FORMER Aberdeen FC boss Jimmy Calderwood today looked set to accept the offer to become Kilmarnock’s new manager.

The 54-year-old has been offered the job after meeting Killie chairman Michael Johnston, who is searching for a successor to Jim Jefferies, who quit Rugby Park earlier this week.

If Calderwood accepts he will be in charge for Saturday’s SPL clash at Motherwell.

Jimmy Nicholl and Sandy Clark, who were his assistants at Aberdeen FC, will also follow him to the Ayrshire club.

Calderwood said: “I have had a meeting with Kilmarnock and they have offered me the manager’s position.

“The talks were very positive.

“I asked for the night to think about things and to discuss it with Jimmy and Sandy.

“Kilmarnock want a quick decision and I have promised to give them an answer today.

“Certainly if I am going to take the job I will be taking training tomorrow and the match with Motherwell on Saturday.”

Calderwood has been out of football since being axed by Aberdeen FC at the end of last season, despite leading them into the Europa League.

“It has been horrible being out of the game,” said Calderwood.

“The longer it lasts the worse it gets, so I am willing to talk to anybody.”

Calderwood is the ideal candidate for Kilmarnock because he has extensive SPL experience and is a free agent, so no compensation payments would be involved.

Kilmarnock chairman Johnston said: “Calderwood has vast experience of the SPL.

“In the general financial situation that we are in we certainly would not want to pay compensation if it could be avoided.”

If Calderwood turns down the position Kilmarnock could turn to Queen of the South manager Gordon Chisholm, who has had talks with the club.

Kilmarnock also talked with former Scotland boss George Burley about the top job.