The 2001-02 campaign was a tumultuous season of transition for Kilmarnock, but The Killie secured a respectable 7th-place finish in the Scottish Premier League. Forward Tommy Johnson, whose 7 goals topped the league scoring charts, anchored an attack in a year defined by mid-season managerial upheaval as Bobby Williamson departed for Hibernian and was replaced by former Hearts boss Jim Jefferies. Despite qualifying for the UEFA Cup (losing to Viking FK) and reaching the Scottish Cup fourth round, the season's defining chapter was the bitter League Cup third-round exit on penalties to fierce rivals Ayr United. Yet, the campaign remains memorable as the year that saw the emergence of future fan-favorites and stars like Kris Boyd and Steven Murray, marking a crucial period of development for the club.