Neil McCann, the man at the helm of Kilmarnock, insists that stagnation is equivalent to moving backwards, and he is resolute about steering the club away from the spectre of relegation and toward a top‑six finish. When McCann took charge in January, the Rugby Park outfit were languishing in 11th place, having dropped points in more than half of their league fixtures. A late‑season surge of victories, however, saw them escape the relegation play‑offs and finish the campaign on a hopeful note. "The atmosphere around the club is very positive right now, especially after the way we wrapped up the season," McCann told Sky Sports News.
"But that optimism belongs to the past. It now falls to me, Billy Dodds and the rest of the backroom staff to assemble a squad capable of sustaining and improving on that progress.
If you stand still, you’re effectively moving backwards, so we must keep pushing forward. We refuse to find ourselves back in the position we were in when I arrived in January.
We want to stay upbeat and ambitious." Looking ahead, Kilmarnock’s first fixture of the new campaign will be at McDiarmid Park against newly promoted St Johnstone, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. While some observers might assume that a freshly promoted side will offer an easier opening test, McCann cautions against underestimating their opponents. "Everyone might think it’ll be a soft start because St Johnstone have just come up from the Championship, but Simo Valakari has instilled a very disciplined style of play," he explained. "Like any manager, we’re not yet operating at full capacity – we’re not in top gear – but we’ll keep working to get there.
The positivity we generated last season gives us a solid platform to build upon." 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 Premiership clubs to ban synthetic surfaces from the 2026/27 season, although Falkirk have been granted a one‑year extension to replace their own.
"The beauty of our new pitch is that it sits directly on top of where the astroturf was last year, so it’s perfectly level," McCann noted. "A few weeks ago it was essentially a sandpit; the groundsmen tell me it will soon settle and become a surface that can rival any in the country." McCann reflected on the impact the previous synthetic surface had on the team’s home form. "We won six of the eight games we played at home last season, and it became something of a fortress for us.
The new grass will only enhance that advantage," he said. He went on to express a broader view on playing surfaces, stating, "If I’m honest, I think every top‑level league should feature grass pitches.
This will be one of the finest in the nation and, hopefully, it will complement the style of football we want to play." Beyond the pitch, McCann is focused on strengthening the squad during the summer transfer window. He emphasized the need for players who can adapt to a more possession‑based, attacking philosophy that the new grass surface will facilitate. "We’re looking for technically proficient, dynamic players who can thrive on a fast, natural surface and who share our ambition to climb the table," he said.
"It’s not just about signing names; it’s about finding the right fit for our system and culture." The manager also highlighted the importance of continuity within the coaching staff. "Billy Dodds and I have a clear vision, and we’re working closely with the rest of the team to ensure everyone is on the same page," McCann explained. "Our goal is to create a cohesive unit that can maintain momentum throughout the season, not just in isolated bursts." Kilmarnock’s supporters, who have endured a turbulent period, are eager for the fresh start.
The club’s decision to revert to grass has been welcomed by fans who view it as a return to tradition and a signal of the club’s intent to compete at the highest level. "The community is behind us, and the excitement around the new pitch is palpable," McCann observed. "When you have a supportive fan base and a playing surface that suits our style, it creates a powerful combination." In summary, McCann’s message is clear: standing still is not an option.
The club must continue to evolve, improve its squad, and capitalize on the new grass pitch to push forward. With a positive mindset, strategic recruitment, and a supportive fan base, Kilmarnock aims to transform last season’s late‑season surge into a sustained campaign that sees them challenge for a top‑six finish and perhaps even a spot in European competition. The upcoming season promises to be a pivotal chapter in the club’s recent resurgence, and McCann is determined to write it with ambition, progress, and a fresh, green canvas underfoot.