It’s been a summer of change at Rugby Park. With Derek McInnes departing just before the final game of the 2024–25 season, the scent of change has lingered in the Ayrshire air ever since.

McInnes, who brought much-needed stability and kept Kilmarnock firmly in the Premiership, left behind a strong foundation, but one that had perhaps grown stale. A disappointing bottom-six finish last season highlighted the need for a refresh, and the club has responded decisively.

Stepping into the dugout is Stuart Kettlewell, the former Ross County and Motherwell boss, who was confirmed as McInnes’s successor before the end of May.

A Summer Clear-Out

Kilmarnock wasted little time in moving players on. Ten first-team players, including familiar names Danny Armstrong, Joe Wright, Liam Donnelly, Fraser Murray, and club captain Kyle Vassell, were released at the end of their contracts.

Highly rated striker Bobby Wales was also prised away by Swansea City, with the Welsh club paying a compensation fee to secure his signature.

Such a major turnover reflects the end of a chapter and the beginning of a bold new era.

Who’s In?

Kilmarnock’s recruitment drive has been swift and targeted, with reinforcements arriving across the pitch.

In defence, Jamie Brandon has joined from Livingston, bringing Premiership experience and a tenacious edge to the backline. George Stanger, who impressed at Ayr United, crosses the Ayrshire divide on a Bosman deal and adds further depth at the back.

From Queen’s Park, Jack Thomson steps up to the Premiership, expected to fill the void left by Donnelly in midfield. Out wide, Scott Tiffoney arrives from Dundee to provide experience and energy, while Greg Kiltie returns home from St Mirren for an undisclosed fee, four years after departing the club he began his career with.

The most eye-catching signing, at least in stature, is Marcus Dackers, a 6-foot-7 striker signed from Salford City to offer a physical presence up front to replace Vassell. While not known for prolific scoring, his hold-up play could be the perfect foil for quicker forwards.

More signings are expected and must be carefully chosen to address key gaps if Killie are to push into the top six.

Where Do They Still Need Reinforcements?

Goalkeeper

Starting from the back, Robbie McCrorie remains the club’s only senior goalkeeper following the departures of Kieran O’Hara and young Aidan Glavin.

The former Rangers man had a mixed first season, glimpses of promise undone by injuries and inconsistency. Whether Kettlewell backs him as the outright No. 1 or brings in direct competition will be telling.

If a backup is the plan, Jack Newman, who served in that role for Dundee United and Livingston, could be an ideal fit. For a more competitive move, Kettlewell may turn to Ross Laidlaw, his former keeper at Ross County, who may seek a top-flight return after County’s relegation.

Defence

The end of the loan spells for Calvin Ramsay and Stuart Findlay has left holes in the defence. While Brandon could fill Ramsay’s right-back slot, a commanding, experienced centre-half is needed to replace Findlay, who is now reunited with McInnes at Hearts. Lewis Mayo, Robbie Deas, and Corrie Ndaba are promising, Premiership-tested centre-backs, but all are just 25 and still developing into their mid-20s.

Kettlewell may want a seasoned voice to lead the back line and provide stability. Ask former boss Steve Clarke, a strong defence has historically been the bedrock of success at Rugby Park.

Midfield

Thomson appears a like-for-like replacement for Donnelly, but the midfield still lacks depth and flair. Murray and Kyle Magennis both had productive spells, but both departees have yet to be replaced with a proven upgrade.

Rumours recently have indicated that Magennis may extend his deal after failing to agree terms with Steven Pressley’s Dundee, but there has not been any confirmation on that either way.

Expect at least one more addition in the middle of the park, ideally someone with creativity and a goal threat.

The good news is that one-club man Rory McKenzie has agreed a one-year extension ahead of his testimonial match against rivals Ayr, and keeping hold of David Watson, one of the club’s brightest young talents, would be a significant boost.

Wide Areas

Replacing Armstrong’s productivity out wide won’t be easy. Even in a frustrating final season, he remained a threat. Tiffoney and Kiltie offer versatility and decent cover, but neither can be pencilled in as a guaranteed starter if Kilmarnock is serious about challenging for Europe.

If Hibs fail to agree to renew the Canadian’s contract, Junior Hoilett could be a wildcard option. Another option might be Ross McCausland, a once highly rated Rangers prospect whose time at Ibrox appears to be winding down. Either would bring a directness vital in the Scottish market.

Matty Kennedy, meanwhile, will need to stay fit and consistent. His influence as a ball-carrier and creator remains vital.

Attack

Dackers provides the physical presence that Vassell once offered, but the big Welshman is not a natural finisher. With Wales gone, the onus falls on Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins to provide the goals.

Anderson netted a respectable nine in the league last season, while Watkins’s productivity dipped significantly from his debut campaign. Both will need to hit the ground running.

Could Kilmarnock look higher up the food chain for a striker? A move for Lawrence Shankland is almost certainly unrealistic, but he’s exactly the type of player Killie need to transform their attack.

More realistic, if still ambitious, is Kevin Nisbet, out of favour at Millwall and available after a Scottish Cup-winning loan spell at Aberdeen. Finances are a concern, but his proven record in the league makes him worth the conversation. However, if Aberdeen call again, the allure of European football will surely lure him back to Pittodrie.

Further afield, Ronan Hale might fancy a return to the top flight after relegation with Ross County.

Another intriguing name is Mackenzie Kirk, who was relegated with St Johnstone and likely available at a reduced price.

The Road Ahead

Kilmarnock’s business has been smart, focused, and rooted in value so far. Kettlewell is building from the back while injecting energy and experience into the team. But if the club is to break free of bottom-half anonymity, more quality is needed,  particularly in central defence and attack.

A top-six finish is a realistic target. The spine is forming, the direction is clear, and the mood around the club is cautiously optimistic. But Kilmarnock cannot afford to stall now. This is a chance to do more than just reset. It’s an opportunity to step forward with intent.