DESPITE being one of the most cash-strapped clubs in the Scottish top flight, Killie rallied towards the end of the season to finish top of the bottom half and just a point behind fifth-placed Hearts.

Kris Boyd was the key man with 17 league goals, including all five in the demolition of Dundee United in September, but his future at the club is undecided with a new contract unsigned at the time of writing, and interest from clubs in both the SPL and Championship.

It’s difficult to imagine them coping this season if he goes.

Killie’s tight budget means that things have been quiet on the transfer front. Danny Invincibile was next on the list with seven, frustrating just how hard the rest of the team found putting the ball into the net. There is a new face in the boardroom after Michael Johnston took over Jamie Moffat’s 90 per cent shareholding for a nominal fee.

The goal is to stabilise the club rather than spend wildly and if Boyd does go, there will be no money to replace him.

Given the seriousness of the financial situation, manager Jim Jeffries has little money to spend. Jeffries and his assistant Billy Brown are by far the SPL’s most experienced management team with 17 years under their belt. Management experience and the present squad looks strong enough to weather another year although it is unlikely that they will be challenging for a top-six finish come next spring.