Killie opt for interesting Alessio as boss

Kilmarnock have confirmed the appointment of Angelo Alessio as their new manager.

The Scottish Premiership outfit were left seeking a new boss this summer after Steve Clarke elected to move on in favour of the Scotland national team post.

Former assistant to Antonio Conte at Chelsea, Juventus and Italy, Alessio has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Rugby Park.

He will work alongside Clarke’s former assistant, Alex Dyer, as they seek to build on a promising third-place finish in Scotland’s top tier last term where Kilmarnock pipped Aberdeen on goal difference.

The 54-year-old former Juventus midfielder is excited to take the post and says he has been doing his homework on the Ayrshire outfit prior to accepting the offer.

“It is a real honour for me to be named Kilmarnock manager,” Alessio said.

“I’ve spent a lot of time researching and gathering information about the club and everyone I spoke to had nothing but positive things to say about Kilmarnock.

“I can’t wait to get to work with the players and staff on the training pitch and building on the strong foundations left by Steve Clarke.”

Kilmarnock director Billy Bowie says the club are thrilled with their new boss and seeking to build on Clarke’s progress ahead of a landmark in their history.

“We were extremely impressed by the calibre of the candidates for the vacancy, but Angelo’s knowledge and passion for the role really shone through,” Bowie said.

“This is a hugely exciting period for Kilmarnock as we celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary and play European football for the first time in 18 years and we’re looking forward to this new chapter with Angelo at the helm.”