Killie fans sounded out for a boycott

KILMARNOCK supporters will tonight be asked to debate proposals for a formal boycott of home matches at Rugby Park. An open meeting in the town’s Grand Hall will discuss the future of the club following heated protests aimed at chairman Michael Johnston. Deeply unhappy with Johnston’s stewardship of the debt-ridden club — and results since the sacking of former

manager Kenny Shiels — the Kilmarnock Supporters Association have invited Johnston to attend, while also asking shareholders, season-ticket holders and paying fans to give their views. Johnston and recent investor Billy Bowie met with Paul Goodwin of Supporters Direct Scotland yesterday to discuss improving links with supporters. But neither man is expected at tonight’s meeting, where fans will consider formalising their ‘Not A Penny More’ protest launched at the start of the season. ‘We need to find out what the fans want to do next,’ said Killie Trust chairman Barry Richmond. ‘The club is a mess from top to bottom and something has to be done about it. ‘The problem is the division between some of the supporters over what should happen. ‘Many have decided they are going to vote with their feet and starve Michael Johnston of cash. ‘There are other fans who think the opposite. They think they should stay behind the team and get him out via other methods. ‘The only thing everyone is absolutely agreed on is that Michael Johnston (left) has to go. ‘I think what this meeting provides is the chance to hear people’s views and hearing what they think the way ahead should be. ‘We have to try to find some kind of consensus amongst the support. ‘I can assure everyone that the decision not to go has never been an easy decision. It is not much fun either.’ Johnston was invited to attend the meeting following a series of PR disasters. Accused of failing to engage with supporters, the Ayr solicitor is currently talking to potential investors in the club, but is believed to be asking for £2million to sell his shares and leave outright.