s survival hopes. There is no room for sentiment. McInnes must shift out the hefty amount of dead wood and try to bring in quality, not quantity. Since his arrival, the manager has been hamstrung by sub- standard players on two- year deals which were handed out by the previous regime.
Unlike during the summer, McInnes will be assisted by Killie’s new recruitment chief, Russ Richardson. He has been in post since September after restructuring behind the scenes. He was McInnes’ trusted top scout at Aberdeen, helping to unearth several gems.
Some will point out that McInnes recruited double figures during pre- season, but his main strengths clearly lie in management. Richardson hasn’t been in the door for long, but he’s at least had the chance to lay the groundwork for what is a crucial four weeks coming up. At least five or six new players are required, the majority of whom need to be starters. I’d expect to see a larger number leave.
The return of Kyle Lafferty in four- games’ time could be a gamechanger. His stupidity has undoubtedly cost the club dear. His absence has been felt in every game of his lengthy ban, with Killie’s sole goal threat coming at set- pieces.
The re- emergence of Scott Robinson after nearly a year out through injury was one positive to take from Tynecastle at the weekend. He too could be like a new signing once up to full match sharpness.
Next up is Motherwell away. Killie have taken just one point from 27 on the road this season. Therein lies another major flaw.
Ending their hoodoo away from Fir Park will pave the way for a good run over the festive period, with two home matches to follow.
Regardless, the season hinges on the next six weeks. If these issues are addressed, Killie can more than hold their own against United, County, Motherwell et al. If not, the drop is a very real threat.
No Killie manager should be judged against Steve Clarke. The Scotland manager was in a different stratosphere
TOMORROW Nick Rodger