Kilmarnock

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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."

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...

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Aside from the first game of the season against Livingston, all dates are subject to change as a result of broadcast and other requirements.

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See Kilmarnock's full fixture list here

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There'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.

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Kilmarnock 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.

Where do you think Kettlewell's side will be after 10 games and what do you make of how the fixtures have fallen? Tell us here.