TOM BLACK

160 games (1991 - 1996)

A stylish left back. A scorer of vital goals. A Kilmarnock cult hero.

Tom Black revisits the 1993/94 Scottish Premier Division campaign, and one game in particular: the last match at the old Rugby Park. Multi-million pound redevelopment was about to begin, but would the club open the new stadium in the top flight or was it to be relegation after only one season back with the elite? With two fixtures remaining, testing opponents in Rangers and Hibs lay in wait.

In his five-year Kilmarnock career, Tom was a straightforward choice at left back. Positionally strong when defending while offering a genuine option further forward, he chipped in with some memorable goals. His unflinching penalty technique was badly needed in a vital 2-0 win against Celtic in the ultimately successful battle to stay up. As set piece expert Paul Wright reflected, with absolute certainty: “Tom Black took the penalties”. Paul would have to wait for his chance to move up the roster.

At 29, a ‘younger’ member of the early 90s ‘Dads Army’ recruited to return the club to its former glories, Tom brought a wealth of experience from successful spells at Airdrie and St Mirren and he played a key role in the wonderful ‘AT Mays’ years.