Magennis: Boyd’s verbal volley inspired vital win
JOSH MAGENNIS has revealed that a verbal rocket from veteran striker Kris Boyd inspired Kilmarnock to their 4-0 win at Hamilton.
The Rugby Park side reduced the gap between themselves and Martin Canning’s side to four points with three games to play, and Magennis has told how an afternoon of pure focus started on the team bus to New Douglas Park when Boyd let rip.
“Boydy gave it,” he said. “There was to be no moment, from even before a ball was kicked, that anyone could rest on their laurels.
“From quarter to 12, when we met up, to quarter to five, we had to be right at it. We needed a few rockets up the backsides and Boydy’s capable of delivering them.”
Killie enjoyed strong backing from their away support and Magennis admits that was music to the players’ ears following some difficult weekends.
“Fans pay their money and they have an opinion, to which they’re well entitled, so it’s a lot easier to get through 90 minutes with them on your side,” admitted the Northern Irishman.
“The only way you’re going to do that is to give 100 per cent for the jersey, to play entertaining football when you can and to put points on the board.
“It’s so important that we have everyone at this club – players, management, staff, fans – pulling in the same direction so we can stay in this league.
“Even though I have one eye on France (the Euro 2016 finals with Northern Ireland), the most important thing is Kilmarnock getting safe.”
Dundee United could have their fate sealed when they travel to city rivals Dundee tonight and Magennis admits that knowing Killie cannot finish bottom would provide a strange sort of lift.
“It will be a relief knowing the team below you can’t catch you,” said Magennis. “When we play like that, we don’t care who we play against, but there’s no point being up and down. You have to steady the ship.”