Killie Histories

Craig Brown's Kilmarnock Carol: A Christmas special, featuring the legendary Dundee league-winner and Scotland manager and his reminiscences of Kilmarnock greats of years gone by.

Stave 1: Ghosting Steve Clarke

Stave 2: Mr Waddell and the year nineteen hundred and fifty seven

Stave 3: Young Brown and of legendary moments

Stave 4: Merriment with that good fellow Mr Burns

Stave 5: The ending of Mr Montgomerie

www.killiehistories.com/craigbrown

A tenacious, ubiquitous presence in the Kilmarnock midfield - and defence - in a career of three decades, 13 years and close to 400 games. George Maxwell made no opponent's life easy!

George reflects on the 2-0 victory against Celtic in 1979, Kilmarnock making it a full year unbeaten at home.

And, of course, he talks about having the hardest shot in Scottish football - and the trophy to prove it!

From joining 'the team of the 60s' to some challenging years ahead, George gives a fascinating, footballer's take on the game in the 1970s.

www.killiehistories.com/georgemaxwell

Following in the footsteps of a famous relative is always difficult. Following the most successful player in a club's history - his grandfather Mattha Smith - is nearly impossible. 

Creative midfielder Gordon Smith more than lived up to the expectation. A talented and dynamic central midfielder converted to a left winger, he was a driving force behind some of Killie's best moments in the 1970s.

Here, he reflects on a famous win against Rangers, his role in a thumping of local rivals...and the possible transfer to Manchester...or Ayr United!

www.killiehistories.com/gordonsmith

Ross Mathie - a popular Kilmarnock number 9 and one of Scottish football's great enthusiasts.

A steep learning curve in his early days at Cambuslang paved the way to a blistering start in the Scottish professional ranks...and a coaching career of some distinction.

59 goals in 110 games. Then he was gone. But his three years at Rugby Park were the start of a relationship with the club which has lasted decades.

www.killiehistories.com/rossmathie

Jim Stewart is the local lad who lived the dream. A Kilmarnock fan as a boy, he emulated hero Bobby Ferguson by becoming the club's first choice goalkeeper.

In this episode of the Killie Histories 'Big Match' series, we hear about Jim's pride at his call up to the World Cup Squad of 1974, his 1977 debut, as well as some memorable moments at club level, including promotion success and some iconic victories. 

Jim also reflects on his highly successful twenty-year coaching career as well as his hopes for the future of Kilmarnock Football Club.

www.killiehistories.com/jimstewart

The smart ones knew not to mess with Jimmy Cook.

Despite standing at a mere five feet four inches, Kilmarnock FC's speedy, combative winger proved a match for many of Scotland's top defenders.

A fans' favourite of over 200 games, Jimmy regards one match with special fondness: the 1972 Scottish Cup semi final at Hampden Park against Celtic.

Passion and enthusiasm...and that's just in the interview!

www.killiehistories.com/jimmycook

Kilmarnock FC Historian John Livingston puts it best:

"Tommy McLean was the star of the greatest ever game played at Rugby Park."

A winger blessed with high-precision accuracy in his delivery, the Killie number 7 is one of the all-time Kilmarnock greats. Tommy talks about his involvement in the greatest comeback in Scottish football history: Kilmarnock's 1964 recovery from 4-0 down against European legends, Eintracht Frankfurt.

www.killiehistories.com/tommymclean

Only one player in Kilmarnock FC's 150-year history has been the top scorer for the league champions...Ronnie Hamilton.

Still the club's youngest-ever player, Ronnie talks about the special night in 1964 when Killie were five goals ahead against Celtic. The 5-2 victory set a marker for the Ayrshire men, on route to the club's sole league title.

As player, European goalscorer, title-winner, coach, board member, Chairman, Hall of Fame inductee and supporter, Ronnie Hamilton's service to Kilmarnock can be counted in decades.

www.killiehistories.com/ronniehamilton

From catching balls on Cannon Hill in Ardrossan to keeping out Pele, Bobby Ferguson's career scaled the heights.

In the final episode of Series 1 of 'The Big Match', Kilmarnock's league-winning goalkeeper reflects on an era when the club went toe-to-toe with Europe's best.

Bobby's Big Match is the famous last-day decider in April 1965. Needing to beat league leaders Hearts by two goals on their own patch in Edinburgh, Killie led 2-0 when a late, late chance fell for the hosts...

Bobby talks about the special moments as Scotland's number one, being a student of his art...and mixing with football and showbiz royalty in a 13-year West Ham United career.

A Kilmarnock FC legend.

www.killiehistories.com/bobbyferguson

A stylish left back. A scorer of vital goals. A Kilmarnock cult hero.

Tom Black revisits the 1993/94 Scottish Premier Division season, and one game in particular: the last game at the old Rugby Park.

Multi-million pound redevelopment was about to begin, but would the club open the new stadium in the top division...or was it going to be relegation after only one season back with the elite? With two games left, difficult opponents in Rangers and Hibs lay in wait.

www.killiehistories.com/tomblack