James Brown happy with ‘no-brainer’ Kilmarnock decision after long wait

Kilmarnock right-back James Brown feels holding his nerve during a long summer without a club has paid off.

Brown joined Killie on August 30 after spending the summer on the PFA training camp for free agents in England.

The Irishman overlooked some opportunities in favour of seizing a chance that really suited him and his move to Rugby Park has quickly met his expectations.

The former Ross County player said: “I knew I was going to probably get a call at some stage that would suit me.

“It probably went on a bit long from my own decisions but since I knew I was keeping fit myself it was okay. Everyone else was in the same position around me so it wasn’t like I was just doing a solo.

“I was just really cautious of my next club, what it was going to be and a lot of factors like location – obviously being up in Inverness was difficult getting home – and then league, managers, and stuff like that.

“When this came it was a no-brainer really, so it was exciting. Anything before that wasn’t really exciting me so when this came up I just jumped on it.

“There were some big names, like Premier League names, coming in (to the PFA camp), and I always thought they were waiting for a big one. Then there were players that played good Championship careers, even Scottish league, and you’re wondering how they haven’t got a club.

“You do kind of worry at times but I’m just happy to be here and focused now to kick on.”

The 27-year-old has made three appearances for Stuart Kettlewell’s side – a last-gasp defeat by Celtic, a penalty shoot-out loss against Saturday’s opponents St Mirren and last weekend’s victory over Dundee United.

“I’m loving every minute of it,” the Dubliner said. “Well, I wouldn’t say the last few minutes against Celtic and St Mirren, but I’m really enjoying it.

“The lads have been really welcoming, everyone’s been really welcoming, staff, so it’s been good.

“The manager has been very good. Everything’s done with a purpose, his detail is really good and I had a feeling he’d be like that before I came in. I spoke to people before I came in and they all said good words about him.

“He’s been intense but it’s a good intense. I remember my first week here, I don’t know how many meetings I had, but it’s a good thing because you know straight away what you’re doing and it’s not too much information, it’s just the right information.

“You just get on the same page as everyone else and it’s just going to help yourself.”