KILLIE BRACED FOR FIGHT TO KEEP STAR PLAYERS

KILMARNOCK are facing a fight to retain key players in the wake of their humiliating Europa League elimination by Connah’s Quay Nomads. The Rugby Park club slumped to a 2-0 defeat against the Welsh part-timers nine days ago to ensure their first continental participation since 2001 was painfully brief. A number of Killie first-team players are now thought to be interested in exploring transfer options as they attract interest amid a difficult start to Angelo Alessio’s tenure at the Ayrshire club. Kilmarnock have denied any formal transfer requests have been submitted. Unrest is believed to have grown over the summer following Alessio’s surprise appointment as Steve Clarke’s replacement. The 54-year-old had never previously managed a top-flight side but was assistant to Antonio Conte at Juventus, Chelsea and the Italian national side. Alex Dyer, who had been Clarke’s assistant, was retained by majority shareholder Billy Bowie. However, his influence is thought to have waned after Alessio brought in Massimo Donati, the former Celtic, Hamilton Accies and St Mirren midfielder. Fitness coach Andy White, another key member of Clarke’s staff, has been removed and his role filled by Ross Hughes, who had previously worked for Ross County. Clarke’s goalkeeping coach Billy Thomson — who worked with him in his opening matches for Scotland against Cyprus and Belgium — has been demoted and now works with the youth team. His place has been taken by Italian Marco Garofalo. On Thursday, the club’s chief executive, Kirsten Robertson, resigned. One agent representing Killie’s want-away stars has complained that they had been unable to contact her for days prior to her quitting her post.