Kilmarnock

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Goalkeeper Max Stryjek has capped his recovery from live-saving open heart surgery by signing a new contract to stay at Kilmarnock for next season.

The 29-year-old Pole returned to action last month, playing the final five games and helping Kilmarnock to Premiership safety, after a heart operation in November.

Stryjek, who joined from Jagiellonia Białystok last summer, has made 16 Killie appearances, keeping seven clean sheets.

Speaking earlier this month, Stryjek revealed his heart condition had gone undetected for a decade. His aorta, the body's largest artery, "was a bit bigger than usual".

"I think the margin for normal human being is 40-41 millimetres is maximum you can have," he said.

"Mine rose to like 55 and there was a danger of being basically ripped apart and I would just collapse and die.

"So they just told me, listen, there's a high risk of that, so you need to have operation as soon as possible."

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Rangers' World Cup-bound winger Findlay Curtis says he pushed for his loan move to Kilmarnock and is eager to make his mark at Ibrox next season.

Curtis, who will turn 20 next month, scored five goals in 14 Killie appearances after 3 in 26 at Rangers in the first half of the season.

His form for the Rugby Park side helped the teenager to a "dream come true" place in Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

"I wanted to push for that loan," Curtis, who made his Scotland debut in March, told Rangers TV.

"I wanted to go out on loan to prove a point to people here that I want to come back and play next season. I want to do my best for this club.

"In my position, you need to score goals and create chances and that's what I've done for the past couple of games. Credit to Kilmarnock for taking me down there. What a club it is and I'm thankful for it. It's been massive.

"I'm grateful for everything that's happened over the past 12 months."

On his World Cup inclusion, Curtis said: "It's a dream come true. Every boy at my age has had a ream to go away with Scotland and to do it at this age, it's massive.

"I was out on the golf course, playing golf with a couple of boys from here and ex-boys from here. I found out at quarter past 10 and when I saw it, I was buzzing.

"It came as a real surprise, really. I spoke to the Scotland gaffer before I left camp and he was saying, 'just keep on working hard and see what happens'.

"I've done really well for the last couple of games for Kilmarnock and I'm obviously in the squad and delighted."

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Long-serving Kilmarnock midfielder Rory McKenzie says he couldn't picture being anywhere else, after signing a one-year contract extension with the Rugby Park club.

The 32-year-old is seventh on the club's all-time appearance list, having played 446 times since making his debut back in 2011.

McKenzie was honoured with a testimonial against local rivals Ayr United at the start of the season,

Kilmarnock finished the season strongly under Neil McCann, ensuring their top-flight safety and winning four consecutive games in a row for the first time since 2018.

"I'm happy to be staying at my club," McKenzie said.

"I don't see myself anywhere else, and I'm pleased to have the opportunity to continue what's been an amazing journey so far in my career.

"It's an exciting time to be part of Killie, and I very much feel I can still play a part in what's ahead next season.

"I'm grateful the manager and coaching staff feel the same way and look forward to working closely with them when we regroup for pre-season."

Aberdeen are in pole position to sign Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons and centre-half Lewis Mayo - and are still in the fight to land midfielder David Watson from the Ayrshire club. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola will go to the World Cup with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 31-year-old received a late call up after Hibernian's Rocky Bushiri was ruled out of the finals with an injury.

Tshibola, who has 16 caps, has been a standout for Killie since joining in February and was key to the four wins in a row which secured Premiership safety.

"Everyone here is delighted for Tish to go to the World Cup," said manager Neil McCann.

"Huge congratulations must go to him for his consistency of performance, through professionalism, commitment, endeavour and footballing ability.

"I look forward to watching his progress this summer, and we all hope he enjoys and embraces the opportunity he's earned and grasped with both hands."

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

It's been a tough old season for the Killie faithful but our excellent form in the closing weeks gives us all great hope for the next campaign.

Our final fixture at Livingston may have been meaningless but 1700 fans travelled to show their appreciation for the management and players with their excellent run since the turn of the year.

The manager will now be working hard at strengthening the squad and the fans let it be known they would like to see Findlay Curtis here for another year.

The young winger - who is World Cup bound with Scotland this summer - has been superb and although Rangers will probably want him back I can't help but think his development would be best served at the Theatre of Pies where he would play every week.

I have a good feeling that Max Stryjek will sign a new deal and if we can add some quality in defence and midfield we may just be next year's surprise package.

Sandy Armour is editor of The Killie Hippo fanzine

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

On the losing side, but made five saves.

Tom Sparrow - Motherwell

A midfielder by trade, Sparrow has never let Motherwell down at right back.

Stephen Welsh - Motherwell

On loan from Celtic, Welsh has been a real leader at Fir Park. Played with heart, soul and real quality. Had an effort ruled out for a foul.

Ryan Astley - Dundee

Scored the winning goal to send the Dundee faithful home happy.

Tuur Rommens - Rangers

Won all his duels against Falkirk and looks a good signing by Danny Rohl.

Findlay Curtis - Kilmarnock

Surely has to be in the World Cup squad. Made the previous squad, and since then his form has been electric.

Callum McGregor - Celtic

Much has been made - rightly so - of the impact made by the return of Martin O'Neill in steering Celtic to another title. But in his own way, the captain at the centre of this team has quietly done the steering on the pitch. Since the Dundee United game there has been much more of a steely resolve and intensity when required from Celtic, and McGregor has embodied that mission in the post-split games. His teammates voiced their praise for his leadership on and off the pitch throughout what's been a tumultuous campaign that saw Brendan Rodgers and then Wilfried Nancy depart. Throughout it all McGregor has been the constant. The emotion poured out of him at the end said it all.

Lukas Fadinger - Motherwell

A steely presence all season for Motherwell. His deflected goal was the difference against Hibs.

Nicky Clescenco - Kilmarnock

Took his goal well. Looked lively and creative in the rout of Livingston.

Joe Hugill - Kilmarnock

Two goals against Livingston upped his tally to eight in his past 12 games for Kilmarnock. Has thrived under Neil McCann.

Youssef Chermiti- Rangers

Looked like an absolute world-beater against Falkirk. His goals were superb. Has had his critics, but 15 Premiership goals is a respectable tally. His challenge next season will be to up that tally, and be more consistent.

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Kilmarnock have started work on installing a new hybrid, grass pitch at Rugby Park for the start of next season.

Killie have been playing on an artificial surface since 2014 but clubs voted in 2024 to ban such pitches from the Premiership from the start of the 2026-27 campaign.

General manager Gregg McEwan told the Killie website: "The agreed scope of works includes the reinstatement of the main playing surface incorporating the new hybrid natural grass system, associated rootzone constructor, irrigator upgrades, under-pitch heating, kerbing works, and pitch surround build-up and surfacing works.

"The club's target remains to have the pitch completed and in a match-ready condition for the commencement of the 2026-27 season, with works programmed accordingly."

Falkirk, the only other remaining top-flight club with an artificial surface, have permission to use their artificial pitch for one further season before moving to grass for the 2027-28 campaign.

We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock ended their Premiership season with a 4-1 victory over Livingston on Sunday.

Here's what you had to say:

Andrew: Terrific end to terrible season. Well done to Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, the board and our fans for a big push.

Wolfgang: 14 goals in four games, really can't complain with that! McCann proving doubters like myself wrong. Now let's build on this and keep the main bulk of the players and go again next season.

James: I was doubtful about the McCann appointment but he hasn't half got me onside. Team playing with a purpose and freedom not seen in a long time.

Frank: Finished the season in style with another impressive display. On current form you could believe they could keep on playing for another few games, however the season has ended on a high. Some current players may not be returning, but they were part of the great escape. Onwards and upwards to next season.

Kilmarnock finished the Scottish Premiership season with a flourish, winning their fourth game in a row for the first time since 2018 as they dispatched already-relegated Livingston.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann: "I'm proud of the performance, and of everything we've worked on as a staff, the message that we've put into the boys that you show the respect to the opposition by continuing to play how we want to play, and they did that right to the very end.

"The performance today was outstanding, considering maybe a lot of people thought this was a dead rubber game, we were still hunting down ninth. Congratulations to Dundee, not only staying up, Elvis [Steven Pressley] has done a brilliant job there.

"Nicky [Clescenco] has had to be really patient to get up to the speed of Scottish football. He's got a lot more to show, by the way, but a wee glimpse of what he's capable of.

"Fin [Curtis] has just reinforced how good a player he is. He's a great kid to work with. And Joe [Hugill] has just continued to go from strength to strength. [Tyreece] John Jules is sitting in the house, biting his nails, because he was awarded the top goalscorer before today's game and he nearly lost it!

"After 15 minutes, they had to get a wee jag because it wasn't good enough. They were slack on the ball and we conceded. But after that, I thought we were exceptional."

On Curtis' World Cup hopes, McCann adds: "He's got a chance, of course. He's made the last couple of squads, and he's really given Steve [Clarke] a nice problem to have.

"I would have him in the squad, but I don't ever pick Steve's squad or tell anybody how to pick their own team or squads. All he can do is just do his best. And if it's good enough for Steve, I'll be delighted to see him at the World Cup."

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Livingston are without Connor McLennan (ankle).

Kilmarnock could bring back Kelle Roos while Tyreece John-Jules (quad), Djenairo Daniels (knee) and Matty Kennedy (hip) are sidelined.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for their final game of the season against Livingston.

Here are the main points:

• McCann admits "there was a lot of relief but also elation" after securing safety with victory over Dundee on Tuesday night, adding: "IKt's nice to sit here and know we're going to be in the Premiership next year."

• The Killie boss was full of praise for his players: "The dressing room have done an incredible job, to get to where we are right now is a remarkable job by the team."

• Since McCann's appointment in January, Kilmarnock are fourth in the form table and the manager says it's "really pleasing" but insists "it's just another example of how good the group have been" adding "they did it with a bit of style as well".

• And while there's no jeopardy for Sunday's trip to Livingston, McCann stresses "we'll not take our foot off the gas. We want to go there and finish the season on a high with a win."

• The Killie boss is also keen to "reward the fans with three points" which "should set us into the close season in a real positive mindset".

• On whether some youth players could get a runout at the weekend, McCann admits "that's still a decision to make" but says: "I would love to if I could but equally the team who have been training every day have been training to such a high level."

• Knowing they'll be playing in the top flight next season, McCann admits "I've already started work" on planning for next term which is "a wee bit of a luxury".

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• Kilmarnock could win four Premiership games in a row for the first time since October 2018 under Steve Clarke.

• Livingston have only lost one of their past nine Scottish Premiership home games against Kilmarnock (W5 D3), a 3-1 defeat in October 2020.

• Kilmarnock are unbeaten in seven Premiership games against Livingston (W4 D3), after losing five in a row beforehand.

• Livingston have just 21 points this season; the last side to end a Scottish top-flight campaign with so few were Dundee in 2018-19 (also 21), while the last with fewer were Livingston themselves in 2005-06 (18).

• Kilmarnock lost their final league match of last season 1-0 to Hearts, but haven't done so in successive Premiership campaigns since losing three in a row from 2014-15 to 2016-17.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Neil McCann swapped punditry for the Kilmarnock hotseat in January there was a mixed reaction from supporters.

Some were concerned about his ability to 'walk the walk' after just one previous permanent gig - an 18-month stint at Dundee where he won 20 of 60 games in charge.

But in steering Kilmarnock to Premiership safety with a game to spare, McCann has proved his doubters wrong.

At the time of his Rugby Park appointment, Killie had not won in 14 games and were second bottom of the table. The Ayrshire side hovered just four points above Livingston with a game in hand and five below St Mirren in 10th having played two matches more.

Those gaps are now 16 and four points respectively, with Killie guaranteed to finish no lower than 10th.

Since McCann's appointment, Killie are fourth in the Premiership form table. Only Hearts, Celtic and Rangers have picked up more points in those 16 games than Killie's 24, which is two more than top-six sides Motherwell and Falkirk.

Only title chasers Hearts and Celtic have won more games than Killie in that time, while only Celtic and Rangers have scored more goals than McCann's side's 27.

The bedrock of McCann's success has been home form, with his team winning six and losing just one of eight Rugby Park outings.

In fact, after Tuesday night's 3-1 home victory over Dundee, McCann became the first Killie head coach, of those appointed in the 21st century, to win six of his first eight top-flight home games.

Of his 16 league games in charge, McCann has won seven, with a points-per-game rate of 1.50. Albeit over a small sample size, that's the joint-second best - alongside Mixu Paatelainen - of any Kilmarnock manager appointed this century, with only Steve Clarke boasting a better record (1.79).

In contract, Stuart Kettlewell, McCann's predecessor, was in charge for 17 Scottish Premiership games, won two and lost nine with a points-per-game of 0.71.

Since McCann replaced Kettlewell, Killie have scored 10 more goals in one fewer game (27 under McCann compared to 17 under Kettlewell) and have conceded fewer - 29 compared to 32 in their previous 17 matches.

McCann boasts a win percentage of almost 44 per cent while under Kettlewell it was just over 11 per cent.

Now the next step for McCann is to continue Killie's upward trajectory into next season and beyond.

Winger Findlay Curtis should "definitely" be in the Scotland squad for this summer's World Cup after scoring four goals in 13 appearances on loan at Kilmarnock, says Sportscene pundit and former Livingston boss Marvin Bartley.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Joe Hugill says Kilmarnock always believed they would pull a victory out the bag even when the pressure came on against Dundee at Rugby Park.

Hugill's two late goals gave Neil McCann's side a 3-1 win to ensure Killie will be playing Premiership football next season.

There were nervous moments after Dundee levelled through Charlie Reilly, and with St Mirren beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, it looked like the battle to avoid the relegation play-off would go down to the final match.

But Hugill's penalty with five minutes remaining and last-gasp header sent the home fans into delirium.

"I think as they scored we always knew we were going to get at least one more chance," Hugill told BBC Scotland.

"We always felt it was going to come, all lads on the pitch seem to constantly say 'we'll get one more, we'll get one more', and that's what we did."

"That was always the aim when I came here in January, to keep this club in the Premiership. To get the win was the main thing and that's what we've done. The aim is to get ninth. Just win our last game [against Livingston] and then that's all we can do."

Kilmarnock fans, we asked for your views after Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Dundee ensured the club will play a fifth straight season in the top flight.

Here are some of your comments:

Craig: It can't be understated the fantastic work Neil McCann and Billy Dodds have done in turning us around and getting the team going from strength to strength. Nervy game but we are safe, all that matters.

James: Pressure off. Well done to McCann and co. Our signings in the last window were the main difference and our top goalie back between the sticks saved the day. Now the work begins some players have to go, but some must stay.

John: I was seriously underwhelmed by the appointment of Neil McCann and Billy Dodds, I'm now so pleased to say how wrong I was. Not only have they saved us from the play-offs but Killie are now playing a cracking brand of football. What could have been had they been appointed prior to the season start? Well done all staff, management and players.

Anna: I really couldn't be happier with the result because my nerves were shredded. An awesome performance from the boys all over the pitch although I did question the 4-3-2-1 formation. To go one up then be pegged back by an own goal was a sickener but then up stepped Joe Hugill with two truly priceless goals to keep us in the Premiership. When that final whistle went I am not ashamed to say there were tears of relief in my eyes.

Scott: Sweet relief and relax. A fantastic result, really didn't want us going to Livingston needing points. Back for more next season and hopefully watch us fly under McCann and Dodds.

Jason: What an ending to our season. I was unsure about McCann's appointment but my word the guy has worked a miracle. I thought we were destined for the play-offs but he has completely turned it around. The signings he made in January have been the work of a genius, all of them to a man have played their part in securing our place in the SPFL next season. I'll take a quiet mid-table finish next season please, Ayrshire remains blue and white.

Watch all the highlights as Kilmarnock secured their Scottish Premiership status with a 3-1 victory over Dundee. Available to UK users only.

Kilmarnock will play Scottish Premiership football next season after a late double from Joe Hugill sealed victory over Dundee and consigned St Mirren to the relegation play-off.

Have your say on the game

Read our match report

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Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann: "It feels brilliant. When we came in here it looked pretty bleak. I have to compliment all the staff behind the scenes.

"It's a big night tonight, Saturday was a big afternoon. I just felt we'd do something. It's a special evening knowing we'll be in the Premiership next season.

"Billy [Dodds] and I came in to do a job and I'm delighted we've managed to be able to do that.

"I was aware [of the score at Pittodrie] but I was relatively calm until a deflected shot went into our top corner. But it was a matter of just keeping playing."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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George Stanger has praised Neil McCann's infectious belief that has helped push Kilmarnock to the brink of Premiership safety.

Killie were second bottom and on a 14-game winless run when McCann took charge in January, but now have a four-point cushion over 11th-place St Mirren with two games to play.

Before tonight's visit of Dundee, defender Stanger said: "He obviously came in when we were in a difficult period. And from the outset he was very big on belief, and that he believed in us as players and as a squad.

"From my perspective, with the conversations you have with him, you really do feel that belief. Sometimes when someone says something to you, you don't necessarily feel it but I do when he speaks to me, that's with everyone as well.

"We can really tell that he believes in us and that's obviously a big thing from the manager."

Stanger admits the pressure is off "a wee bit" after the 3-0 win over St Mirren last weekend, but says his side cannot afford to relax.

"I think we'd be lying if we said that it didn't feel like there was a wee bit of pressure off after the game on Saturday. Just with the magnitude of the game and obviously the split, every game feels like a six-pointer and that was definitely that," he said.

"We're fully focused on the Dundee game now and I don't care what goes on at Pittodrie [where St Mirren face Aberdeen]. That's something we can't control. All we can control is what we do and that's the key message for everyone in that changing room."