Kilmarnock

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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.

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George Stanger will bring "presence to the defence" after joining Kilmarnock from rivals Ayr United, says manager Stuart Kettlewell.

The 24-year-old, who spent the past two seasons at Somerset in the Scottish Championship, has remained in Ayrshire by penning a two-year deal at Rugby Park.

Kettlewell is confident his fifth summer signing will "fit right in" with his squad.

"He brings a presence to the defence when he plays," the former Motherwell boss added.

"He is also at a good age combined with plenty of first-team experience, which is the perfect combination."

Meanwhile, New Zealand Under-23 international Stanger said: "I feel like it's a really good step for me in my career and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do at this level.

"I've spoken to the manager plenty the past couple of weeks and I'll be honest, he's a big part of why I came here.

"I know that he's got a good reputation for how he can help players develop and that's a key thing for me."

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock signing Scott Tiffoney and their business in the transfer window so far.

Here's what some of you said:

Andrew: Tiffoney is a good signing for the club. We badly need a striker and two centre-backs and a goalkeeper. All the best to Stuart Kettlewell, hope we have a big season.

Paul: Having all these new attackers and midfielders is good and all, but we need more defensive-minded players because as of now we have three defenders, Corrie Ndaba, Robbie Deas and Lewis Mayo.

Jim: Okay, hands up, I did have my doubts about the new manager, but he has got big boots to fill. With the players who have left and Stuart Findlay going to Hearts I was slightly concerned, but I am not disappointed with the new signings. So let's give the man a chance and our full support. Of all the players leaving only Findlay and Bobby Wales are the ones I am sorry to see go.

Davey: Tiffoney is a great addition, he's such a livewire and a thorn in many a defender's side. Surprised Dundee let him go, sure he'll do a job for us. Solid signings of experienced players so far.

Neil: Beginning to feel much more optimistic thanks to the first flurry of signings. We might end up resembling a swarm of wasps more than 'Galacticos', but who likes taking on wasps!

Amy: Considering it seemed our budget was slashed this summer, we've made some very sensible and proven Premiership signings. Still need more up front and a replacement for player of the year Joe Wright, however. Stephen Welsh on loan from Celtic would do.

Doug: Tiffoney will be a good signing for Killie. I remember him playing for Patrick Thistle when we were in the Championship. He was a menace, and he's a better player now. I'm pleased with all the signings. I'd like another goalkeeper and we need more firepower up front.

David: Interesting additions made this week. Time will tell of their impact and importantly the impact of Kettlewell. Disappointing to see lack of pre-season games available for fans to attend other than Rory McKenzie's testimonial.

No sooner does the season finish and we start looking forward to key dates for the next campaign - and that will be a lot easier to do on Friday when the Scottish Premiership fixtures are released.

That's right, that special day in the calendar is almost here already. The day when you'll learn details of derby fixtures, Christmas opponents and the run-in to the split.

This page will bring you all the fixtures when they drop at 09:00 BST on Friday and we'll be giving you the chance to have your say on how things look.

The new campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 2 August and will conclude on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

Hearts have agreed a deal with Oxford United to take Stuart Findlay, the 29-year-old centre-half who spent last season with Kilmarnock, on loan for the last year of his contract before making the move permanent. (Sky Sports), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kilmarnock will be travelling to the Netherlands on Monday for a week-long pre-season camp, where they will face Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

The friendly with AZ, who finished fifth in the Dutch top tier last term, will finish their schedule on 28 June

Stuart Kettlewell's side then come back to three fixtures at Rugby Park, including Rory McKenzie's testimonial against Ayr United.

The match on 4 July will be the only opportunity for fans to see the team before they begin their League Cup group campaign.

The Ayrshire club's matches against The New Saints on 1 July and Ballymena United on 8 July will be behind closed doors.

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New Kilmarnock signing Scott Tiffoney says he has come to a "great place to play football" after joining the Rugby Park side on a two-year deal following his Dundee exit.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder spent two seasons at Dens Park, scoring 10 goals in 76 appearances, and also has previous Premiership experience with Livingston.

"I'm buzzing to be here. As soon as I heard Kilmarnock were interested it was something I really wanted to be part of," said Tiffoney.

"I've played here before as an opponent and always thought it was a great place to play football.

"The manager's been really clear on what he wants and how I can fit in, so I'm just excited to get going and show the fans what I can bring."

Tiffoney is new Killie manager Stuart Kettlewell's fourth signing after defender Jamie Brandon and midfielders Greg Kiltie and Jack Thomson.

"Scott is a player that I've admired for a while, he's a consistent performer in this league, as soon as we were alerted to his availability it was one we wanted to get done," said Kettlewell.

"Again he's one that fits into the system we are going to be playing and he's going to add to the quality we already have here. I look forward to getting to work with Scott as we kick off pre-season this week."

Killie fans, what do you make of Tiffoney's signing and the club's summer transfer business so far? Share your views here.

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Kilmarnock have signed an "ambitious player with great ability" in midfielder Jack Thomson, says manager Stuart Kettlewell.

The 25-year-old has joined the Rugby Park side on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Queen's Park, where he played more than 130 games.

The Rangers youth product, who signed a pre-contract with the Ayrshire club in January, says the move was a "natural step" for him.

"The club's got a lot of history," Thomson added. "The team is always competitive, competing at a really good level. It just felt like a natural step from where I've been.

"My conversations with the manager have been really positive. When I saw he was announced, I was excited.

"You speak to the people you know in football and try to find out as much as you can and everything that was said about the manager was really positive.

"And then obviously speaking to him, I have the exact same impression. So I can't wait to get on the pitch and be working with him."

And manager Kettlewell, a fellow former Queen's Park player, said: "Jack is a player I've inherited and I'm delighted that's the case. He is an ambitious player with great ability and I'm confident he will fit right into our squad."

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Greg Kiltie has returned to Kilmarnock from St Mirren on a two-year deal in search of "guaranteed first-team football".

Both Scottish Premiership clubs have signed off an "undisclosed agreement" for the 28-year-old attacking midfielder to re-join the Ayrshire club.

Kiltie, who scored 11 goals and provided 17 assists in 142 games for St Mirren, left Rugby Park for Paisley in 2021, but his minutes were limited in the second half of last season.

Buddies boss Stephen Robinson says Kiltie has been an "integral part" of what the team has achieved in recent years, earning three straight top-six finishes.

"He's a great boy and a very talented player," Robinson added. "But Greg felt he wanted guaranteed first-team football and he had an opportunity at Kilmarnock and we wouldn't stand in his way."

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell said: "Greg is a player I've admired for a number of years and he's one I'm confident will fit in well with our squad.

"Greg is a local lad, and Kilmarnock is his team, it was clear when speaking to him he was eager to come back and I am delighted we could make it happen."

Kiltie, who registered 20 goals and 16 assists in 134 games during his first spell at Kilmarnock, added: "When I heard this could be a possibility then obviously I jumped at the chance to get it done and I'm just delighted to be back.

"I always felt I wanted to come back, but in football you never know, you're just hoping the timing is going to be right and everything aligns.

"I had a chat with the manager and he explained what he was thinking and obviously his ambition and my ambitions. I won't go into it too much, but obviously we're both ambitious and want the team to be successful."

Kilmarnock are leading the race to sign 23-year-old Dutch striker Djenairo Daniels, currently with League of Ireland club Cork City. (Irish Independent), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Only Ross County's Akil Wright made more interceptions in the Scottish Premiership last season than Kilmarnock defender, Lewis Mayo.

The 25-year-old made 56 interceptions for Derek McInnes' side as he had another strong season in the backline.

Wright made a huge 70 interceptions, yet it wasn't enough to preserve County's top tier status.

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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."