Neil McCann, the manager of Kilmarnock, is firmly convinced that a club that remains static is, in effect, moving backwards. His mantra, "If you are standing still, you're effectively going backwards," underscores the urgency with which he approaches the upcoming season. Having taken charge in January when the team languished in 11th place and had dropped points in more than half of their league fixtures, McCann orchestrated a late‑season surge that steered the club clear of the relegation play‑offs. That turnaround has injected a fresh sense of optimism throughout the organization, and now the focus has shifted from merely surviving to challenging for a place among the top six in the Scottish Premiership.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports News, McCann reflected on the atmosphere at Rugby Park, noting that the club’s morale has risen considerably thanks to the strong finish to the previous campaign. "The feeling is that there's a lot of positivity around the club in terms of their thoughts for the season, in particular because of how well we finished," he said. Yet he was quick to stress that past achievements are only a stepping stone.
"But that's in the past and it's up to myself, Billy [Dodds] and the rest of the staff to really build a squad that can carry that on," McCann explained. He emphasized that complacency is not an option: "If you are standing still, you're effectively going backwards.
So we need to definitely try and move ourselves forward. We don't want to be in a position we were in last January when I took over. We want to be really positive." The first test of the new campaign arrives at McDiarmid Park, where Kilmarnock will open their Premiership campaign against newly promoted St Johnstone.
While some pundits might assume that facing a club fresh from the Championship offers a relatively easy start, McCann cautioned against underestimating their opponents. "Everybody maybe thinks it might be an easier start because it's St Johnstone and they have just come up from the Championship," he observed. "But I think Simo [Valakari] has a real solid way of playing." He admitted that his own side is still finding its rhythm: "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.
But I just think the positivity of last year is a good thing to build on." Beyond tactics and morale, Kilmarnock will also be playing on a newly installed natural grass surface at Rugby Park, marking the first time the club has returned to grass since 2014. The decision follows a broader move by the Scottish Professional Football League, which voted to ban artificial pitches from the start of the 2026/27 season. While Falkirk received a one‑year extension to replace its synthetic surface, Kilmarnock seized the opportunity to lay a fresh grass pitch over the former astroturf. "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," McCann explained.
He described the transformation from a sand‑filled, uneven surface to a high‑quality grass field that, in his view, will rival the best pitches in the country. "Four weeks ago, five weeks ago, that was just a sandpit. I'm told by the groundsmen that in the next week or so it's going to really thicken up and it'll be a surface that will rival any in the country," he added.
McCann believes the new playing surface will complement the team's style of play and could become a fortress similar to the one they enjoyed on the artificial turf. "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," he said. He also voiced a broader opinion that top‑level leagues should exclusively feature natural grass: "If I'm honest, I think every top league should have the grass pitches. This will be one of the finest in the country and hopefully that can benefit how we want to play." Looking ahead, McCann’s agenda is clear. He wants to build on the momentum generated by the late‑season revival, reinforce the squad during the transfer window, and ensure that the team’s tactical approach evolves to meet the demands of a more competitive league.
He acknowledges that the club’s resources are modest compared with some of the Premiership heavyweights, but he is confident that strategic recruitment, a strong youth pipeline, and a cohesive coaching staff can bridge the gap. "We have to be smart with our signings, bring in players who fit our philosophy and can add depth," McCann noted. "It's not just about big names; it's about the right personalities and work ethic." The manager also highlighted the importance of fan engagement and community support.
Rugby Park’s supporters have been instrumental in creating a vibrant atmosphere, and McCann hopes that the new grass surface will enhance the match‑day experience for both players and spectators. "When the fans see a beautiful pitch, it lifts everyone’s spirits," he said. "We want the community to feel proud of their club and to see us striving for excellence on and off the field." In summary, Neil McCann is steering Kilmarnock away from the brink of relegation and toward a future where the club can consistently challenge for higher league positions. By emphasizing continuous improvement, investing in a high‑quality playing surface, and fostering a culture of positivity and ambition, he aims to transform the team into a genuine contender for a top‑six finish.
The upcoming season, beginning with the clash against St Johnstone, will be the first real test of whether his vision can be translated into results on the pitch. The club, its staff, and its supporters are all aligned in the belief that standing still is not an option – forward motion is the only path to sustained success.