Kenny Shiels guide Killie to the League Cup semi-finals, beating rivals Ayr United. Despite the win, Shiels criticised rival team tactics, believing the club should have done more. On 18 February 2012, Kilmarnock beat Rangers 1–0, with Shiels' son Dean scoring in the 12th minute, making him the first Kilmarnock manager to beat Rangers twice in one season. After the match, Shiels said a win over Rangers was dedicated to the club's supporters and praised his son, who scored the only goal in the match, for his performance as "outstanding". On 18 March 2012, Shiels' Kilmarnock side travelled to Hampden Park for
Kenny McDowall Kenny McDowall Kenny McDowall (born 29 July 1963) is a Scottish football player and coach. During his playing career he played for Partick Thistle and St Mirren and featured in the 1987 Scottish Cup final as St Mirren defeated Dundee United 1–0. He made a total of 291 appearances for St Mirren and was rewarded with a testimonial in 1996 after twelve years service at the club. After his playing career, he went into coaching and was appointed youth and reserve coach at Celtic in 1997. After ten years at Celtic, McDowall switched to Glasgow rivals Rangers, working alongside manager