Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes signs contract extension at Rugby Park

Derek McInnes has said that he is delighted to have signed a new contract with Kilmarnock and is eagerly looking forward to European football next season.

The manager guided his side to fourth place in the Premiership and earned Killie a place in Europa Conference League qualifying this summer.

His reward has been a new contract that commits him to the Rugby Park club until 2027.

McInnes took over in Ayrshire in January 2022, steering the club to promotion into the top flight and then securing their place last season. Since then he’s built on the foundations he put in place and delivered a series of impressive results as the team established themselves firmly in the top half of the table.

McInnes said: “Kilmarnock is a fantastic place to work and I enjoy it every single day, I come bouncing into work with a smile on my face, everyone here is so supportive from the backroom staff up to the board.

“The reward from this season comes with the European games, which is our next proper game and we’ll look forward to that.

“The demand will change next season, so I’ll enjoy it just now because I know I’ll not get to enjoy it for too long!”

Kilmarnock managing director, Phyllis Carroll added: “Derek’s commitment to the club provides the foundation and stability required to implement long-term plans that will positively impact our team standing and strengthen youth pathways, a perfect example of this is the introduction of David Watson to the first team who has since worn the captain’s armband.

“We also announced earlier this week that another five youth players have signed their first professional contracts – this is important for the club’s future.

“It’s important that we establish a long-term strategy for the club, to ensure that we continue to improve on and off the park. Derek is a vital part of our projected growth and with his guidance we believe, that in time, we’ll have built a much stronger Kilmarnock for our supporters and the next generation of Killie fans.”