By Laurie Finlayson

Kilmarnock host top of the table Hearts this weekend in a match with a build-up dominated by one man, Derek McInnes. The former Killie manager left to join the Jam Tarts in acrimonious circumstances.

The Tynecastle boss claims he did “Everything right by Kilmarnock,” but Killie fans beg to differ. Co-host of Forever and Ever – The Killie Fans’ Podcast, Paul Montgomery, spoke exclusively to UWS Newsroom, adding:

From a Hearts perspective, Gorgie Boys Podcast host Graeme Duthie told us: “I don’t see the noise around McInnes being a distraction, to be honest, I can understand Killie fans being angry at the fact he left before the season finished, but he said himself that he didn’t want leave until Killie were safe, and he did what he said. “

The game is an exciting one for Duthie, he continued:

“I think it gives the game an extra added spice to it but whenever we go to Rugby Park it’s always a really difficult game. I think McInnes’ comments are fair: he clearly enjoyed his time at Killie, and you remember he got Killie out the Championship and into Europe. Take away last season, which was clearly disappointing, he has done a very good job there, but as I mentioned he wanted to make sure Killie were safe before he talked to Hearts, so his conscience was clear and Ithink he is right to say that.”

Kilmarnock supporters beg to differ – the question is, do they actually care? This poll suggests otherwise:

This poll shows two things: Kilmarnock fans still hold resentment towards their former manager, but are right behind the new man in the dugout, Stuart Kettlewell, who has tem sitting in third going into this match, with two consecutive victories.

Kick-off is at 17:45 with coverage live on Premier Sports and HBSA Radio.