Neil McCann, the manager of Kilmarnock, is keenly aware that stagnation is equivalent to regression. His primary objective this season is to push the club into the top six of the Scottish Premiership rather than merely surviving the threat of relegation. When McCann took the helm in January, the team were languishing in 11th place, having dropped points in more than half of their league fixtures.
A late‑season surge of victories helped them steer clear of the relegation play‑offs, providing a foundation of optimism that McCann hopes to expand upon. "The atmosphere at the club is charged with positivity," McCann told Sky Sports News. "We finished the campaign strongly, and that gives us belief. But the real work begins now – Billy Dodds, the coaching staff, and I must assemble a squad capable of sustaining that progress.
If you stand still, you’re effectively moving backwards, so we must keep pushing forward. We don’t want to find ourselves in the same position we were in when I arrived in January. We aim to be upbeat and forward‑looking." Looking ahead, Kilmarnock’s first league match of the new season will be at McDiarmid Park against newly promoted St Johnstone, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. While some pundits may assume that a newly promoted side offers an easier opening fixture, McCann cautions against underestimating them.
He highlighted the tactical acumen of St Johnstone’s manager, Simo Valakari, noting that the team possesses a well‑structured style of play. "Everyone might think it’s a softer start because St Johnstone have just come up from the Championship," McCann said. "But Valakari has built a solid system. Like any manager, we’re not yet operating at full capacity – we’re not in top gear – but we will continue to work towards that level.
The positivity we generated last season gives us a solid platform to build on." Beyond the tactical considerations, Kilmarnock have made a significant infrastructural change that could influence their performance. The club has removed the artificial surface that had been installed at Rugby Park and reinstated a natural grass pitch for the first time since 2014. This decision follows a vote by top‑flight clubs to ban synthetic pitches from the start of the 2026/27 season, with Falkirk receiving a one‑year grace period to replace their own surface.
McCann praised the new grass layout, explaining that it was laid directly over the former astroturf, resulting in an exceptionally even playing field. "The beauty of our pitch this season is that it sits on top of what was the artificial turf last year, so it’s completely flat," he remarked. He added that only a few weeks ago the surface resembled a sandpit, but the groundsmen have been working intensively to firm it up. Within a short period, the pitch will be firm enough to rival any in the country.
He reflected on the previous year’s success at the artificial surface, noting that Kilmarnock won six of the eight home games played on it, turning Rugby Park into something of a fortress. "That gave us a real advantage," McCann said. "Now, with a high‑quality grass surface, we expect to retain that home‑field edge.
In my opinion, every top‑level league should feature natural grass pitches. This one will be among the finest in Scotland and should complement the style of football we want to play." The transition to grass is more than a cosmetic upgrade; it aligns with McCann’s broader vision for the club.
He believes a superior playing surface will enable a more expansive, possession‑based approach, allowing his players to showcase technical skill and fluid movement. The manager also emphasized that a well‑maintained grass pitch can reduce injury risk, offering a more forgiving surface for players who cover large distances during matches. In terms of squad development, McCann and his backroom staff are already scouting for talent that fits their philosophy.
They are targeting players with a high work rate, tactical intelligence, and the ability to adapt to a grass surface that encourages quick passing and positional interchange. The recruitment strategy also includes retaining key performers from last season who helped secure crucial points during the relegation battle. McCann’s ambition extends beyond simply avoiding the drop. He envisions Kilmarnock competing for European qualification spots, which would require consistent performances against the league’s traditional powerhouses such as Celtic, Rangers, and Aberdeen.
To achieve this, the club must improve its depth, particularly in midfield creativity and defensive solidity, areas that have shown vulnerability in the past. The manager also highlighted the importance of community engagement and fan support. He noted that the return to a grass pitch has already generated excitement among supporters, who appreciate the traditional feel of the game. "When you walk onto a grass field, there’s a certain romance to it," McCann said.
"Our fans love it, and that energy feeds back into the players on the pitch." As the season approaches, McCann remains realistic yet hopeful. He acknowledges that the squad is not yet at its peak performance level, but he is confident that with hard work, strategic signings, and the advantage of a top‑class playing surface, Kilmarnock can make significant strides.
"We’re not there yet, but we’re moving in the right direction," he concluded. "The positivity from last year is a springboard, and we intend to build on that momentum to achieve something special for the club and its supporters."