Kilmarnock Retains European Ambitions Despite Inconsistent Start

Assistant coach Paul Sheerin has stated that Kilmarnock maintains its conviction in its pursuit of European football qualification, notwithstanding the campaign’s uneven beginning. Under Derek McInnes, the Rugby Park team secured a notable fourth-place finish in the previous season; however, the current season has commenced with only three victories across 12 league fixtures. The Ayrshire club, presently trailing fourth place by seven points, has experienced playing with 10 men in multiple matches, with Sheerin acknowledging that “discipline has been an issue”. Sheerin, previously a coach at Aberdeen, also attributed the team’s slow start to the campaign to a demanding early-season fixture list, which incorporated European qualifying rounds. Nevertheless, Sheerin affirmed that the squad continues to be “full of belief” as they endeavor to improve their current eighth-place standing in the league table. “There’s now a run of games [without a break] so hopefully we can find the consistency we are looking for,” Sheerin stated ahead of Kilmarnock’s Saturday match against St Johnstone. “If you can get a couple of wins you will find yourself in the top six, it’s important we do that. The belief has not gone. We are full of belief and the aim is the same as last year.” “If we can get in the mix at the split for the top six then that gives you the opportunity to play European football. That’s the aim and it’s not changed this season.”