Kilmarnock

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The SPFL confirmed attendances have risen for a third consecutive season and thanked fans for their "incredible support".

Crowds across all leagues, cups and play-off matches totalled more than 5.3 million, a rise of nearly 185,000 from the 2023-24 season.

"We will be having further meetings with key stakeholders over the summer to review the most recent season and look ahead to 2025-26," the SPFL statement ends.

"We remain committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for players and supporters - they are the lifeblood of our game and deserve nothing less."

Kilmarnock are battling with Livingston over the signature of versatile defender Jamie Brandon, who is out of contract with the promoted West Lothian club but who want to retain their 27-year-old captain. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Championship club Hull City are considering a move for Danny Armstrong, the 27-year-old winger who has left Kilmarnock under freedom of contact and is also of interest to Scottish Premiership rivals. (Daily Record), external

Out-of-contract Kilmarnock defender Joe Wright is wanted by League One club Bradford City and is edging towards a return to England despite having options in Scotland. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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We asked for your views on what Kilmarnock must do in the summer transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Kenny: We desperately need some firepower up front and we need to hopefully get Stuart Findlay, Joe Wright and Fraser Murray re-signed! We struggled last season due to lack of signings, when Findlay was injured we let in goals like a sieve. Hopefully we get a couple of big signings soon.

Jim: We have a team full of ageing players where the most you will get out of them is a yearly contract. This is good for the players concerned but not the team. Findlay and Bruce Anderson will probably go. Bobby Wales and Innes Cameron have gone and we don't exactly have money available to buy decent players. We are in deep trouble.

James: We could be looking at a major overhaul of the squad. A keeper, two full-backs and centre-backs to start with. The midfield might be okay but we'll need to replace Daniel Armstrong as well as Cameron and Wales. There are a few youngsters who might get a chance, Ben Brannan, Chris Burke and Archie Traynor for example.

Graham: We need another goalkeeper, striker, creative midfielder and Findlay back, please.

John: If nothing else we need to sign at least two strikers who are capable of scoring 15 to 25 goals apiece per season and two wingers capable of servicing them competently week in week out!

Steven: The team needs a strong spine, a new goalkeeper, central defender, passing midfielder to partner David Watson and a goalscoring striker. The team should be built around Watson.

Robin: Findlay! He is the first and main priority. We need additions all over the pitch, mixed with bringing through the youth but Findlay is the biggest addition that we can make. There are some names on the out-of-contract list that I'd keep but I think the squad needs freshening up.

Ross: If we have 12 players out of contract I think it's time the manager starts showing the fans how he is going to replace them. I would make Findlay my first port of call before Hearts sign him up. Has been a rock in this defence. We also need to find a new dependable goalkeeper as with the loss of Kieran O'Hara, Robby McCrorie isn't up to being the number one. Building the team round Watson would be the best as it show our academy is producing talented kids who can start in the first team.

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Captain Kyle Vassell and winger Danny Armstrong are among 12 players leaving Kilmarnock at the end of their contracts.

It had already been revealed that Vassell's fellow striker's, Bobby Wales and Innes Cameron, have signed for Swansea City and Barrow respectively.

Now the Scottish Premiership club have announced that defender Joe Wright, midfielders Liam Donnelly, Fraser Murray, Kyle Magennis and Aaron Brown, winger Gary Mackay-Steven and goalkeepers Kieran O'Hara and Aidan Glavin are also now out of contract.

While Kilmarnock "thank each of the departing squad members for the role they have played", they add that "conversations are ongoing with a number of players" and do not say whether any of the out-of-contract players are included in that.

They also point out that Liverpool right-back Calvin Ramsay, Oxford United centre-half Stuart Findlay and Leicester City defender Tom Wilson-Brown have returned to their parent clubs following their loan spells at Rugby Park.

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock add that, following the appointment of Stuart Kettlewell as manager to succeed Heart of Midlothian-bound Derek McInnes, fans should expect updates with the transfer window due to open on 12 June.

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The transfer window opened on Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.

Are there certain players you are desperate for Kilmarnock to sign, or a particular area of the squad that needs improving?

Or maybe holding on to a key player is your biggest priority? And what about departures - Bobby Wales and Innes Cameron have moved on, but are there are others who need to go?

We want your take on what business Killie must do this summer.

Let us know here

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After spending more than a decade at the club, Innes Cameron's time at Kilmarnock will come to an end this summer.

A youth product of the Ayrshire side, the 24-year-old striker will join English League Two club Barrow following the expiry of his contract.

Cameron joined the Kilmarnock academy at the age of 13 and went on to play 80 times for the first team, scoring eight goals.

Reflecting on his 11 years at Rugby Park, he said: "I can't believe the day has finally come to say goodbye.

"From joining the youth system at 13, making my professional debut at 16, and to ending my time at the club at almost 25, it has been an honour to represent the club for so long and I have loved every second of it.

"I have met so many amazing people, made life-long friendships and endless memories I will look back on fondly.

"And the Killie fans, thank you for the endless support both home and away through all the ups and downs there has been.

"Those European nights were special, I hope there is more to come. I wish the club nothing but every success in the future."

Stuart Kettlewell will take charge of his first competitive Kilmarnock game away to Brora Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday 12 July.

The new manager's home debut, against top-flight newcomers Livingston four days later, will be live on Premier Sports.

Killie then visit Kelty Hearts before completing Group H at home to East Fife.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Could Manuel Pascali return to Kilmarnock one day as manager? The Italian certainly doesn't rule it out.

He didn't fancy throwing his hat in the ring this time - before Stuart Kettlewell was appointed Derek McInnes' successor - as he spends time honing his managerial craft at Italian fifth-tier side ACD Sant'Angelo 1907, where he is currently assistant.

In the future, though, the former captain says returning as manager would "clearly" be a dream come true.

His approach to achieving this dream, though, is a patient one. He wants to have the experience behind him to be a success.

Pascali, who joined Killie in 2008 and made more than 200 appearances in a seven-year stay, told BBC Scotland: "I always thought that - we call it gavetta [to come up through the ranks] - the experience is crucial for everything.

"We've seen so many young managers being thrown in positions where they found difficulties that you're not expecting from a player point of view. Because as a player, even if you are old, you can see things, you organise things, you work for your manager as well, but being on the bench is a completely different job.

"So I always follow dreams, I always have dreams in my head and one is clearly to maybe one day come back and sit on that bench.

"But first I need to gain experience because the one thing I don't want to do is maybe come to that job and not be ready.

"So I would love to have that chance later on where I feel I have enough experience to deal with things and be ready."

Pascali is eyeing a return this summer to play in former team-mate Rory McKenzie's testimonial - if he gets an invite.

"One day I would love to be back at Killie, because I never played so many years for a single team and I have sweet memories," the 43-year-old added.

"So we're going to see what's gonna happen, but I always check, I'm still in touch with Rory.

"I'm happy to see him gaining the chance to organise his testimonial year, but I'm still waiting for his invitation for his testimonial game.

"So I would be glad to play that part because I'm still keeping fit with having two young boys, and you never know if you'll see me around Rugby Park this summer."

Hear more from Pascali on the latest episode of the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

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Kilmarnock have drawn top-flight newcomers Livingston as well as Kelty Hearts, East Fife and Brora Rangers in Group H of the 2025-26 Premier Sports Cup.

The tournament will mark Stuart Kettlewell's first game in charge of the Rugby Park club, with the opening fixture on 12-13 July and further matchdays on 15-16 July, 19-20 July, 22-23 July and 26-27 July.

The eight group winners and three best runners-up will join Scotland's five European entrants - Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United - in the last 16 on the weekend of 16-17 August.

Kilmarnock were beaten by Motherwell in the second round last season and last lifted the trophy in 2012.

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We asked for your views on Stuart Kettlewell being appointed Kilmarnock's new manager on a two-year deal.

Here's what some of you said:

Gary: What happened at Motherwell probably happens at every ground in the UK so will he just walk away from every job he gets? I'm not condoning the abuse but it happens. I think we should have been more ambitious.

Gerry: Fantastic appointment. He has a hunger for European football.

Martin: Terrible appointment, failed at Ross County and bailed out at Motherwell before he was fired. Board ignoring protests from fans (polling 90% against) and suckered in by his word soup. Another relegation battle ahead, regret early renewing season ticket.

Davey: Perfectly happy. Knows the Scottish game, has a reputation for bringing young players through. Delighted Chris Burke will be staying, stepping up as part of the time. But no doubt plenty will be moaning, wouldn't matter who got the job.

Doug: I think we have to be positive and give the new manager full backing. He's done pretty well at two other Premiership clubs and has a track record of bringing on young players - something Derek McInnes failed to do and, I believe, led Bobby Wales to decide to move on. With Burke more involved this could be the start of exciting times for Killie.

Peter: Kettlewell the cheap option after McInnes wasted hundreds of thousands on loans that never even played like Kevin van Veen, Calvin Ramsay and others.

Neil: I'm delighted Stuart is the new manager. He was considered, positive and realistic at his press conference. We should get fully behind him after a very messy few weeks.

Owen: We have a very strong academy set-up and he loves to use young players so in that regard I'm excited to see Stuart as manager.

Johnny: Good appointment, fresh start and time to rebuild on a decent foundation around our younger players and the ones who play for the badge week in week out.

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Does Stuart Kettlewell's Scottish Premiership experience make him a shrewd and steady Kilmarnock appointment?

The former Motherwell boss' move to Rugby Park has been met with mixed reviews from fans of the Ayrshire club.

Kettlewell led the Steelmen to seventh and ninth-placed finishes in his time at Fir Park before departing with the team in fifth in January.

The ex-Ross County manager's Well exit came amid a run of one win in nine games, with the 40-year-old citing fan abuse as the reason for his resignation.

Despite a bottom-six finish, Well scored the third most goals in the league in the 2023-24 season under Kettlewell.

But a shift in playing style earlier this campaign prompted criticism from the support even though the team were competing for a top-half spot.

Could Kettlewell's experience of that scrutiny benefit Kilmarnock? The Scotman's sports editor Mark Atkinson believes so.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I think it's a steady appointment. Kilmarnock fans might take umbrage at that, but I think it's not a bad choice.

"I think he'll do a really good job because he's so experienced. I think when you get a manager that's come out of a really difficult period, they're going to be even hungrier for success than some others."

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On being named Kilmarnock manager

I'm delighted. I think my ethos, where I would like the the football club to go, is sort of married with the powers that be here.

I believe it's a good fit and then ultimately everything's about when the ball starts rolling. I can safely say with the nucleus of the squad that's here, it's a group I'm really looking forward to working with.

On returning to management

I have been offered jobs since I came out of Motherwell, but what was always important was to try and get the right fit for me.

That might never come along, but I think it's safe to say that in conversations, both parties realised pretty quickly that how I would like to move a football club forward really connects with what Kilmarnock have done here.

I need to stress that it's adding to the work that's been done. Derek [McInnes] is someone I respect an awful lot, he's done fantastic work here, so it's a slightly different role to come into than I did at Motherwell.

On fan abuse & whether it made him think twice about job

Absolutely not. Again, it's the one I probably feel I need to shoot down. I think I've been very categoric, if anybody wants to go over and look at any words I've said, at no point have I ever asked for a cuddle, for anybody to feel sorry for me.

I made a decision, stood by my decision and still do to this day. This is my job, it doesn't have to be my family's life and I really do stand by that.

On what sold him to board

First of, winning games of football - my win percentage is up there. Second, player development - trying to ensure we can continue the pathway, accelerate the process and see if we can unearth another few players from what's been a successful academy team this season under the guidance of Chris Burke.

Third, being involved in player trading - like every club in Scotland, we're selling clubs.

On whether the club 'should' be in Europe

I don't think you could ever say that to be honest with you. It has been done before, a brilliant achievement, but I think when you start to stack the city clubs up, it's always a very, very difficult task for clubs outside that bracket.

On preparations for next season

I believe there's a really good nucleus of players here, a lot of players I've admired from afar, but we're going to have to add some bodies.

We've got a lot of out-of-contract players, we've got that tight-knit group there that know the league and demands of winning at this level, so we've been actively trying to work through that process and what we need to do.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media after being announced as the new Kilmarnock manager.

Here are the key things he said:

• Kettlewell is "delighted to be at a club that fits his ethos". He says he quickly felt a "connection" with those at the club during his conversations over the job.

• The manager revealed he turned down other others but this moves "feels rights".

• Kettlewell believes his aim to win, unearth and develop young talent and have "a player trading model" sold him to the board.

• After he left Motherwell amid fan abuse, he said it won't affect him doing this job, though he stands by his decision, adding management "is his job, not his family's life".

• Kettlewell added his interviewers didn't seek any assurances on that front when he was going though the process to become manager.

• The manager says he has a "good nucleus of players here", although he'll start to work on his squad now so they're in the best shape come the start of the season.

• Since leaving Well in January, he has spent some "valuable time" at Everton with "top, top manager" David Moyes.

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Stuart Kettlewell is a familiar face to Kilmarnock fans.

He's been an opposition player, in the away dugout at Rugby Park and done his fair share of punditry, too.

Once he hung up his boots 2016, Kettlewell returned to Ross County, where he spent five years as a player.

He started out in the County youth set-up, then became co-manager of the first team with Steve Ferguson in 2018, before taking the job on a solo basis in the summer of 2020.

His time in Dingwall came to an end in mid-December of the same year when he was "relieved of his duties", after a run of 10 league games without a win - eight of which were defeats.

He then took up a role in the Motherwell academy in late 2022, before stepping in as caretaker manager in February 2023 following the sacking of then-boss Steven Hammell, before being appointed on a permanent basis.

He guided the side to safety from relegation in his first three months in charge, collecting 30 points out of a possible 42 as they came close to secure a top-six finish.

A 10-game unbeaten run last season was their longest since 2010 as they again narrowly missed out on the top six, while they reached the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals in the season just gone by.

He resigned in January citing personal abuse he and his family received as a reason for his departure.

He had a 41.3% win percentage for his 92 games in charge of the Fir Park club, which was the highest of Motherwell's seven managers since Stuart McCall left in 2014.

He's no accepted the Kilmarnock job on a two-year year deal, with Stevie Frail, Chris Burke and Craig Clark making up his coaching staff.

Stuart Kettlewell has been appointed Kilmarnock manager on a two-year deal.

The club say the former Motherwell manager was "the best candidate" for the job and he will be assisted by Stevie Frail, with Chris Burke and Chris Clark making up the coaching staff.

Killie fans, what do you make of the appointment?

Give us your thoughts here.