Kilmarnock Archives - SNN Sports

“It’s Not Acceptable” Greg Kiltie Gives His Verdict On Killie’s Performance

Kilmarnock captain Greg Kiltie has said that his team have to find a way to turn their fortunes around as they slumped to their third defeat in three games at the start of their Scottish Premiership campaign. After 13 goals conceded and no sign of a win it’s been an overall disastrous start of the league season for Kilmarnock who sit rooted to the bottom of the league. Kiltie said: “Obviously disappointed, we only have ourselves to blame, It’s not acceptable and all I can do is apologise to the fans because that’s not on, that’s not us. It’s not what we’ve shown under the manager and obviously the feeling in the changing room isn’t the best.” When questioned about the team’s mentality when they go a goal down Kiltie said: “I think when we concede a goal we go into our shell a wee bit but we go on to concede two and three at the minute which obviously isn’t a good trait to have and we have to fix that.” “I think that it’s a positive that there’s a game on Wednesday, the quicker we get another game under our belts then we can put a good performance in and I’m sure if anyone’s like me they’re dying to get back on the pitch and put it right and that’s the thing we need to focus on.” He was then asked about how Kilmarnock can’t get their set-piece routines to work. Kiltie said: “I don’t think we help ourselves by going a goal behind, you want to get the fans on your side. It maybe just looks like that because of the feeling within the stadium that it just doesn’t come off. When you’re always a goal behind it’s tough to make that happen.” “It’s something we’ve obviously worked on but maybe easier to pull off when you’re a goal up or you’re still level. When something like that doesn’t come off you can feel the frustration from the crowd.” Kiltie was then asked about how close he feels Kilmarnock is to changing their performances he said: “We just need a few wee tweeks here and there and I don’t think it’s massively away. I know the results are not great but it’s the goals against, we’re creating good chances but I think if we just get a few things right it’ll turn around.” Finally he was asked about how good it is that the next game was so close, he said: “It’s excellent timing, it’s four days away from another game it’s what we need. I think we need to get back on the pitch and show the fans that we’re here to get a result.” As Greg Kiltie said Kilmarnock’s next game is on Wednesday night at home to St Mirren as they try to put things right and get their season turned around.

August 31, 2026

“I’m Convinced of What We’ve Got” Neil McCann Defiant After Another Defeat

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann still has full belief in his squad despite the 4-0 loss at home to Dundee United at the weekend. McCann has watched his side ship 13 goals in just three league games and they currently sit bottom of the league in these early stages of the season. Regardless of that, McCann still feels confident his team can turn their fortunes around and win over the fans which are already starting to question his squad of players. McCann said after the game: “I think words are cheap right now for the fans and I apologise to them for what they saw today and we’ll be right back at it tomorrow.” Kilmarnock were hoping the return of central defender Robbie Deas could help stabilize the shaky defence but he was taken off injured after just 18 minutes and McCann was unable to say if it will be another wait before Deas can play again. McCann said: “I don’t know how he is, he’s down there with a boot on right now so we’ll have a wee look at him over the weekend and see how it is so we don’t really have any news other than that but obviously it was severe enough for him to come off.” When questioned about the amount of goals Kilmarnock are conceding at the moment McCann said: “I’ve told the boys what I think and I’m quite clear on that, I’ll have a look at it and see where the damage is happening and the most important thing right now is to start looking ahead to St Mirren.” McCann continued: “I still believe in this squad, I still completely believe in this squad and what we’re doing will bear fruit, I’m positive of that. I’m really bullish of the fact that I know that it looks a bit vulnerable. You can see when we concede a goal it knocks us a bit, but we just need to find that bit of steel.” “I think the squad we’ve assembled is more than good enough to start picking up wins and when we do we’ll catch fire. I’m convinced and I know that’s easy to say for me right now and you’re probably thinking on the back of the three defeats in the league but I’m convinced of what is sitting down there, they just need to make sure they perform.” Then asked about the forward play looking rushed and disjointed McCann said: “You concede and the anxiety is we need to get back on it and we need to do what we’re good at in order to get the goal and sometimes that requires just a wee bit of calmness because we know we can hurt teams.” McCann finished talking about how the next game being on Wednesday night is a positive: “I’ll go back and I’ll look at where I went wrong because I probably done a few things wrong today as well and collectively we’ll get back into work and see what injuries we might have.” “My last message to the fans is come back on Wednesday night and we’ll go again and we’ll try and put this right. In fact I know that the boys will already be looking to put that right, we’ve had a few frank words in the dressing room and they know they’re much better than that and we need to come through that.” Kilmarnock next face St Mirren back at Rugby Park on Wednesday 2nd September as they look to finally put a strong performance in for their faithful support.

August 30, 2026

Kilmarnock 0-4 Dundee United: Killie’s Defensive Troubles Continue with Another Heavy Defeat

Rugby Park saw yet another poor defensive performance from Kilmarnock as they lost another four goals taking their total to 13 against in three league games. Kilmarnock came into this game off the back of a derby cup win against Ayrshire rivals Ayr United in the cup but had shipped nine goals in their opening two league games which saw them bottom of the league before a ball was kicked. Dundee United had lost their last three in all competitions including a Dundee derby last weekend as they sat just one place and one point above Kilmarnock coming into this one. Killie made four changes to their derby victory as Cathal McCarthey, Mark O’Hara, Jonathan Meier and Nicky Clescenco replaced Jamie Brandon, George Stanger, Aaron Tshibola and Erik Ring. McCarthy and Meier were making their debuts for the hosts today. United also made four changes to their derby defeat as Vicko Sevelj, Dylan Tait, Jesse Randall and Idjessi Metsoko were replaced by Zac Sapsford, Emmanuel Agyei, Joshua Rawlins and Daniel Bennie. The first real chance of the game came for Kilmarnock from a long ball that was flicked on by Greg Kiltie into the path of Joe Hugill who struck on the volley from around 25 yards but it proved to be an easy stop for United keeper Jack Walton. United hit back a few minutes with a cross into the box from Zac Sapsford that was met at the back post from about a yard out as Meier lost his man but Michael Forbes somehow put his header over the bar. Dundee United took the lead after 13 minutes as a corner was floated in by Mehdi Merghem near the front post and knocked in by the head of Emmanuel Agyei who was unmarked just six yards out as Killie’s woeful defensive run continued. United continued to pile on pressure as Daniel Binnie won another header at the back post but it went wide and with Killie down to 10 men at the time as Robbie Deas had gone off injured and George Stanger came on to replace him. Killie finally found themselves with an attempt on goal around the half hour mark as Mark O’Hara flicked a deep cross towards the far post and Walton was at full stretch to tip the ball past the post, the corner that came from it was well overhit and not an issue for United. A penalty was awarded to Dundee United as Cathal McCarthy was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Michael Forbes in the box, Sapsford took the penalty and slipped but managed to strike it past Max Stryek to put United two up. That was followed by a beautiful strike from Will Ferry as he cut in on his right foot and curled one from about 25 yards into the top corner leaving Stryek with no chance at all as United were starting to make it look embarrassing for Killie. Killie tried to get themselves back into the game as Michael Schjonning-Larsen had a couple of crosses that led to nothing as the half time whistle was blown there were boos all round Rugby Park as that’s now 12 goals conceded in two and a half matches. A good start to the second half from Killie as substitute Djenaro Daniels’ low cut back was hit by Hugill but he got it all wrong and it went well over the bar. United settled into the second half as Abdoulaye Yoro hit a shot on the spin after good work on the right hand side but it was a routine save for Stryek. Mehdi Merghem was causing Killie troubles again and his pass inside found Binnie who took a good touch and hit a powerful strike but again it was straight at Stryek. Kilmarnock then went straight up the park and Schjonning-Larsen hit a similar shot to Binnie but again Walton tipped it away. Merghem was at it again but this time he went for it himself, his curling shot looked to be mirroring Ferry’s from the first half but this one drifted just wide. As we entered the last 20 minutes United again found themselves with a player unmarked inside the Kilmarnock penalty area as Sapsford had a header saved by Stryek. Just moments later substitutes Lachlan Rose and Jesse Randall combined but Rose’s shot was again saved by Stryek who got his foot on the ball at a stretch. United made it four with just over 10 minutes to go as Ferry’s cross found yet another teammate unmarked at the back post, this time it was Randall whose volley found the roof of the net from close range. As the game came to an end Dundee United were deserved winners as an almost empty Rugby Park boos their team off the park, Killie need to fix this schoolboy defending or they could have a record- breakingly bad season. Kilmarnock Max Stryek, Cathal McCarthy, Mark O’Hara (Bailey Rice 63’), Robbie Deas (George Stanger 17’), Joe Hugill, Tyreese John-Jules (Cole Burke 64’), Greg Kiltie, Tom Lowery, Jonathan Meier (Jamie Brandon 46’), Nicky Clescenco (Djenairo Daniels 46’), Michael Schjonning-Larsen. Dundee United Jack Walton, Bert Esselink, Mehdi Merghem (Jesse Randall 63’), Panutche Camera, Zac Sapsford (Neil Farrugia 74’), Will Ferry, Emmanuel Agyei, Michael Forbes, Joshua Rawlins, Abdoulaye Yoro (Lachlan Rose 64’), Daniel Bennie (Dario Naamo 79’) .

August 29, 2026

“Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it” – Ayrshire Derby Manager Reaction

Neil McCann praised his side’s “character” after emerging victorious in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Ayr, becoming the first side to progress to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals. Nicky Clesenco’s 89th-minute winner sparked wild scenes in the packed-out BBSP Rugby Park, but Killie were made to work for their win after The Honest Men had twice led through Owen Stirton and Ross Taylor. McCann was delighted the hosts could stand up to the pressure. “Congratulations to Ayr United for their quality and their endeavour. It’s always difficult when you’re the side that’s having to make the game. “We showed a lot of character tonight. There’s a lot of pressure on this game, let’s not kid ourselves. The fans that turned out were magnificent, and I’m so happy our boys showed the quality to put us in the quarter-finals. “Nobody can say we didn’t deserve it. We were the team in control of the match, they had a bit of quality on the counter attack. Tonight, we can celebrate. I’ve told them to go and enjoy it. “We showed a lot of guts and I’m so happy.” In contrast to the delight of the home boss, Ayr United’s Gary Naysmith admitted the defeat “one of the sickest” he has faced in his career thus far. It was a night that could have been so different for The Honest Men, who started the first and second half in lightning-quick fashion. “Apart from winning the game, they couldn’t have given me any more. We stuck to the game plan, always looked a threat on the break. “We started the first half and the second half the better team. Towards the middle and end of both halves, Kilmarnock came into it and asked us questions. Big games have big moments, and Harry Stone’s collision with Kevin Holt allowed Clesenco the opportunity to chip into the net. “In the main, we defended really well. We were just lacking numbers. It caught up with us a wee bit. “We just leave Harry be, it’s just a mistake. He was tremendous again tonight, came for everything, made some big saves. It’s a horrible way to lose a game. “That’s up there with one of the sickest feelings I’ve had at the end of a game.” Kilmarnock are next in action on August 29th against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United, still waiting for their first victory in the Scottish Premiership. Ayr United will look to add to their unbeaten Championship start against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy.

August 15, 2026

Kilmarnock FC complete BBSP Stadium Rugby Park pitch redevelopment ahead of first home Scottish Premiership fixture

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to confirm that the redevelopment of the BBSP Stadium Rugby Park playing surface is now complete ahead of the club’s first competitive home fixture of the 2026/27 season against Celtic on Sunday, August 9. Following months of planning and construction, fans will be welcomed back this weekend to a brand-new natural grass surface, representing one of the most significant investments in the stadium’s infrastructure in the past decade. The project has been delivered by principal contractor, Malcolm Construction, working alongside the club and several specialist partners to ensure the pitch is ready for the start of the new William Hill Scottish Premiership campaign. “Completing a project of this scale in time for the opening fixture of the season is a tremendous achievement, and one everyone connected with the club can be proud of,” Gregg McEwan, the club’s General Manager, said. “From the outset, our priority was to deliver a playing surface that would provide the best possible environment for our players while enhancing the matchday experience for supporters. Seeing the finished product ahead of Sunday’s match is incredibly rewarding. “I’d like to place on record my sincere thanks to Malcolms for the professionalism, expertise and commitment they have shown throughout the project. I’d also like to thank ChappelowSports Turf, CY Turf, Hamilton Tarmac and everyone else who has contributed to bringing this renovation to conclusion. “Finally, I’d like to thank our supporters for their patience and understanding throughout the works. We know how much Rugby Park means to everyone connected with the club, and we look forward to welcoming fans back this weekend to see the new surface for themselves.” The aim was to create the perfect playing surface to withstand today’s high usage demands on pitches, and to increase the longevity of the surface in playing hours. The decision to revert the playing surface at Rugby Park back to natural grass coincided with the ongoing works at Bowie Park, the club’s new bespoke, purpose-built training ground. The HERO Hybrid Grass system – which is based on a design where the synthetic vertical fibres, which make up 5 percent of the playing surface, are anchored to a reticulated open grid rather than being stitched in – implemented at the stadium was developed to meet the growing expectations of customers wishing to benefit from new advances, with hybrid grass technologies first made around 20 years ago. HERO also meets the international playing standards of both FIFA and World Rugby. The synthetic blue run offs have been installed to World Rugby standards too, so the pitch can be used to play international level rugby, as well as football. The old synthetic pitch was removed down to the porous tar layer before a new undersoil heating system was fitted. A 300mm deep root zone pitch was then installed (some 5000T of material) using the HERO carpet as the top 50mm of the surface. The synthetic fibres of the carpet protect the natural grass from wear and aid the plant in its recovery. This system offers three times more playing hours in comparison to natural grass alone. The carpet has only five percent of the playing surface as artificial grass, and 95 percent of the playing surface is natural grass. This complies with FIFA standards. This unique, patented construction is achieved via knitting, rather than tufting or weaving. The natural grass grows through these fibres and mat and locks itself together. This system is the first of its type in Scotland, has been rolled out across the world. English Premier League clubs like Chelsea, West Ham and Aston Villa utilise it, as do Real Madrid and at 2026 World Cup venues in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Philadelphia. It’s a huge investment for Kilmarnock and brings the versatile pitch up to the highest standard. Jim McAlister, Director at Malcolm Construction, said: “When the club approached us to discuss the replacement of the existing synthetic pitch at Rugby Park with a new natural pitch, our teams began to work closely together to come up with a solution that provided the best possible playing surface whilst being able to tolerate high usage and also increase the overall longevity of the surface in playing hours. “The answer was to install a hybrid grass pitch system which combines natural live grass with synthetic fibres, providing users with the natural feel and performance of real grass alongside the added durability of artificial turf. “What makes the Kilmarnock pitch different from the other hybrid pitches currently in use in Scotland, is that it utilises the HERO Hybrid Grass system which is based on a design where the synthetic vertical fibres, which make up 5 percent of the playing surface, are anchored to a reticulated open grid rather than being stitched in. This is the first hybrid pitch of its kind to be installed in Scotland and provides the club with an elite level, durable and versatile pitch.” Donald Malcolm, Director of Malcolm Construction, added: “In addition to the successful delivery of the first phase of the Bowie Park training facility earlier this year, the completion of this new hybrid grass pitch at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park marks a proud moment for Malcolm Construction and further strengthens the ongoing relationship between The Malcolm Group and Kilmarnock Football Club. “Thanks to the efforts of all those involved, including our key suppliers and the management team at Kilmarnock, the new pitch has been successfully delivered on programme and is looking exceptional. Everyone at The Malcolm Group look forward to seeing the pitch in action over the coming weeks and wish the club and its supporters the best of luck for the 2026/27 season.” Kilmarnock FC would also like to place on record its sincere thanks to the Killie Trust, its members and every fan who contributed through the Pitch In campaign or made an individual donation towards the project. Their generosity has made a valuable contribution to the redevelopment of the new playing surface and once again demonstrates the strong partnership that exists between Kilmarnock Football Club and its supporters. With the work now complete, all attention turns to Sunday’s opening Premiership fixture against Celtic, where the new surface will host its first competitive match in front of Sky Sports’ TV cameras, and

August 7, 2026

Ex-Premiership midfielder seals Japanese move

Former Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian midfielder Jackson Irvine has completed a move to J-League side Cerezo Osaka from Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli. Irvine, who has represented Scotland at youth level spent five years in Germany after departing Hibernian in 2021, captaining St. Pauli in their return to the Bundesliga in 2024. The midfielder has 86 caps for Australia, including playing at the last three World Cups. The midfielder began his senior career at Celtic and spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Kilmarnock. He’d then move north to Ross County on loan, before making the move permanent a year later. Irvine would win the League Cup in 2016 and move to England that same year. Contractual disputes amid COVID saw Irvine return to Scotland with Hibernian, spending half a season in Edinburgh as Jack Ross’ side finished third. Upon completing his move, Irvine said: “I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the hottest football nation in the world and joining a new league and a club with huge potential. I hope I can use my experience and quality to help the team become even better. I’m also looking forward to experiencing a new culture and a new way of life. Let’s achieve success together!” On the official Bundesliga website, the St. Pauli director of sport, Andreas Bornemann said: “After returning from the World Cup, Jackson approached us with the request to move to Japan. “We thank ‘Jacko’ for his dedication over the past few years and wish him and his family all the best for the future.” It remains uncertain how long Irvine’s contract in Osaka lasts, but at 33-years-old, he could be expected to wind his career down in Japan.

August 5, 2026

Talking Points: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock

Five talking points as St Johnstone defeat Kilmarnock 4-3. Strong first-half from the Saints. Last season’s Championship winners made their return to the top flight against Kilmarnock, and in the opening period, they looked comfortable. The patterns of play, looked decent defensively (goal aside) and created enough chances to go into the interval ahead, however, Kiltie’s strike in the tail end of the half meant that despite all of the Saints’ positive play, the sides went in level. A sensational second period. The second-half was quite brilliant. The Saints hit the front less than two minutes into it, when Diabate headed home from a corner, however, Hugill equalised just over a minute later. On 53 minutes, Holt found his own net after the ball came off him following a save from Steward. With just over twenty minutes remaining, a dangerous ball into the box came off a Kilmarnock defender and found the bottom corner. And with ten minutes to go, substitute Fotheringham, who looked sharp during his cameo off the bench, found the corner after receiving the ball from Fowler, to give St Johnstone three points on opening weekend. Saints show character. Last campaign, Simo Valakari’s men were solid on home soil, winning eleven, drawing six and only losing one and based on the performance produced against Kilmarnock, it is clear to see how. After conceding two cheap goals in quick succession, it would have been easy for the heads to drop, however, they didn’t let the goals derail them and kept pushing, and got their reward, scoring two in just over ten minutes to secure the three points, which shows that St Johnstone can compete at this level and will not give up, which is a huge testament to manager Simo Valakari, who has clearly got the buy in from the players, which is helped by the fact that ten of the starting XI were at the club last season. Dire defensive display. For the first St Johnstone goal, Tshibola lost control of the ball, then no one picked up Fowler in the penalty area, who converted into the bottom corner. The second goal came from a corner which was met by Diabate, who didn’t even have to jump to meet the ball in the air. And the third goal came from a free kick, which found its way in off of Schjønning-Larsen. Although Kilmarnock were decent going forward, defensively they were very poor, especially from set pieces, which was unexpected due to their League Cup campaign, where they didn’t concede a single goal. On the other hand, they only scored two goals in four games, which they managed to better in 20 minutes of action, which is a slight positive that Neil McCann can take from the game. Alarming signs for Kilmarnock from a defensive perspective with the champions Celtic on the horizon. Fantastic Fowler There were several standouts for St Johnstone, including Gullan, who created five chances (the most in the match) and picked up two assists, Fotheringham, who came off the bench to score the winner and Josh Fowler, who led the line terrifically for St Johnstone. The former Queen’s Park striker took his only chance of the match, slotting the ball past the Kilmarnock goalkeeper, set up the winner and looked comfortable on the ball. The Saints will be hoping from more of that from their number nine for the remainder of the campaign.

August 3, 2026

St Johnstone return to the Premiership in style after dramatic 7-goal-thriller win

St Johnstone return to the Premiership on a high as they edge past Killie in a dramatic four-goal thriller with Kai Fotheringham wins it for the Saints in a 4-3 victory. St Johnstone started off the brightest, having majority of the ball but unable to find a goal with Paton having a chance after 10 minutes but headed straight towards the Killie number one which was eventually flagged offside. The hosts went ahead after 17 minutes, Tshibola slipping up on the ball which gifted Stanton a run goal-bound which found itself at Gullan which was slotted through to Josh Fowler in the box as he calmly struck it home as St Johnstone took the lead. Some sloppy play once again allowed Paton to have a shot on target but was well stopped with moments later, Jason Holt had a strong chance from distance which fired just wide of goal. Kilmarnock struck level after 37 minutes, a ball into the box which ended in a scramble which fell to Greg Kiltie as he took it first-time and struck it into the net to give the visitors the vital equaliser. Overall, a first half to be happy with by the hosts but for Killie, despite the equaliser, they will need to improve in certain areas going into the second 45. Into the second half, St Johnstone quickly went back in front following a ball into the box as Diabate powerfully headed the ball into the back of the net to restore the lead. Killie were back level very quickly as Joe Hugill slotted the ball into the net from very close range as the goals continued to fly in bringing the visitors level. Another goal quickly went in as Jason Holt netted an own-goal following which looked to be a strike from Hugill to put Killie ahead for the first time in an eventful second period. St Johnstone levelled once again as Gullan whipped in a dangerous free kick with Lloyd getting on the end of it and bringing his side level with just his first touch after coming on. An exciting ending is in store as both sides seem very eager to find the winner with both sides creating chances after a very eventful game so far. Fantastic play by both Fotheringham and Fowler as Fowler slots the ball into the path of Fotheringham as he smashes the ball into the back of the net as the Saints look likely to be heading to victory unless Killie still have something in them. A big win for St Johnstone on their return to the Premiership in a very entertaining game as Killie go home empty handed despite netting on three occasions. St Johnstone: Stewart (6), Foulds (6), Diabate (7), Mitchell (6), Smith (6), McAlear (6), Holt (6), Stanton (8), Gullan (8), Fowler (8), Paton (7). Substitutes: Fotheringham (8), Chalmers (7), Lloyd (7), Tait (6). Kilmarnock: Stryjek (6), Clesceno (6), Brown (6), Stranger (6), Schjonning-Larsen (5), Ring (6), Lowery (6), Tshibola (6), Kiltie (7), John-Jules (6), Hugill (7). Substitutes: Brandon (6), Rice (6), Mathurin (6), O’Hara (6), Owen (6).

August 2, 2026

Match Preview: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock

These two sides met four times in the 2024/25 campaign. The first two meetings were won by the Saints. The first of which came at Rugby Park, where St Johnstone ran out 3-0 winners, courtesy of a brace from Sidibeh and a late penalty from Kimpioka. The second came in Perth, where St Johnstone won 1-0, with Kirk scoring the only goal of the game. The other two meetings were both won by Kilmarnock. The first of which came in Ayrshire, where Killie ran out 3-1 winners, courtesy of goals from Polworth, Murray and Wales. Carey scored a consolation in stoppage time for the Saints. The second of which, and the final meeting between these two sides in the 24/25 campaign ended 2-0 to Kilmarnock in Perth. Watson and Armstrong got the goals. Both sides had underwhelming League Cup group stage campaigns. Sunday’s hosts St Johnstone started off their campaign with a 2-0 win away at Linlithgow Rose, then followed that result up with a 3-0 win against Championship side Morton. However, defeat against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, followed up by a 1-1 draw against East Fife, in a game where they took the lead in the 90th minute and conceded in the 95th, then lost on penalties, meant they were knocked out of the competition. Kilmarnock kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Raith Rovers, however, did pick up the extra point. In their second match of the group stage, Neil McCann’s side showed resilience to beat Elgin City 1-0. Killie were reduced to ten in the first-half when Brandon was shown red, but Hugill’s stoppage time winner prevented back-to-back penalty shootouts. Their third match ended in a 1-0 win against Hamilton Accies, courtesy of a strike from Kiltie on the hour mark. Kilmarnock rounded off their group stage campaign with yet another poor showing, losing to League One outfit Peterhead on penalties after another goalless draw. Despite a disappointing group campaign, where they only netted twice, Killie finished top of their group on nine points, and will face Ayrshire rivals Ayr United in the next round. Both sides have been active in the transfer market. The Saints have brought in some familiar faces, including Ruari Paton and Toby Steward, who were part of the St Johnstone squad that won the Championship last season. In continuation, the Perth side have brought in two players who had brilliant campaigns last season in the Scottish Championship – Chalmers from Partick Thistle and Matty Todd from Dunfermline Athletic. Kilmarnock have brought in a mix of youth and experience. Mark O’Hara signed in late June, returning to the club where it all started for him back in 2012. Tshibola also made his return to Rugby Park following the World Cup, where he was part of the DR Congo squad. Killie have also brought in young Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, who will be looking to emulate the success that Findlay Curtis had during his loan spell at Rugby Park, during the second-half of last season, and young Welsh forward Ieuan Owen, who scored two huge goals which helped Barry Town secure the club’s first top-flight silverware in over two decades.

August 1, 2026

Main entrance of Kilmarnock FC’s stadium with signage reading "Kilmarnock Est. 1869"

“Fans’ Favourite” Tshibola Returns after World Cup Venture

Kilmarnock have announced the signing of midfielder Aaron Tshibola on a one-year deal, with the DR Congo international returning to Rugby Park for his fourth spell with the club. The 31-year-old first joined Killie on loan in 2018 and has since made 92 appearances for the Ayrshire side. Tshibola also played a key role in helping Neil McCann’s team avoid relegation during his previous stint at the club. The former Aston Villa midfielder was unveiled in a club video, in which he expressed his delight at returning to Rugby Park. “I’ve been around the world, but only one place truly feels like home. “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.” Kilmarnock also welcomed back the popular midfielder in a statement on the club’s website. “Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to announce the return of fans’ favourite Aaron Tshibola. “He will continue to wear the No. 36 jersey. Welcome back, Tish!” Tshibola’s return comes as Kilmarnock prepare for their final Premier Sports Cup group-stage fixture against Peterhead this weekend, before beginning their Premiership campaign away to St Johnstone.

July 23, 2026