Double trouble (X2!) at Killie Community Easter camp
Staff at the Killie Community experienced Déjà vu on Thursday (April 16th) when FOUR sets of twins took to the pitch at their Easter holiday camp. Fully kitted out in Killie colours ranging from Rory McKenzie’s special testimonial strip, this season’s multicoloured goalkeeper jersey, our Paper Roses kit and of course, the club’s iconic blue and white stripes, the respective pairs of brothers were all thrilled to pose for a photo in unique circumstances at the Community Hub. Involved in the Killie Community’s dedicated Easter camp were: Ollie & Alfie, aged 5 Calvin & Corey, aged 6 Struan & Alexander, aged 5 Rory & Arlo, aged 5 The boys were part of the programme which saw over 150 children, aged 5 – 12, from the local area enjoy football coaching and other fun, engaging activities during the school holidays. Last week’s participants were lucky enough to spend some time with vice-captain Robbie Deas and academy product David Watson as the first team players signed autographs. The kids played on the club’s community nine-a-side pitch at the rear of the Moffat Stand, before enjoying a snack and healthy lunch during breaks throughout the dedicated, fun-filled days of the initiative. Spaces in the camp are partly funded by Scottish Gas, the Scottish FA and various other local and national organisations to allow youngsters to attend at no cost. Thumbnail Photo Credit: Jeff Holmes
Celtic Hero Appointed Japan Coach Ahead of World Cup
Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has been appointed as part of the backroom staff of Japan ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The free-kick expert was back in Glasgow to take in the Samurai Blue’s friendly win at Barclays Hampden late last month as part of a Japanese TV station’s coverage. And now the former midfielder will be joining up with the coaching setup as a technical coach in the Americas from June. “I am pleased to announce that I will be joining the staff as a coach for the Japanese national team” Nakamura said in a statement. “I carefully considered the impact of my joining at such a crucial time, just before the World Cup finals, but after receiving passionate and encouraging words from Coach [Hajime] Moriyasu, I decided to accept the position. “I will strive to share the same aspirations as the Japanese national team players competing on the world stage and contribute to achieving the goals the team has set.” Nakamura represented his country 98 times, scoring 24 times. He was the first Japanese player to play for Celtic, a market that has benefitted the Glasgow giants massively in recent years, with World Cup hopefuls Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate on the books currently. Japan won two friendlies in March 1-0 away to both Scotland and England, and will play one more friendly against Iceland before their World Cup group stage fixtures in Group F against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
“I wasn’t in his plan” – Nico Raskin on Russell Martin
The Belgian international has revealed the issues that occurred with former boss Russell Martin during his 123-day tenure. Nico Raskin was left out of Russell Martin’s squad on many occasions, including an Old-Firm derby and a crucial Champions League qualifying clash. Which almost resulted in the Belgian departing the club. During Raskin’s time watching from the stand, the Rangers fans were singing his song in protest against Martin’s decisions. Nowadays, Raskin is a key player in Danny Rohl’s squad and is in great contention to be granted a place in Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer. Raskin spoke to the Rangers Review on regards to the situation with Martin, he said: “He called me saying I wasn’t in his plan. “Whatever happened, I wouldn’t be in his plan, and it would be better for me to leave. I think that was just because the window was closing a couple of days after. It was kind of the last try [to get me to leave]. But I said to him, I’ll be coming to training on Monday, and then we’ll have a chat.” Raskin then spoke about his conversation with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Cortious, he said: “I remember Thibaut Courtois talking to me about that game [Brugge] and the Celtic game where I wasn’t involved, because he watched it and was surprised to not see me playing. It was difficult for me to explain why at the time.” From what was such a disappointing start to the season for Raskin and the rest of the Rangers squad, they now find themselves deep in the race for the Scottish Premiership.
