ZACH Hemming will be the first to tell you fortnights don't get much better than the one he's just had.
It began with the birth of his son Louie, who was barely a few days old when Hemming ended the week with a Championship medal wrapped around his neck. And it culminated in Friday night's draw against Raith Rovers, which saw the goalkeeper's name rain down from the stands.
Throw in the Middlesbrough loanee's place in the team of the season – announced last Monday – and you'll understand his choice of words to describe recent events.
“It’s been mental," the 22-year-old said. "It’s been great to have it with the lads. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of lads and we have just enjoyed it.
“In the week before, I had a new baby. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. Winning the league and getting it over the line was a real pleasure.
“It’s a pleasure to do it with this team."
When asked how he was adjusting to life with Louie, Hemming, who played every minute of Kilmarnock's Championship-winning season, added: “It’s been quite easy. He sleeps through the night! And the missus gets up and does it if it comes to it, so I can sleep.
“We won on Friday against Arbroath and it was an eventful game.
“It doesn’t get much better than that. And I was glad I could celebrate with the lads, they dug deep all season and grinded the results out."
In a team that took some time to find its groove, Hemming has been one of the few consistent plus points, keeping 15 clean sheets – only bettered by Derek Gaston and Jamie Sneddon – and maturing with each passing week.
While his future remains uncertain, the Englishman is sure he's a much-improved player than the one who was signed by Tommy Wright at the start of the season.
"Being a young goalkeeper is not easy but I have gained a lot of confidence," he said. “I have matured a lot. At the start of the season, I was a bit in my shell but I have come out of it and done well. I have impressed a lot of people and gotten a lot of good feedback.
"Even coming up here I didn’t think I was going to play every week but I have played every minute of every game. I have to thank everyone at the club.
“I also want to thank the goalkeepers, who have shown me nothing but respect. Sitting back and watching someone else play is never easy.
“You have to take your hat off to Sam Walker. He’s been a bit of an unsung hero and I have learned a lot from him. He’s been a big part of my maturity.
“I have improved a lot through him and from watching him in the cup games. It’s the same with the other goalkeepers, we had a good bond. That made it easier this season."
