Kilmarnock have written an open letter to fans urging them to get behind the team as they scrap for Clydesdale Bank Premier League survival.

The letter, signed by chairman Michael Johnston and the chairmen of three supporters' groups, calls on fans to turn out in force for their three home matches in the next week.

It read: "There has been a great deal of talk recently about divisions among the supporters and disagreements with the club over how Kilmarnock Football Club operates. We want to let all Killie supporters know that such matters are of no consequence compared to the survival of the club in the SPL."

The letter continued: "Next week's three matches at Rugby Park against Falkirk, St Mirren and Inverness could determine the fate of Kilmarnock Football club for many years to come."

Kilmarnock have won just once in the SPL in 2009 and could find themselves bottom of the table if they lose to Falkirk on Saturday.

Johnston recently admitted Killie could go out of business if relegated, and worried fans last month launched a new action group in the hope the chairman would relinquish some of the power he holds at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock Fans For Change were backed by all current supporters' organisations, including the Kilmarnock Trust, Kilmarnock Supporters Association, Young Killie and Killie Disabled.