The news that some players are leaving Rugby Park is softened by the news that the player budget is not being cut.

Kilmarnock are doing the hard part of the end of season period: telling players that they will not be required to add their autograph to a new contract. Among those on the look out for new clubs will be Allan Johnston, David Lilley and Grant Murray. While these experienced players may have expected the bad news it will have hit harder the three youth players who are to be released: Scott Anson, Paul McInnes and Thomas Nolan. Meanwhile, the club have offered captain Gary Locke an offer to take on a coaching role at Rugby Park.

There is a small piece of good news for the club. With money tight all round the football world, and with the Setanta situation still unresolved, Kilmarnock do not plan to make manager Jim Jeffries job any harder by reducing the first-team squad budget.

The club released a statement which said: "Jim Jefferies has been informed that there are currently no plans to reduce the first team squad budget next season, which has been increased in each of the previous three seasons to its current level of circa £2 million. The club wishes to extend its thanks and best wishes to "out of contract" players Allan Johnston, David Lilley and Grant Murray who have been great servants to the club over a period of several years and have always displayed a highly professional approach to their training and playing duties. Club Captain Gary Locke is also out of contract but has been offered a coaching role with a view to retaining the benefit of his extensive experience. He is considering his options at present. Scott Anson, Paul McInnes and Thomas Nolan joined the first team squad last season having graduated from the club's youth development scheme. As part of the planned reduction in the size of the first team squad, they have not been offered new contracts but that should not detract from the undoubted potential which they all possess. Everyone at the club who has observed their progress is confident that they will soon find new clubs and continue to play professional football at a high level for many years to come."

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