Jones sees brighter future after Kilmarnock squad make good first impression on Clarke

PARTICK THISTLE

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Jordan Jones is hoping the appointment of new manager Steve Clarke can lift Kilmarnock out of their doldrums.

Rugby Park became a bleak place during the last few days of former boss Lee Mcculloch’s Killie reign.

But after making former Chelsea skipper Clarke their bold choice to replace Mcculloch, Jones, the Killie midfieldeer, says things are already looking brighter.

The incoming manager watched Saturday’s clash with Partick Thistle at the Energy Check Stadium from the directors’ box but his presence was enough to inspire the visitors to their first win of the season.

Kris Boyd and Adam Frizzel struck in an impressive 2-0 victory that moves Killie up off bottom spot and above Thistle.

Now Jones thinks the Ayrshire squad will be desperate to see that upturn continue under Clarke. “It was important we all made a good impression on him,” he said.

“It was good to have him in the stands watching the game. He came in before the game, introduced himself and said a few words. I think we’ve all made a good account of ourselves so now we need to kick on from here.

“Everyone will be on a clean slate now that there is a new manager in place. There’s no guaranteed starters but everyone was right on their game against Thistle. Hopefully we’ve done enough to keep our places for Rangers a week on Wednesday. It’s a bold appointment by the club. He’s got a massive name in the game and has a lot experience. It’s just what we want as a club and players need right now.”

Thistle now find themselves three points adrift at the bottom and still without a win from nine games. Manager Alan Archibald realises the situation is getting serious. “The Dundee game next weekend is massive but we’re still in touching distance,” he said. “The next couple of fixtures give us a chance to get back into the pack, but we said that before this game.

“Myself and the players have got to make sure we take that on board and realise how big a game it is, because I hate to say it, but it looked as though that game meant more to Kilmarnock today with the aggression in their play.”