Former West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke reveals Kris Boyd was hot on his radar far before he met him.
Kilmarnock manager Steve Clarke has revealed Kris Boyd’s name was constantly on his radar far before he had ever met the player or even considered the Killie job.
Prior to reigniting his managerial career with Kilmarnock, the former Chelsea and Liverpool assistant explained that Boyd’s name kept cropping up every time he switched on the TV. After all, the 34-year-old has scored more goals in the Scottish top flight than anyone over the last two decades.
Following Clarke’s appointment, Boyd has since admitted that he thought that was the end, and had even begun to prepare for life after playing with his coaching. However, Clarke never had any intention of letting the veteran go.
In fact, Boyd extended his contract until summer 2019 just a few days ago, and has bagged an impressive 12 goals so far this season.
According to the Scottish Sun Clarke said: “You don’t phase out good players and you certainly don’t do it early.
“I knew what I was getting with Kris and I knew more about him than some of the others when I arrived.
“When you’re one of those sad, out-of-work coaches sitting on the couch watching the scores coming in on a Saturday afternoon you notice the same scorers coming up all the time.
“You’re taking it in and thinking ‘He’s scored again, and again, and again’. Kris was one of those players who always caught my eye.
“For me it was just about reassuring him that he was part of my plans in the short term and if he did well there would be a long term as well.”
Besides his performances on the pitch, Clarke also believes the ex-Rangers and Scotland star plays an integral role in the dressing room with his influence on the younger players.
“It’s more about teaching the youngster lads good habits so they are ready to train well, play well and approach every game with the same mentality and determination,” Clarke added.
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