Shiels reveals English interest

Kenny Shiels revealed after Kilmarnock's 2-1 victory at Dunfermline that he turned down a job interview with an English club on Wednesday.

Shiels, who was recently linked with the Bournemouth job, appears to be waiting for a lengthy commitment from chairman Michael Johnston after discussing his long-term vision for the Ayrshire club.

Late goals from Liam Kelly and 19-year-old substitute Jude Winchester ensured a happy end to the season for the Scottish Communities League Cup winners in front of a jubilant away support at East End Park.

Shiels is out of contract in the summer and talks with Johnston have failed to come to fruition.

When asked about the contract situation, Shiels said: "I don't think I'm the right person to ask. I'm waiting on the chairman getting back to me so hopefully that will be concluded shortly.

"We've got a long-term plan in place and I want something that's commensurate with that.

"I've turned down a job this week. I was offered to go for an interview for a job on Wednesday and I didn't take it because I felt it was unfair. It was an English club, that's all I will say."

Shiels, whose son Dean made a significant financial sacrifice to sign a six-month deal at Rugby Park in January when Doncaster refused to extend his loan deal, added: "I couldn't look my son in the face when he has stayed for less money.

"So I've decided I want to be here and hopefully that's reciprocated."

Shiels, who has been without the injured Paul Heffernan and Dieter van Tornhout in recent weeks, added: "People have to remember we have played over 20 games this season without a natural striker.

"We had to play without a natural striker again today. Within our vehicle we are without a steering wheel practically, that's what makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

"We played young (William) Gros up there with (Gary) Harkins and Shiels floating in there.

"We tried to get the full-backs forward and brought on some young kids and they played well and that's part of our long-term development strategy."

Dunfermline manager Jim Jefferies made seven changes after a 4-0 defeat at Hibernian sealed their relegation and one of the new introductions, Paul Willis, netted the opener on 20 minutes from close range.

The likes of Ryan Thomson and Steven McDougall were also given rare starts as Jefferies ponders his summer rebuilding job.

Chairman John Yorkston revealed on BBC Radio Scotland before the game that the Pars had 18 players coming out of contract and would probably reduce the size of the senior squad from 28 to 22.

Dunfermline were comfortable until half-time and survived incessant pressure after the break.

But Kelly struck from 20 yards and the offside Martin Hardie needlessly helped home fellow substitute Andy Kirk's header on the line before Winchester netted the winner with a cool finish in the 89th minute.

Jefferies said: "I was quite pleased with the first half. We had two or three good opportunities in the last third.

"They dominated the second half and got the winner, although it could have happened at the other end. That was typical of what has gone on for them this season.

"This game was all about looking at players I've not had a chance to look at.

"We've got a lot of players out of contract, we'll have a meeting on Tuesday, and today just maybe confirmed one or two things that might happen and what I have to do."