Kilmarnock

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Four games, no defeats or goals conceded in 90 minutes, it's been a stellar start to the season defensively for Kilmarnock.

At the other end of the pitch, though, alarm bells may soon be ringing.

Across 360 minutes of Premier Sports Cup action, Neil McCann's side could only muster two goals: a last-minute winner against Elgin City and a second-half strike against Hamilton Academical.

A strong finish to last season avoided any relegation trouble, with Joe Hugill scoring eight goals in 15 appearances, while Tyreece John-Jules scored five in his final four games before an injury ruled him out of the last stretch of matches.

Despite both playing the majority of minutes so far, and summer signing Ieuan Owen, who scored 19 goals for Barry Town United, also starting twice, they have struggled desperately to find a clinical touch.

Only Hugill has notched so far, with a late winner against Elgin, and the side's lack of creativity in the final third has been a worry for fans.

Manager McCann is unfazed, recently saying: "I think we showed last year that we are a team with a real cutting edge about us once we hit high gears and we click."

Meanwhile, new captain Greg Kiltie - who scored against Hamilton - says he has "full faith" that chances will be converted.

A slow, tepid start to last season soon led to then-manager Stuart Kettlewell losing his job and another this year could pile early pressure on McCann and co.

However, John-Jules and Hugill showed their capabilities last season, particularly in big games, and will both know the pressure is on to hit the ground running when the league campaign starts against St Johnstone on Sunday.

New recruit Owen is a pacey, direct forward who is ready to take the step up from the Welsh Premier League, while fellow addition Erik Ring is a technical wide forward who has spent two seasons in League One with Lincoln City.

Fan-favourite Aaron Tshibola's return in the middle of the park also gives the side a composed influence in the middle of the park, something that could prove to be vital as he gets back to match sharpness.

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Neil McCann is hopeful of adding at least one new face before Kilmarnock's Premiership opener at St Johnstone on Sunday.

In his first summer window as Killie boss, McCann has added five new permanent signings - plus midfielder Bailey Rice on loan from Rangers - after several players departed. Killie also re-signed Aaron Tshibola after his World Cup adventure with DR Congo.

While McCann insists he's happy with the squad, he's hopeful of at least two new arrivals before the window closes and, amid links with Exeter City defender Johnly Yfeko, one of those could be in the building before the weekend's trip to Perth.

"I think we've done very good business," McCann told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully we get one or two more in again to add to that number and then we'll be set for the season. The new guys will need a bedding in period but I'm hopeful the new signings and maybe one or two more can really give Kilmarnock a team to be proud of.

"I'm very hopeful we might get one in before the weekend but if we don't I'm really pleased with what we've got."

New players aren't the only big change happening in Ayrshire.

Kilmarnock played their League Cup group stage games at Beechwood Park, home of Auchinleck Talbot, while their new grass pitch was being laid.

McCann is impressed with the new surface and believes it will help his team's performances.

"The pitch is sensational already," he added.

"It's laid on top of what was the astroturf last year so it's completely flat. I'm told by the groundsmen that in the next week or so it's going to really thicken up and be a surface that will rival any in the country.

"I think it's going to help us having the grass pitch. I think every top league should have the grass pitches and we're in a very fortunate position that this will be one of the best in the country, hopefully that can benefit how we want to play."

Kilmarnock are closing in on a deal for former Rangers defender Johnly Yfeko, who has been with Exeter City for the past two years. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip.

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

I am still full of close-season optimism and fancy us for a top-six finish. That may seem a bit ambitious but we were fourth in the overall form table from January onwards even if that is a bit skewed by the split.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

The re-signing of Aaron Tshibola is fantastic as he was the main reason that we survived the last campaign. We are still desperate for an influential centre-back, that should be our next signing.

What do you want from your manager this season?

Simply to continue the good work that was on display for all to see at the back end of last season. His recruitment in January was key to our upturn in form so more of the same please.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

Joe Hugill was superb after he signed in January and if he keeps up his goalscoring form we could be in for a good season. The club did well to extend his stay at Killie as he could attract a bumper transfer fee in the future.

What is your one major concern?

Time will tell but we are desperately in need of a stalwart centre-half as we are short in numbers in that area. I would hope that will be our next signing in the near future.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Kilmarnock have sold left-back Dominic Thompson to Belgian top-flight club Beveren.

The 25-year-old Englishman, who has signed a two-year contract with the side who won the Challenger Pro League to earn promotion last season, joined Kilmarnock from Scottish Premiership rivals Motherwell last summer.

He had initially signed a one-year contract at Rugby Park but subsequently agreed an extension during last season.

Thompson told Beveren's website he was pleased to join a team that "comes into this with a lot of confidence after an incredible unbeaten season".

Thompson made 41 appearances for Kilmarnock, 30 of them starts, but was a substitute for the final four games as new manager Neil McCann steered his side clear of relegation trouble.

He scored once and provided five assists.

The Londoner started his career with Brentford and played for Swindon Town, Ipswich Town, Blackpool and Forest Green Rovers before joining Motherwell in January 2025.

Beveren general manager Sports Bob Peeters added: "He is an explosive and athletic player with strong footballing qualities.

"With his speed and intensity, he can provide extra impetus on our left flank. On top of that, he has the mentality and mindset we need in 1A, which fits perfectly with SK Beveren."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Greg Kiltie has "full faith" Kilmarnock will find their scoring form once the Premiership season gets under way.

Despite creating a slew of chances, the Ayrshire side drew a blank in a goalless draw at Peterhead in their final Premier Sports Cup group game on Saturday.

Despite losing the penalty shootout, a point was enough to ensure they finished top of Group H and progressed to the last 16.

Kilmarnock scored just twice in four cup games, although they did keep clean sheets every time.

"You take the positives from the clean-sheets, defensively really good," said midfielder Kiltie.

"We know that we need to take the chances, we had plenty today that we could have but I am sure when the games open up and the league starts then we will take them. I have full faith in that.

"We are getting in to areas. It would be different if we were keeping a clean sheets and we weren't creating anything at the other end.

"We had plenty today that we feel like we should have scored and in the other games we have probably felt exactly the same, but we have got through and that is the main objective at this time or year."

Kilmarnock, who played their home cup games at Beechwood Park, Auchinleck, open their Premiership campaign away to newly-promoted St Johnstone next weekend.

A newly installed hybrid, grass pitch will be ready for the visit of Celtic on 9 August.

Despite finishing 10th last season, Neil McCann's team finished the campaign strongly and will be looking to pick up where they left off.

"We are going into the league with some confidence," added 29-year-old Kiltie.

"Obviously at the beginning of the season I am not going to say we want to aim here and there, it is just about continuing on that run that we were on, continuing to play the way we want to play – a good brand of football."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Neil McCann expects his Kilmarnock side to find their "real cutting edge" again once the Scottish Premiership season starts despite finishing the Premier Sports Cup group stage with only two goals from four games.

The Ayrshire side were held to a goalless draw away to Peterhead in their final game, with the third-tier side also taking the bonus point by winning the penalty shoot-out.

But it was still enough for Kilmarnock to finish a point ahead of Hamilton Academical and Raith Rovers and qualify for Sunday's draw for the last 16.

"I thought we did more than enough to win the game," manager McCann told BBC Scotland. "We probably had eight, nine really good chances.

"The most frustrating thing and the annoying thing is that we have not taken one of them.

"We have lost on penalties, but I think the most important thing again was progressing."

McCann believes Kilmarnock can look forward with confidence to next week's league opener against St Johnstone.

"But, look, I am not going to kid the fans on that we are a polished article," he added. "We have got a lot of work to do without question in the final third, but we can do that on the back of progression.

"I think we showed last year that we are a team with a real cutting edge about us once we hit high gears and we click.

"I expect us to find that goal touch without question, but the flip side of that is that is four clean sheets on the bounce and that is quite impressive, I don't care what anybody says about the opposition.

"This section has provided a lot of problems for us because teams work so hard and they are ahead of us in preparation time because we have come back a wee bit later than them."

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Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola has vowed to "pick up where I left off" after returning "home" by signing a new one-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club.

The former Aston Villa 31-year-old, who was part of DR Congo's World Cup squad this summer, spent the second half of last season with Neil McCann's side.

After playing a key role as they avoided relegation with a fine run at the end of the season, Tshibola has effectively started a fourth spell at Rugby Park, having first joined in 2018 under Steve Clarke.

"I've been around the world, but only one place truly feels like home," the central midfielder said in his unveiling video.

"I hear you singing my name from the back of the stands.

"It's an exciting new era for the club, new pitch, new training ground, new ambitions - and I'm buzzing to be a part of it."

The club added: "He was integral to the way Neil McCann's side finished the campaign strongly, securing the club's top-flight status in style."

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League of Ireland side Shelbourne have signed goalkeeper Eddie Beach from Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee.

Beach, 22, joined Kilmarnock last summer after his Chelsea contract expired and made five appearances for the club before joining Derry City on loan earlier this year.

"I'm delighted to be joining Shelbourne," Beach said.

"It's a massive club with a big history and as soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be.

"I really enjoyed my time in the League of Ireland earlier this season and I'm excited to be back. I've seen the ambition around the club, the quality that's in the dressing room and the standards that are expected every day.

"I'm looking forward to getting started especially with the excitement for Europe around the corner."

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Neil McCann says the points were more important than the performance despite his Kilmarnock side having to wait until stoppage time before their winner against fourth-tier hosts Elgin City in the Premier Sports Cup group stage.

The Scottish Premiership side had to play 52 minutes with 10 men after right-back Jamie Brandon was red carded.

"I am really happy with the three points," McCann told Kilmarnock TV. "We could have been going back down the road with our tails between our legs having lost the game, going down to 10 men.

"The fact that we have managed to win the game should be enjoyed. It's all about getting through in the cup."

The narrow win follows a goalless draw at home to Championship side Raith Rovers, with Kilmarnock taking the penalty shoot-out bonus point.

"Jamie has made a poor decision, jumping into a challenge like that and, whether I think it's a red or yellow for being reckless, it's really hampered our chances of making it a more comfortable afternoon," McCann said.

"I think Elgin worked so hard, particularly in that period when it was 11 v 11 - and they continued to keep good shape to try to stop us from scoring.

"But I do feel the boys put a massive shift in. I was quite aggressive with my substitutions to try to win the game even with 10 men.

"They kept pushing, but of course Elgin are very organised under Stefan [Laird] - they made it tough.

"We want to play better, but the only important thing at this stage of the season is not performance, it's winning games and getting that mentality."

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Findlay Curtis wants to "showcase my talent in Europe on the biggest stage" for Rangers after living "every kid's dream" by playing for his country at the World Cup.

The 20-year-old winger became the youngest Scot to play at a World Cup finals when he came on a substitute in the victory over Haiti.

And he believes it was reward for pushing to be sent on loan to Kilmarnock.

"If you go and do really well, it will stand you in good stead and, even if you do bad, you get learning experiences," Curtis told Rangers TV after scoring the equaliser with a cross-come-shot in a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs at their pre-season training camp in Spain.

"It's been unbelievable between January and now, going to Killie and doing really well and I couldn't thank them enough for what they've down for me and that leading to the World Cup squad.

"It was quite daunting at the start coming away from a big club like this, but you have to relish it and need to be confident in yourself.

"It stood me in good stead and I can't wait to get going this season."

Curtis joked that Kilmarnock started winning as soon as he arrived as he helped Neil McCann's side steer clear of relegation trouble and thought the biggest improvement was on the "mental side" of his game.

After an "emotional" exit from Rugby Park, he is back at Ibrox and aiming for a starting place under new manager Derek McInnes.

"You can't really sit on the bench at this age," he said. "You need to go and showcase your talent and I want to do that in Europe on the biggest stage."

As for his World Cup experience, Curtis added: "It's obviously every kid's dream.

"It was some experience going over there to America and hopefully there's more to come.

"It's a shame the results didn't go our way, but we'll be back, definitely."

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Neil McCann is calling on his players to back up the positivity shared among Kilmarnock fans by flying out of the traps this season.

The Ayrshire side get their competitive action under way with a League Cup group opener at home to Raith Rovers on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Kilmarnock ended last term by securing their Scottish Premiership status with four straight wins, scoring 13 goals in the process.

Things looked bleak for the Rugby Park club when Stuart Kettlewell was sacked, and much of the support were underwhelmed by the appointment of McCann.

But the way in which McCann's men concluded the campaign has fuelled the fanbase with hope that they can have a positive season.

"It's about going again and understanding what we did last year as a group because we were in a bad position when I came in," McCann said.

"We not only managed to get ourselves out of the relegation and play-off spots, but we did it with a wee bit of style.

"It's important the fans come with optimism this year and hopefully we can back that optimism up with a really bright start to the season."

McCann also hailed some "really positive" transfer business by a "club that's gearing itself for the future".

He added that he will be looking to "make one or two more" additions to the squad.

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Greg Kiltie has been confirmed as Kilmarnock's new captain, with manager Neil McCann describing it as a "natural choice".

The 29-year-old was voted the club's player of the year last season after returning from St Mirren 12 months ago.

McCann said the attacking midfielder had "led by example", not just on the pitch but also with "his spirit, his demands and application levels in training".

"There were many who could have put themselves forward for the captaincy," the Kilmarnock boss added.

"But I just feel Kilts is a well-liked guy in the dressing room. It's an armband and a recognition of his importance to the club, but I'm looking for everyone to step up this year."

Meanwhile, former Kilmarnock defender Kirk Broadfoot, who made more than 100 appearances for the club, has been promoted from his role as youth coach to join McCann's backroom team.

Beveren have agreed a six-figure fee for 25-year-old Kilmarnock left-back Dominic Thompson, who will travel to Belgium to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms. (Sky Sports, external)

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kilmarnock head into the new Scottish Premiership season with optimism growing after a remarkable turnaround under manager Neil McCann.

In the latest BBC Scottish Football Podcast, Charlotte Cohen is joined by Sandy Armour of the Killie Hippo and Callum Scott from the Forever and Ever podcast to discuss how Killie recovered from a difficult start to last season and why supporters are feeling positive again.

The panel reflect on Stewart Kettlewell's departure, McCann's impact, the influence of January signings such as Joe Hugill and Findlay Curtis and a summer rebuild that includes the return of Mark O'Hara.

They also assess the move back to a grass pitch, the club's ambitious training ground project and what success would look like this season.

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Kilmarnock have loaned full-back Ben Brannan to Queen's Park for the 2026-27 season.

Brannan, 19, has made 34 senior appearances, including nine on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle last season.

Killie say the move has "the aim of gaining consistent first-team minutes to aid in his development".

"The club wishes Ben the best of luck for the campaign ahead," the Rugby Park club added on their website.

Scottish Championship side Queen's Park face Brora Rangers in Saturday's opening Premier Sports Cup match.

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Max Stryjek's late penalty save ensured Kilmarnock were 3-2 victors in their pre-season hit-out against Linfield at Windsor Park.

It was their second friendly in Northern Ireland this week, having beaten Glentoran 4-0 on Wednesday.

A youthful XI had Neil McCann's side 2-1 up at half-time, with goals from American teenager Cole Coughlin and former Spurs and Crystal Palace winger Roshaun Mathurin.

Killie put out a more experienced side in the second-half and, despite Linfield briefly restoring parity, Greg Kiltie soon had them back in front.

But they had to rely on Stryjek keeping them in front, with the number one saving a late spot-kick to hang on to the lead.

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Kilmarnock have signed Swedish winger Erik Ring from League One champions Lincoln City for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club.

Ring had joined Lincoln from AIK in his homeland in 2024 but made only eight starts, and 11 appearances off the bench, last season, scoring twice.

Having come through AIK's youth ranks, he went on to make 66 first-team appearances and also had a loan spell at Helsingborgs.

Kilmarnock state on their website: "His development through one of Scandinavia's strongest footballing systems has established him as an exciting attacking player capable of making an immediate impact in the Scottish Premiership."

He becomes the sixth summer addition to Neil McCann's squad at Rugby Park.

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Tyreece John-Jules marked his return from injury with a goal as Kilmarnock got their pre-season off to a flyer with a convincing 4-0 win over Glentoran in Belfast.

The striker had been handed a one-year contract extension after suffering a quad injury in February that ruled him out for the rest of the last campaign.

He came on as a half-time substitute at The Oval and scored after 65 minutes to make it 3-0 for the Scottish Premiership visitors.

Fellow forward Joe Hugill had marked his new contract extension by opening the scoring after only 10 minutes against hosts who were runners-up in the NIFL Premiership last season.

Ieuan Owen, the 20-year-old forward bought from Barry Town this summer, completed the scoring with seven minutes remaining.

Mark O'Hara, the midfielder who has returned from Kilmarnock from St Mirren, started the game, while Calum Ferrie, the goalkeeper signed from Queen's Park, and former Trencin forward Roshaun Mathurin came on for the second half along with John-Jules and Owen.

However, midfielder Bailey Rice was not involved after arriving on loan from Rangers.

Neil McCann's side next face Linfield, who finished fourth in the NIFL Premiership, at Windsor Park on Saturday.