There are some players who are pivotal to a club’s success, and then there’s Stuart Findlay and Kilmarnock. The 23-year-old has proven time and time again how important he is to the Rugby Park cause.
His latest trick, a last minute winner against Connah’s Quay Nomads, gives Killie a massive advantage in the first round Europa League qualifier.
Whilst there isn’t such a thing as a one man team, Findlay is a massive part of why Killie have enjoyed so much success recently.
Findlay is a Kilmarnock hero, a future captain
The likes of Alan Power, Greg Taylor and Gary Dicker have been instrumental for Killie during their golden period as of late. Nobody has perhaps performed as well as Findlay.
Constantly performing well, the ex-Newcastle defender is as solid as a rock, proving to be very strong in the tackle. He’s excellent in the air and isn’t too bad in the opposition box either.
Vital winners against Celtic Hearts and the Nomads recently have gave Killie pivotal victories. Even when Killie need to grind out a result like the 1-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley last season, Findlay is there to make sure nothing goes wrong at the back.
Kirk Broadfoot deserves a bit of credit too. His experience will no doubt have helped Findlay’s progression from a youngster who needed minutes to one of the best centre-backs in the SPFL.
Findlay is a real leader out on the park. If he stays about for long enough, Findlay will find himself appointed as Killie captain. The 23-year-old is a vital part of the Rugby Park squad and they should be looking to build a team around him.
Who knows where the club would be without the work of their reliable centre-half.