Football Season Guide

Kilmarnock yet again secured history last year as Steve Clarke guided them to European football for the first time in 18 years. He was then hired by Scotland, and has now been replaced by Italian legend Angelo Alessio. Unfortunately, Alessio is right up against it without a domestic ball having been kicked. After Killie's hard work and long wait to qualify for Europe, the new manager fell to Welsh minnows Connahs Quay Nomads in the first qualifying round. Supporters are furious with the Italian. That pressure, combined with failing to replace both Jordan Jones and Kris Boyd, is a major source of frustration. Boyd may have been in and out of the team, but Jones was essential to Killie's success. So far, just two signings have come in the Rugby Park door. Laurentiu Branescu has arrived on a season-long loan from Juventus. In addition to that, Mohamed El Makrini provides some competition for Alan Power and Gary Dicker in the centre of midfield. Eamonn Brophy will be the man to lead the line once again, but Killie don't have an out-and-out replacement for Jones at the moment. One big positive is how strong Killie's defence now looks heading into the new campaign. They've managed to fend off wolves for the likes of Stuart Findlay, Greg Taylor and Stephen O'Donnell. With Kirk Broadfoot also available, the backline of the Ayrshire side proves they'll be stubborn this year once again. But heading into the new campaign, Killie don't offer a lot going forward as it stands, and need to add more to the striking position as well as down the left flank. Fans are already baying for blood even this early on.