Jim Jefferies' eight-year reign as Kilmarnock manager is hanging by a thread, reports the Scottish Sun. SunSport can reveal Rugby Park chairman Michael Johnston urged skipper Kevin Kyle to join him for a talk-in on the manager's tactics after Saturday's 1-0 loss at St Mirren.

That move was snubbed by Kyle and Jefferies is understood to be incensed by Johnston's actions.

Scotland striker Kyle confirmed: "The chairman called me and more or less asked if I'd mind discreetly talking about the manager and his tactics.

"I just said 'No, wait a minute, I'm just a player. That's got nothing to do with me'.

"I felt awkward. You don't try and go behind people's backs - that's the worst thing you can do in football."

Killie are second-bottom of the SPL after one win in their last nine games.

Johnston denied seeking a summit meeting with Kyle and said: "It's totally incorrect.

"Kevin Kyle has misinformed you."