Kilmarnock win the January window with top-drawer signings

The games continue to come thick and fast in Scotland and what’s better than a midweek dose of Killie to help you through your regular mundane tasks? Actually, don’t answer that.

It’s Livingston up next for Derek McInnes’ men, who welcome the Premiership’s bottom side to Ayrshire tonight. Perhaps by the time you’re reading this, you’ll already know the outcome of that encounter. Hopefully, you’ll have a smile on your face with Killie getting back to winning ways in the league.

It will be a tough match despite all that’s been made of Davie Martindale’s strugglers. It always is. Different venue, granted, but Killie rocked up to the Tony Macaroni full of confidence in mid-December but were grateful to walk away with a point after Bruce Anderson missed a late penalty. Like most, I feel it would be a wise move to freshen up the starting XI with two or three changes in the midfield and forward positions in order to provide some impetus that was missing against Motherwell. Greg Stewart and Rory McKenzie would be my choices to come in.

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Something that was extremely noticeable on Saturday was the sheer strength of Killie’s bench. You’ll be hard-pushed to remember a time when the substitute options available were last so good. It's quite the feeling to know fans of other teams are in awe of our squad.

That brings me to a reflection of Killie’s January business. There were four incomings, most of which caught us fans off-guard (in the best possible way). McInnes kept his cards close to his chest throughout the window, which proved to be a clever move. Publicly he gave the impression that he was almost entirely satisfied with his squad and that additions would be kept to one, two at a push. What he, Russ Richardson and the board provided was a major surprise in what was an outstanding window, not only for the signings but for holding on to key players too.

Here's my summary of Killie’s January dealings…

Gary Mackay-Steven

The least surprising of the lot, the former Dundee United, Celtic and Aberdeen winger extended his short-term deal until the end of the season. He wasn’t afforded many opportunities to shine during his initial seven-game contract, however, in the Dundee and Rangers games before the winter break he showcased his qualities, making an impression in both. A great impact sub who we’ll hopefully see more of soon, most likely in the cup match versus Cove.

Greg Stewart

This appeared to be Killie’s big-name signing of the window – he still might prove to be that – until a certain Dutchman overshadowed his arrival on deadline day. Soon to be 34, Stewart made a memorable contribution during his previous spell at Rugby Park. He played 16 games under Steve Clarke in the first half of the 2018/19 season before leaving under controversial circumstances to join McInnes at Aberdeen. That’s all been forgotten about now and supporters are keen to see him back in the starting line-up. His appearances have been severely limited so far as he gets up to speed fitness-wise. He also had a suspension to contend with. He sees himself as more of a striker nowadays following a successful couple of years in India, and that seemed to be where Clarke got the best out of him. The prospect of him up top as part of a two-man attack with any one of Kevin van Veen, Marley Watkins or Kyle Vassell should be mouthwatering for Killie fans. He’s a great finisher which can only amount to a greater goal threat, which equals happy days for us.

James Balagizi

Midfield was not an area that was in desperate need of attention, in my view anyway, but with Brad Lyons and Kyle Magennis injured for the long term, the team was left short. The club tapped into its close connections with Liverpool to make this one happen, as the England youth international arrived on loan. He’s yet to make an outing but has been named on the bench. Like GMS, some significant game time against Cove makes perfect sense to help him bed into his new surroundings and regain match fitness. Regarded as a bit of an all-rounder, the player himself highlighted his creative abilities when asked to describe his style, which should prove useful.

Kevin van Veen

Last but not least, Motherwell’s former talisman returned to Scottish football in dramatic circumstances on deadline day. Murmurs appeared online in the morning that ‘Well, St Mirren and ourselves were interested in a loan for the previous prolific frontman, but no one got too carried away. It then became clear that it was a straight shootout between St Mirren and Killie – a fight which we (obviously) won. It was revealed by McInnes that talks had been ongoing since the beginning of December, which shows how much work goes into pulling such deals off. Van Veen later confirmed it was this sort of treatment that gave him the best feeling about joining Killie over any of the other options he had on the table. We all know the manager could charm the hind legs off a donkey, but it really is a feather in his cap, and in turn, the club’s, that this proved to be a deciding factor. It’s been a couple of months since the 32-year-old last played competitively, so it will likely take time for him to get firing. Minutes this week against Livi and Cove could be pivotal. If fit, his services are so close to guaranteed goals as Killie are going to get. Here’s hoping he, and the others, help the club achieve something special.