How Tommy Wright's Kilmarnock debut was overshadowed by Motherwell's managerial influence
Graham Alexander’s yell to Jake Carroll to take a quick throw-in and capitalise on Kilmarnock’s retreating defence was the key factor in Motherwell opening the scoring on 71 minutes and winning 1-0.
The defender released Tony Watt and the striker, who up until then been quiet, played a lovely pass into the path of Allan Campbell for the match-winner.
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Hide AdIt is that sort of direct influence on games – and results – that Kilmarnock will be hoping their own new manager can bring in the Premiership.
Wright is just in the door three days to Alexander’s five weeks. Motherwell’s results have improved under the former Scotland international after a winless streak of 13 games that Kilmarnock are almost halfway to equalling after defeat on a cold night at Rugby Park.
There is evidence Wright has already exerted his influence on the Kilmarnock squad, even in such a short time. The home side controlled the game, yet still came away with nothing. A similar story to life under Alex Dyer perhaps, but the Ayrshire club had a drive in them from the start.
This had been their second chance in this fixture, the original called off because of a Covid outbreak and given to Motherwell by forfeit 3-0. Kilmarnock appealed the decision successfully but the Steelmen won the points, awarded, removed and then regained. They will be welcome. For two sides of a relegation disposition, both showed capabilities, Motherwell clinical, Kilmarnock confident.
If Wright’s break from the game since leaving St Johnstone last year – box-sets, weight loss and “walking the Sahara” – was revitalising, he’s brought a similar energy to Kilmarnock in just three days.
The home team played with positivity, keen to drive forward and with a creative confidence through Rory McKenzie, Greg Kiltie and particularly Chris Burke.
And in breathing life back into Rugby Park, he’s brought fight too. Motherwell’s goal came from quick-thinking, a great pass and a well-struck finish. Kilmarnock had a similar verve to their attacks – just no cutting edge in front of goal, though Burke created until the end.
Motherwell, with Watt and Devante Cole, did. Killie keeper Colin Doyle parried what seemed a certain goal from Cole’s close-range diving header. He was well beaten 14 minutes later, with Campbell bagging the winner.
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Hide AdYet this was a Kilmarnock team playing with purpose under their new manager – be that improving their Premiership tenth place position, or their contracts. Wright has inherited a squad with around two-thirds coming to the end of their deals. They played like their futures, and the club’s own one in the Premiership, depended on it. That’s why owner Billy Bowie made the managerial change at the end of last month and the players seemed keen to take control of their destiny.
A key figure in that future is, and will be, Burke. Much of Kilmarnock’s football channelled through the veteran – as both a creator and a finisher bursting in at the back-post.
But when Burke was not finding the set-up play from McKenzie, Kiltie or Brandon Haunstrup, there was too little in the middle. Wright’s task must find a way of restoring Nicke Kabamba’s early-season scoring touch, for as often as Kilmarnock made moves and Burke threatened and crafted, Motherwell keeper Liam Kelly didn’t have a save to make until the 83rd minute.
By then, the visitors had sewn up three vital points to move four clear of tenth-placed Kilmarnock.