Kilmarnock Archives - Page 2 of 5

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee Utd: Hosts leapfrog relegation rivals to boost survival hopes

Kilmarnock 3-0 Dundee United Deas (21′) Curtis (51′) Hugill (64′) Kilmarnock took a huge step towards automatic safety after a clinical home victory against Dundee United at the BBSP Rugby Park. Both sides had early chances in a frantic opening. Max Stryjek saved Zac Sapsford’s shot inside the penalty area after positive play from Will Ferry down the United left. Neil McCann knew a victory could potentially propel Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff, and responded minutes later. Dave Richards tipped Tom Lowery’s header over the bar for their first effort of the game. United’s best threat looked to be coming from Ferry, who was influential in last weekend’s derby victory. His latest cross deflected to Sapsford inside the box, whose low shot arrowed wide from 12 yards. If they could build on the 3-0 win against their bitter rivals, they could wrap up the top spot in the relegation group. Dave Richards produced another top-class save in the 17th minute to keep the scores level. Greg Kiltie raced through on goal, but the Welshman spread himself to deny from close range. Killie hit the front from their first corner of the match in the 21st minute. A deep cross was headed home by captain Robbie Deas to lift Killie from the relegation spots. News of Dundee’s opener against St Mirren spread across all corners of the BBSP Rugby Park, to reinvigorate the home faithful . The tenacious Tshibola went close to doubling the lead in the 38th minute. But after dispossessing the United midfield, his speculative 25-yard effort was tipped over. Sapsford’s blazed over Neil Farrugia’s cross close to the break, as United pushed for the leveller. Kilmarnock’s excellent home form looked to be delivering another victory as the halftime whistle blew. Findlay Curtis endured a quiet first half but burst into life in the 50th minute. After latching onto a speculative forward pass, the winger showcases composure beyond his years, sidefooting past Richards to double the host’s lead. With national boss Steve Clarke in attendance, the youngster’s strike could help to foster another Scotland call-up with the World Cup on the horizon. Matters got worse for the Arabs, and especially for the unfortunate Samuel Cleall-Harding, in the 64th minute. The young defender misjudged a backpass, allowing Jordan Hugill to poke Killie into a 3-goal advantage and effectively end any hopes of a Dundee comeback. United were unable to test Stryjek in the first half, and Jim Goodwin quickly moved to his bench before the hour mark. Though safety is all but secured in the top flight, the manager would have hoped for a strong end to the season. The visitors pushed for a way back, with Kilmarnock happier to drop deep and defend their lead. Farrugia and Ivan Dolcek’s efforts were saved by the Pole, determined to keep his clean sheet. Victory moves Kilmarnock out of the relegation playoff spots for the first time in 18 games, but McCann insists “we’ve achieved nothing yet” ahead of a seismic clash against St Mirren next weekend. Teams Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7 Curtis 8 Stanger 7 Deas 7 Schjonning-Larsen 8 Kiltie 7 Lowery 7 Tshibola 8 Hugill 7 Anderson 7 Clescenco 6 Substitutes: Thompson 6 Polwarth 6 Curtis 6 Mayo 6 Dundee United: Richards 5 Cleall-Harding 4 Graham 6 Keresztes 6 Naamo 6 Ferry 6 Camara 5 Agyei 5 Sapsford 6 Watters 5 Farrugia 6 Substitutes: Dolcek 6 Sevelj 6 Russell 5 Sibbald 5 Stirton 4 Attendance: 5,529

May 2, 2026

Retaining Premiership status a real possibility for Kilmarnock under Neil McCann

Prior to McCann’s arrival in January, Kilmarnock looked destined for the drop, but McCann has since turned Killie’s fortunes around as the gap has closed on their fellow relegation battlers. Stuart Kettlewell was relieved of his duties at Rugby Park last December after going 10 games without a win, including six defeats in a row during that period. Leaving Kilmarnock second bottom with just a three-point gap above bottom side Livingston. Since Neil McCann’s arrival to the Kilmarnock dugout, the former Scotland international has steadied Killie’s ship, picking up vital points including back-to-back victories against league leaders Hearts and fellow strugglers Livingston. Killie find themselves in eleventh place, but more importantly, the gap to the bottom spot has increased massively in their favour to twelve points, all but securing them from automatic relegation. Neil McCann’s side are just two points off St. Mirren in 10th place, leapfrogging the buddies come the end of the season will mean they are safe from a relegation play-off with a Championship team. “These next five games are huge for not only ourselves, but the club as a whole and the fans, and we understand the importance of them.” “I’m not frightened by the challenge ahead. I’ve been here before, and my positivity is the exact same, and that’s reinforced because I do believe that teams are actually realising that Kilmarnock have got a right good side.” “All in all, my reflection on where we’ve been since I’ve come in to where we are now, I feel were in a great place to really finish the season strongly.” As we enter the split, it is do or die for Killie, but Neil McCann has all the confidence in himself and his players in avoiding the drop. Kilmarnock kick off split fixtures with a trip away to Aberdeen this coming Saturday. The last time these two faced each other, Neil McCann comfortably guided Kilmarnock to a 3-0 victory, and he will be aiming for more of the same this weekend. Despite a brief season in the championship in 2021/22, Kilmarnock have established themselves as a solid Premiership side this century, lifting the Scottish League Cup in 2012 and having several impressive league finishes, such as a finishing in third place in 2018/19 under current national team manager Steve Clarke, and a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 campaign. Kilmarnock post-split fixtures: Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (25 April 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee United (2 May 3:00 pm) St. Mirren v Kilmarnock (9 May 3:00 pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee FC (12 May 7:45 pm) Livingston v Kilmarnock (17 May 2:00 pm) 💬 Have Your Say What do you think? Let us know in the comments or on social media @SNNsports.

April 22, 2026

Double trouble (X2!) at Killie Community Easter camp

Staff at the Killie Community experienced Déjà vu on Thursday (April 16th) when FOUR sets of twins took to the pitch at their Easter holiday camp. Fully kitted out in Killie colours ranging from Rory McKenzie’s special testimonial strip, this season’s multicoloured goalkeeper jersey, our Paper Roses kit and of course, the club’s iconic blue and white stripes, the respective pairs of brothers were all thrilled to pose for a photo in unique circumstances at the Community Hub. Involved in the Killie Community’s dedicated Easter camp were: Ollie & Alfie, aged 5 Calvin & Corey, aged 6 Struan & Alexander, aged 5 Rory & Arlo, aged 5 The boys were part of the programme which saw over 150 children, aged 5 – 12, from the local area enjoy football coaching and other fun, engaging activities during the school holidays. Last week’s participants were lucky enough to spend some time with vice-captain Robbie Deas and academy product David Watson as the first team players signed autographs. The kids played on the club’s community nine-a-side pitch at the rear of the Moffat Stand, before enjoying a snack and healthy lunch during breaks throughout the dedicated, fun-filled days of the initiative. Spaces in the camp are partly funded by Scottish Gas, the Scottish FA and various other local and national organisations to allow youngsters to attend at no cost. Thumbnail Photo Credit: Jeff Holmes

April 16, 2026

Hibernian 3-0 Kilmarnock: Quickfire start boosts Hibees European hopes

Hibernian 3-0 Kilmarnock Elding (1′) Passlack (12′) Suto (90+3′) A strike after just 13 seconds spurred Hibernian to a home victory over Kilmarnock, as they returned from the international break to close the gap on Motherwell to three points in the European spots of the Scottish Premiership. The hosts made a dream start with barely a second on the clock. Owen Elding repaid his manager’s faith to slide under Kelle Roos in the box after a marauding forward run by Felix Passlack. The lead became two after twelve minutes. Elding, playing with such swagger, released Jordan Obita through on goal after spinning on the halfway line. Roos attempted to close the angle, but the wingback squared to Passlack, who rolled home. David Gray’s side was so sharp and showcased a conviction that has been lacking in a somewhat inconsistent season. With news of Barney Stewart’s headed opener filtering through the stands, Hibs looked destined to close the gap on Motherwell to three points. Kilmarnock thought they had established a foothold in the game with their first chance of the match. Brad Lyons collected a rebounded ball on the byline and slid across the box for Findlay Curtis to sidefoot home. But after a lengthy VAR check, Lyons was adjudged to be standing offside, and the goal was swiftly ruled out. Neil McCann’s side closed out the first half better than they started, but struggled to penetrate the Hibs back three. The hosts’ swashbuckling opening 15 minutes was the difference in the Capital. The visitors started the second half positively. Curtis did unbelievably well to beat Chaiwa in the corner, but his back-post cross was cleared. The next goal felt critical in this crunch encounter. The winger scored his first Kilmarnock goal against Livingston 2 weeks ago, and seemed to be McCann’s best outlet for drawing level. Kiltie tested Raphael Sallinger with a speculative from twenty yards as the visitors continued to press. Hibs looked comfortable, but Gray would hope his side could find a third and kill the game. Kilmarnock continued to dominate the ball to no great avail. McCann would have been disappointed with his side’s efforts to create clear-cut chances in a mediocre second half. Hibs rounded out the scoring with seconds to play. Substitutes Martin Boyle and Ante Suto combined, the latter rolled past Roos to finish a productive afternoon for the hosts. Gray’s men move just three points behind Motherwell with just six games remaining. But for Kilmarnock, lessons to be learned for McCann’s side, who remain rooted in the relegation playoff spot. Hibernian: Sallinger 7 Hanley 8 O’Hora 7 Iredale 7 Passlack 7 Obita 7 Barlaser 7 McGrath 7 Chaiwa 8 Scarlett 7 Elding 8 Substitutes: Newell 6 Suto 6 Andrews 6 Boyle 3 Campbell 3 Kilmarnock: Roos 6 Stanger 6 Brandon 6 Deas 6 Schjonning-Larsen 6 Tshibola 6 Polwarth 4 Lyons 4 Kiltie 6 Curtis 7 Hugill 5 Substitutes: Watson 6 Watkins 6 Thompson 5 Anderson 2 Thomson 2

April 4, 2026

“We’ve found a good place” – Kilmarnock finding their groove under McCann

Neil McCann aimed to “eliminate the fear” after taking over Kilmarnock in January, as they continue their quest for safety in the Scottish Premiership against Hibernian. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Easter Road, McCann believes his side are in a positive position, despite being perched in the relegation playoff spot. “I’m aware of it, clearly, I have to be aware of it, but just looking at where we are now, I think we’re just in a really good groove in terms of how we’re feeling about ourselves and the way we want to play. “We’ll probably have another wee meeting today, actually, just in fine-tuning because I still think we can get much better. “But I think we’ve found a good place where we’re defensively structured but still retaining a real good threat. I’m hoping that the fans are enjoying what they’re seeing just now. “I think where we are right now is that we always wanted to make sure we’re in the fight here. The former Rangers and Hearts winger took over at the beginning of 2026, and after ending their 14-match winless run, back-to-back victories over Hearts and Livingston have boosted their survival chances. “I think the biggest thing for me coming in here with Billy [Dodds] was to eliminate the fear that maybe was existing. “Fear is maybe the wrong word, apprehension may be a better word to use, and just let the boys get back to enjoying their football, being brave because being brave is going to get results and we’ve started that but we’ve got so much work to do. “We’re nowhere near where we want to be and Saturday is just going to be another example of how hard it’s going to be for us this season.” A positive result over David Gray’s side could help Killie leapfrog their nearest rivals and out of the relegation playoff position. With plenty of football yet to play, there is no doubt that Kilmarnock are in a stronger place under McCann’s guidance.

April 2, 2026

McCann determined to create a “Fortress” after Hearts victory

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann expressed his delight at his side’s improved home form, following their deserved 1-0 victory over league leaders Hearts at BSSP Rugby Park. “There’s a lot to like. I’m so proud of the players. We’ve had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result. “The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts. “We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man, we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points. “We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager, and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play. “We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory. “The bar was set when we came in – what we expect as a coaching team. What we’re doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress.” The victory moves the Ayrshire side level on points with St Mirren, ahead of a crucial few weeks before the Scottish Premiership split. Victories over Aberdeen, St Mirren, and now Hearts at home have fuelled optimism for a rejuvenated Killie support. McCann and assistant Billy Dodds deserve heaps of credit for the side’s steady improvement.

March 16, 2026

“Refocused” Kilmarnock will be a tough assignment for Hearts – McCann

Neil McCann promises that leaders Hearts will be given a “tough game” by his wounded Kilmarnock side, who suffered a damning defeat to high-flying Falkirk in their last league encounter. The Ayrshire team have had 2 weeks to stew on the 5-1 defeat, but believes the break allowed his side to “refocus”. “We’ve had a wee bit of extra time to stew on that defeat from Falkirk, which looked totally out of character in terms of performances that we’ve produced since I’ve been here. “I think everything that could go wrong did go wrong, and we were punished by a really good side. “What it has done is give us a wee bit of time to actually look at where we’ve gone wrong in that game, in particular. “With a mix of just giving the boys a wee bit of time away as well because we have been training them hard, so it’s been beneficial, I hope to everybody.” McCann expects a reaction from his team, who “look forward” to welcoming Derek McInnes’ side. “I’ve never seen anything other than a brilliant attitude in training since I’ve been in here. I’ve been talking about the attitude of the boys and what we’ve been asking them to do, of course. “They are gonna be a wee bit low when they return from that defeat and so we should be it was a sore one for everybody to take. “We were really disappointed in ourselves, the show we put on, in most of the other games, I think you can say we’ve been right in, and looking like a threat. “But it has given up a wee bit of a jolt at a good point of the season, actually, with the four games coming up before the split “It’s maybe refocused our minds, we look forward to welcoming hearts here at Rugby Park.” McCann believes his side will be tough outfit for the Gorgie side to crack. “Hearts are going great, and its gonna be a really tough game, they are coming here with their own pressures, to stay at the top of the table, and I think they’ll be thinking this is a hard game. “I honestly do believe that they’ll be expecting a tough game from us down here and I think we’ve been really good at home of late, so we’ve got to continue that for, and belief. Hopefully, we get a big crowd behind us” The manager added that there were no injury scares, his side were “pretty strong” and had a “full group training today [Friday]”.

March 14, 2026

I think it flatters Rangers – Neil McCann on Ibrox Defeat

Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann has “zero criticism” from his side’s 5-1 defeat to Rangers, after battling for 86 minutes with a man down at Ibrox. Dom Thompson’s early red card was compounded by James Tavernier’s clinical penalty, presenting the Ayrshire side with a mountain to climb. Despite the setbacks, McCann believes his team were the “better side” in the first half. ‘I’m so disappointed, we lost a man so early in the match, and I’ve got my thoughts on that, but you have to suck it up.’ ‘You have to continue to trust the players and what the game plan is, your game plan is sort of up in the smokes, and we’re a man down.’ ‘The instruction wasn’t any different, in terms of, we still wanted them to be brave, we still wanted them to get into the game, we still wanted them to pass, and be everything we want them to be moving forward.’ ‘I felt that we were the better side in the first half, and then it is just natural that we gassed in the second half, then you succumb to what looks like a heavy defeat.’ McCann believed Tavernier should have been dismissed in the second period, after colliding with striker Tyrece John-Jules. ‘I think that should be evened up in the second period, there is clear contact on our striker John-Jules, it’s James Tavernier who is just caught on the opposite side, and when he turns, there’s complete contact, on a player that is on the turn, and he falls over.’ ‘There’s no reason for him to go down, and I’m told that there is not enough contact. I can’t understand that. There’s either contact on a player who is in on goal, or there’s not.’ ‘Not enough contact is not a good enough explanation’ Kilmarnock ended a barren, 17-game winless run on Saturday, after dispatching Aberdeen at BBSP Rugby Park. Sitting six points behind their next opponents, St Mirren, pivotal games await McCann’s side. ‘I’ve got zero criticism of my boys tonight because when you go down to 10 men so early in a match, sometimes it can have an effect, particularly when we were just off that real bad run on Saturday. My goodness, I thought they were brilliant tonight.’

February 5, 2026

Neil McCann Announced as New Kilmarnock Manager

Kilmarnock have announced former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann as their new manager on a one-and-a-half-year contract. The 51-year-old has replaced Stuart Kettlewell who left the post on the 15th of December following a 10-match run without a win, a run that has now stretched to 14. McCann who had a glittering playing career winning major honours at both Tynecastle and Ibrox takes his third managerial job after previously working at both Dundee and Inverness Caley Thistle. McCann has also worked as an assistant coach at both Dunfermline Athletic and most recently when he worked under Barry Ferguson at Rangers at the end of last season. Billy Dodds will join McCann as his assistant after also working at Rangers last season, tasked with the job of saving Killie’s season. Both have spent long periods in-between coaching jobs working as pundits on BBC Sport Scotland TV and Radio programmes, respectively. Kilmarnock currently sit in 11th place with 13 points from 21 games, just four points above bottom place Livingston. The first game is a massive one for the new Killie coaching team as they face Livingston away in a real relegation 6-pointer which will clearly be seen as a must win for both teams. A cup game at home to Dundee then three league fixtures away to Motherwell, at home to Aberdeen, then away to Rangers fills out the rest of the next five games for Killie meaning it’s far from being an easy start to life at Rugby park for the new coaching staff. Killie have only spent one season outside the topflight since 1993, that being the 2021-22 season where Derek McInnes gained promotion straight back to the Scottish Premiership and McCann and Dodds will be desperate not to take the club back down.

January 6, 2026

Kilmarnock Manager Shortlist Whittling Down With Interviews Scheduled

Kilmarnock’s shortlist for the next manager will be narrowed further as the Ayrshire side interview their preferred candidates over the weekend. Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has been identified as a target, as well as Aberdeen coach Peter Leven. The Rugby Park outfit sacked Stuart Kettlewell just over two weeks ago after a winless run of 10 games, and the 41-year-old is already back in the dugout, returning to Ross County where he played and managed, winning promotion to the Scottish Premiership in both spells. Neilson guided Hearts back to the Premiership in his first spell as Jambos manager, before doing the same with Dundee United four years later in 2020. He made it a hat-trick of Championship promotions when he left for Hearts in the same year, and also finished runner-up in a penalty shootout Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic. After leaving Scotland in 2022, the former Scottish international’s last managerial role was with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL, before linking up with former Killie midfielder Lee Johnson at Belgian side Lommel SK to become his assistant. Leven also enjoyed time at Rugby Park as a player from 2004 to 2007, as well as two years as assistant manager to Gary Locke and Lee McCulloch from 2015 to 2017. His only experience as head coach has came at Belarusian side Dynamo Brest’s B team, as well as a handful of matches as Aberdeen caretaker, having been part of the Pittodrie setup since 2023. Steve Bruce has also been linked with the vacant post, with his son Alex incidentally playing one season at Kilmarnock from 2019-2020. The 65-year-old did say he would be unlikely to manage again however, following his dismissal from English League One side Blackpool three months ago. Killie released a statement yesterday from their Board of Directors, saying they ‘expect to have a first team manager in place next week’, which would set up a potential first clash against 12th placed Livingston, of whom Kilmarnock only sit 4 points above in 11th.

January 1, 2026