1987–88 Kilmarnock F.C. season

Kilmarnock
1987–88 season
ChairmanBob Lauchlan[1]
ManagerEddie Morrison[1]
Scottish First Division10th[1][2]
Scottish Cup3R[3][2]
Scottish League Cup2R[4][2]
Top goalscorerLeague: Colin Harkness 15[1][2]
All: Colin Harkness 16[1][2]
Highest home attendance3,230 (v Queen of the South, 2 January)[1][2]
Lowest home attendance1,235 (v Forfar Athletic, 22 August)[1][2]
Average home league attendance1,846[5] (down 1,000)

The 1987–88 season was Kilmarnock's 86th in Scottish League Competitions. After a troublesome season exacerbated by their lack of scoring,[6] the club staved off relegation, finishing in 10th place, one point ahead East Fife and Dumbarton who were relegated.[7]

By early March 1988, the team had only ten wins and 41 goals in 34 games and were rated as being in "dire straits" in terms of potential relegation to the Second Division. The team's poor performance was blamed on a "lack of punch up front."[6]

With one game remaining in the season, the club faced relegation if they did not win the final game.[8] Kilmarnock keeper Alan McCulloch returned from a suspected broken hand for the final game.[9] Kilmarnock defeated Partick Thistle 1–0 in the final game to avoid relegation.

Manager Eddie Morrison, interviewed by The Kilmarnock Standard, described the season as "probably one of the most disappointing the club has ever experienced" and added, "The team's performances were, to say the least, erratic, frustrating and at times very disappointing."[10]

Players

The 1987–88 squad for Kilmarnock was as follows:[11]

  • Archie Bell
  • Ian Bryson
  • Robert Clark
  • Jim Cockburn
  • Derek Cook
  • Scott Cuthbertson
  • Frazer Davidson
  • Colin Harkness
  • Barry Holland
  • Hugh Houston
  • Lex Lindsay
  • Lenny Lowe
  • Stephen Marshall
  • Paul Martin
  • Graham Millar
  • Bobby McConville
  • Alan McCulloch
  • Jim McGuire
  • Ian McInnes
  • Stuart McLean
  • John McVeigh
  • Joe Reid
  • Alan Robertson

Competitions

Scottish First Division

Main article: 1987–88 Scottish First Division

Tables

Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion or relegation
8 Partick Thistle 44 16 9 19 60 64 −4 41
9 Clyde 44 16 6 22 73 75 −2 38
10 Kilmarnock 44 13 11 20 55 60 −5 37
11 East Fife (R) 44 13 10 21 61 76 −15 36 Relegation to the Second Division
12 Dumbarton (R) 44 12 12 20 51 70 −19 36
Source: RSSSF[dead link‍] and statto[12]
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(R) Relegated

Results

Match Day Date Opponent H/A Score Kilmarnock Scorer(s) Attendance
1 8 August Hamilton Academical H 0–2[13] 2,178
2 12 August East Fife A 1–2[14] Reid(24) 657
3 15 August Dumbarton A 3–1[15] Harkness(46), McInnes(63), Cuthbertson(81) 824
4 22 August Forfar Athletic H 2–2[16] Harkness(6), Reid(87) 1,235
5 29 August Queen of the South H 0–2[17] 1,836
6 5 September Meadowbank Thistle A 1–2[18] Cook(45) 698
7 12 September Raith Rovers H 3–4[19] Cuthbertson(7), Harkness(12), McInnes(52) 1,436
8 15 September Clydebank A 0–2[20] 857
9 19 September Airdrieonians A 2–3[21] Bryson(9), Lawrie o.g.(70) 1,513
10 26 September Clyde H 2–0[22] Harkness(16), Bryson(43) 1,732
11 29 September Partick Thistle H 1–1[23] Harkness(39) 2,030
12 3 October Hamilton Academical A 1–1[24] Harkness(35) 1,218
13 6 October East Fife H 2–0[25] Harkness(37,89) 1,441
14 10 October Forfar Athletic A 0–2[26] 896
15 17 October Raith Rovers A 2–0[27] Gilmour(31pen), Harkness(47) 2,187
16 20 October Clydebank H 1–3[28] McGuire(79) 1,733
17 24 October Dumbarton H 1–0[29] Gilmour(89) 1,571
18 31 October Meadowbank Thistle H 2–4[30] Harkness(22,88) 1,442
19 3 November Partick Thistle A 0–1[31] 1,407
20 7 November Queen of the South A 4–1[32] Bryson(71), McInnes(74), Reid(89,90) 1,479
21 14 November Airdrieonians H 1–0[33] Reid(14) 1,978
22 21 November Clyde A 0–2[34] 1,145
23 28 November Hamilton Academical H 1–0[35] Harkness(55) 1,922
24 5 December East Fife A 1–2[36] Bryson(38) 571
25 12 December Raith Rovers H 1–1[37] Reid(73) 1,654
26 19 December Clydebank A 0–1[38] 1,015
27 26 December Meadowbank Thistle A 3–1[39] McFarlane(44), Harkness(78,87) 751
28 2 January Queen of the South H 0–0[40] 3,230
29 9 January Airdrieonians A 3–3[41] Gilmour(29 pen), McFarlane(67,70) 1,588
30 16 January Clyde H 3–1[42] Harkness(21), Bryson(44), Cuthbertson(64) 1,752
31 23 January Dumbarton A 0–1[43] 1,048
32 6 February Forfar Athletic H 0–2[44] 1,281
33 13 February Partick Thistle H 0–1[45] 2,432
34 27 February Hamilton Academical A 0–1[46] 2,048
35 5 March Raith Rovers A 2–2[47] Davidson(80), Cuthbertson(87) 1,462
36 12 March Clydebank H 2–2[48] Martin(23), Bourke(46) 1,549
37 19 March Meadowbank Thistle H 0–0[49] 1,662
38 26 March Queen of the South A 0–1[50] 1,650
39 2 April Forfar Athletic A 1–1[51] Gilmour(85 pen) 713
40 9 April Dumbarton H 3–1[52] Gilmour(49), McGuire(55), Bryson(63) 2,205
41 16 April Clyde A 0–0[53] 1,120
42 23 April Airdrieonians H 4–1[54] Bourke(10), McGuire(51,80), Gilmour(56 pen) 1,953
43 30 April East Fife H 1–3[55] Gilmour(?) 2,488
44 7 May Partick Thistle A 1–0[56] Gilmour(66) 3,103

Scottish League Cup

Main article: 1987-88 Scottish League Cup
Round Date Opponent H/A Score Kilmarnock Scorer(s) Attendance
R2 19 August Heart of Midlothian A 1–6[57] Bryson(62pen) 9,500

Scottish Cup

Main article: 1987–88 Scottish Cup
Round Date Opponent H/A Score Kilmarnock Scorer(s) Attendance
R3 30 January Motherwell A 0–0[58] 6,488
R3R 3 February Motherwell H 1–3[59] Harkness(49) 7,591

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Rollin (1988), pp. 538.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Ross (2001), pp. 270.
  3. ^ Rollin (1988), pp. 581.
  4. ^ Rollin (1988), pp. 575.
  5. ^ "Average Home League Game Attendances". www.fitbastats.com. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  6. ^ a b Alex Milligan (4 March 1988). "In dire straits". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  7. ^ "Scottish Division One 1987–1988 : Table". statto.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  8. ^ Alex Milligan (6 May 1988). "D Day". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  9. ^ "Killie's lucky break". Daily Record. 7 May 1988. p. 43 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  10. ^ "Kilmarnock Football Club Set For Exciting Season". The Kilmarnock Standard. 1 August 1988. p. 71 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  11. ^ "Tough at the top/1987-88 Squad". The Kilmarnock Standard. 7 August 1987. p. 62 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  12. ^ "Scottish Division One 1987-1988 Season Summary". statto.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  13. ^ Alex Milligan (14 August 1987). "Pathetic Show From Killie". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 71. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  14. ^ unknown (13 August 1987). "Gordon's late show". Daily Record. p. 42. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  15. ^ Alex Milligan (21 August 1987). "Dumbarton 1 Kilmarnock 3". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 73. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  16. ^ Alex Milligan (28 August 1987). "Kilmarnock 2 Forfar 2". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  17. ^ John Malkin (4 September 1987). "Killie are paying the price". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  18. ^ Ian Russell (11 September 1987). "Wylde makes quick exit". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  19. ^ John Malkin (18 September 1987). "Freak Goals Dump Killie". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 22 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  20. ^ unknown (16 September 1987). "Clydebank 2 Kilmarnock 0". Daily Record. p. 37. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  21. ^ "Flood goal makes it an afternoon to remember". The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser. 25 September 1987. p. 55. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  22. ^ Alex Milligan (2 October 1987). "First Home Victory". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 79. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  23. ^ unknown (30 September 1987). "Kilmarnock 1 Partick Thistle 1". Daily Record. p. 41. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  24. ^ Alex Milligan (9 October 1987). "Action At Hamilton". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  25. ^ Alex Milligan (9 October 1987). "Better Play Wins Points For Killie". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  26. ^ Alex Milligan (16 October 1987). "Killie Flop At Forfar". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  27. ^ Alex Milligan (23 October 1987). "Raith Rovers 0 Kilmarnock 2". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  28. ^ Alex Milligan (23 October 1987). "Back To Earth". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  29. ^ Alex Milligan (30 October 1987). "Gilmour Special". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 87. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  30. ^ Alex Milligan (6 November 1987). "Killie Pay The Penalty". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 87. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  31. ^ Alex Milligan (6 November 1987). "Killie Pay The Penalty". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 87. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  32. ^ Alex Milligan (13 November 1987). "Late Goals Clinch Game". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  33. ^ Alex Dowdalls (20 November 1987). "Diamonds kicked into touch at Rugby Park". The Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser. p. 54. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  34. ^ Alex Milligan (27 November 1987). "Superior Clyde take the points". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  35. ^ Alex Milligan (4 December 1987). "Stronger Play Nets Victory". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 95. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  36. ^ Alex Milligan (11 December 1987). "East Fife 2 Kilmarnock 1". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  37. ^ Alex Milligan (18 December 1987). "Shared points after splendid play". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 64. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  38. ^ Alex Milligan (25 December 1987). "Clydebank 1 Kilmarnock 0". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 39. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  39. ^ Alex Milligan (1 January 1988). "'Loan' Ranger puts Killie on winning trail". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 31. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  40. ^ Alex Milligan (8 January 1988). "Little action for Ne'erday crowd". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 56. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  41. ^ Alex Milligan (15 January 1988). "Airdrie 3 Kilmarnock 3". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  42. ^ Alex Milligan (22 January 1988). "Kilmarnock 3 Clyde 1". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  43. ^ "Effort to no avail". Kilmarnock Standard. 29 January 1988. p. 80. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  44. ^ Alex Milligan (12 February 1988). "They huff and puff against Forfar". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  45. ^ Alex Milligan (19 February 1988). "Kilmarnock 0 Partick Thistle 1". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  46. ^ Alex Milligan (4 March 1988). "Old failing costs Killie dearly". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  47. ^ Alex Milligan (11 March 1988). "Storming Finish". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  48. ^ Alex Milligan (18 March 1988). "Rough justice". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  49. ^ Alex Milligan (25 March 1988). "Crossbar Denies Killie Victory". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  50. ^ "Killie miss goal chances". Kilmarnock Standard. 1 April 1988. p. 80. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  51. ^ Alex Milligan (8 April 1988). "Killie Fight Back". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 72. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  52. ^ "Three Quick Goals Rock Dumbarton". The Kilmarnock Standard. 15 April 1988. p. 72 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  53. ^ Alex Milligan (22 April 1988). "A Real Downer". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  54. ^ Alex Milligan (29 April 1988). "Sterling Performance". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  55. ^ Alex Milligan (6 May 1988). "Shocking". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 88. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  56. ^ Alex Milligan (13 May 1988). "Saviour Jimmy". Kilmarnock Standard. p. 80. Retrieved 24 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  57. ^ Jim Kean (20 August 1987). "Six-Hit Hearts So Slick". Daily Record. p. 34. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  58. ^ "Well-earned draw". Kilmarnock Standard. 5 February 1988. p. 72. Retrieved 10 April 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  59. ^ John Docherty (4 February 1988). "'Well late show". Daily Record. p. 42. Retrieved 23 August 2023 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon

Offline sources

Rollin, Jack (1988). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1988–89. Queen Anne Press. ISBN 0-356-15880-2.

Ross, David (2001). Everygame-The New Official History of Kilmarnock Football Club. Kilmarnock Football Club. ISBN 0-9541653-0-6.