JIMMY'S READY FOR KILLIE CALL

Published 13 Jan 2010 13:26 0 Comments

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FORMER Aberdeen and Dunfermline Athletic boss Jimmy Calderwood this week expressed an interest in the Kilmarnock job and would welcome an approach from the Rugby Park club.

Calderwood, who guided the Dons to the last 32 of the UEFA Cup two seasons ago but left Pittodrie in May spoke exclusively to Sportscene on Wednesday, two days after Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown left Rugby Park by mutual consent.

He said: "I am looking to get back into the game. I haven't had any contact from Kilmarnock but I would talk to them if they are interested in me although I know others have been mentioned. Killie are ambitious and have a good framework. I like the chairman and I hear he was saying complimentary things about me on TV or radio which is nice. But until they talk to there's not much point in talking about it."

Sportscene also understand that Rugby Park legend Tommy McLean, who is set to take interim charge and to be in the dug out for Saturday's Clydesdale Bank SPL clash at home to former club Motherwell would be interested in taking the job until the end of the season.

McLean, who made 216 appearances for Killie and scored 48 goal, was part of the Championship-winning side of 1964-5.

Meanwhile former boss Jefferies insists his departure had nothing to do with a bust-up between club captain Kevin Kyle and chairman Michael Johnston.

He was speaking after quitting the club along with assistant Billy Brown.

The Rugby Park gaffer was finding it increasingly difficult to work with the chairman after being forced to make major cuts to his squad and staff and left by mutual consent.

But Jefferies is still being linked with the Well job although Dundee United, who are also seeking a new boss, ruled out a move for him.

He said:"We have left by mutual consent. We just felt it was time at this moment to part the ways and I wish Kilmarnock well. It's been tough here for the last couple of years but I'm pleased with what has been done. It wasn't to do with the Kyle incident.

"Normally when a new manager comes in it gives the players a lift. I think the team have been very unlucky to be where they are. They haven't won a lot of games but they have not been playing badly. When you don't score goals while you are on top then you'll get punished when things are not going your way. But they are a good enough squad to get out of trouble, there is plenty of time left. Maybe just a new voice coming in will give everyone a lift and that will be what they need. I think it's the right time for Billy and me to change."

He added: "I still feel that I've got a hunger for the job and a different challenge. If not, I'll enjoy a wee break."

Kilmarnock FC said in a statement on Monday night: "Everyone at Kilmarnock Football Club wishes to thank Jim and Billy for their eight years of service to the club, a period which witnessed several top-six finishes and the League Cup final in 2007. The club will now seek a new manager with a view to restoring its position in the top six of the SPL and challenging for this year's Scottish Cup."

Chairman Johnston insisted in a TV interview that he had wanted Jefferies to stay and was confident he would have pulled them out of relegation trouble.

former Rugby Park favourite Ian Durrant and Queen of the South and former Dundee United manager Gordon Chisholm are also rumoured to be in the frame along with ex-Gretna boss Rowan Alexander.

Former Killie boss Jim Fleeting, brother of former chairman Bobby expects the club to make a good appointment.

He said: "Big Jim has done a fantastic job, he has been here for eight years. Bobby Williamson was always a hard act to follow as they were in Europe for four years out of five then. But life goes on. It's very difficult being a football chairman, my brother was saying he wouldn't like to be doing that now.

"Look at the managers they have had, Tam Burns then Alex Totten, Bobby and Jim and all have done well, there are a lot of good bosses out there."

After facing Well Killie host Falkirk in the Active Nation Scottish Cup on Monday, ko 7.45pm.

Meanwhile local businessman Kenny Alexander, who specialises in internet gaming, is set to talk to Johnston in the next few days to talk about investing in the club.

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