Kilmarnock

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's penalty shootout defeat to League 1 Kelty Hearts in the Premier Sports Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

Gazza: Killie just couldn't break down a stubborn Kelty defence. However, some bizarre refereeing decisions may have played their part. Penalty shootouts and Killie tend not to go in our favour. We will need to start taking our chances.

Amy: We need a proper striker in pronto. Bruce Anderson keeps missing sitters and Marley Watkins looks uninterested. New boys need to settle in but none look like 10/15 goal strikers. Go and get Theo Bair on loan and give us a focal point. At least Tom Lowery is a baller.

Kenneth: A disappointing game. Kilmarnock struggled to make a real impact. Kelty, as expected, parked the bus but it's surprising that Killie couldn't find something to break their defence!

William: How much longer do they require to "hone their skills" and "blend as a team"? It's still fundamentally the corpse left from last season.

George: Disappointed, obviously, and the team must be concerned about goalscoring. Regardless of who is called a 'striker' in the team, it's everyone's responsibility to be able to score goals and get forward not always be thinking; 'I'm out of position'. A good team works hard for each other and is able to read gameplay.

Brian: Our defence seems to be taking shape nicely, especially the goalkeeper position. Midfield is gelling nicely with plenty of options. Up front is not fully coordinated. Generally promising.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock must be more "threatening" in front of goal against East Fife if they are to progress in the Premier Sports Cup insists Stuart Kettlewell.

Killie recorded their third clean sheet of the group stage in their goalless draw with Kelty Hearts, but are now just one point ahead of both the Fifers and Livingston in Group H before Saturday's deciding games.

Kettlewell's side will progress if they win at home against the League 1 outfit, but he knows they will need to improve their attacking play against Dick Campbell's side.

"We have to be more threatening and we have to be able to go and express ourselves a wee bit more with some more composure to make sure we capitalise on opportunities," he told Killie TV.

"If we think it's going to be any different – people not throwing their body on the line and defending their penalty box like Kelty Hearts did – then we are seriously mistaken.

"It will be a difficult enough game for us and we will have to play with some real tempo to be able play through them and carve out opportunities.

"What we will do between now and then is understand why we didn't execute it better and why we didn't finish.

"Sometimes that's the last thing to come in pre-season so I don't become ultra negative, but the demands are there that we become more threatening in front of goal."

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Kilmarnock have entered into a cooperation agreement with Queen of the South.

As part of the partnership, 16-year-old midfielder Cole Burke, son of former Rangers and Kilmarnock winger Chris, will join the Palmerston side on a flexible loan.

The agreement comes following the introduction of a Scottish FA initiative, which is aiming to improve the development of young domestic talent.

Earlier this month, Kilmarnock announced a similar player development partnership with fourth-tier Annan Athletic.

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell says his side must improve despite securing a narrow League Cup win over Livingston on Wednesday.

An own-goal from Mo Sylla on 31 minutes was the difference between the teams, but Livingston could have taken something back to West Lothian were it not for several outstanding saves from Killie goalkeeper Max Stryjek.

Kettlewell has now won both of his competitive outings as Kilmarnock boss, but he said they conceded too many chances and were "slack" in possession.

"That's what we came here for," Kettlewell told BBC Scotland. "We're trying to top the group.

"It's about us trying to become better and I think we can play a lot better. We gave up too many opportunities and at times we were very slack on the ball.

"We had our goalie to thank with one or two stops and we need to test them a wee bit more. That all sounds negative - I'm delighted with the win and another clean sheet."

Killie captain Brad Lyons came off with an injury in the second half, but Kettlewell downplayed any fears over the Northern Irishman's fitness.

"I'm hoping it's nothing too serious. He definitely tightened up."

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Jamie Brandon is prepared for a tough test in "quite a quick turnaround" as he prepares to face his old club when Kilmarnock welcome Livingston to Rugby Park on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old left the West Lothian side after captaining the team to top-flight promotion last term.

Now the right-back is preparing for a "strange" fixture against his old club in the Scottish League Cup group stage.

"It will be enjoyable obviously. I know everyone there very well and know how they like to work," said Brandon.

"It will be a tough test and they're a competitive team so it's one I'm looking forward to. With the draw and then the first league game as well - nice and quick playing against them.

"I do find it a little bit strange. Obviously I was there for three years and I only just left not long ago and you're back playing against them.

"So it's quite a quick turnaround but it's one I'm looking forward to and I want to showcase what us at Kilmarnock can do against them."

The defender became Stuart Kettlewell's first signing after three seasons at Livingston.

Brandon reflected on his time with his former team but insists he is hopeful for more success at his new club.

"It was a time I really enjoyed and I think particularly last season, it was a successful year and probably where I played my best football in my career, so I look back with fond memories," he added.

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock have announced a co-operation agreement with Annan Athletic.

Zander Craik, Josh Gilmour and Duncan Barlow will head to Galabank as part of the agreement, which focuses on boosting opportunities for young Scottish players.

The Rugby Park club say "this is a flexible loan agreement that allows players to move between the sides" during the campaign.

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We asked you for your views as Kilmarnock kicked off the Kettlewell era with victory over Brora Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Gordon: A very good, competitive game really enjoyed it.

Not as easy as I thought it would be but the three points are the most important thing.

Well done Killie and Kettlewell. Bring on Livingston on Wednesday hopefully another three points.

Amy: A long day but an enjoyable one. Young Ben Brannan reminds me of Aaron Hickey - can play RWB or LWB, is comfortable coming inside and taking men on and has a great engine. Hope to see more of him this season.

George: Solid start, keep on improving the team's shape and tactics will come together. Good solid signings. Come on the Killie.

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Stuart Kettlewell says he has "high hopes" for "eye-catching" Ben Brannan after the teenager scored on his Kilmarnock debut against Brora Rangers on Saturday.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who came through the Rugby Park academy, netted the first goal of the Kettlewell era at Killie in the Premier Sports Cup.

"I don't often pick people out but I thought he (Brannan) was probably our most eye-catching player throughout the day," he told club media. "Really good.

"He's a lad that I knew of because an obsession of trying to get to know football players, not just at one club but around the country.

"So he's one that we've got high hopes for and quite clearly, like us all, we all need to improve, we all need to get better.

"But we changed him, we moved him to that right-hand side, he comes in from the left and covered the back area really well with a composed finish.

"But just trying to encourage him to give us a bit more because we believe in his talent and what he can bring to the party.

"We don't want him to wait five or 10 minutes to get going in the game. We want him to stamp up on it as quick he possible can."

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Brad Lyons was the "natural choice" for Killie captain says manager Stuart Kettlewell.

The 28-year-old has been at Rugby Park since 2021 and signed an extension in April 2024, committing him to the side until 2026.

Kettlewell, who replaced Derek McInnes as manager this summer, has chosen centre-back Robbie Deas to deputise the midfielder.

"It was a difficult decision in many ways because we've got so many good players here," Kettlewell told club media, external.

"Just in terms of their character and their nature, they're a really good bunch of boys. That's the first thing that I caught a glimpse of when I came in.

"Brad is somebody that has worn the armband before, he's got great experience at international level and also in the Premiership. He's a brilliant type, seems to be available for training sessions, for games, so that was the natural choice.

"Robbie comes in and we believe he's somebody who can back Brad up, another good player, again somebody who is available. But we'll look for loads of leadership. the likes of David Watson, Rory McKenzie, there's so many boys in there that will support these guys.

"The decision has been met with full respect as you would imagine."

Image source, Getty Images

Kilmarnock have signed Wales Under-21 international goalkeeper Eddie Beach on a two-year deal.

Beach, 21, most recently on the books of Chelsea, spent the first six months of last season on-loan at League One Crawley Town.

Following a trial period with the Ayrshire club, Beach said he is "looking forward to kicking on".

"The way the manager wants to play, I think he's got a good mix of in possession of the football, wants to play out a little bit, but also tries to hurt opposition early," he told club media.

"I think that sort of side of it is brilliant for me, and I'm able to show my quality on the ball."

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Djenairo Daniels says he's found his love of football again and hopes Kilmarnock can "skyrocket" his career.

Dutch striker Daniels, 23, signed a two-year deal with the Ayrshire club following a short spell at League of Ireland side Cork City where he regained his confidence, scoring five goals in 12 appearances, but sees Killie as the launchpad for his future.

"Before [Cork] I had no club for a long time," the striker said as he previewed Kilmarnock's League Cup opener against Brora Rangers.

"I tried to find the love of football again and then Cork came with a short stay, a brief stay because of two injured players they had and I took that chance.

"This step gave me the love again. I know that I can do it, so I just need to go harder and harder every day."

Daniels is excited to kick on in Scotland following positive conversations with manager Stuart Kettlewell.

"I know that Virgil van Dijk played for Celtic, I know the Scottish league is not a small league, it's a big league," he added.

"The manager just told me that I will fit Killie's plans and that I can only skyrocket from here.

"That was the most important for me, someone that gave me the confidence and he gave me the confidence that I needed. He showed me that he really wanted me.

"I think from here I can skyrocket and I have the confidence in that. So, it's just for me to play and show the Scottish League what I'm about.

"They will see a player that works 110% every game, every day, work for the team and give everything on the pitch and leave everything on the pitch."

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Manager Stuart Kettlewell insists he has a "clear structure, plan and identity" for Kilmarnock as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge on Saturday.

The Ayrshire side begin their League Cup group stage with a trip to Highland League side Brora Rangers.

The former Motherwell boss has brought in nine players since joining the club in May and enjoyed a positive pre-season with three friendly wins and one defeat.

"I think the biggest challenge you've got is if you don't have a plan," said the Killie boss, who will announce his new captain and vice captain to the squad on Thursday.

"If you don't have a way you want to play, if you've not profiled them, if you're going to just kind of stumble along and hope that you find something, I think that's your biggest challenge.

"Probably in my nature and how I work, it's always about a clear structure, a clear plan, clear identity of what you want your team to look like.

"We've been doing our work and our due diligence, so we should start to see the fruits of our labour.

"Fortunately for us, even in pre-season, I've started to see a lot of bits I like, but also bits I know will still take a wee bit of time to improve on and to start to click.

"The buy-in from the players so far has been great and I'd probably be sitting here worrying if I didn't see that, but to a man the players have been fantastic that way."

The BBC's Scottish Football Podcast has Kilmarnock in focus to preview the 2025-26 season for Stuart Kettlewell's men.

Host Martin Dowden is joined by Callum Scott of the Forever and Ever podcast to discuss the campaign ahead.

With Kettlewell at the helm and a new-look squad to assess, the competitive action starts on Saturday for the Rugby Park side as they travel to Brora in their League Cup group opener.

Listen here and don't forget to subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's busy transfer window as manager Stuart Kettlewell prepares his new-look squad for competitive action.

Here's what some of you said:

Frank: The boss has a clear vision on where he wants us to be. Top six could be achieved based on the calibre of his signings. He has gone for contracts for stability as opposed to loans. Looking forward to this season, I believe we have a well-disciplined manager with a clear vision where to take the club.

Brian: I'm quietly impressed with the players the new manager has brought in. No loans is a bonus, we've lost some quality in the squad but I feel he has bettered us in a few areas. I'm excited about the season ahead and hopefully we can gel quickly and get some decent results early.

Davey: Surprised to get Greg Kiltie back, he's really one of our own! Although he can be inconsistent, Scott Tiffoney is a great add, he can turn a game. Others are more an unknown quantity but seem really promising. Nice not to have so many loan players too.

Jim: All the signings are unknowns, and it looks like we were the only club interested in them. It is early days and until we see them in action we won't know anything. It could be good business, or it could be a complete nightmare. Time will tell.

Brian: Another good centre-back is the priority. All other areas of the pitch seem covered. Looking forward to see what Kettlewell can do to develop our younger/newer players.

Neil: I'm quietly impressed by both the clear-out and recruitment so far. It's very early days but the new faces at Rory McKenzie's testimonial looked good. Nothing extravagant. If they can knit as team we could be in for a decent campaign.

Anon: Overall, I'm happy enough. I'm excited to see what 'Miniesta' (Tom Lowery) can do in the famous blue and white stripes, as he sounds like my kind of player. I may take some convincing in regards to Marcus Dackers - he's a big lad but I'm unconvinced with his strike rate which is the most important thing at the end of the day. I'm hoping Djenairo Daniels is the "quality player" we're being told he is - he's had good youth experience (in the Netherlands) and his goal return during his short time at Cork looks decent, however the Scottish league is still a big step up from League of Ireland so we'll just have to wait and see.

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First-half goals from strikers Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins ensured Kilmarnock rounded off pre-season with a friendly win over Ballymena United.

Anderson opened the scoring at Rugby Park with a curling effort before Watkins doubled the lead for Stuart Kettlewell's side 10 minutes later with a back-post header.

Killie kick off their League Cup campaign on Saturday (12 July) against Highland League side Brora Rangers.

After a busy day at Rugby Park on Monday - where "quality" striker Djenairo Daniels and "technically good" midfielder Tom Lowrey arrived - we want to know how you're feeling about the shape of Stuart Kettlewell's squad.

Kilmarnock kick off the season on Saturday away to Highland League side Brora Rangers in not only the manager's first competitive game in charge, but the first for the nine new players he has signed so far.

If you need a wee reminder who they are, you can check them out here.

Give us your feelings on the business done - and perhaps what still needs to be done - here.

Image source, Getty Images

Kilmarnock have signed "quality" striker Djenairo Daniels and "technically good" midfielder Tom Lowrey on two-year deals as Stuart Kettlewell stamps his authority on the squad.

Dutchman Daniels, 23, joins from League of Ireland side Cork City in search of "the big stage" at Killie, while Lowrey, 27, arrives from Portsmouth, keen to show supporters "what I can do".

"I couldn't wait until everything was done," PSV youth forward Daniels said.

"The decision was very quick, because it's a big stage, a big opportunity for me and my career, it's the best I am sure."

Daniels scored five goals in 12 games for Cork City, having joined them on a short-term deal after he left Icelandic side Fram.

Manager Kettlewell says "his qualities are clear to see".

"Djenairo is one that we've been aware of for a while and his qualities are clear to see," he said.

"He's been playing consistently recently and we're confident he will come in and hit the ground running, and that he can add to the quality we already have in the squad."

Lowrey spent 15 years with Crewe Alexandra before moving to Portsmouth, but returned to The Railwaymen for the second-half of last season.

"Tom is a player I've admired for a while," Kettlewell added.

"He's technically very good, works hard off the ball and brings great energy to the middle of the park.

"I believe he'll complement what we already have and add real depth and quality to our midfield options."

Dundee United are poised to miss out on Kyle Vassell, with the 32-year-old striker in advanced talks with Colorado Rapids after leaving Kilmarnock. (Sunday Mail), external

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