Kilmarnock: How Derek McInnes' side have gone from drop battle to Euro hopefuls
- Published
Matty Kennedy hit a late winner as Kilmarnock made it two home wins out of two over Celtic this season
December was a period of real impact for Kilmarnock that has thrust them from being a team looking over their shoulder to realistic European contenders.
A run of six unbeaten matches during the hectic schedule, including a priceless away win at Pittodrie and momentous home victory over Celtic, has Killie fans dreaming of the lofty possibilities that may lie ahead.
It's a far cry from when Derek McInnes took over just over two years ago, inheriting a club desperate to escape the Championship. They got that over the line.
Since then their progress has been slow, steady and measured, delivering the platform for results that have taken them towards the top end of the Premiership. How have they done it?
Squad turnover and recruitment key
The challenge after promotion was always going to be about consolidating that Premiership place. The problem was the number of Championship-level players that remained contracted to the club.
It gave little wriggle room to implement the change in quality McInnes needed. An almost inevitable relegation fight ensued, with McInnes admitting minutes after securing their Premiership status on the final day of last season it was a campaign he had been unable to enjoy.
"The demand this season was to stay in the league," he said. "The demand changes next season - can we be 12, 13, 14 points off better off? That would get us wrestling for top six. That is the intention now."
At around the mid-point of this campaign, the manager is on target to deliver on that ambition, with the Rugby Park side handily perched in fourth place.
A summer squad overhaul was possible and implemented effectively. Eleven signings were brought in, and the hit rate is high. Among the arrivals, returning favourite Stuart Findlay and Robbie Deas have been key to the best defensive record outside the top three, while Marley Watkins and Matty Kennedy have added attacking thrust.
Kilmarnock's form on their artificial pitch kept them up last season, but their recently improved road record is now underpinning their revival.
The club had comfortably the lowest away points haul of five last term, but they have already doubled that and were four unbeaten until defeat at Ibrox in the final game before the winter break.
A manager of experience and know-how
Patience is a rare commodity in modern-day football. It's not even hugely surprising that, after just over two years in charge, McInnes is the second longest-serving Premiership manager.
His appointment, and the realistic focus on gradual improvement, has proved a shrewd move by the Ayrshire club, a point not lost on the support.
"When McInnes came, everybody was happy we got a manager of his calibre," Sandy Armour, editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine, told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"Last season was a bit frustrating at times. But I think the board have seen it as McInnes is longer term, a project if you like. That's what you're seeing coming to fruition."
Wide men hitting high numbers alongside improved quality
The signs are positive and the stats are encouraging. Winger Danny Armstrong has flourished since Kilmarnock's return to the top flight. His impactful return this season is up there with the best in Scotland.
In the Premiership, he has netted four times - just one fewer than the club's top scorer Kyle Vassell - but it is his creative contribution that sets the 26-year-old apart.
Armstrong's seven assists is a total bettered only by Celtic's Luis Palma, while the Rugby Park wideman has created the most chances (65) in the division and has also delivered the most crosses by a distance.
Opposition take note. He is central to Kilmarnock. But he is able to deliver because of the strength of squad, improvement in quality and the togetherness that players and the manager consistently cite within the club.
"They've got a strong squad and a bit of depth there as well," said former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Cammy Bell.
"It's that momentum and belief that McInnes is bringing to the club. You have Armstrong, Matty Kennedy. David Watson is a young, quality player. They need to keep these players if they want to progress - that's the big job for the board."
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