Captains agree: Killie must improve

Jul 25 2008 by Lorraine Waddell

KILLIE’S Gary Locke says the side will be aiming for a European place this year.

The super-confident club captain said the team’s targets had to be a top six finish, a good cup run and a shot at Europe.

He said: “I think, as a professional player, pride’s a bit dented when you finish second bottom of the league so I’m hoping that we can have a better season than last year.

“We’ll hopefully go for the top six, a good cup run again and try and hopefully push for a place in Europe.”

The players have been put through their paces in Italy and are raring to go.

Locke said: “Everybody’s come back in good physical condition. The boys are looking really, really fit, so the biggest aim for us is to keep everyone fit and available for selection.

“If that’s the case, there will be competition for places and I think that keeps everyone on their toes.

“It’s well known the state my knee is in, but I’ve done most of the pre-season training. I’ve felt reasonably fit so if I can contribute in one way or another I will be more than happy.

“I think the manager’s still looking to strengthen, and if he brings in maybe two or three players, we’ve got the nucleus of a squad of about 20 players who will all be pushing for a starting place. That can only be good for the team.”

Team captain Garry Hay is also keen to put the horrors of last season behind him.

He said: “We had a good time over in Italy. We worked really hard, double sessions every day and I think all the boys are feeling the benefit of it, feeling fit and ready to go.

“We’re looking to get into that top six again. It was a disappointing season for us last year but it’s gone now so we’re looking forward to the new season ahead. Hopefully get a good couple of cup runs as well.

“I just want to be injury free. I had quite a lot of problems last season with injuries, so I just want to be fit and available to play every week.”

For full video interviews with Locke, Hay and Jim Jefferies click on the videos link.