Neil McCann, the manager of Kilmarnock, insists that stagnation is equivalent to regression and that the club must keep moving forward. After taking charge in January when the team languished in 11th place and had lost more than half of its league fixtures, McCann guided the side to a string of late‑season victories that ultimately saved them from the relegation play‑offs. Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former player emphasized the optimism that now surrounds the club. “There’s a great deal of positivity around the club regarding our outlook for the season, especially because of how well we finished,” he said.
“But that belongs to the past. It now falls on me, Billy Dodds and the rest of the coaching staff to assemble a squad capable of building on that momentum.” McCann warned that remaining static would be tantamount to moving backwards.
“If you are standing still, you’re effectively going backwards. So we need to definitely try and move ourselves forward,” he explained. “We don’t want to find ourselves in the same position we were in last January when I took over.
We want to be really positive.” The upcoming Scottish Premiership opener at McDiarmid Park against newly promoted St Johnstone will be a stern test of the team’s progress. While some observers might assume a smoother start because St Johnstone have just risen from the Championship, McCann respects their manager Simo Valakari’s tactical discipline. “Everyone might think it could be an easier start because it’s St Johnstone and they have just come up from the Championship, but I think Simo has a very solid way of playing,” he noted. He also acknowledged that his own side is not yet operating at full capacity.
“Like every manager, we’re probably not quite at full tilt yet, not at the top gears, and we’ll continue to strive to get there,” McCann added. “The positivity of last year is a good thing to build on.” One of the most tangible changes for Kilmarnock this season is the replacement of the artificial surface at Rugby Park with a natural grass pitch – the first time the ground has hosted grass football since 2014.
The switch follows a decision by the Scottish Professional Football League to ban synthetic pitches from the 2026/27 season, with Falkirk receiving a one‑year extension to replace its own surface. McCann praised the new playing field, explaining that the grass was laid directly over the former astroturf, creating an exceptionally flat surface. “The beauty about our pitch for this season is it’s laid on top of what was the astroturf last year, so it’s completely flat,” he said.
“Four weeks ago, five weeks ago, that was just a sandpit. I’ve been told by the groundsmen that in the next week or so it will really thicken up and it’ll be a surface that will rival any in the country.” He recalled the defensive strength the team displayed on the old artificial surface, winning six of eight home games and turning Rugby Park into something of a fortress. “I know we came in last year and it was really positive winning six out of the eight here at home; it became a bit of a fortress for us. But I think it’s going to help us with the grass pitch,” McCann observed.
“If I’m honest, I think every top league should have grass pitches. This will be one of the finest in the country and hopefully that can benefit how we want to play.” Beyond the technical aspects of the pitch, McCann is focused on cultivating a squad that can compete for a top‑six finish rather than merely avoiding relegation. He highlighted the importance of recruitment, fitness, and tactical flexibility, noting that the club’s modest budget requires clever signings and the development of young talent from the academy. "We’re looking at players who can add depth and quality without breaking the bank," he explained.
"It’s about finding those hidden gems and giving them the confidence to perform at a higher level." The manager also stressed the role of the supporters in driving the team forward. “Our fans have been incredible, especially during the difficult stretch of the season. Their belief fuels the players, and we want to give them something to celebrate,” McCann said. He hinted at community initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond between the club and the town, including youth outreach programs and match‑day events that showcase local culture.
Looking ahead, McCann is realistic about the challenges that lie in the Premiership. He expects a rigorous schedule, with matches against established clubs that will test Kilmarnock’s defensive solidity and attacking creativity.
Nonetheless, he remains confident that the combination of a new grass surface, a refreshed squad, and a clear strategic vision will enable the team to climb the table. In summary, Neil McCann’s message to the club and its supporters is unequivocal: standing still is not an option. By embracing progress, investing in a quality playing surface, and fostering a positive, forward‑thinking environment, Kilmarnock aims to transform last season’s survival narrative into a campaign that challenges for higher honours.
The upcoming fixtures, beginning with the clash against St Johnstone, will serve as the first real gauge of whether the club can translate ambition into results on the pitch.