Rory McKenzie admits Kilmarnock’s historic league title win had him in tears.
It’s the Rugby Park side’s first title since 1965 – and Ayrshire lad Rory McKenzie knows exactly what it means.
He was part of the team that was relegated and the midfielder was desperate to put it right.
And they did just that as Ash Taylor and Blair Alston’s late goals sealed a remarkable comeback in a memorable 2-1 win against Arbroath.
Killie stalwart McKenzie said: “It was quite emotional when I saw my brothers, Craig and Fraser, at the end.
“I was welling up and I was also lost for words.
“I saw Craig running on at the end and I kissed him so hard I burst his lip!
“I couldn’t stop thinking about what Saturday and Sunday would bring.
“Would I be sitting in the house in a darkened room or would I be having a party?”
McKenzie added: “In the second half I was just willing the ball in every time we got a corner.
“Gaston just kept pulling off save after save and I didnt think it was going to come.
“We have had loads of chances but he’s pulled off three or four top saves.
“You are starting to think it is not going to be your night. But, what a finish from Blair. If there is a way to win the league then that is surely it.
“To be fair to Arbroath – they played better football than us.
“To be honest they had played better football than us in the three games between us this season.
“But, in the last 45 minutes we showed what we are all about. We found the way to play against Arbroath and it shone through.”
McKenzie admits the 11 year wait to get a trophy in Killie colours was well worth it.
He said: “It is easily the most satisfying moment of my time here.
“I was just lost for words and that has never happened before.
“You think you are going to win trophies at the start of your career, you think you are going to do amazing things.
“But, that is 11 years I have been in the first team and this is my first medal.
“We finished third a few seasons ago but you don’t get anything for finishing third.
“Then we got knocked out of Europe four weeks later so that left a sour taste.
“To have something to show for our efforts is incredible.
“Realistically this is the only league we could win and it feels amazing.
“Last year was a killer blow to everyone but we have bounced back.”
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