IT says a lot about what a soap opera Scottish football can be at times that Kilmarnock assistant manager Alex Dyer seeks respite from it by watching the lurid goings on in Albert Square, Emmerdale and Weatherfield.
But in a week when Rugby Park manager Steve Clarke has emerged as the favourite for the national team vacancy after being handed a two game touchline ban by his prospective employers – a storyline too far-fetched for the most outrageous kitchen sink drama – it must provide a welcome breather.
“Steve just watches football all the time,” said Dyer yesterday as he discussed the ongoing conjecture surrounding his friend and colleague and looked ahead to the final Ladbrokes Premiership game of the season against Rangers in Ayrshire tomorrow.
“He’s different from me because I go home and watch all the soaps –Emmerdale and Coronation Street, the works. What’s my favourite soap? I’m an EastEnders boy. He’s like: ‘What’s all that about?’ He only watches football.”
Dyer has attempted to ignore fevered speculation about the SFA offering Clarke the Scotland job and focus on helping Kilmarnock finish third in the Premiership and secure a return to Europe after a 17 year absence.
The Ayrshire outfit must do as well or better than Aberdeen – who they are only ahead of on goal difference – fare against Hibernian at Easter Road to finish third in the top flight table for the first time since way back in 1966.
It promises to be every bit as thrilling as the time scheming Janine Butcher shoved bumbling car salesman Barry Evans off a cliff on their honeymoon in Scotland.
The challenge has certainly helped to keep Dyer focused on the task in hand amid widespread suggestions the SFA are set to offer Clarke the chance to succeed Alex McLeish.
“I don’t know anything about that,” he said. “I’m just concentrating on Rangers because that’s more important. What will be will be.
“I haven’t thought about it. My job is as No.2 and I’ll give the gaffer all the help I can. I love it here and I’ll be here whatever because I have a 12-month rolling contract.
“The speculation hasn’t affected us. We don’t speak about it – we just work hard and train hard. Steve is always the same – he comes in and we talk about football all day and don’t usually leave until six or seven o’clock.
“We sit in the office and watch games and do what we do. It’s a joy working with him because every day you learn something. I like to think he trusts me because I’m there to help and support him. He doesn’t let speculation affect him - once we’re out on the training pitch it’s all about Kilmarnock.”
Dyer added: “At the end of the day, I’m signed to Kilmarnock and I love it here. I belong to Killie and I will stay at this club. The last couple of years have been very special.
“I didn’t know the ins and outs of Scottish football until I came up here, but I’ve been working with a very good manager so it’s been a joy.”
He did, however, concede that Clarke would find it difficult to turn down the chance to manage his country if he is approached in the coming days.
“It’s a pinnacle of anyone’s career,” he said. “If the country comes for him it would be a great honour. I know he knows that.
“He has done a great job here. He’s always left it open that he will decide at the end of the season, that’s no secret. At the end of the day, it is a hard one to turn down. We will just leave it up to the gaffer. What will be, will be.”
If, as looks likely, Clarke does depart then he will want to go out on a huge high by leading Kilmarnock to a win over Rangers and a Europa League place.
“At the end of the day, we started the season hoping to be in the top six, which we’ve achieved,” said Dyer. “We’ve beaten our points total and our league position from last year.
“The boys have worked really hard and everyone at the club has pulled together. Now it’s just about doing as well as we can on Sunday and, hopefully, giving the supporters something to cheer about over the summer.”
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