Kilmarnock

Image source, Lewis Mitchell/FAW

Striker Ieuan Owen says it is a "dream come true" to join Kilmarnock from top-flight Welsh side Barry Town United.

Kilmarnock have paid an undisclosed fee for the 20-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal with the Scottish Premiership club.

Owen, who scored 19 goals in 42 games last season, was voted young player of the year in the Cymru Premier and his signing is hailed as a "real coup" by Kilmarnock.

The Welshman ends a two-year spell with Barry Town to become the Rugby Park club's first summer arrival.

Owen, who officially joins on 15 June when the transfer window opens, told Killie TV: "I'm over the moon to be here. I'm looking forward to being here at such a big, historic club, and I can't wait to get going.

"The stadium is a lot bigger than what I'm used to. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans and meeting the boys.

"It's the biggest achievement that I've had so far in my career. My parents and family are excited to come up to see me playing. It's a dream come true.

"I'm full of energy, I like high pressing and high tempo. I'm skilful in one-vs-ones."

Image source, SNS

Brad Lyons and Lewis Mayo are "massive losses" for Kilmarnock but their departure will allow manager Neil McCann to put his mark on the squad, says former goalkeeper Cammy Bell.

Defender Mayo and captain Lyons have both joined Aberdeen, while midfielder David Watson is leaving to join English Championship newcomers Bolton.

"They are going to be massive losses, especially Lyons," said Bell on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He's been a top player, top performer for Kilmarnock for such a long time, captain there as well.

"Mayo has been brilliant since he's came in, a real steady head at the back of the pitch for Kilmarnock.

"They're going to be big losses, but this is an opportunity for McCann to put his own stamp on the team.

"It will free up a number of wages with Watson going as well.

"It'll allow Neil to bring in players of his style, the way he wants to approach next season, because certainly they won't want to be in any sort of relegation trouble like they were this season.

"Around the club there was a lot of nerves towards the end of the season which disrupts plans for the following season.

"Neil will be working hard to recruit the players and the type he wants to bring into the team."

Image source, SNS

David Watson is embracing "a different challenge" by joining Bolton Wanderers from Kilmarnock.

The midfielder, 21, is in the final weeks of his contract at Killie and will join Bolton for their first season back in England's Championship. A compensation package has been agreed between the clubs.

This season, Watson made 42 appearances, scoring three goals, as Kilmarnock finished 10th in the Premiership.

"David has been with the club since the age of seven and went on to make 140 senior appearances for the club, becoming Scotland Under-21 captain in that time too," the Rugby Park club said.

"He scored 13 goals and contributed six assists during his time at Killie, playing a major role in the first team set-up over the last three seasons since his breakthrough.

"Everyone at Kilmarnock sincerely thanks David for his commitment to the club, having worked his way through the age groups of our academy, and he departs with our best wishes for his career."

And Watson told Bolton's website: "It's a different challenge for me as I've never left Scottish football.

"I absolutely loved my time at Kilmarnock. It's my home club and it will always have a special place in my heart. I loved every minute of being there, but I just felt it was time for me to move on and go and do something different, so I'm really excited to get going."

Image source, SNS

A good World Cup for Scotland winger Findlay Curtis would have "big clubs circling", according to Kevin Thomson, who was his coach at Rangers from the age of 12.

The 19-year-old burst into Steve Clarke's squad for the finals after a blistering end to the season on loan to Kilmarnock - and then by scoring in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Curacao.

Thomson admits that Curtis was "probably a wee bit of a bronze-silver medal mentality as a young Rangers player" and his progress shows what you can achieve through hard work and dedication.

"Great boy," the former Rangers and Scotland midfielder told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast. "Was never probably one that was at the top of the group. Never really one of the diamonds as such, but a humble, real hard-working lad.

"A lot of people probably thought he's maybe not going to go to Kilmarnock, he's maybe not going to play, but he was brave enough to go out on loan and take his chance.

"He's probably propelled himself up the ladder to the degree where, if he's not going to start, he'll certainly be one of the ones, when Steve Clark looks over his shoulder, he's not there just filling up the numbers now."

Thomson pondered whether Curtis might not add to his six starts so far for Rangers after he returns from the United States.

"Obviously I want to see him do really well for Rangers - and he certainly wouldn't be moving unless it was for big bucks - but if he has a good World Cup, it wouldn't surprise me if the big clubs start circling," he added.

"He's a breath of fresh air. I think sometimes a lot of young players, when they're at the big clubs, get a bit of comfort in staying there, but Finn's been brave enough to go and play.

"An unbelievable kid to work with, a coach's dream. And he's now reaping the rewards of that."

Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and several English Championship clubs have been closely monitoring Calum Adamson's progress as the 18-year-old midfielder moves into the final year of his Rangers contract, while St Mirren and Kilmarnock are keen to take him for next season's campaign. (TeamTalk), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock have thanked departing duo Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons following confirmation of the pair's imminent moves to Aberdeen.

Defender Mayo, 26, made 120 appearances in his fours years at Rugby Park.

Captain and midfielder Lyons, 29, joined in 2021 and played 156 matches, scoring seven goals.

"We sincerely thank Brad for his exemplary service during his five years at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park," Killie said.

"The Northern Ireland international helped us win promotion as part of our 2022 Championship title triumph, enjoyed several seasons of top-flight football and played a big role in our unforgettable European adventure.

"All the best for the future, Brad."

On Mayo, the club said: "Kilmarnock Football Club thanks Lewis Mayo for his four years of service as he departs for Aberdeen upon the expiry of his contract.

"Lewis initially joined on loan before signing a permanent deal. He played a huge role in achieving European football in 2024, and goes with everyone's best wishes."

Image source, SNS

Neil McCann begins his first Premier Sports Cup campaign as Kilmarnock manager against Raith Rovers, Peterhead, Hamilton Academical and Elgin City in July's group stage.

The Ayrshire side topped their section last season ahead of top-flight rivals Livingston, East Fife, Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers before losing to eventual winners St Mirren after a quarter-final penalty shoot-out.

Stuart Kettlewell has since been succeeded by McCann as manager and the former Scotland winger will fancy his chances of progressing to the knock-out stages again after narrowly avoiding a relegation play-off to stay in the Scottish Premiership.

Rovers will begin their first full season under Dougie Imrie after a fifth-place finish in the Championship, while Peterhead were fifth in League 1, although the side co-managed by Jordan Brown and Ryan Strachan would have finished behind Accies had Hamilton not received a 21-point penalty.

Darian MacKinnon's Accies had to survive a tough play-off final against League 2 side Clyde before preserving their place in the third tier after finishing second bottom.

Elgin will start the new season under Stefan Laird, who was promoted from assistant after Allan Hale was dismissed for "gross misconduct" after their sixth-place finish in League 2.

Rovers and Elgin were in the same group last season, with Rovers failing to qualify after finishing behind Championship rivals St Johnstone and with Elgin finishing bottom without a point.

Next season's group stage begins on 11/12 July and finishes on 25/26 July.

Image source, SNS

Captain Brad Lyons is leaving Kilmarnock after a five-year stint, the club have confirmed.

Robby McCrorie, Lewis Mayo, Matthew Kennedy, David Watson, Kyle Magennis, Bruce Anderson, Marley Watkins, Kian Leslie, Zander Craik, Liam Polworth, Duncan Barlow, Ethan Mersey and Aaron Tshibola are all out of contract and leaving Rugby Park.

Zac Williams, Findlay Curtis and goalkeeper Kelle Roos are all returning to their parent clubs following the expiration of their loans.

Lyons joined Killie in 2021 following a two-year spell with Blackburn and made 156 appearances for the Ayrshire club with seven goals and four assists in those outings.

The midfielder was made captain at the start of this campaign and made 36 appearances across all competitions.

League One play-off winners Bolton Wanderers are set to sign David Watson, who had offers from Aberdeen, other Scottish Premiership clubs and Italy, under freedom of contract, which will limit the compensation Kilmarnock will receive for the 21-year-old midfielder. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Image source, SNS

Goalkeeper Max Stryjek has capped his recovery from live-saving open heart surgery by signing a new contract to stay at Kilmarnock for next season.

The 29-year-old Pole returned to action last month, playing the final five games and helping Kilmarnock to Premiership safety, after a heart operation in November.

Stryjek, who joined from Jagiellonia Białystok last summer, has made 16 Killie appearances, keeping seven clean sheets.

Speaking earlier this month, Stryjek revealed his heart condition had gone undetected for a decade. His aorta, the body's largest artery, "was a bit bigger than usual".

"I think the margin for normal human being is 40-41 millimetres is maximum you can have," he said.

"Mine rose to like 55 and there was a danger of being basically ripped apart and I would just collapse and die.

"So they just told me, listen, there's a high risk of that, so you need to have operation as soon as possible."

Image source, SNS

Rangers' World Cup-bound winger Findlay Curtis says he pushed for his loan move to Kilmarnock and is eager to make his mark at Ibrox next season.

Curtis, who will turn 20 next month, scored five goals in 14 Killie appearances after 3 in 26 at Rangers in the first half of the season.

His form for the Rugby Park side helped the teenager to a "dream come true" place in Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

"I wanted to push for that loan," Curtis, who made his Scotland debut in March, told Rangers TV.

"I wanted to go out on loan to prove a point to people here that I want to come back and play next season. I want to do my best for this club.

"In my position, you need to score goals and create chances and that's what I've done for the past couple of games. Credit to Kilmarnock for taking me down there. What a club it is and I'm thankful for it. It's been massive.

"I'm grateful for everything that's happened over the past 12 months."

On his World Cup inclusion, Curtis said: "It's a dream come true. Every boy at my age has had a ream to go away with Scotland and to do it at this age, it's massive.

"I was out on the golf course, playing golf with a couple of boys from here and ex-boys from here. I found out at quarter past 10 and when I saw it, I was buzzing.

"It came as a real surprise, really. I spoke to the Scotland gaffer before I left camp and he was saying, 'just keep on working hard and see what happens'.

"I've done really well for the last couple of games for Kilmarnock and I'm obviously in the squad and delighted."

Image source, SNS

Long-serving Kilmarnock midfielder Rory McKenzie says he couldn't picture being anywhere else, after signing a one-year contract extension with the Rugby Park club.

The 32-year-old is seventh on the club's all-time appearance list, having played 446 times since making his debut back in 2011.

McKenzie was honoured with a testimonial against local rivals Ayr United at the start of the season,

Kilmarnock finished the season strongly under Neil McCann, ensuring their top-flight safety and winning four consecutive games in a row for the first time since 2018.

"I'm happy to be staying at my club," McKenzie said.

"I don't see myself anywhere else, and I'm pleased to have the opportunity to continue what's been an amazing journey so far in my career.

"It's an exciting time to be part of Killie, and I very much feel I can still play a part in what's ahead next season.

"I'm grateful the manager and coaching staff feel the same way and look forward to working closely with them when we regroup for pre-season."

Aberdeen are in pole position to sign Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons and centre-half Lewis Mayo - and are still in the fight to land midfielder David Watson from the Ayrshire club. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola will go to the World Cup with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 31-year-old received a late call up after Hibernian's Rocky Bushiri was ruled out of the finals with an injury.

Tshibola, who has 16 caps, has been a standout for Killie since joining in February and was key to the four wins in a row which secured Premiership safety.

"Everyone here is delighted for Tish to go to the World Cup," said manager Neil McCann.

"Huge congratulations must go to him for his consistency of performance, through professionalism, commitment, endeavour and footballing ability.

"I look forward to watching his progress this summer, and we all hope he enjoys and embraces the opportunity he's earned and grasped with both hands."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

It's been a tough old season for the Killie faithful but our excellent form in the closing weeks gives us all great hope for the next campaign.

Our final fixture at Livingston may have been meaningless but 1700 fans travelled to show their appreciation for the management and players with their excellent run since the turn of the year.

The manager will now be working hard at strengthening the squad and the fans let it be known they would like to see Findlay Curtis here for another year.

The young winger - who is World Cup bound with Scotland this summer - has been superb and although Rangers will probably want him back I can't help but think his development would be best served at the Theatre of Pies where he would play every week.

I have a good feeling that Max Stryjek will sign a new deal and if we can add some quality in defence and midfield we may just be next year's surprise package.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

On the losing side, but made five saves.

Tom Sparrow - Motherwell

A midfielder by trade, Sparrow has never let Motherwell down at right back.

Stephen Welsh - Motherwell

On loan from Celtic, Welsh has been a real leader at Fir Park. Played with heart, soul and real quality. Had an effort ruled out for a foul.

Ryan Astley - Dundee

Scored the winning goal to send the Dundee faithful home happy.

Tuur Rommens - Rangers

Won all his duels against Falkirk and looks a good signing by Danny Rohl.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

Surely has to be in the World Cup squad. Made the previous squad, and since then his form has been electric.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

Much has been made - rightly so - of the impact made by the return of Martin O'Neill in steering Celtic to another title. But in his own way, the captain at the centre of this team has quietly done the steering on the pitch. Since the Dundee United game there has been much more of a steely resolve and intensity when required from Celtic, and McGregor has embodied that mission in the post-split games. His teammates voiced their praise for his leadership on and off the pitch throughout what's been a tumultuous campaign that saw Brendan Rodgers and then Wilfried Nancy depart. Throughout it all McGregor has been the constant. The emotion poured out of him at the end said it all.

Lukas Fadinger - Motherwell

A steely presence all season for Motherwell. His deflected goal was the difference against Hibs.

Nicky Clescenco - Kilmarnock

Took his goal well. Looked lively and creative in the rout of Livingston.

Joe Hugill - Kilmarnock

Two goals against Livingston upped his tally to eight in his past 12 games for Kilmarnock. Has thrived under Neil McCann.

Youssef Chermiti- Rangers

Looked like an absolute world-beater against Falkirk. His goals were superb. Has had his critics, but 15 Premiership goals is a respectable tally. His challenge next season will be to up that tally, and be more consistent.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock have started work on installing a new hybrid, grass pitch at Rugby Park for the start of next season.

Killie have been playing on an artificial surface since 2014 but clubs voted in 2024 to ban such pitches from the Premiership from the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

General manager Gregg McEwan told the Killie website: "The agreed scope of works includes the reinstatement of the main playing surface incorporating the new hybrid natural grass system, associated rootzone constructor, irrigator upgrades, under-pitch heating, kerbing works, and pitch surround build-up and surfacing works.

"The club's target remains to have the pitch completed and in a match-ready condition for the commencement of the 2026-27 season, with works programmed accordingly."

Falkirk, the only other remaining top-flight club with an artificial surface, have permission to use their artificial pitch for one further season before moving to grass for the 2027-28 campaign.

We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock ended their Premiership season with a 4-1 victory over Livingston on Sunday.

Here's what you had to say:

Andrew: Terrific end to terrible season. Well done to Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, the board and our fans for a big push.

Wolfgang: 14 goals in four games, really can't complain with that! McCann proving doubters like myself wrong. Now let's build on this and keep the main bulk of the players and go again next season.

James: I was doubtful about the McCann appointment but he hasn't half got me onside. Team playing with a purpose and freedom not seen in a long time.

Frank: Finished the season in style with another impressive display. On current form you could believe they could keep on playing for another few games, however the season has ended on a high. Some current players may not be returning, but they were part of the great escape. Onwards and upwards to next season.

Kilmarnock finished the Scottish Premiership season with a flourish, winning their fourth game in a row for the first time since 2018 as they dispatched already-relegated Livingston.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "I'm proud of the performance, and of everything we've worked on as a staff, the message that we've put into the boys that you show the respect to the opposition by continuing to play how we want to play, and they did that right to the very end.

"The performance today was outstanding, considering maybe a lot of people thought this was a dead rubber game, we were still hunting down ninth. Congratulations to Dundee, not only staying up, Elvis [Steven Pressley] has done a brilliant job there.

"Nicky [Clescenco] has had to be really patient to get up to the speed of Scottish football. He's got a lot more to show, by the way, but a wee glimpse of what he's capable of.

"Fin [Curtis] has just reinforced how good a player he is. He's a great kid to work with. And Joe [Hugill] has just continued to go from strength to strength. [Tyreece] John Jules is sitting in the house, biting his nails, because he was awarded the top goalscorer before today's game and he nearly lost it!

"After 15 minutes, they had to get a wee jag because it wasn't good enough. They were slack on the ball and we conceded. But after that, I thought we were exceptional."

On Curtis' World Cup hopes, McCann adds: "He's got a chance, of course. He's made the last couple of squads, and he's really given Steve [Clarke] a nice problem to have.

"I would have him in the squad, but I don't ever pick Steve's squad or tell anybody how to pick their own team or squads. All he can do is just do his best. And if it's good enough for Steve, I'll be delighted to see him at the World Cup."