Kenny Shiels the League Cup Final, where they upset the odds by beating Celtic 1–0, with Dieter van Tornhout scoring the crucial goal in the 83rd minute. Killie's joy was tempered by the death of Liam Kelly's father, Jack, who suffered a fatal heart attack at the final whistle of the game. On the win, Shiels stated the team "are thinking more about Liam (Kelly) than our triumphalism". He then told BBC Scotland's Jonathan Sutherland, winning the cup is "unbelievable", in addition "a great emotion" for the Kilmarnock's supporters. Following his side's historic cup win, Shiels announced his intention to stay at
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.