Shiels calls for quick decision over his future at Kilmarnock

Kenny Shiels has called for a swift conclusion to discussions over his future as Kilmarnock manager to end any uncertainty at Rugby Park.

Shiels steered Killie to victory in the League Cup in March and takes his side to Dunfermline today seeking to consolidate their seventh-placed position in the Premier League.

The Northern Irishman then wants to agree a new deal with chairman Michael Johnston, with talks yet to take place.

“It needs to be wrapped up in a manner which is in the best interests of the club,” said Shiels. “And the best interests of the club is to have me as the manager, I feel. That’s what everyone else thinks as well.”

Shiels stepped up from his position as assistant manager to succeed Mixu Paatelainen as manager last March and the lack of clarity over his future is nothing new.

He added: “This time last season I was in the same situation, where I didn’t know if I was going to be the manager or not. It’s the same scenario. There’s nothing there at the minute for me, so tomorrow could be my last day. You never know.”

Gary Mason, meanwhile, admits the Dunfermline squad are still in limbo after being relegated on Monday following their 4-0 defeat at Hibernian.

The 32-year-old midfielder is one of 14 players out of contract this summer and manager Jim Jefferies will not meet the Pars board until Tuesday to discover plans and budgets for the First Division next season.

“We are in limbo,” said Mason. “A lot of the boys are out of contract and whatever the club decide to do is out of our hands. We have to wait and see what happens.

“I was involved in getting the team promoted, which was nice, but it shows you how things can turn around.”