Kenny Shiels: 'It's in Killie's best interests to have me as manager'

Kenny Shiels wants his new deal sorted after a trophy-winning season at Kilmarnock© SNS Group

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels says it is in the club’s best interests to have him as their manager as he looks to conclude his contract talks.

Shiels led the Ayrshire men to the League Cup in March and can secure seventh place with a win over Dunfermline on Saturday.

Currently locked in talks to continue his stay in the Rugby Park dugout, Shiels wants a quick decision for the good of the club.

The Northern Irishman said: "It needs to be wrapped up in a manner which is in the best interests of the club.

"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 boss to succeed Mixu Paatelainen as manager last March and he said that uncertainty is nothing new to him.

Initially taking the hot seat on a caretaker basis, Shiels won over chairman Michael Johnston and he feels nothing is different now.

Shiels said: "There's nothing there at the minute for me, so tomorrow could be my last day. You never know.

"I want to have optimism about the place. It's very important to me that I'm still part of Kilmarnock after Saturday. I want to be.

"I want to put the team first and see where it takes us. It's been a fantastic, absolutely brilliant season. I've had a lot of well-wishes and congratulations from people. I feel it's just reward.

"Hopefully we can go on now, finish the season in style and get the result that we deserve."

Kyle Letheren is set to start in goal in place of first-choice Cammy Bell, while Shiels may decide to introduce other young talent away to the relegated Pars.

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