David Lilley is doubtful for tomorrow's match. but should be ready to face Hearts a week later althought Gary Wales has a badly bruised foot and could miss the big kick-off.
Manager Jim Jefferies is enthusiastic about the campaign ahead despite a quiet summer of transfer activity. "We finished last season really well, and have a great spirit in the squad. Our wages budget was £1.3million but that was reduced to 1.1, so we wanted to go with what we knew, so we re-signed the players. They all wanted to stay and understood the situation and they all took pay cuts."
Jefferies and his management team also took pay cuts to help boost the budget for players. "We understood the situation as well. There wasn't enough money available, so we took cuts. We had to do it."
The players are looking for a good turnout in the local derby to get the new season off to a flyer, and Jefferies is particularly excited about Allan Johnston's promise. "It's his first pre-season in three years, and he's looking really fit and sharp. We brought him in last year and maybe expected a bit too much after he had such a long time out, but he's been outstanding in training. We played him in behind the strikers against Southampton, and every time he touched te ball he created something."
Killie lost out on penalties To Ayr in last season's match after dominating the ninety minutes and will look to inflict some much-needed revenge tomorrow.
Our cousins on Ayr United Mad(you'd have to be) have posted some reviews on previous Killie-Ayr clashes, so why not check it out, and if you have a favourite Ayrshire Derby memory, why not share it on the message board.