Killie group aims to do a deal with Johnston

EXCLUSIVE

UNDER-FIRE Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston will today hold talks with a local business group keen to seize control of the crisis club. Facing calls for an official supporters’ boycott, following a fiery open meeting in Kilmarnock’s Grand Hall last night, Johnston has agreed to meet with the Kilmarnock Futures Consortium. Led by Alan McLeish of Killie kit manufacturer QTS, the group also consists of Kilmarnock-supporting businessmen Kenny Alexander, Chris McMail of local firm Microtech and former Rugby Park chief executive Ian Welsh. Committed to a level of community ownership, the consortium are keen to offer a disillusioned support a say in the club’s future. With bank debts in excess of £9million, Johnston is seeking fresh investment and claims to have received a £1m investment from

fellow director Billy Bowie. As supporters debated an official boycott of the club amidst rising unease over the Ayr solicitor’s stewardship, however, the Kilmarnock Futures Consortium confirmed their plans in a statement to Sportsmail. ‘Everyone with the best interests of Kilmarnock Football Club at heart wants to reverse the recent dip in the club’s fortunes, both on and off the pitch,’ said the group. ‘To that end, we are meeting Michael Johnston tomorrow (Friday) to discuss our proposals to take over the running of the club, which we believe should include the involvement of the fans. ‘This meeting is the culmination of months of confidential discussions with Michael, during which we have outlined our ambitions, plans and credentials to initially stabilise the club and to drive towards a positive future.’ Sportsmail understands the consortium are also keen to do a deal with Kilmarnock’s bankers to restructure an onerous debt — if they get control. Previous attempts to persuade Johnston to step aside have ended unsuccessfully. Alexander was linked to an investment in 2010, while the Klin Group, led by Marie Macklin, tendered an offer last October, which was rejected. Macklin offered support thereafter to the Ayrshire Business Group, a loose alliance of local companies and sponsors led by Killie pie producer John Gall. Detailing former club chairman Bill Costley to meet Johnston, however, discussions ended in acrimony after the one-man board of directors was accused of seeking £2m for shares he purchased for a pound in 2005. Johnston (left) denied those claims and has been speaking to potential investors and allies. Businessman Bowie has offered his financial backing, but it is unclear if the Kilmarnock Futures Consortium see the majority shareholder as part of their plans.