RAY MONTGOMERIE

360 games (1988 - 1999)

Kilmarnock Football Club's captain for the 1997 Scottish Cup final assesses factors key to the team's success. Victory was particularly special for the Ayrshireman, leading his local team to their third win in the competition.

A real players’ player, Ray Montgomerie earned his place at the top table of Scottish football. A dedicated professional for nearly a decade at Dumbarton, the £12,000 fee Kilmarnock paid for his services in 1988 proved to be a bargain.

The start was not a good one. Monty, at that point filling the right back position, experienced the crushing blow of being in the team that was relegated to the old Second Division. It was a long way back for player and club. However, a new era of investment saw several veteran stars arrive. A move to centre half proved pivotal and ‘Ditcher’, so-called as a result of the many nick-of-time challenges he would make, played a captain’s role as the good times returned.

Ever-enthusiastic about the Killie, Monty combines his role as Club Ambassador with leading the Former Players’ Association.

“Monty, Monty. Monty, Monty.”