Missing Setanta cash already has an effect on Killie FC

Jun 12 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

THE uncertainty over broadcaster Setanta’s future has already had an influence on Killie’s plans for next season.

Youngsters Scott Anson and Thomas Nolan haven’t had their contracts renewed and it looks unlikely that defender David Lilley will be offered a new deal because of the tight financial strictures at Rugby Park.

Jim Jefferies, speaking from his holiday bolthole on Tuesday, told Standard Sport that he will operate with 18 outfield players and three goalkeepers next season.

Said the gaffer: “Sometimes in the past we could have given the young lads shorter term contracts, but because of the ongoing Setanta situation we’re going to have to run a very tight ship, much tighter than we would have liked.

“Tough decisions have to be made, and the situation is that we weren’t able to offer new contracts to some of the guys that we would have liked to.”

Goalkeepers Damien Rascle and Cameron Bell have yet to sign new deals, and if either or both of them go then Killie will have to sign replacements.

So the situation is that no further players will likely be recruited for the new season unless someone moves out.

Jefferies is particularly disappointed with the situation regarding Lilley, who has made over 100 first team starts since signing from Partick Thistle in 2004.

“David is a player who was excellent for us towards the end of the season,” continued the manager, “but he’s a victim of circumstances that are outwith his and our control.

“I would like to keep him, but we have cover in the central defensive position with Ryan O’Leary and Steven Old coming in.

“I had indicated to David that I would hopefully be able to keep him at Rugby Park, but that isn’t the case now because of the financial situation.”

Rumours have been circulating in the town that striker Kevin Kyle had been offered an extension to his current deal, but Jefferies said that this wasn’t the case.

He explained: “I think we would like to, but it’s a question of whether we could or not.

“We do have him for another year and if we can afford to extend that then I’m sure the club would be delighted to do so.

“Everyone connected with the club wants him to stay here and extend his contract.

“There have been a lot of rumours about him moving on, and while he’s an ambitious lad, he has to weigh everything up before deciding on his future.

“He recognises that his move to Kilmarnock has been good for him and his performances have impressed a lot of people.

“But he’ll start next season with Kilmarnock unless a huge offer comes in for him.”