Kenny Shiels Rangers in 17 years on 27 November 2011, in a 1–0 victory at Rugby Park, with a Manuel Pascali goal in the 80th minute. After the match, Shiels said a win over Rangers was a "fantastic win" for the club, in addition, stated his opinion that people in Ayrshire, who are Old Firm supporters, are not real supporters for Kilmarnock. He wrote in his Daily Record columns that he was critical of fans would watch the Old Firm, rather than their local team. In the January transfer window, Shiels soon added his son, Dean, and Ben Gordon. He also helped
Kenny Shiels from dropping down at the end of the season. Shiels responded by making a number of big name signings, including Tommy Wright, Paul Beesley and Liberian international Leon Browne, but none of them proved a success and the club finished in fifth place. The club improved significantly in the 2002–03 season, although ultimately they managed only second place in the First Division, as well as the Ulster Cup and the Country Antrim Shield. The league position was enough to ensure promotion, although the club had led the table until near the end when Dungannon Swifts took over at the top.