Kilmarnock

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.

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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

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Dundee United have offered 32-year-old striker Kyle Vassell, who has left Kilmarnock, a two-year contract, but Colorado Springs Switchbacks have also expressed interest and clubs in England and abroad are monitoring his situation. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Dundee United are among several clubs considering a move for former Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell, but any suggestion that they have formally tabled a contract is wide of the mark. (The Courier), external

Kyle Vassell is one of a host of strikers Dundee United are considering and the Englishman has other options in the Scottish Premiership and England, including League One club Burton Albion. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kilmarnock defeated rivals Ayr United in Rory McKenzie's testimonial match, despite the midfielder missing a penalty.

Stuart Kettlewell's side were awarded a spot-kick on the cusp of half-time and McKenzie - who was being recognised for 14 years of service at Rugby Park - stepped up to take it, but saw his effort saved by Ayr's goalkeeper, David Mitchell.

It didn't take long though for the Premiership side to take the lead, with summer signing Greg Kiltie firing Killie ahead one minute into the second half.

McKenzie departed the field on the hour mark to a sea of applause and adulation from the home crowd.

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Max Stryjek is "a solid addition" to Kilmarnock's goalkeeping options, says manager Stuart Kettlewell after the Polish shotstopper joined from Jagiellonia Bialystok for an undisclosed fee.

Warsaw-born Stryjek had a spell at Sunderland earlier in his career before joining Eastleigh and spent two years with Livingston ahead of a switch back to England with Wycombe.

"It was a bit of work with the clubs, but I am really happy to be joining Kilmarnock and am looking forward to working with the boys and the staff," Stryjek told the club's media.

"I was in a spot in Poland where I wasn't really playing. It was a great experience spending a year in a new home, but it was a difficult year for me on a personal note.

"I want to do well, help the team get results and I am really happy that I am joining Kilmarnock."

Killie manager Kettlewell feels Stryjek's previous experience of Scottish football will stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead.

"Max is one that I have been aware of for a while, especially with him playing in Scotland before, we know his qualities," Kettlewell said.

"He adds to the already competitive squad and we are sure that he can be a solid addition to our goalkeepers."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock take on local rivals Ayr United on Friday in a 'friendly'... If that's possible between the two.

It's, of course, for Rugby Park legend, Rory McKenzie's testimonial.

He made his debut for Kilmarnock 14 years ago as a teenager and has enjoyed some superb moments throughout the years.

As he prepares for his big night, he racked his brain and singled out a few stand-out memories of his time with the Ayrshire club.

Cercle Brugge

One that springs instantly to his mind is last season's European adventure, when Killie came close to knocking out Cercle Brugge in the Europa League qualifiers.

A 1-1 draw at a packed Rugby Park was then followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat in front of a sizeable travelling support who'd looked out their football passports for the first time since 2019.

Staying up

"Staying up on the last day of the season, the day Boydy scored."

Hibs fans, look away now.

Another standout memory for McKenzie was the final day of the season in 2014 when talismanic striker Kris Boyd scored the only goal of the game at Easter Road to secure Killie's top-flight status, and condemn Hibs to a relegation play-off.

The Easter Road side, with Terry Butcher as manager, went on to lose in a penalty shoot-out against Hamilton Accies and join city rivals Hearts in the second tier.

Goals against Ayr United

This one will go down well with Friday's testimonial opponents.

Among McKenzie's fond memories are the two goals he's scored against Ayr United.

The first, the only goal of a League Cup tie in August 2014. The second, the opener in a 3-1 win at Somerset Park in the Championship in March 2022.

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Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock will be without Matty Kennedy for "several months" following surgery, manager Stuart Kettlewell has revealed.

The 30-year-old winger scored four goals in 26 appearances last season, with his final game of the campaign coming in April.

Kettlewell said the club would release more information about Kennedy's injury at a later time.

"Matty's going to be out for an extended period," said the former Motherwell boss.

"We'll announce more about that in more detail. The operation was yesterday, it looks like it's been really successful, which I'm really positive about.

"I know a fair bit about it because it's an injury I've had and a similar type of operation to one I've had myself.

"It's now just about that rehab for him. We know Matty's qualities so we're desperate to get him back as quickly as we possibly can, but it will be several months before that's the case. "

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell addressed the media as he prepares a side to take on Ayr United in Rory McKenzie's testimonial on Friday.

Here are the key things he said:

• Kettlewell is urging his players to "create their own history" after giving them a lesson in Kilmarnock's recent history - including European games and cup wins.

• After losing 15 players since the end of the season, Kettlewell says "one or two more" are about to be unveiled as he looks to find the right "balance".

• The manager doesn't want to use the League Cup group stage as a pre-season warm-up, he wants to hit the ground running.

• The former Motherwell boss says he's had "unbelievable buy-in" from the group, adding he's going to forge a new identity for them and have them playing in a different way from what they did under Derek McInnes.

• As far as Kettlewell is concerned, McKenzie - who has been at the club for 14 years - is "one of those really annoying guys" who's pretty much good at everything he turns his hand to.

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Kyle Magennis has signed a new one-year deal because he "feels right at home" at Kilmarnock.

The midfielder had reportedly been on trial with Dundee earlier on in pre-season, but it was supposedly cut short last week.

Magennis, 26, has been plagued by injuries during his two years at Kilmarnock, restricting him to just 26 appearances.

However, the former St Mirren and Hibernian midfielder is looking forward to being part of new manager Stuart Kettlewell's squad.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to get this sorted," Magennis told the club's website.

"I've loved my time here so far. The fans have been brilliant with me and I feel right at home.

"The manager's been great when I've spoken to him as well and I just want to push on again next season.

"We want to build on what we've done and keep moving forward."

Manager Kettlewell said Magennis has "shown real quality and determination" and "his attitude is exactly what we want in this squad".

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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.

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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

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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.

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Kilmarnock 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

Read Friday's transfer gossip in full.

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Dinamo 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

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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"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.

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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."