Date of Birth: 20 01 1976
Place of Birth: La Coruna, Spain
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: Spain
David Fernandez Rumours and Transfers
12 08 2007
Kilmarnock defender David Lilley thinks finishing in the top half of the SPL will be harder than ever for his side this season.
Falkirk and St Mirren have strengthened their squads over the summer whilst Motherwell were lifted by the arrival of Mark McGhee and the return to fitness of a number of key players.
Killie have finished 5th in the SPL for 2 years in succession and will be looking to at least equal that feat with Lilley and the likes of David Fernandez and Eric Skora all returning from long lay-offs.
But Lilley thinks it will be harder to achieve given the improvement of other teams.
On Monday Killie host a Dundee United side new from a 1-0 opening triumph over Aberdeen that built on their impressive form for much of last season after Craig Levein had taken over in October.
Lilley, 29, said, "I think with the way United started and the way they looked in pre season they could be hoping to be top 6 as well. However, it is a hard league. Outside the Old Firm there is not a good deal between the rest of the teams. We are attempting to aim for top 6 again this season, which could be a good achievement for us, 3 years in a row. A lot of it is down to budgets. There is not a lot of money for managers to spend, so that is why there is not much between the teams."
Lilley moved to Ayrshire in 2004 following 18 months with Partick Thistle, all of which were spent in the top flight.
He felt the Firhill side were not as prepared for life in the SPL as they needed to be due to financial constraints.
He said, "Thistle was more a family-oriented club. Kilmarnock is obviously more of a professional set-up. The facilities are good and these small things all help."
But he expects the Jags and former Killie team mate Stevie Murray can bounce back to rejoin the SPL.
He said, "Sadly they have gone downhill a wee bit however they have got a new manager in Ian McCall. I spoke to Stevie Murray and he mentioned that they are looking good."
07 08 2007
David Fernandez and Garry Hay are both in contention to feature for Kilmarnock against Dundee United Monday after both sustained injuries at the weekend.
The pair were both hurt in the scoreless draw against Celtic, however Fernandez trained Tuesday.
Hay has a back problem rather than a hamstring strain and would play a part in the game at Rugby Park.
Meanwhile, Killie manager Jim Jefferies mentioned James Fowler maybe out for 5 weeks after damaging ankle ligaments.
Fowler was taken to hospital following his injury at Celtic Park and a scan said he has suffered ligament damage.
Fernandez, who has missed 10 months of action with a knee injury, came on late in the game and he too was hurt after being caught by a flying elbow.
