Football Season Guide

Kilmarnock seriously flirted with relegation last season, going through 2 managers before Neil McCann ultimately guided them to safety in fine style towards the end of the season. They gathered impressive momentum at the end of the season, winning their last 4 matches to cruise away from the bottom spots, doing so by outclassing the other teams in the bottom 6. One of the big factors in their success was winger Findlay Curtis, who arrived on loan from Rangers and has subsequently departed in a deal that undoubtedly leaves Killie weaker. The Ayrshire side’s squad looks far from complete a week before the season begins. Much of the work that has been done has been to cut away the deadwood in the squad, which was not inconsiderable. In particular, players who were persistently injured last season like Matty Kennedy and Kyle Magennis have gone. Indeed, there are few players who have departed that played a big role in the starting XI. Brad Lyons is perhaps the exception, with the captain having been a mainstay of the team last term. They have a defensive unit that is significantly trimmed down but whose average level in terms of quality has risen. Nevertheless, another starting centre-back and a right-back would be ideal in dragging Killie to where they want to be. Furthermore, Calum Ferrie arriving in goal brings additional depth in that area as he will challenge Max Stryjek. Midfileld also looks to have strength in depth in a new-look side. McCann has used his connections at Rangers to sign Bailey Rice in an impressive loan move that should act as the equivalent to the Curtis deal last season, while experienced Premiership campaigner Mark O’Hara will play alongside him. Killie look likely to play with outright wingers in a 4-4-2 formation, while they will expect to have better luck with injuries in attack. They have 3 strong forwards in Tyreece John-Jules, who was outstanding before injury last season, Djenairo Daniels, who is powerful and awkward, and Joe Hugill.