Dionne Brown discusses Player of the Month award

Our number nine, Dionne Brown, is February’s SWPL2 Player of the Month.

Two big performances were key to Dee’s success: a goal in the 3-2 win at Glasgow Women, followed up by a double in a 10-0 triumph over Stirling University. For the striker, the award is a long time coming.

“I’m just glad to be even put up for the award, never mind win it. It’s a first for me at the young age of 23. I’m only joking, I’m 32!

“So I’m absolutely delighted, and I hope it’s the first of many to come for those wearing the Killie colours.

“This has been a great month for the team and with the transfer window we have brought in some cracking players who I know are going to make an impact.

“I feel this past month collectively we have been playing some much better team football together. The goals are coming from various positions and players and its always great to see that shown on game days.”

In a standout season leading the line, there is one match in particular which Dee highlights.

“For me personally, I was delighted with our game against Hamilton in the Scottish Cup in January, scoring our first goal to bring it back to 1-1 and then assisting off the crossbar for Abby Robinson to slot it away perfectly with the last kick of the 90 minutes to make it 2-2.

“The game didn’t end our way but the grit and determination throughout the whole team just shows that we are more than capable of playing at that SWPL1 level.”

When bringing in an experienced goalscorer for the 2023/24 campaign, manager Jim Chapman had a plan to get the best out of Dee.

The support network though transcends tactical setup and team selection: “I think Jim knows what he is doing with the players in the team – every single player brings a different aspect to the game and that’s what’s so special about us.

“We have an incredible team of coaches and staff who work hard at what they do, right down the volunteers who make matchday that bit extra special for us.

“Training is key, and Jim and the staff make sure we practice what needs to be worked on for Sunday’s games. We have a very talented group of players who constantly challenge one another, and I think that is key to the success we have enjoyed so far.”

Last week’s scoreless draw with leaders Queen’s Park allowed Jim Chapman’s side to increase their advantage over third-placed Livingston to seven points.

Looking ahead, Dee retains the ambition to shoot Killie to the top tier: “In the next couple of months, I hope to keep assisting and scoring as much as possible for the team and help to push others in a positive way.

“If I can do that then I will be more than happy. We as a team know what we are capable of. There’s a playoff spot within our reach and we have to take each game as it comes and stay consistent right to the very end. We know what has to be done to achieve our goals this season.”

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