Derek McInnes is right - everyone at Kilmarnock must pull together
The ultras section vacated their area of the standing section during Saturday's win over Motherwell, as well as displaying a banner which read 'relegation pending'.
“These players are deserving of a bit more trust and a bit more faith because I think they showed last season what they're capable of. This is probably the first season at Kilmarnock where people are looking at us and thinking we've actually underachieved.
“When you're actually judged against your own record last season, I think we overachieved last season, finishing fourth. Rightly or wrongly, you get judged against that.
“From our point of view, it's probably the first period where people think we're not doing our jobs well enough.
“We have to accept the criticism that comes with that type of performance, but we've also got to accept that we can still deal with what we need to be dealt with, win enough games between now and the end of the season.
“The time for proper reflection is at the end of the season. You really assess your campaign, you really assess why we didn't quite reach the heights. It's my job as manager of Kilmarnock to try and get as many highlights into this club as possible. I want us to enjoy our time here.
“The vast majority, it has been enjoyable. But when you sign up to be a manager at Kilmarnock, you've got to accept sometimes that things aren't going to go well. But equally, all I would say is we need everything between now and the end of the season.
“What's happened up to now, I'm not saying we brush it under the carpet, but we've got to just focus on the remaining seven games because it is too important.
“I also want the supporters to really help us. I really appeal for that help. Whether your favourites are in the team, whether it's a team that you would pick, it doesn't really matter. Let's just get behind everyone and let's give Motherwell something to think about.”
The words of Derek McInnes last Thursday as he spoke to the media prior to the weekend’s 2-0 victory over Motherwell.
The manager’s call for unity at Kilmarnock was met with a banner, believed to be held aloft by members of the Killie Ultras, as the players emerged from the tunnel at 2.58pm.
Ignoring McInnes’ plea, with a short message, the banner read: ‘Relegation pending’.
Following this, there was a period of the match where the group refrained from taking their usual place in the safe standing area of the East Stand at Rugby Park. They later returned to their ‘seats’ for the second half as they drummed up their usual buoyant atmosphere.
We’re all entitled to our views as supporters. We’re all rooting for the same cause and have the same passion for the club we love.