Image source, SNSThe friendly was played behind closed doors in Kilmarnock
New signings Greg Kiltie and Scott Tiffoney scored as Kilmarnock beat The New Saints 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
The match was played behind closed doors at Rugby Park, with Kiltie and Marley Watkins putting the Scottish Premiership side 2-0 up at the break.
Tiffoney's 70th-minute strike made it three in the second half.
Image source, SNSScotland internationals Greg Taylor (left), Lawrence Shankland (centre) & Allan Campbell (right) are all set to become free agents
BBC Sport has taken a look at which players will be free agents on 1 July.
The majority of major football leagues run from late summer to late spring, with pre-season in June and July. Therefore, contracts across most divisions typically expire at 23:59 on 30 June each year.
Those whose contracts are expiring but have already agreed transfers to new clubs are not included, as they will not become free agents.
Some Scottish Premiership contracts expire on 31 May rather than 30 June - the below players either already are or will become free agents.
Aberdeen: Tom Ritchie
Celtic: Greg Taylor
Dundee: Scott Fraser, Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy
Dundee United: David Babunksi, Allan Campbell, Lewis Moult, Bryan Mwangi
Falkirk: N/A
Hearts: Jorge Grant, Barrie McKay, Lawrence Shankland
Hibernian: Maksymilian Boruc, Junior Hoilett
Kilmarnock: Kyle Magennis, Kieran O'Hara, Kyle Vassell
Livingston: N/A
Motherwell: Moses Ebiye, Harry Paton, Dominic Thompson, Davor Zdravkovski
Rangers: Adam Devine, Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi
St. Mirren: Dennis Adeniran, Elvis Bwomono
Image source, SNSDanny Armstrong is leaving Scotland for his next move
Danny Armstrong has joined Dinamo Bucharest on a two-year deal after leaving Kilmarnock, according to his agent.
The 27-year-old winger made more than 100 appearances for Killie after spells at Raith Rovers and Ross County.
Last season, Armstrong netted three times as Killie finished ninth in the Scottish Premiership.
Dinamo Bucharest were sixth in Romania's Liga I last term and missed out on European qualification.
Adrian Brennan, Armstrong's agent, revealed Dinamo have the option of a third year.
Danny Armstrong has agreed terms with Dinamo Bucharest and the 27-year-old winger, who is out of contract with Kilmarnock, is due to fly to Romania to undergo a medical and finalise the move this weekend. (Sky Sports), external
Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.
Image source, BBC SportKilmarnock are about to re-sign Kyle Magennis after the midfielder, who has been at Rugby Park for the past two seasons, cut short a trial period at Dundee. (Daily Record), external
Image source, BBC SportDinamo Bucharest have put together a big-money offer to tempt out-of-contract Kilmarnock winger Danny Armstrong to Romania but want a quick answer only three weeks away from the start of their domestic season and amid rival interest in the 27-year-old from Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok. (Scottish Sun), external
Kilmarnock are keen on 28-year-old former Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek, who is available from Jagiellonia Bialystok. (Daily Record), external
Image source, SNS"Competitive and versatile" Northern Ireland international Liam Donnelly has joined St Mirren on a two-year deal from Kilmarnock.
Midfielder Donnelly, who is also comfortable in defence, spent three seasons at Killie after joining from Motherwell, where he worked with current Buddies boss, Stephen Robinson.
He made 91 appearances for the Rugby Park side - including playing a vital role in their fourth-place finish two seasons ago - before his contract expired this summer.
Upon his signing, the 29-year-old said: "I know the manager well and have seen the success of the club the past few years. I want to be a part of that and hopefully we can do similar this season.
"I just need to focus on getting my foot in the door and making sure I'm doing well enough to be in the manager's thoughts for the starting eleven."
Donnelly, who is Robinson's fifth summer signing, will give the manager "options in numerous positions".
"I've worked with Liam before and he's a really competitive player.
"Technically, he is very good as well and he gives us options in numerous positions.
"Liam can play anywhere in the back three, he can play at full-back in a four or he can play as a six or an eight in midfield as well, so it gives us a real lot of options in terms of where we can play him.
"He's someone we feel will bring real competition to the squad. We run with a small squad so Liam's versatility could be invaluable through the season.
"He's had injuries in the past that he's over now as he knows how to manage his body.
"He's a tough competitor and gives us a real physicality as well as quality on the ball."
Jagiellonia Bialystok are trying to put together a deal to tempt Danny Armstrong, with the 27-year-old winger out of contract with Kilmarnock. (Scottish Sun On Sunday), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's Scottish Premiership fixtures and how they will be faring after 10 games.
Here's what some of you said:
Robert: At least we don't have the Old Firm in the first couple of games. Really hard to say how Killie will do as no-one has seen this team play under the new manager. Just hope we beat Hearts four times this season.
Hugh: A solid start to the Premiership and League Cup groups, sitting between fifth and seventh playing with a definable style.
Ross: After 10 games I am hoping Kilmarnock will be sitting eighth or ninth to be honest as that is a tough run of games to begin with. The team will have to gel quickly to make its mark and battle for points. Hopefully the new signings will help us fill the voids of those who had left. The use of the youth team players could help as they need to see some game time as well. David Watson will be out main focal point in midfield this year and well deserved.
Graham: I have no idea where we will be after 10 games. New manager with a lot of changes to the squad. Bit worried about whether the new signings will live up to Stuart Kettlewell's expectations
Garry: A nice run of fixtures. Don't need to worry about Celtic until 13 September at home and then Rangers away at the end of October. Hopefully we can see improvement and be mid-table by the end of the first group of games.
Image source, SNSThe Falkirk Stadium will host Scottish Premiership matches in season 2025-26
Requiring clubs to have grass pitches in the Scottish Premiership "is about standards and criteria", says SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie.
Top-flight clubs voted to phase out artificial surfaces in time for the 2026-27 season.
Kilmarnock have announced plans to return to grass at Rugby Park in time for that deadline, while promoted sides Falkirk and Livingston have recently put down new synthetic pitches.
Beattie says the league will "engage" with Falkirk, Livingston and Kilmarnock over their long-term plans.
And he said on BBC Sportsound: "This debate isn't just about artificial pitches, this is about standards and criteria across the league.
"In England, you've got to have a grass surface in League Two to get promoted into professional football.
"The league recognises the place for artificial surfaces in the game in Scotland, the community benefits are clear.
"It's whether or not they have a place at the top table of the game in Scotland and that is where the debate has gathered pace over the last couple of years."
Responding to a question over whether there had been any legal challenge from Falkirk about the rules on pitches, Beattie explained: "There's been no legal challenge because we're working with them about what we can do to help them address the challenges they've got with their surface.
"I've got real sympathy for Falkirk. They put down their artificial pitch in full compliance with the rules at the time and they had a legitimate expectation that they could've used that for a longer period of time.
"Livingston, clearly put down a new artificial surface this summer. That came off the back of us doing a spot check at Livingston. It became clear that their surface would not meet the testing that is required in the Premiership.
"Livingston didn't have a choice for this season. In the Premiership, there's already a higher bar that's applied for testing and that is every Premiership club with an artificial surface has got to pass spot checks unannounced at three points during the season.
"They then had a decision to make. They had permission to use an artificial pitch this coming season. From our perspective, grass would've been the preferred option.
"But Livingston, rightly from their perspective, had the option to put down a new one and we'll be engaging with them about their wider plans going forward."
'Last thing on my mind' - Kettlewell on his wedding this weekend
A hectic pre-season schedule has meant getting married this weekend is the "last thing" on Stuart Kettlewell's mind.
"My missus will kill me for saying that," the Kilmarnock manager tells BBC Scotland.
Since being appointed this summer, the Rugby Park boss has already overseen a significant squad overhaul so early in the transfer window.
Returning Greg Kiltie, former Dundee midfielder Scott Tiffoney and ex-Livingston captain Jamie Brandon are three of six players who have been brought to the club.
Conducting that summer business has played a part in Kettlewell's wedding plans being knocked down his list of priorities.
"Getting married on Saturday, 18 years and four children later," he says.
"There's been so much to do here, by six or seven o'clock [on Friday night] I'll start to think about that."
And what about plans for a honeymoon?
"No honeymoon, going to Holland with the lads," says Kettlewell, whose side head to the Netherlands on Monday for pre-season training.
Opta have crunched the numbers to rank the difficulty of each Scottish Premiership club's first four fixtures of the 2025-26 season.
According to their data model, St Mirren have the toughest start, followed by two clubs helmed by new managers, Dundee and Motherwell.
As for the easiest, Hibernian and capital rivals Hearts should got off to a flier, right?
Take a look below to see where your side places...
Image source, SNSAside from the first game of the season against Livingston, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSThere's always plenty of excitement for fixtures day and with the way they've fallen for Kilmarnock, that buzz surely ought to stick around.
Stuart Kettlewell's first league game as Killie boss is at home to Livingston on Saturday, 2 August - the only 15:00 BST kick-off on opening day.
Kettlewell returns to his old stomping ground of Fir Park on Saturday, 30 August as Killie visit Motherwell.
And unlike last season, there are no back-to-back meetings with Glasgow's big two. Celtic visit Rugby Park on Saturday, 13 September while Killie's first meeting with Russell Martin's Rangers isn't until Saturday, 25 October at Ibrox.
What about the festive fixtures, you ask? Killie head into Christmas with a home game against Falkirk on Saturday, 20 December and make the trip to Paisley to take on St Mirren one week later before seeing out 2025 with a game at Dundee.
The pre-split campaign ends with a home match against the Dark Blues on Saturday, 11 April.
Looking at the fixtures, where do you think Killie will be after 10 games? Tell us here.
Image source, Getty ImagesKilmarnock have completed the "exciting" signing of 6ft 7in striker Marcus Dackers, who "brings much more" than aerial prowess, says manager Stuart Kettlewell.
The 22-year-old, who joins from Salford City and has signed a one-year deal, spent last season on loan at English League Two Morecambe where he netted one goal in 39 appearances.
"Marcus is an exciting one that we are delighted to get over the line," said Kettlewell.
"His height will be a obvious advantage, but he brings much more than that and I'm confident he can complement our squad."
Dackers is convinced he has made the "right move" to Rugby Park, adding: "I am really happy to be here, it's my first time in Scotland playing football.
"I've been on a lot of loans now and it feels like a new chapter in my career, it's a good opportunity for me."
Stuart Kettlewell's Scottish Premiership debut as Kilmarnock manager will be at home to newly-promoted Livingston.
The match will take place on Saturday, 2 August at 15:00 BST, with Killie's first away fixture against Hibernian on Saturday, 9 August at 15:00.
See Killie's Scottish Premiership fixtures in full here.
All times BST
Image source, SNSGeorge Stanger will bring "presence to the defence" after joining Kilmarnock from rivals Ayr United, says manager Stuart Kettlewell.
The 24-year-old, who spent the past two seasons at Somerset in the Scottish Championship, has remained in Ayrshire by penning a two-year deal at Rugby Park.
Kettlewell is confident his fifth summer signing will "fit right in" with his squad.
"He brings a presence to the defence when he plays," the former Motherwell boss added.
"He is also at a good age combined with plenty of first-team experience, which is the perfect combination."
Meanwhile, New Zealand Under-23 international Stanger said: "I feel like it's a really good step for me in my career and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do at this level.
"I've spoken to the manager plenty the past couple of weeks and I'll be honest, he's a big part of why I came here.
"I know that he's got a good reputation for how he can help players develop and that's a key thing for me."
We asked for your views on Kilmarnock signing Scott Tiffoney and their business in the transfer window so far.
Here's what some of you said:
Andrew: Tiffoney is a good signing for the club. We badly need a striker and two centre-backs and a goalkeeper. All the best to Stuart Kettlewell, hope we have a big season.
Paul: Having all these new attackers and midfielders is good and all, but we need more defensive-minded players because as of now we have three defenders, Corrie Ndaba, Robbie Deas and Lewis Mayo.
Jim: Okay, hands up, I did have my doubts about the new manager, but he has got big boots to fill. With the players who have left and Stuart Findlay going to Hearts I was slightly concerned, but I am not disappointed with the new signings. So let's give the man a chance and our full support. Of all the players leaving only Findlay and Bobby Wales are the ones I am sorry to see go.
Davey: Tiffoney is a great addition, he's such a livewire and a thorn in many a defender's side. Surprised Dundee let him go, sure he'll do a job for us. Solid signings of experienced players so far.
Neil: Beginning to feel much more optimistic thanks to the first flurry of signings. We might end up resembling a swarm of wasps more than 'Galacticos', but who likes taking on wasps!
Amy: Considering it seemed our budget was slashed this summer, we've made some very sensible and proven Premiership signings. Still need more up front and a replacement for player of the year Joe Wright, however. Stephen Welsh on loan from Celtic would do.
Doug: Tiffoney will be a good signing for Killie. I remember him playing for Patrick Thistle when we were in the Championship. He was a menace, and he's a better player now. I'm pleased with all the signings. I'd like another goalkeeper and we need more firepower up front.
David: Interesting additions made this week. Time will tell of their impact and importantly the impact of Kettlewell. Disappointing to see lack of pre-season games available for fans to attend other than Rory McKenzie's testimonial.
No sooner does the season finish and we start looking forward to key dates for the next campaign - and that will be a lot easier to do on Friday when the Scottish Premiership fixtures are released.
That's right, that special day in the calendar is almost here already. The day when you'll learn details of derby fixtures, Christmas opponents and the run-in to the split.
This page will bring you all the fixtures when they drop at 09:00 BST on Friday and we'll be giving you the chance to have your say on how things look.
The new campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 2 August and will conclude on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Hearts have agreed a deal with Oxford United to take Stuart Findlay, the 29-year-old centre-half who spent last season with Kilmarnock, on loan for the last year of his contract before making the move permanent. (Sky Sports), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock will be travelling to the Netherlands on Monday for a week-long pre-season camp, where they will face Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.
The friendly with AZ, who finished fifth in the Dutch top tier last term, will finish their schedule on 28 June
Stuart Kettlewell's side then come back to three fixtures at Rugby Park, including Rory McKenzie's testimonial against Ayr United.
The match on 4 July will be the only opportunity for fans to see the team before they begin their League Cup group campaign.
The Ayrshire club's matches against The New Saints on 1 July and Ballymena United on 8 July will be behind closed doors.
Image source, SNSNew Kilmarnock signing Scott Tiffoney says he has come to a "great place to play football" after joining the Rugby Park side on a two-year deal following his Dundee exit.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder spent two seasons at Dens Park, scoring 10 goals in 76 appearances, and also has previous Premiership experience with Livingston.
"I'm buzzing to be here. As soon as I heard Kilmarnock were interested it was something I really wanted to be part of," said Tiffoney.
"I've played here before as an opponent and always thought it was a great place to play football.
"The manager's been really clear on what he wants and how I can fit in, so I'm just excited to get going and show the fans what I can bring."
Tiffoney is new Killie manager Stuart Kettlewell's fourth signing after defender Jamie Brandon and midfielders Greg Kiltie and Jack Thomson.
"Scott is a player that I've admired for a while, he's a consistent performer in this league, as soon as we were alerted to his availability it was one we wanted to get done," said Kettlewell.
"Again he's one that fits into the system we are going to be playing and he's going to add to the quality we already have here. I look forward to getting to work with Scott as we kick off pre-season this week."
Killie fans, what do you make of Tiffoney's signing and the club's summer transfer business so far? Share your views here.
