Kilmarnock Archives - Page 2 of 6

Mark O’Hara returns to Ayrshire, where it all started

Kilmarnock have today signed Mark O’Hara from St Mirren as the midfielder returns to where his career begun. Mark O’Hara who made his professional debut at the age of 16 after coming through the ranks in Ayrshire has become a very well known face within Scottish Football also having spells with Dundee and Motherwell as well as small stints with Lincoln and Peterborough down south. The midfielder made 20 appearances on his first spell with Kilmarnock in 2012 which saw O’Hara make 88 appearances before moving across to Dens Park in 2016, spending two seasons in the City of Discovery before a very small spell in England. One season with Peterborough United then a spell with Lincoln before returning to Scotland to sign for Motherwell in 2019. He would go onto spend 3 years in Lanarkshire with the Steelmen making over 80 appearances in Amber and Claret before having a spell at his fourth Scottish outfit, St Mirren. The 30-year-old would go on to captain the buddies as well as secure three back-to-back top six finishes as well as taking St Mirren back to the European stage as well as winning the Scottish League Cup in 2025 in a 3-1 win over Celtic. Mark O’Hara is delighted to be back at where it all started and can’t wait to get going at Rugby Park. O’Hara said: “I’m delighted to be back, and it’s good to come back at this stage of my career when I’m a different player than when I left,” Mark told Killie TV upon his return to familiar surroundings. “This is the club that gave me my chance in football. I’m looking forward to a successful season ahead. “I needed a fresh challenge. The club’s in a good place, and having had conversations with the manager, and working for him before, I knew he was somebody I wanted to work for again and that he’ll get the best out of me. It’s nice to be able to give a bit back to the club that gave me an opportunity.” McCann added: “He’s an important signing for the team. As St Mirren’s captain, he brings leadership skills. We lost Brad [Lyons], who had been a big presence around here, so it’s important that we brought in another leader within the group. “Mark I know well from my time at Dundee, and he was absolutely brilliant for me. It was a long time ago, but he’s still got a lot to offer. He’s a homegrown player with a massive connection to the club, which I’m sure the fans will appreciate and enjoy him being back. “I think Mark has got so much more to offer. Last season maybe disrupted him with one or two injuries, but I feel I can get Mark back to how good he’s shown he can be.” O’Hara will wear the 5 jersey as well as most likely get given captain following their former captain, Brad Lyons departed for Aberdeen.

June 28, 2026

Bailey Rice Joins Killie on Loan

Kilmarnock Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Bailey Rice, subject to international clearance. The Scottish midfielder arrives at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park from Rangers on a deal until the end of the season. Bailey, 19, had significant transfer interest from clubs around the UK and Europe before agreeing a new contract at Ibrox this summer. Following the success of Findlay Curtis’ loan spell in Ayrshire, both clubs felt another arrangement was suitable for the next step in Bailey’s career, and so he will join up with Neil McCann’s side when they travel to Northern Ireland for the next part of their pre-season preparations. “It’s a big club, and we’ve got a good team” Bailey told Killie TV after becoming our fourth summer signing. “I obviously know the gaffer and Doddsy well, so I’ve got a good relationship with them. I’m looking forward to it. “I’ve been close with the manager here throughout my career for different reasons. He’s honest, he doesn’t hold anything back, and that’s what I like. “I’ve got good vision when on the ball. I’m hoping I can take that onto the pitch, and take games by the scruff of the neck.” Bailey started out at Motherwell but was snapped up by Rangers from the Fir Park youth system. He has spent the last four years at the Glasgow club, making 16 first team appearances, including a Europa League outing at Old Trafford. He will wear number 49 during his time in Ayrshire – the same shirt he holds at Rangers. McCann commented: “He’s someone I’ve known for a long time, even in his younger days. When we spent time at Rangers, we played him against Athletic Bilbao, and he came on against Dundee as well. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to continue that progress under the new management team. “He’s somebody that I’ve always kept an eye on and he’s got so much to offer us. The challenge for Bailey now is to get into our team. That’s a challenge I think he’s going to embrace. “He’s got so much potential, but sooner or later, potential needs to be realised, and he’s got a chance here with us. He’s young with not an awful lot of game time behind him, so I’ve set him the task of getting himself to the stage where he’s pushing to get into the team. If he does that, he’s got the quality that can help us have a successful season.”

June 28, 2026

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock: Classy Killie Dismantle Hosts to end Season on a High

Livingston 1-4 Kilmarnock May (19′) Hugill (24′, 58′) Clescenco (34′) Curtis (53′) Neil McCann’s Kilmarnock delivered a dominant four-goal display, as Livingston’s dismal season ended on another low at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. The visitors, fresh from their survival securing victory over Dundee, started brightly, keen to end the season on another high. But despite dominating possession in the opening 10 minutes, Robbie Muirhead’s header came the closest to breaking the deadlock. Michael Schjonning-Larsen made space in the box on the 15-minute mark, but after dropping the shoulder, his left-footed strike veered high of Jerome Prior’s net. The hosts looked determined to give their fans one last cheer in a testing season. They found the elusive first goal courtesy of Stevie May in the 20th minute. McKay was instrumental, laying off May to fire a low strike past the rooted Max Stryjek in the penalty box. Kilmarnock probed for an immediate equaliser, responding well to the setback. Nicky Clescenco found an advanced position on Killie’s left, swinging a low cross for Joe Hugill to roll home. Both sides had little to play for, but had started the match at an entertaining pace. Clescenco doubled the lead with ten to play in the first half. After dispossessing Livi on the attack, a flowing counterattack was powered home by the winger in the six-yard box. The visitors were enjoying wave after wave of attack as the half came to a close. Neil McCann deserves a heap of credit for reenergising a broken Kilmarnock side, who looked well on their way to capturing a fourth straight league victory. Killie continued with confidence in the second half, looking to add gloss to the scoreline. A last gasp Cammy Kerr challenge denied the visiting attack after a strong run from Hugill down the Livi right. Scotland starlet Findlay Curtis added a third minutes later. Clescenco evaded the Livingston defence with brilliant skill before releasing Dom Thompson into space. His low cross was sidefooted home by Curtis, putting clear daylight between the sides. Hugill rolled home his second goal on the hour mark after a simple through ball; the visitors were really starting to enjoy themselves. The hosts continued to show fight off the bench, Sam Culbert’s effort sailed narrowly over Max Stryjek’s goal with 15 to play. The Polish goalkeeper then pulled off almost identical saves to deny May and Culbert as the clock crept closer to 90. The full-time whistle brought down the curtain on a difficult season for the hosts, but for Kilmarnock, it was the perfect way to close out an impressive post-split run. Livingston: Prior 6 Kerr 6 Kabongolo 6 Wilson 6 Smith 5 Montano 5 Tait 5 Danso 5 May 6 Muirhead 5 McKay 5 Substitutes: Nouble 5 Denholm 5 Zimmerman 5 Culbert 5 Fati 4 Kilmarnock: Stryjek 8 Thompson 7 Deas 7 Stanger 7 Schjonning-Larsen 7 Tshibola 8 Lowery 7 Kiltie 9 Clescenco 9 Hugill 9 Curtis 9 Substitutes: Lyons 6 Thomson 5 Brown 5 Watson 5 Bowie 4 Attendance: 3038

May 17, 2026

Kilmarnock 3-1 Dundee FC: Killie confirm their Premiership status with a vital victory over the Dee

A brace from Joe Hugill secures safety for Killie, delight for Neil McCann has been a revelation since his arrival to the Rugby Park dugout. It was a cagey opening first 15 minutes, the hosts had the opening chance, Findlay Curtis with some excellent wing play, floating an enticing ball into the Dundee box, but it just missed the head of Joe Hugill. Moments after, Tom Lowery sees his powerful attempt on goal from the edge of the box saved by Dundee keeper Kieran O’Hara. A tense atmosphere was already building inside Rugby Park. But the hosts were in control of the match in the early stages. Midway through the first half, Kiliie had the ball in the back of the net, some quick and clever play as Greg Kiltie played a dangerous ball into the box, Findlay Curtis managed to get on the end of it to poke it in past Kieran O’Hara, much to the joy of the home fans. That joy was short-lived as VAR deemed the goal to be offside. A rare and glaring opportunity arose for Dundee as Fin Robertson found himself in acres of space inside the Killie box following a quick counterattack; however, the delivery to him was abysmal. A corner brought some hope for the hosts; unfortunately for Killie, it came to nothing. Following the corner, Dundee set out on a counterattack, which was abruptly ended when Robbie Deas brought down Scott Wright on the halfway line, resulting in a yellow card for the Kilmarnock captain. Two huge chances for Kilmarnock on the stroke of half-time, Bruce Anderson almost squeezed the ball into the back of the net from close range. Another glorious opportunity from the resulting corner, Findlay Curtis’s header was just inches wide. With the news that Saint Mirren were leading at Pittodrie, the anxiety amongst the home fans grew even more as the whistle for half-time went. Kilmarnock finally got the goal they needed through Tom Lowery in the 62nd minute; the midfielder rifled the ball right into the far corner of the net. Kieran O’Hara had absolutely no chance. Another massive chance for Findlay Curtis moments after his side took the lead, however, the tricky winger could not convert as his attempt went wide, a golden opportunity for the home side to go two up. That chance would come back to haunt him as Dundee re-grouped and went on the offensive, equalising through substitute Charlie Riley. His strike from just outside took a deflection and flew into the back of the net, ultimately going down as a Tom Lowery own goal. Just as Dundee drew level, St. Mirren doubled their lead at Pittodrie, a terrible passage of time for Killie. Lifeline for the hosts in the 84th minute. A clumsy challenge by young prospect Charley Oosenbrugh on Aaron Tshibola inside the box led to a penalty being awarded for Kilmarnock. Joe Hugill stepped up and made no mistake, burying his penalty into the bottom left corner, sending the Killie fans into pandemonium. Killie sealed the deal as Neil McCann’s men made it 3-1 with just seconds left on the clock. Joe Hugill nodded the ball into the net, grabbing a brace for himself on the night after substitute Rory McKenzie capitalised on some poor Dundee defending and secured Killie’s status as a Premiership side for another season. Coming into tonight’s game, Neil McCann knew a victory for Kilmarnock would secure their Premiership status for another season. Facing a heavily rotated Dundee side, who have already secured their spot in Scotland’s top flight for another season, despite many people backing the Dee to face the drop at the start of the season. This result now means that this season’s League Cup winners, St. Mirren, will play in the relegation play-offs and could well face the drop to the Scottish Championship. As for the hosts, they can travel stress-free to Livingston for their final game of the season this coming Sunday. Player Ratings Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7, Schønning-Larsen 8 (Mayo 87′ 6), Stanger 7, Deas 8, Thompson 8, Tshibola 8, Lowery 8, Curtis 7, Hugill 9, Kiltie 7 (McKenzie 92′), Anderson 6 (Watkins 58′ 6, Watson 87′ ) Dundee: O’Hara 6, Astley 7, Clark Robertson 6 (Bevan 67′ 6), Koumetio 6, Halliday 6 (Oosenburgh 4), Finaly Robertson 6, Jones 7, Cotteril 6 (Yogane 86′), Samuels 5, Wright 5 (Reilly 68′ 6), Hay 6 (Westley 68′ 6)

May 12, 2026

McCann lauds “important” win but insists relegation scrap is far from over

Neil McCann has urged his side to stay grounded, despite moving out of the relegation playoff spot for the first time in 18 weeks, after a dominant home win against Dundee United. Saturday’s 3-0 victory sets up a tantalising encounter against rivals St Mirren next weekend. Speaking at full-time, the manager believes the result could prove a “big moment” for the entire club. “We’ve been stuck in the bottom two for such a long time. It feels nice that everyone can go and enjoy their weekend now, but there’s nothing done yet. We were right at it today, the last ten minutes we came away from ourselves, which I’ve just reminded the team that’s not what we are after, but to win a game of the size of it was today is so important.” “It’s such a brilliant result. It’s such a big day for the club that we’ve managed to get another win at home.” “The away form’s really important as well. We need to do a job away from home as well. We’ve got three games left and we’ll look to try and win all three of those. Findlay Curtis doubled Killie’s lead in the second half, continuing his fine form on loan from Rangers. With National boss Steve Clarke in attendance, it could help to earn another Scotland call-up before the World Cup. “Findlay Curtis has shown his versatility. He did more than fine. He did great against a really, really top player in Will Ferry, who’s been scoring goals and creating goals for Dundee United, so we knew we had to nullify him. A great finish and a top all-round performance.” Skipper Robbie Deas agreed on the impact of the youngster. “He comes in, he works so hard, and he fits in so well. He deserves everything he’s got. I’m delighted for him. “He’s got his [Scotland] call-up and his debut, but he knows himself that he still needs to work hard. You can see that today.” “He’s playing different positions. I don’t know how many positions he’s played today, but he’s more than capable of it. He’s a very level-headed guy. “I’m absolutely delighted for him, and I hope he keeps it up.” Kilmarnock return to action with three games in a hectic eight-day schedule. With an opportunity to move four clear of relegation, the motivation is crystal clear for McCann’s team.

May 3, 2026

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