Latest news with #MickKennedy
Daily Record
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
East Kilbride v Dunfermline: Mick Kennedy says top opposition friendlies will serve side well for League Cup
The League Two side will face the Pars on Saturday before facing Hearts behind closed doors East Kilbride players started their pre-season training this past week and Mick Kennedy's men will be thrown straight into a tough test this weekend. The Lowland League champions and newly-promoted League Two side welcome Neil Lennon's Dunfermline Athletic to K-Park for their first pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, ahead of a clash behind closed doors against Premiership side Hearts. Kilby are being thrown in at the deep end, but Kennedy insists it is required ahead opening competitive action at home to championship side St Johnstone on July 12 in the Premier Sports League Cup. On Saturday's test, which is a 3pm kick-off, the Kilby gaffer said: 'It will be the first pre-season friendly for both of us so it will be interesting. I believe Dunfermline have been away for a warm weather training camp so I am sure they will be well-prepared. 'To be fair to our boys, they've come back in great shape so it will be a good test. It is about trying to bed the new boys in, in terms of our philosophy because it will be different to what they are used to. 'Dunfermline and Hearts are difficult games to bed them in, to be honest, but it is a good environment for them to test themselves. 'Neil is trying to build a new team and at the early stages of rebuilding so we'll be interested to see what kind of team he plays. I imagine what team he plays on Saturday and what team starts the season for them will be very different. 'A full-time and Championship club coming here is a great test. We wanted to play against top opposition to prepare us for the League Cup. 'The Hearts game has been sorted, but it is behind closed doors so there will be no fans. That game will be a tough one for the boys.'
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
SPFL club namecheck iconic Rangers Europa League moment as they reveal big signing
It was certainly a unique way to tease the news Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN SPFL club have incorporated footage of an iconic Rangers goal into a signing tease, briefly leaving some fans perplexed. The Gers' Europa League moment is fondly remembered by fans, but few would have thought it would be used in this way. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Mick Kennedy's East Kilbride are SPFL League Two's newest side Credit: Michael Schofield 3 The club bizarrely teased a signing with a clip of John Lundstram's iconic goal for Rangers against RB Leipzig Credit: Willie Vass 3 It saw them through to the Europa League final Credit: EPA East Kilbride FC have been steadily on the rise for a number of years, having just broken into the pyramid to play in League Two next season. Mick Kennedy and Si Ferry's men defeated Bonnyrigg Rose in the playoff final to make it into the SPFL for the first time in the young outfit's short history. Ahead of the huge campaign the transfer business is already well underway. Ex-Kelty Hearts and Partick Thistle midfielder James Lyon, East Fife's Jack Healy, and star of Edinburgh City and Love Island Ouzy See have signed up. They also snapped up 6ft 4in Slovakian centre half Erik Sula who was most recently at Stirling Albion. But the latest signing is very different and EKFC had some thinking they'd pulled off a massive coup to sign ex-Ibrox star John Lundstram! They posted a clip on social media of the Englishman's goal which completed a stunning European comeback against German side RB Leipzig back in May 2022. The 3-2 victory on aggregate saw them through to the final of the competition in which they were defeated by Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. The video - shared with the classic signing teaser caption of eyes and pen emojis - had supporters saying 'no chance surely' and 'I don't understand'. But it was all made clear soon after as the club confirmed that commentator Callum Patterson is returning to K-Park. Mick Kennedy & Si Ferry in dreamland as play-off win sparks wild pitch invasion as East Kilbride plot rise through SPFL His voice can be heard in the Rangers clip describing the moment: "Keeper's made a mess of this, oh and it's going to go in, it's Lundstram! "And Rangers have got a third goal, they're back in front in the tie! "John Lundstram slides his knees into the corner, into the fans!" EKFC said in their post they're 'thrilled' to welcome him back to commentary duties for match highlights, bringing a 'wealth of experience' with him. One replied that it was the 'strangest announcement I've seen', while another commented: "Teaser video for a commentator, Scottish football never change." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Premier Sports Cup group stage draw in full as SPFL new boys East Kilbride learn fate and two Premiership sides face off
SPFL newboys East Kilbride have landed a Premier Sports Cup tie against 2021 League Cup winners and recently relegated St Johnstone after the group stage of the competition was drawn on Wednesday. The K Park side have reached League Two for the first time in their history after scoring victories over Brora Rangers and Bonnyrigg Rose in the play-offs, sending the latter back down to the Lowland League in the process. Advertisement Mick Kennedy's side will also face 2015 Scottish Cup winners Inverness, Raith Rovers and fellow fourth tier team Elgin City. READ MORE: Motherwell announce summer departures as 13 stars leave READ MORE: Premier Sports Cup draw details and seedings plus live stream and how to watch for free The likes of Hearts, Kilmarnock and high-flying Falkirk now know who they will need to first overcome in the quest for Hampden glory in this competition Once again Scotland's European representatives get a bye through this stage including title holders Celtic but by no means does that mean there isn't some tasty meetings drawn out the hat. Advertisement Here are three games to watch out for in the Premier Sports Cup groups: Hearts vs Dunfermline An immediate eye catcher pits former Hibs boss Neil Lennon's Pars up against newly appointed Derek McInnes' Hearts with both managers looking to make statements early on in the year. Both clubs have excellent fan bases, and this one will have no shortage of needle in the mix for them to enjoy. Ross County vs Partick Thistle A preview for what may be to come in the Championship, this tie brings Don Cowie's Staggies a taste of what they will be up against as they feel the fall to the Championship. Thistle will once again wish to be in the promotion mix and they know that in order to do that teams like Ross County will need to be overcame so a great test lies for them here also. Advertisement St Johnstone vs East Kilbride Fellow top flight relegation victims St Johnstone will be out to make a statement ahead of their own campaign to bounce back up to the top flight and will have no better opportunity than to take the game to SPFL newcomers East Kilbride who make their first appearance since promotion to league 2 for the first every time. Mick Kennedys Kilby on the other hand will relish this opportunity against a top club to show they may be the newsboy's, but they are not to be underestimated. Premier Sports group stage draw in full: Group A Falkirk Queen's Park Cove Rangers The Spartans Brechin City Advertisement Group B Ross County Partick Thistle Queen of the South Edinburgh City Stranraer Group C Dundee Airdrieonians Alloa Athletic Montrose Bonnyrigg Rose Group D St Mirren Ayr United Arbroath Annan Athletic Forfar Athletic Group E Heart of Midlothian Dunfermline Athletic Hamilton Accies Dumbarton Stirling Albion Group F St Johnstone Raith Rovers Inverness CT Elgin City Stirling Albion East Kilbride Group G Motherwell Greenock Morton Stenhousemuir Peterhead Clyde Group H Kilmarnock Livingston Kelty Hearts East Fife Brora Rangers
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Kilbride DOUBLE season ticket cost as price of promotion kicks in for fans
East Kilbride FC fans got a shock this afternoon after the club announced season ticket prices have DOUBLED now they are in the SPFL. After 11 years of trying, Lowland League champions Kilby won the pyramid play-off final last month, defeating Bonnyrigg Rose 3-1 on aggregate to earn their place in League Two for the forthcoming season. Advertisement Last season, the club charged £110 for general season tickets, with concessions (65+) priced at £75. However, this season's briefs - which go on sale on Monday - will see loyal fans forced to fork out £220 to see their side at K-Park, which has a maximum capacity of just 700. Concessions have jumped up to £140, while child season tickets are priced at £70. Fans also have to pay a £3 service charge for digital/card payments. Boss Mick Kennedy has jumped to the club's defence on social media. East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy -Credit:SNS Group He posted: "I think it's important to understand, it's 3rd cheapest season ticket in the professional leagues. The club are trying to be fair but also need to build a model that is sustainable, professional and that can be competitive. Advertisement "The club is looking to build a new 4 million pound stadium, fully financed by the owners. The owners couldn't be anymore supportive of the club and its future, but there needs to be balance and the new prices are very competitive." One fan tweeted in response: "I understand you're saying it's a competitive rate but to literally double the season ticket in price is really dissapointing. Too much of a jump imo, would've been a better option to lower the price to around 170 and have more bodies in the gates rather than double the price." In contrast, near neighbours Clyde - who play at New Douglas Park in Hamilton - are charging £260 for adult tickets, £200 for over 65s, £200 for 18-26yrs and £50 for under-18s. Under 12s go free with a paying adult, over 65 or young person. READ MORE: East Kilbride FC restructure sees Celtic hero John Hartson take on new role READ MORE: East Kilbride hero Jordan McGregor: I was going to quit game until we won promotion READ MORE: Chasing East Kilbride to title cost Albion Rovers, admits boss
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
East Kilbride boss makes hat-trick of signings and promises more will follow
East Kilbride have strengthened further this week with a hat-trick of signings – but boss Mick Kennedy says there's still plenty of fresh faces to follow. The newly-promoted League Two side have snapped up winger Jack Healy who won promotion from League Two with East Fife last season, former Partick Thistle and Kelty Hearts left-sided midfielder James Lyon and winger Keir Foster from Lowland League Bo'ness United. Advertisement It takes Kilby's summer signings to four after the capture of striker Ouzy See from Edinburgh City last week and Kennedy expects a few more in the door at K-Park over the coming days. He said: 'All three of the boys will be great signings for us. 'Jack has been on our radar since around January/February. We built a profile of the kind of players we wanted and we wanted to bring the average age of the squad down to work with a group in their early 20s who had played a significant amount of league games. 'I don't think anyone would deny that Jack has been one of the most successful wingers in League Two last season. He had options to stay [at East Fife] and he had other options in League One, so it took a lot of work to get him across the line, but he will be a real asset. Advertisement 'He fits the profile for us; he's quick, dynamic, fit, strong and an ambitious young guy. I think he will do well for us. 'With Keir, he played against us twice last season. Sometimes it is hard for players to stand out against us because we have the ball so much, but I thought Keir had moments where he showed real quality. Keir Foster 'There was a bit of competition for him and we are delighted to bring him in. I think he will surprise people. He's at a great age at 23, he's physically very strong and he will be an excellent addition. 'And with James, we actually tried to bring him in before he went to Kelty. If you speak to anyone at Partick, it was a real surprise that James didn't break through there. Advertisement 'He maybe just didn't have the physicality for the Championship, but in terms of his technical ability, he carries the ball really well. He's only 22 but he's played a few games in the leagues.' Asked if more would follow, Kennedy said: 'I imagine there will be another four or five this week. One is to get international clearance and two we are sorting the paperwork with their loan clubs, and maybe some others.' James Lyon has arrived at K-Park The signing of a host of young players is a break from the club's transfer policy in the past and Kennedy said he convinced the hierarchy that this will be the way to go in League Two, rather than any 'big name' signings. Advertisement He added:'We've said already there won't be big name signings and we won't be throw money at players. 'We agreed with the board and the owners that we would change the model, and that was driven by me to a large extent. 'I wanted to work with a younger group because the philosophy and culture at the club really suits young boys who want to breakthrough in their careers. It is up to us to build that platform for them and that is the model the club will go down now. 'I think it is best in terms of how I like to work and I think there is a real opportunity to build the right philosophy on the pitch, which will get players to buy into the culture.' READ MORE: Twenty five extra Premier Sports Cup fixtures to be streamed live in bumper broadcast move READ MORE: Airdrie announce Ben Wilson exit as striker joins The New Saints for club record fee
