Steve Clarke is impressive and inspirational and we’re lucky to have him, says Kilmarnock sponsor

ALAN MCLEISH’S QTS business has put more money into Kilmarnock FC in the past eight years than he’d care to tally up.

But he has vowed that he will end his commitment with the club when the current sponsorship deal expires in 2020.

At the end of his long and fruitful – and challenging – official association as jersey sponsor, he hopes to walk away on the back of Steve Clarke leading Killie to silverware and it would be even more special to do it next season, in the club’s 150th year in existence.

QTS MD McLeish reckons it is possible as he has complete faith in the manager and told The Sunday Post: “In the past four or five months, the fortunes of the club have completely turned on its head.

“That has so much to do with Steve Clarke. He has been inspirational.

He is an impressive man and an excellent football person. We are fortunate to have him.

“He has improved and developed players such as Jordan Jones, Alan Power and many more. He also seems to have given Kris Boyd a new lease of life. It’s great to be in the top six.

“Much of the credit also has to go to Billy Bowie. Since he took over he has worked ever so hard with the other board members to bring the feelgood factor back to the club and a feeling of togetherness.

“For two or three years a number of fans had one or two reasons for staying away. But now that Michael Johnston is no longer in the picture then they have returned and are enjoying the recent good spell.

“But we all know that in every walk of life – and in business – you must never take anything for granted.

“I’m sure the board, Steve and the players will continue the hard work.

“As jersey sponsors and with a deep affection for Kilmarnock and the town, we will also try to do our bit to help everyone succeed and prosper.

“We’ve had a long commitment to Kilmarnock FC and we’ve been through some tough times together. We will sponsor the club for two more years and then it will be time to stand aside and let someone else move in.

“I hope that before we go the club can win silverware. It would be just reward for so many people at the club.

“It would also be nice for the town. It’s had its own trials and tribulations in recent years and it would be nice to see a positive for everyone to focus on.”

As well as Killie, QTS sponsored the Scottish League Cup four seasons ago. They also have a sponsorship relationship with Derby County.

McLeish’s business has ploughed millions of pounds into football in the UK.

Being involved in the beautiful game in the SPFL Premiership attracts headlines, but it’s what QTS – one of the UK’s leading railway contractors, that McLeish started in 1992 after a loan of £300 from his mother – does away from the public glare that gives McLeish most satisfaction.

He explained: “We sponsor the Killie Ladies’ team and the Killie Youth Academy. We are also heavily involved in the Kilmarnock Community Sports Trust and my wife, Phyllis, is a founding Trustee.

“Away from the first-team football at Kilmarnock, we do things to help and encourage under-privileged kids in the town, whether it’s giving them a hot meal on a regular basis or supplying them with clothes and sports equipment.

“We do our bit to help skiers, snowboarders, swimmers, athletes, golfers, boxers and kids and teenagers in other sports.

“Our aim is to help them get to a certain level, then pass them on to people more qualified to help them reach the next stage in their chosen sport.

“That allows us to then go back to grassroots and find the next wave of talent and help nurture it.

“It’s very, very rewarding. I really enjoy seeing the kids prosper and develop life skills and confidence. It’s what it’s all about.

“As a business, we are passionate about helping people and trying to do all we can to encourage them to go and achieve their dreams. We are very proud of what we do.

“We will always strive to never stand still. We also encourage the older generation to be active and lead as healthy lifestyles as possible.”