Kilmarnock

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Djenairo Daniels says he's found his love of football again and hopes Kilmarnock can "skyrocket" his career.

Dutch striker Daniels, 23, signed a two-year deal with the Ayrshire club following a short spell at League of Ireland side Cork City where he regained his confidence, scoring five goals in 12 appearances, but sees Killie as the launchpad for his future.

"Before [Cork] I had no club for a long time," the striker said as he previewed Kilmarnock's League Cup opener against Brora Rangers.

"I tried to find the love of football again and then Cork came with a short stay, a brief stay because of two injured players they had and I took that chance.

"This step gave me the love again. I know that I can do it, so I just need to go harder and harder every day."

Daniels is excited to kick on in Scotland following positive conversations with manager Stuart Kettlewell.

"I know that Virgil van Dijk played for Celtic, I know the Scottish league is not a small league, it's a big league," he added.

"The manager just told me that I will fit Killie's plans and that I can only skyrocket from here.

"That was the most important for me, someone that gave me the confidence and he gave me the confidence that I needed. He showed me that he really wanted me.

"I think from here I can skyrocket and I have the confidence in that. So, it's just for me to play and show the Scottish League what I'm about.

"They will see a player that works 110% every game, every day, work for the team and give everything on the pitch and leave everything on the pitch."

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Manager Stuart Kettlewell insists he has a "clear structure, plan and identity" for Kilmarnock as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge on Saturday.

The Ayrshire side begin their League Cup group stage with a trip to Highland League side Brora Rangers.

The former Motherwell boss has brought in nine players since joining the club in May and enjoyed a positive pre-season with three friendly wins and one defeat.

"I think the biggest challenge you've got is if you don't have a plan," said the Killie boss, who will announce his new captain and vice captain to the squad on Thursday.

"If you don't have a way you want to play, if you've not profiled them, if you're going to just kind of stumble along and hope that you find something, I think that's your biggest challenge.

"Probably in my nature and how I work, it's always about a clear structure, a clear plan, clear identity of what you want your team to look like.

"We've been doing our work and our due diligence, so we should start to see the fruits of our labour.

"Fortunately for us, even in pre-season, I've started to see a lot of bits I like, but also bits I know will still take a wee bit of time to improve on and to start to click.

"The buy-in from the players so far has been great and I'd probably be sitting here worrying if I didn't see that, but to a man the players have been fantastic that way."

The BBC's Scottish Football Podcast has Kilmarnock in focus to preview the 2025-26 season for Stuart Kettlewell's men.

Host Martin Dowden is joined by Callum Scott of the Forever and Ever podcast to discuss the campaign ahead.

With Kettlewell at the helm and a new-look squad to assess, the competitive action starts on Saturday for the Rugby Park side as they travel to Brora in their League Cup group opener.

Listen here and don't forget to subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's busy transfer window as manager Stuart Kettlewell prepares his new-look squad for competitive action.

Here's what some of you said:

Frank: The boss has a clear vision on where he wants us to be. Top six could be achieved based on the calibre of his signings. He has gone for contracts for stability as opposed to loans. Looking forward to this season, I believe we have a well-disciplined manager with a clear vision where to take the club.

Brian: I'm quietly impressed with the players the new manager has brought in. No loans is a bonus, we've lost some quality in the squad but I feel he has bettered us in a few areas. I'm excited about the season ahead and hopefully we can gel quickly and get some decent results early.

Davey: Surprised to get Greg Kiltie back, he's really one of our own! Although he can be inconsistent, Scott Tiffoney is a great add, he can turn a game. Others are more an unknown quantity but seem really promising. Nice not to have so many loan players too.

Jim: All the signings are unknowns, and it looks like we were the only club interested in them. It is early days and until we see them in action we won't know anything. It could be good business, or it could be a complete nightmare. Time will tell.

Brian: Another good centre-back is the priority. All other areas of the pitch seem covered. Looking forward to see what Kettlewell can do to develop our younger/newer players.

Neil: I'm quietly impressed by both the clear-out and recruitment so far. It's very early days but the new faces at Rory McKenzie's testimonial looked good. Nothing extravagant. If they can knit as team we could be in for a decent campaign.

Anon: Overall, I'm happy enough. I'm excited to see what 'Miniesta' (Tom Lowery) can do in the famous blue and white stripes, as he sounds like my kind of player. I may take some convincing in regards to Marcus Dackers - he's a big lad but I'm unconvinced with his strike rate which is the most important thing at the end of the day. I'm hoping Djenairo Daniels is the "quality player" we're being told he is - he's had good youth experience (in the Netherlands) and his goal return during his short time at Cork looks decent, however the Scottish league is still a big step up from League of Ireland so we'll just have to wait and see.

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First-half goals from strikers Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins ensured Kilmarnock rounded off pre-season with a friendly win over Ballymena United.

Anderson opened the scoring at Rugby Park with a curling effort before Watkins doubled the lead for Stuart Kettlewell's side 10 minutes later with a back-post header.

Killie kick off their League Cup campaign on Saturday (12 July) against Highland League side Brora Rangers.

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.