Kilmarnock

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell described his return to Fir Park as "eventful".

The former Motherwell boss told BBC Scotland: "We score a very good goal. It just comes down to game management at the end of the first half.

"We know Motherwell have pace in their team. We can handle the last few seconds of the first half far better. We don't and it's always a body blow when you concede at that time.

"Motherwell really took control and we lost another goal from a turnover. I have to praise their players to get back in the game and maybe win it. We'll absolutely take [the point]."

On Kilmarnock's transfer plans in the remaining of the window, Kettlewell added: "I don't envisage there being much at all."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite Stuart Kettlewell's comments leading up to the match, Kilmarnock's trip to Motherwell on Saturday is about him.

It is the first time the Killie boss returns to Fir Park following his resignation in January, when he cited fan abuse as a factor.

"I've been back to an old club before," said Kettlewell. "It's something that happens in football.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

In response, his opposite number, Jens Berthel Askou, insists Kettlewell "deserves respect" on his return.

The former Ross County boss has had a steady start to life at Rugby Park, with three successive draws to kick off the Premiership season - the same as Motherwell.

Could his first win as Kilmarnock manager come back at his old stomping ground?

Read more: Weekend's Scottish Premiership picks

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Kilmarnock have announced the signing of former Ross County right-back James Brown on a short-term deal until January.

The 27-year-old left the Staggies in the summer after two seasons in the Highlands, making 73 appearances during his time there.

The Irishman came through at Shelbourne, before moves to Drogheda United and Blackburn Rovers.

Jamie Brandon has been the starting right wing-back for Stuart Kettlewell's side this season, but went off injured the 0-0 draw with Dundee last weekend.

Breakthrough star Ben Brannan can also play there, but has impressed on the left-hand side so far this season.

Kilmarnock have made a loan offer to Cardiff City for 19-year-old forward Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. (Lower Tiers), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Motherwell have defenders Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon available again and could involve new midfielder Oscar Priestman.

But Tom Sparrow remains out alongside long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Kilmarnock will assess Jamie Brandon's groin issue while Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

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Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has joined Danish side Esbjerg on loan until the end of the season.

McCrorie, who signed from Rangers for an undisclosed fee last year, has fallen out of favour at Rugby Park since the arrival of Max Stryjek and Eddie Beach this summer.

Esbjerg play in Denmark's second tier and are three points off leaders Horsens after seven games.

McCrorie, 27, has been named in Scotland squads before and will hope regular first-team football can catch Steve Clarke's eye again.

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Despite only being 20, David Watson is one of the old heads in an increasingly youthful Kilmarnock side.

The Scotland Under-21 midfielder has two seasons of first-team football to call on now, but struggled for starts last term.

Now, under new manager Stuart Kettlewell, he is a regular in a side packed with young players and academy graduates.

"He's been helpful, not just for me, but for other young lads," Watson said of Kettlewell.

"You look at Ben Brannan and Ethan Brown. Ethan's got his first start and he's done brilliantly, he's come into the squad and Ben Brannan's obviously been amazing, scoring goals from a left-back position that he's not used to.

"Definitely for the young lads, he's been brilliant. There's young boys training every day, so it opens up opportunities for academy players.

"I feel like I already had some (leadership qualities) but now being the more experienced player of the young lads, I feel like I can hand out advice and be that person that if a young lad has any issues or anything they can come and speak to me about it and I'll be able to offer some good advice."

Killie remain unbeaten under Kettlewell and have drawn their opening trio of Scottish Premiership fixtures.

Watson reckons a feelgood factor is returning to Rugby Park after a tough previous campaign.

"Last season was a difficult season for everyone at the club. We were disappointed we didn't live up to what our expectations were as a group, but this season has been really enjoyable," Watson added.

"We're starting to come together as a group now, trying to add the finishing touches.

"It's going to help me, learning new things every day, playing in a different system, playing a different role slightly. I'm learning and I'm loving it.

"I said that last year, not playing every week, being a bit disappointed, that helps you learn and realise what football is all about.

"You're not going to play every week, you're going to have to deal with these situations. It's helped me learn a wee bit about the ins and outs of football."

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in their past seven home league games against Kilmarnock (W4 D3) since going down 2-0 in December 2020.

• Kilmarnock conceded more goals in their last league meeting with Motherwell, a 3-0 defeat in May, than their previous five beforehand (two). Indeed, it was their heaviest league defeat to the Steelmen since January 2010 (also 3-0).

• Both Motherwell and Kilmarnock have drawn all three of their league games this season; no side has drawn each of their opening four games of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century (Rangers could also do this on matchday four).

• Motherwell are unbeaten in six home league games (W3 D3), their longest such run since May 2015 (seven) under Ian Baraclough.

• Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 14 away league outings (D3 L10), a 2-0 victory at St Johnstone in May.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Stuart Kettlewell insists Saturday's trip to Fir Park is about three points and not himself.

The Kilmarnock manager was in the Motherwell dugout between February 2023 and January 2025, resigning due to fan abuse.

He has guided Killie to three successive draws at the start of the new Premiership season, while Motherwell have the same league record and are yet to lose under new boss Jens Berthel Askou.

And Kettlewell wants the focus to be on the football, rather than his return.

"I've been back to an old club before," he said. "It's something that happens it football.

"The last time I saw a lot of the people that will be there was at my wedding. That gives you an indication of the relationship I had with the players and staff.

"I don't wish Motherwell any ill health or bad luck at all. I can't control what narrative people will put on [the game].

"We could all see there was a lot of support towards myself from the fanbase, the staff and the players, but we all move on.

"I want to go to try to win three points for this Kilmarnock side. I'll not get too lost in it, but I understand other people might do.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know that I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Stuart Kettlewell deserves to be treated with respect when he returns to Fir Park this weekend for the first time since leaving as boss.

The current Kilmarnock manager resigned from his Motherwell post in January, citing fan abuse towards him as results slumped.

However, Askou, who took charge this summer following Michael Wimmer's brief reign, is not concerned about emotions spilling over when the Rugby Park side visit in the Premiership on Saturday.

"I've heard that there have been things before my time here," said the Dane.

"For me, and I think it's the same for Stuart, it's a game between Motherwell and Kilmarnock. There have been games in the Scottish Premier League for many, many years.

"It's just another one. Obviously, it's maybe a little bit special for him to come back to a place that has meant a lot to him. He's been here for about two years and he's done very, very well in terms of working hard for this club.

"Now he's in Kilmarnock, coming back. What I will just say is I hope every player, coach, staff member or volunteer that leaves Motherwell and comes back in whatever role he or she comes back in, that they will be treated with the respect that they deserve.

"As I said in the beginning, it's a game against Motherwell and Kilmarnock."

In the last week Askou has recruited former Ross County striker Regan Charles-Cook and Australian midfielder Oscar Priestman.

Asked by the BBC if more would be coming in, the Motherwell manager said: "There's been a lot of change. Now it's the final pieces.

"We'll see if there's one or two new faces, or maybe we'll sharpen up the squad a little bit the other way as well."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has been talking to the media before his side's trip to Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the best bits from his news conference:

• Kettlewell says he is unfazed by returning to his former club as it's a task he has been faced with before.

• He "can't control the narrative" leading into the game and insists there is no animosity towards Motherwell despite saying part of the reason he quit his previous job was because of fan abuse.

• Reflecting on his Motherwell departure and his time out of football, he says "not having an ego allows you to grow".

• The Killie boss says it will be a "big task" due to the way Motherwell have started the season and the style Jens Berthel Askou has implemented.

• He thinks it will be a game of "contrasting shapes and thought processes" against players he knows well.

• Kettlewell says his side have been close to winning all three league games so far this season and is "really happy" with the start they have made. Stressed the need to stay focused though as they try to extend the unbeaten run.

• Additional transfers depend on "a couple of factors" and Kettlewell says they will not break the financial structure in place.

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Killie's unbeaten start to the season continued with an instantly forgettable goalless draw against Dundee.

There has been a huge percentage of drawn games in the Premiership so far and Killie have more than made their contribution with three on the bounce.

We were the better team on Saturday over the 90 minutes, but probably didn't do enough to justify feeling hard done to.

It would be nice to have had a win or two in the league. However, with a new manager, new signings and a new style of play, Killie fans can be fairly satisfied with the start we have made.

It is all the better when you consider the introduction of youngsters Ben Brannan and Ethan Brown. Fans will always be a bit more patient with kids coming through the ranks.

We are away on Saturday to Motherwell, who are earning huge praise for their free-flowing football this season. It should be an open and entertaining game - I'll settle for a narrow Killie victory.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock draw 0-0 against Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's 0-0 draw against Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

James: Stuart Kettlewell summed it up perfectly, we should have won that game comfortably. We need another creative midfielder and another striker in before the end of the window. The referee made some strange decisions.

Jim: Yes there were positives, but a lot more negatives. Again a repeat of last year whereby we don't take our chances. Bruce Anderson is trying too hard which ends up with no composure, I'm afraid the jury is still out. With Motherwell away and Celtic at home our next two league games we must beat teams like Dundee and Livingston at home, draws at home are useless.

John: Tepid, timid and too many chances wasted, not what a home match should be. Too easy for Dundee to play through us and they could've nicked it. Another two points dropped!

Gary: Can't complain about getting a clean sheet, but if we don't get in a half decent striker then we can forget Hampden or top six.

Gerry: We lacked the killer pass to open up the Dundee defence, we were definitely the better team but just couldn't find the net. We lacked a bit of width at times as everything was condensed in the middle of the park, maybe a slight concern that we haven't beat two teams at Rugby Park that were tipped to struggle in the league this year.

Scott: Probably should have won but didn't quite do enough in the final third. I'm a bit disappointed with our points total so far. With Livi and Dundee at home in our first three games, I would have expected to win at least one of those games. Still plenty of encouraging signs and more good performances from our young players Aaron Brown and Ben Brannan. Patience is needed!

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell told BBC Scotland: "Happy with the performance? No. We could've done a little bit more in the final third.

"We were the better side, we had the better chances in the game. I felt we deserved to win it. But I don't go away happy, we could have given a lot more in our creation.

"We needed to create clearer openings. We need a bit of patience, a bit of extra quality. We missed the best chances in the game. The run of the game was ours, but we're disappointed we didn't capitalise on it.

"We were in control, had a few set plays. Second half, we were in complete control up until the final five minutes. We need to show a bit more imagination. Dundee's goalkeeper has made five or six saves, but we need to create gilt-edged chances.

"We don't blame Bruce [for missing our best chance]. We know what he can do. I trust him to finish those chances and he'll be more disappointed than anyone else.

"I'll take away the major positives - we take away a clean sheet, it's a decent unbeaten run since the start of the season - but we fell a little bit short. I won't get carried away and be too despondent today. There's a lot to like."

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Kilmarnock remain unbeaten under new manager Stuart Kettlewell as they played out a goalless Scottish Premiership draw against a much more resolute-looking Dundee.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Djenairo Dabiels (shoulder) and an unnamed player are doubts for Kilmarnock, but they have Tom Lowery back and Kyle Magennis getting close to action. Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

Dundee have lost Paul Digby for five or six weeks to a calf injury but Simon Murray and Cesar Garza return and Charlie Reilly is back training after a broken collarbone. Plamen Galabov is hoping to shake off an illness.

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Stuart Kettlewell has urged his Kilmarnock players to be resilient as he looks to extend their unbeaten run against Dundee on Saturday.

The Rugby Park side are unbeaten in seven matches since the former Motherwell manager took charge in the summer and have a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against St Mirren to look forward to next month following last weekend's win against Dundee United.

"We spoke after Sunday and talked about still being unbeaten, but the simple mindset is we want that to remain in place after the game on Saturday," said Kettlewell.

"It doesn't mean to say that that's a given, but for us as a group, it's absolutely something that you mention and you want to challenge yourself to see how far you can stretch it out.

"There's going to be bumps in the road, there's going to be tough times – there always is in this league. But I think we can see throughout this week about positivity within football clubs, and one result or one performance and how that can instantly change the mindset of people outwith the club.

"The important message is that we keep consistent within the building. We have to make sure we understand what we're trying to do, how we're trying to perform, the results we're trying to get. As long as you can keep that unbeaten run going, then there is a real positivity."

Kettlewell's side have shown the ability to stay on track despite challenges, having come from two goals down to claim a point against Hibernian at Easter Road.

"Everybody needs to be careful as well that we just don't get carried away and there's no knee-jerk reactions if you don't get that quite right in the first 45 minutes of football," he added.

"We showed that against Hibs a couple of weeks ago. We didn't quite get it right in the first half, but what pleased me most was the reaction to that, and that doesn't need to come week to week. Sometimes that comes in 10-minute spells, sometimes that comes from half to half.

"Keep your powder dry, continue to keep working hard and continue to try and improve, use the confidence to your advantage if you can, but equal to that, if you take a shot in the stomach, if you take a blow, make sure you're able to pick yourself back up, make sure you're able to react in the correct fashion."

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• Kilmarnock have only lost one of their past 14 Scottish Premiership games against Dundee (W5 D8), going down 3-2 in November 2024.

• Dundee have failed to win six Premiership visits to Kilmarnock (D3 L3) since winning 1-0 in May 2017 under Neil McCann.

• Both of Kilmarnock's two league games this season have ended as 2-2 draws, despite one side being 2-0 ahead – Killie led Livingston and trailed Hibs before both matches finished level.

• Sixty-five per cent of Dundee's Premiership points in 2025 have come away from home (13/20), a league-high share.

• Dundee have had the fewest shots (nine), recorded the lowest expected goals (0.5), faced the most shots (35) and averaged the lowest possession (28.9%) of any side in the Scottish Premiership in 2025-26 so far.

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell says he can "potentially foresee one or two" new signings before the deadline as he grapples with players vying for game-time.

The Ayrshire side are through to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup and remain unbeaten this season across all competitions, with additions and outgoings seemingly likely before the transfer window closes at 19:00 BST on Monday 1 September.

Kettlwell, who has brought in 12 players amid a squad revemp since taking charge this summer, said: "We're still active, is the best way I can put it.

"We would potentially foresee one or two in, and there's the prospect of one or two going out as well. All of this is to try and get a balance within the squad.

"There will be players sitting there that want to play, there will be guys that are desperate to make sure that they're selected as the first name on the teamsheet every single week.

"So, as always as managers, you have to try and balance that off and make sure that you've got a bit of harmony in your group, and people understand what their place is and where you see them, and I think I've been very, very clear with the squad in general."

Striker Marley Watkins and goalkeeper Robby McCrorie, who were regulars under former boss Derek McInnes, are two of the most notable players now on the periphery. McCrorie has not even been the second-choice keeper under Kettlewell so far.

Kettlewell said: "I always try and make sure that everybody understands what their role is and how I see them at the football club, what the opportunities will be.

"Because if I try and kid people on and try and spin a story and give them a wee bit of false hope or tell them that they're absolutely going to be the first name on the teamsheet, and that's not quite the case, I think you're going to encounter problems.

"It's safe to say that I understand what I would like to do in the next few days or the next week or so and that's always been in line with the messaging with the players.

"If you put that clarity on things, then you tend to have that wee bit more harmony in your dressing room and you have that wee bit more togetherness. Everybody knows where they stand."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

For the first time in many years I produced a hard copy fanzine so it was a pleasure to sell it before the game against Dundee United.

I spoke to ex-goalkeeper Jim Stewart, ex-striker Lawrie McKinna and loads of fans, it was just like the old days. It was all to raise funds for the foodbank so thanks to all you wonderful Killie fans we can donate £400.

The game itself was a hard fought affair with the searing heat making it extremely difficult for both sets of players.

Credit to Stuart Kettlewell for continuing with youngsters Aaron Brown and Ben Brannan and it would be fair to say Killie just about deserved their victory.

A quarter-final tie at home to St Mirren awaits so it's not out the question that we could be heading to Hampden, however we'll leave that for another day.

It would be nice to beat the other half of the city when Dundee visit the Theatre of Pies this weekend. I fancy we will get our first league win though I'll be making sure I don't have to endure Steven Pressley's post match interview.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

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Kilmarnock captain Brad Lyons says it was an "extra special feeling" to score the winning goal in Sunday's League Cup victory over Dundee United.

The midfielder returned to the starting line-up for the cup clash at Rugby Park and volleyed through the legs of United goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko for his goal which saw Killie come away with the victory.

"Scoring is always nice but it's that extra special feeling when you win the game with your goal," the 28-year-old said.

"I spoke to the gaffer and we said I need to help the team out more by chipping in with more goals so delighted to get on the end of this one."

Stuart Kettlewell's side will face St Mirren at Rugby Park in the quarter-final next month and Lyons insists his teammates are looking forward to the clash.

"It'll be a great battle," he added

"Every game with us and St Mirren is so I think it'll be a great atmosphere and a great game but we've got to concentrate on our league form first and foremost, then we can concentrate on the cup.

"We are getting good results and playing decent but we can play a lot better and hopefully we'll see that in the future games."