JAMES Fowler insisted categorically last night that there was no player revolt at Rugby Park which brought the Angelo Alessio era to a close – as the odds shortened on Neil Warnock being Kilmarnock’s next permanent manager. The club’s director of football operations, only in post a matter of months, played his part in calling time on the Italian’s time at the club but he denied point black allegations that a full-scale dressing room mutiny was the cause of his dismissal.

Asked what he made of the suggestions Fowler replied: “They are false. Simple as that. In terms of any stuff like that, that would always stay in-house with me. Things obviously happen behind closed doors and remain private.

“But there was nothing major,” he added. “Not one single thing. The club just felt it needed a change. People looking at the league table might wonder why that’s the case as we’re in a decent position. But anagers get monitored in terms of results on the pitch, performances, and how they deal with the group as well.” While Alex Dyer will preside over the next three matches – he will be assisted by Alessio’s No 2 Massimo Donati and re-instated goalie coach Billy Thomson – the money wagered on Warnock was supported by the fact the next man is likely to have experience in “British football” and a focus on recruitment.