Scottish side Kilmarnock move play down speculation over Shiels’ future as reports suggest he is on his way out

Kilmarnock have denied reports that boss Kenny Shiels has been sacked – but say his position will be resolved at a meeting this week.
Kilmarnock's manager Kenny Shiels warms up his players prior last Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tobermore Utd at Fortwilliam Park.mm28-335srKilmarnock's manager Kenny Shiels warms up his players prior last Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tobermore Utd at Fortwilliam Park.mm28-335sr
Kilmarnock's manager Kenny Shiels warms up his players prior last Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tobermore Utd at Fortwilliam Park.mm28-335sr

Reports on Sunday morningsuggested the Northern Irishman had been dismissed by Killie chairman Michael Johnstone on Saturday night.

But it is understood that is not the case and the 57-year-old is still in a job for now.

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His role as Rugby Park manager will however be re-examined after the team recorded a ninth-place finish in the league table last season.

“Today’s reports are wrong. We have not sacked Kenny,” a spokesperson said. “As was reported yesterday, Kenny’s position is under review at present due to his failure to meet a contractual performance related target and potential breaches of contract relating to media comments and observance of Scottish FA Articles and Rules and SPL Articles and Rules.”

Shiels arrived at Rugby Park in 2010 as assistant to Mixu Paatelainen. Prior to his arrival, Kilmarnock had finished 11th, only two points above relegated Falkirk.

At the end of the 2010-11 season, they were fifth, with Shiels having taken over as caretaker manager in April after Paatelainen was appointed Finland boss. In Shiels’ first full season in charge, Kilmarnock finished seventh but won the Scottish Communities League Cup.

There was to be no cup joy this term to compensate for finishing outside the top six after the league split.

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