‘Football Memories’ attendees select ultimate Killie team

Frank Beattie, Davie Sneddon, Tommy Burns… the list of icons that have worn the blue and white stripes over the decades goes on and on.

Tasked with the impossible job of selecting Kilmarnock’s ultimate XI, attendees of a packed Football Memories session at Rugby Park recently took on the role of manager to decide who made the final cut.

In partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, Football Memories sessions are designed to engage football fans who are living with dementia and other forms of memory loss, in addition to those who are experiencing loneliness, depression or social isolation. The groups use old football images, artefacts and sensory objects to stimulate memories and encourage discussions.

Once a month, Rugby Park’s Football Memories group join club legend Ross Mathie to reminisce about days gone by, with conversation instigated through guest speakers, presentations, trips to the museum and, most importantly, a chat with friends during the serving of the Kilmarnock pies.

In addition to the monthly group sessions, the Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust also supports members of the community through weekly drop-ins at the town’s Alzheimer Scotland Resource Centre.

This month, 40 attendees teamed up to form a squad of the greatest players to have pulled on a Killie jersey, and the debate quickly heated up. Controversially, there was no place for the creative genius of Alexei Eremenko, while the natural goalscoring instinct of Kris Boyd was left on the bench, but few could argue with those who made the starting line-up.

The Kilmarnock FC Football Memories group session is held on the first Monday of each month and is open to individuals of all ages. Support from the club also means that the sessions are completely free to attend. For more information, please contact Kilmarnock Football Club’s Charity Manager on JordanAllison@kilmarnockfc.co.uk.

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Long-standing Killie supporter Peter Nederhof is hosting a fundraiser for Football Memories at 7pm on Friday, 21 October within the 1869 Suite at Rugby Park. Tickets are priced at £10 – if you are interested in attending, please email thekillietrust@gmail.com

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The final squad

GK Alan McCulloch

RB Andy King

RCB Jackie McGrory

LCB Frank Beattie

LB Alan Robertson

CDM Bobby Kennedy

RM Tommy McLean

CM Davie Sneddon

CM Tommy Burns

LM Brian McIlroy

ST Andy Kerr

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Sub GK Bobby Ferguson

Sub Ray Montgomerie

Sub Ian Durrant

Sub Kris Boyd

Sub Eddie Morrison