KILMARNOCK

LAST SEASON

PREMIERSHIP 3rd SCOTTISH CUP Fifth Round LEAGUE CUP Second Round TOP SCORER Eamonn Brophy (12)

FANFILE ALEXANDER CASSIDY @cass316

The big talking point among the fans was replacing Scotland-bound Steve Clarke in the dugout, until we hired Angelo Alessio, Antonio Conte’s No.2 with Juventus, Chelsea and Italy.

This season will be different because we’ve qualified for Europe for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Our most underrated player is Gary Dicker [below] – a fantastic captain. Look out for 18-year-old striker Innes Cameron. He was on loan at Stranraer last season. He’s a big lad who would be a good replacement for the recently retired Kris Boyd.

The best away ground is Tynecastle. The atmosphere is always electric. The best away fans are Aberdeen’s or either of the two Edinburgh sides’. The opposition player I secretly admire is Shay Logan, Aberdeen’s wind-up merchant. Solid full-back. The best thing about the matchday experience at Killie is what the club have done to get more kids involved. Every week there seem to be more and more activities for young ones behind the Moffat Stand. Great to see.

Our best celebrity fan is Outlander star Steven Cree. All over Killie Twitter. The best club social media account is our winger @Domthomas23. The guy is absolutely hilarious. Follow! Did you know that we are the oldest professional team in the country. Sorry, Queen’s Park.

Our key player will be Alan Power [above, left] – the 31-year-old former Lincoln midfielder just oozes class. The best news of pre-season was him signing a new three-year contract. The pantomime villain will be Scott Brown, because he always is.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that he has fantastic pedigree, having worked with some of the best players in the world. I have high hopes. Clarke was a once-in-a-generation coach, so hopefully Alessio builds on his base.

If he left, he should be replaced by no one. I mean, we’ve already had an exciting manager search. I don’t think my heart could take another one. We’ll finish in the top six, hopefully pushing for a European place again.