STEWART MCCONNELL'S FOOTBALL DIARY

Stewart McConnell • Published 23 Dec 2009 11:14

FESTIVE cheer is in short supply down Rugby Park way following Kilmarnock's defeat to Falkirk at Rugby Park on Saturday.

They undid their great work in the past couple of games which had seen them win at St Johnstone and hold high-flying Hibernian.

Now Killie have to aim to go to Tannadice and pick something up on Boxing Day, which is not beyond them, before facing a daunting home clash with Celtic on Wednesday, December 30 and heading to St Mirren for an absolute six-pointer on January 2.

Their second half showing was their poorest this season but perhaps this was a bad day at the office from a team who have been playing well and they are capable of so much better.

Six points from the next three matches would be the perfect late Christmas present for boss Jim Jefferies, still linked with the Scotland manager's job in the media and assistant Billy Brown not to mention the frustrated fans who at times should get behind their side more.

TALKING of six-pointers and Ayr's Boxing Day visit to Cappielow is really intruiging. One of their former favourite sons James Grady bosses hosts Morton and while he had an affinity with the Honest Men there will be no time for sentiment.

Club captain and boss Brian Reid are also former Ton favourites, adding yet further spice to the encounter.

A win could take Ayr above Morton with a game in hand and psychologically that would give them a massive lift.

HOW the mighty fall. Tiger Woods is being lampooned in the national media with a string of affairs alleged as well as having sponsorship deals cut.

And to add to his misery his PGA Tour computer game which has been such a best seller every year, has been reduced in a well-known supermarket from £37 to £25!

Even the legendary Arnold Palmer has taken him off publicity material for his tournament. I have never been a fan of Tiger but acknowledge his talent. Every genius is flawed it would seem!

JUNIOR football has been earning massive plaudits following Irvine Meadow's progress to the dizzy heights of the Active Nation Scottish Cup Fourth Round and it seems perhaps some players are better off in that field.

A lower league club who will not be named apparently pay one particular player £15 a week and £15 appearance money whereas an ex-senior now in the Junior game is reported to have been given a £3000 signing on fee and £75 a week by a certain Super Premier Division side. How the other half live!

WHAT a despicable way for Manchester City to behave, sacking Mark Hughes just minutes before announcing Robert Mancini as his successor. Seemingly Hughes didn't know he was going to be fired before the game.

Chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak said nothing less than sixth place would be acceptable and ironically they reached that position following the 4-3 win against Sunderland which proved to be the Welshman's last game in charge.

The goalposts have been moved and a bitter taste is left in the mouth.

His treatment was not unlike that of Bobby Dickson, sacked as Kilwinning Rangers manager, just months after his double treble success at Abbey Park.

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