Football Season Guide

Kilmarnock enjoyed a spectacular return to form in the Scottish Premiership last season as they finished fourth in the standings. At the beginning of last season’s campaign a top-six finish would have been seen as a significant achievement. Much of the credit to Killie’s success can go to manager Derek McInnes, who has done consistently strong work in Scotland’s top flight in recent seasons, first with Aberdeen and now at Rugby Park. In particular, they were strong at home, although they benefitted from playing on an artificial pitch that is not in a good condition, making it difficult for visiting sides. Over the summer, Kilmarnock’s squad has not changed dramatically. A string of fringe players have departed the squad as well as loan goalkeeper Will Dennis, and while there have only been two signings to date, both add quality. Robby McCrorie should be considered a strong pickup in goal, while Bruce Anderson is an excellent addition to the attacking corps. Indeed, it is going forward where Killie are at their strongest, boasting both strength and depth. Behind Rangers and Celtic, they can lay claim to having the best forwards in the league as a group, with perhaps only Hearts otherwise challenging them. They are also strong in midfield, with Danny Armstrong and Matty Kennedy competitive wingers. Armstrong, in particular, will chip in with goal contributions. Similarly, there is plenty of bite in midfield, with Liam Donnelly typically the enforcer, but good options otherwise with the technically strong David Watson or a more attacking threat in Brad Lyons or Kyle Magennis, who were hampered with injuries last season. If there is an area of concern, it is a lack of natural full-backs, but this is something that could be addressed before the end of August, with strong options in the middle. Kilmarnock’s strength is their competitiveness and doggedness, but there is quality underpinning this, too.