Neil McCann revelling in Kilmarnock 'optimism' ahead of new season

Neil McCann is “really optimistic” ahead of the new William Hill Premiership season as Kilmarnock prepare for the opener at St Johnstone on Sunday.

Killie ended last season on a high with four wins in a row to finish comfortably in 10th place and there are more positives around the Ayrshire club going into 2026/27.

Kilmarnock topped their Premier Sports Cup group stage to earn a home draw in the last-16 against neighbours Ayr United and the old artificial surface at Rugby Park has been replaced by a new hybrid grass pitch with the players also able to enjoy a new £1.5million training facility.

Ahead of the game against newly-promoted Saints, McCann, who took over as boss in January when Killie were in the relegation play-off spot, said: “It’s been a great pre-season.

“I’ve been really pleased with it. Boys have come back in good condition, managed to add some numbers to the squad.

“And then slowly but surely integrate them into how we want to play, into the team.

“It’s never easy pre-season, trying to get up to speed. I’ve already spoken about the League Cup section. I think the main priority is coming through that unscathed, make sure you’re in the draw.

“And we have a cracking draw to look forward to against our neighbours.

“But, I’m really optimistic. I think the fans have got a lot of optimism, given how we finished last season, and that’s really positive, hopefully that’s reflected in the numbers that come in to see us.

“And then we’ve got a job to do, we’ve got a job to back that support up, the fans were brilliant last season, I expect them to be brilliant this season.

“You probably seen the pitch. I’m so excited because it’s the way Rugby Park should be, it’s a terrific stadium and now we have one of the best pitches in the league and hopefully this season we can do it justice by playing some good football.”