Season Diary for 2023-24...

June 2023

Killie go into the close-season with the following players under contract; Daniel Armstrong, Fraser Murray, (with a new 2 year deal), Kerr McInroy, Rory McKenzie, Joe Wright, Kyle Vassell, David Watson, Bobby Wales, Steven Warnock, Innes Cameron (with a new 1 year deal).  

Paul Sheerin is named assistant manager as James Frew, Ltd replaces Browning's as the primary shirt sponsor for 2023-24.

In player news Robbie Deas joins from Inverness & Brad Lyons re-signs. Both players get 2 year deals. Alan Archibald also joins Del's backroom staff.  Killie's new Hummel red away kit makes the national news with a tribute to Darvel man Sir Alexander Fleming being featured on the kit. (See below for more info). 

July 2023

Killie Get Off to a Flier Against Annan Ath

Killie get 2 friendly matches in N Ireland against Linfield and Glentoran with Killie falling 0-1 to both teams.

On the eve of the opening League Cup fixture at home to Annan, Killie bring in Stuart Findlay on loan from Oxford Utd, 

Killie also unveiled their new unique away kit. (See David Watson right). The red and blue strip is inspired by the world-changing discovery of penicillin, which was made by renowned scientist Sir Alexander Fleming who studied in the town. A nod to one of two Nobel Prize winners educated at Kilmarnock Academy, the design of the 2023/24 away jersey carries the visual DNA of penicillin, discovered by Fleming in 1928. Fused onto the new crimson red kit, a cyber blue pattern illuminates the chemical construct of the world’s first antibiotic.

The complete squad changes are as follows coming out of season 2022-23.....

In: Matty Kennedy, midfielder (Aberdeen); Kyle Magennis, midfielder (Hibernian); Robbie Deas, defender (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Kieran O'Hara, goalkeeper (Colchester United).

Loan in: Will Dennis, goalkeeper (Bournemouth); Corrie Ndaba, defender (Ipswich Town); Stuart Findlay, defender (Oxford United).

Out: Scott Robinson, forward (Partick Thistle); Calum Waters, defender (Greenock Morton, loan to permanent); Ash Taylor (Bradford City); Chris Stokes, defender (Morecambe); Cameron Mulvanny, forward (Kilmarnock); Jon Craig, defender (Clyde, loan to permanent); Alan Power, midfielder; Blair Alston, midfielder; Lee Hodson, defender; Dylan McGowan, defender; Harvey Gilmour, midfielder; Kirk McKnight, defender; Sean Clark, defender; Kabir Chahal, midfielder; Joe Spencer, defender; Aiden Boon, forward.

Loan ended: Jordan Jones, midfielder (Wigan Athletic); Zach Hemming, goalkeeper (Middlesbrough); Luke Chambers, defender (Liverpool); Ben Chrisene, defender (Aston Villa); Christian Doidge, forward (Hibernian); Lewis Mayo, defender (Rangers); Jeriel Dorsett, defender (Reading); Ryan Alebiousu, defender (Arsenal).

Loan out: Aiden Glavin, goalkeeper (Auchinleck Talbot).

Killie beat Annan 3-0 to get their season up and running with Armstrong (Pen), Murray & Cameron all on the scoresheet. Killie then sign defender Lewis Mayo on a three-year contract after paying Rangers an undisclosed fee., followed by forward Marley Watkins, who joined the club on a one-year deal.

Next up Killie win at East End Park with the final score Pars 0-2 Killie, as sub Vassell scored a screamer.

Killie then bring in young Full-Back Tom Davies on a season long loan from Cardiff City, before Killie needed a late Findlay goal in a Killie 2-2 Raith Rov's league cup tie (Raith won 5-4 on Pens) Killie did advance as an unseeded team with a 1-2 win at Cliftonville with their "prize" being a home tie against holders Celtic in the round of 16. 

August 2023

Killie Celebrate their Opening Day Win Over Rangers

To open Aug Killie re-sign Liam Donnelly to a new 2 year deal and then send  Kerr McInroy out on a season long loan to Partick Thistle.
On Aug 5th Killie open their Premiership campaign with a surprise but well-deserved home 1-0 win over Rangers. Brad Lyons netting the games only goal, in a game that McInnes saying he could'nt single out one player as the team to a man were fantastic. 

Two very similar performances were to follow... Hearts 0-0 Killie & Killie 1-0 Celtic in the League Cup.

Battling Kilmarnock inflicted Celtic's first cup loss under Brendan Rodgers to set up a Viaplay Cup quarter-final meeting with Hearts. During his first spell at Celtic, Rodgers picked up this trophy on three occasions, along with two successes in the Scottish Cup. But his side struggled to create openings against their energetic Premiership hosts and Marley Watkins touched in the only goal on 59 minutes. Kilmarnock, who beat Rangers at Rugby Park on the opening day of the league season, pressed bravely and worked with unflagging spirit. Despite having just 30% of possession, Derek McInnes' side had the best of the few chances there were. Defender Corrie Ndaba twice went close in the first half, with an early volley and a header in stoppage time. After the break, Kyle Magennis had a shot pushed round a post by Joe Hart.

Watkins Knocks Holders Celtic Out of the League Cup!

Watkins started the move that led to the goal with a strong surge down the left and he was in the right place to divert Danny Armstrong's shot across goal into the net. Killie goalkeeper Will Dennis was seldom troubled, making a few routine stops.

To close out August Killie travel to Fir Park and fall 1-2 despite taking an early lead through Marley. In a game of 2 halfs McInnes said in his post-match comments... "If you can't win it ... then don't lose it" This is exactly what Killie had done conceding the Well winner in the 97th min. Missing from the Well loss was Corey Ndaba who had been outstanding in Killie's prior 3 matches

Brad Lyons then gets his first International call-up, and joins Matty Kennedy in the N Ireland squad.

Killie go into Sept 1st's "deadline-day" needing a striker and back-up for Ndaba..... so we will see how that pans out! Also, Killie announce breaking a 30 year record with season ticket sales reaching well over the 5,000 mark.

Killie finish the month with 4 points from 3 matches, and were 7th in the Premiership table.

September 2023

A "WTF" Moment For Killie Against the Staggies!

Prior to the Staggies mome match Killie completed the season long loan for striker Andy Dallas from Barnsley. Killie lose 0-1 at home to the Staggies, but were denied a perfectly good leveler from Findlay, however Kevin Clancy awarded Killie a penalty which Danny unfortunately missed. Clancy should have allowed Stuart's goal to stand ratheri than blowing "to quick" for the spot-kick.

Killie could/should in all liklihood be unbeaten having conceded in the 97th min at Fir Park, and being denied at least a draw from poor refering against the Staggies so the International break would be a long one for killie.

After the international break, where Stevie Clarke's Scottish National Team qualified for next summers Euro's in Germany, Killie came back from 2-0 down at Rugby Park to snatch a Scottish Premiership point against Hibernian and deny Nick Montgomery a debut win as boss. A Will Dennis own goal and a Dylan Vente strike either side of half-time had Hibernian in control, but Killie were given hope by Kyle Vassell's first-time finish, before Joe Wright headed home a Danny Armstrong corner to the delight of the home fans. 
McInnes said after the match,... "Our bravery, our commitment and our spirit got us a point, which was the least we deserved."

It was a Zak Rudden 92nd-minute strike that rescued a point for 10-man Dundee as they clawed Killie back in a Scottish Premiership at Dens Park. Danny Armstrong's late strike - his second goal of the day - looked to have given Kilmarnock all three points when he tapped home Andrew Dallas' cross at the back post. But Dundee, who opened the scoring through Amadou Bakayoko's early strike before Josh Mulligan received a straight red card, fought back when Rudden smashed home in a goalmouth stramash.

In three of their last five games, Killie had conceded in 90+ minutes. and that horrid trend continued as Alex Lowry's dramatic stoppage-time winner earned Hearts a Viaplay Cup semi-final place at the expense of Killie at Rugby Park. Matty Kennedy went agonisingly close for the hosts before Jorge Grant stepped onto a well-weighted lay off to sweep Hearts into a half-time lead. Derek McInnes' side showed great determination in the second 45 and converted their attacking intent into an equaliser as Brad Lyons' forceful header beat Zander Clark.

To close out Sept it was a Kyle Magennis' own goal secured a point for second-placed St Mirren against Killie in the Scottish Premiership. The opportunistic Brad Lyons headed Kilmarnock in front after he forced an error from Zach Hemming n the St Mirren goal. Magennis also limped out of the action to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Killie confirmed that Bobby Wales  would join Alloa Athletic on a loan deal until January 2024 (which was subsequently extended for the full season) after signing a 2 year contract. Wales would go on and score 12 goals (with 4 assists) in 25 appearances and become the Wasps "Player of the Year". 

Killie finish the month with 7 points from 7 matches, and were 8th in the Premiership table. 

October 2023

Derek McInnes is Named Manager of the Month

Killie opened October with a 3-1 defeat to Celtic' 3-1 that was marred with VAR controversy as Deek believed Hatate tried to buy a penalty during the clash. David Watson scored his first senior goal for the club. Killie had missed a sitter when trailing 1-2 as big Joe mis-headed wide, but in truth Celtic ran out worthy winners. 

Congratulations were in order as Brad Lyons (right) made his international debut for N Ireland on Oct 17th

Killie went into the Livi home match without a win since opening day on Aug 5th, and were now sitting in 9th place only one point above the play-off position.  It was Danny Armstrong continued his impressive start to the season who drilled the hosts in front at Rugby Park via a deflection off Sean Kelly, who levelled 19 minutes later against the run of play by netting his third penalty in as many games.  But Killie restored their advantage just before the break, Armstrong turning provider with a wide free-kick cushioned in by the head of Vassell. In a one-sided second half Kyle Vassell added his second and his side's third - moments after hitting the bar with a back-post effort - by glancing another superb header into far corner.

It was to be back-to-back home wins for Killie in a huge boost to what was a tight Premiership table. Killie were excellent and dominated the Dons game, creating numerous opportunities while restricting Aberdeen to few. Del said after the match: .....  "It''s great to see both strikers (Vass & Marley) getting on the scoresheet."

Killie finish the month with 13 points from 10 matches, and were 4th in the Premiership table. 

On Oct 24th Killie confirmed that former director Laurel Chadwick had died at the age of 94.

She will go down in history as one of the all-time Kilmarnock greats for her key role in the redevelopment of Rugby Park as well as her work outside of the game to improve equality within the country's boardrooms.

Chadwick originally joined the board alongside her son-in-law and chairman Bobby Fleeting and held the role for six years before departing in 1996. During that time, she oversaw the transformation of Rugby Park and was honoured with a stand named after her - the Chadwick Stand.

Chadwick became a pioneer in Scottish football when she was named the nation's first female football director in 1990.

November 2023

Super-Sub Innes on Target Vs Well

On November 1st many Killie fans woke to the sad news as they learned of the passing of KillieFC.com's moderator Craig "CB" Benson. He had over twenty years of assisting on this site's forums. Gone but not forgotten!....KTWD... Craig!

It was managerless St Johnstone who picked up their first Scottish Premiership win of the season after surviving a Killie comeback and a sending off. The division's bottom side made a dream start to when Nicky Clark fired home with just 44 seconds on the clock. It wouldn't be long before the hosts had their second, with the striker again finding himself in the right place to double the lead. Kyle Vassell's finish gave the visitors hope, as did a red card for Dara Costelloe after a VAR review, but neither of those could prevent a Saints first win of the season. 

After their deflating defeat in Perth, the last thing Killie fans wanted to see was their in-form goalscorer Kyle Vassell, trudging off the park with heads bowed However, first-half substitute Innes Cameron scored his first Scottish Premiership goal of the season as Killie returned to home comforts against Motherwell. Innes had big boots to fill, but did so confidently with a thumping finish early in the second half, as Killie comfortably saw off Murderwell.

There was fitting round of a applause for Craig "CB" Benson in the third min of the match!

Killie then fell 0-1 at Easter Rd  having had a late spell of pressure, but missed Kyle Vassell's presence up front and were unable to truly test David Marshall, failing to register a shot on target until the 90th minute.

Killie did announce in November that they are aiming to revert back to a grass pitch at Rugby Park for the start of the 2025-26 season.

To close out November the Staggies could find no way past the Killie rearguard and had to settle for a point in a dour 0-0 draw in Dingwall. 

Also of note was, that Killie were drawn at home to Dundee at home in the Scottish Cup 4th Round, and that David Watson has committed his future to the club by penning a contract extension which will keep him at Rugby Park until June 2026.

Killie finish the month with 17 points from 14 matches, and were 6th in the Premiership table. 

December 2023

Killie Celebrate Their Second Home Win Over Celtic!

Killie open December at home to Hearts and fall 0-1 thanks to a Will Dennis "howler", that was deemed to be Hearts only shot on target all afternoon. Killie huffed and puffed all afternoon to no avail, with Vassell in particular looking short of match fitness.

Two tough fixtures were now to follow Aberdeen (A) & Celtic (H) post the Hearts loss, which saw Killie fall-out of the "Top 6" into 7th!

In typical Killie fashion they would pick up 6 points from these 2 fixtures!

Prior to the Dons game Killie sign Gary MacKay-Steven to a short term contract, and Gary would make his debut in a late cameo appearance against Celtic. 

Watson Nets Late Winner for Killie at Pittodrie!

It would be a wonderful stoppage-time strike from teenager David Watson that gave Killie a dramatic first away win in the Scottish Premiership this season and cranked up the pressure on Aberdeen manager Barry Robson. Credit was also due to Will Dennis who helped maintain a clean-sheet after his "Hearts howler" just 4 days earlier!

Kennedy Nets Late Winner for Killie Against Celtic!

Trailing by a goal at the break at home to Celtic in the Sunday lunchtime SKY broadcast, it was a Brad Lyons cross that was knocked in to his own net by Phillips, and then Mattie Kennedy and Danny Armstrong combined for what turned out to be the winner in the 88th min. Derek McInnes' side deserved their triumph and had Celtic suffering shock and awe over the dominance exerted by Killie after the interval.

In his two stints as Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers has lost a total of 10 domestic games with FOUR of them being at Rugby Park.

Killie would now have four remaining fixtures for 2023, Livi (A), Saints (H) Buddies (A) & Dee (H). Killie would continue their unbeaten run and pick up 8 points out of 12.

A dour 0-0 stalemate with Livi, which was only notable for their late penalty miss, which was then followed up with a comfortable 2-1 Saints home win where Watson & Watkins gave Killie an early advantage.

The last away game of the year saw Killie sell-out their allocation in Paisley where Killie became only the second away side to triumph at the SMiSA Stadium this season, thanks (again) to a Watkins finish to a wonderful Killie move. 

Derek McInnes in his post-match comments stated that ...."Four away clean sheets in a row - you have to do a lot right to do that". The record books show that Killie had not accomplished this feat since the late 80's.

A crazy 2023 finale, saw Joe Shaughnessy earn Dundee a Scottish Premiership point with the last kick (head) of the ball against Kilmarnock in an incredible conclusion at Rugby Park.

Luke McCowan's fine first-half strike looked to be a rare highlight in a mundane contest, before the late madness was ignited by Joe Wright's header with five minutes of normal time to go.

Kilmarnock's fantastic run looked to have been extended when substitute Rory McKenzie poked home in injury time to put them in front, but dogged Dundee pegged Killie back, so 2-2 it finished with Doc's boys.

Killie finish the month/year with 31 points from 21 matches, and were 4th in the Premiership table. 

January 2024

 

Killie See Off Dundee in the Cup

Killie open  January away to Rangers and lose 3-1 The timing of the goals was horrid for Killie. After conceding twice just before half-time Killie concede a 3rd just min's after Armstrong had converted a penalty. It could have been oh-so different had Vassell scored while the game was scoreless with a great one on one opportunity.

Derek McInnes is then named Dec 2023 Manager of the Month, (right) his second such award in 3 months, and Gary Mackay-Steven gets his contract extended until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Prior to the Dundee Scottish Cup 4th Round match Vs Dundee Killie announce the re-signing of Greg Stewart thru the end of the season. 

Killie cruise past Dundee 2-0 with Vass & Marley both netting inside the first 3 min's. O'Hara makes his first start in goal for Killie, as Dennis was injured. Greg Stewart gets his second Killie debut in the tie's closing moments. Killie got either Brora or Cove Rangers in the next round of the Cup at Rugby Park. 

Due to injuries to both Lyons and Magennis (both requiring operations) Killie sign another midfielder on loan James Balagizi from Liverpool until the end of the season. 

Jack Sanders joined Ayr United on loan until the end of the season before the Hibs home match. Bobby Wales returns to Alloa Ath on loan for the remainder of the season.

Killie end the month with ultimately a disappointing 2-2 home draw with Hibs. A first half OG had Killie in front at the break before Kennedy converted an Armstrong cross at the back post to put Killie on easy street. However a Hibs "worldie", a VAR assisted Ndaba red card, and a late Maolida strike saw the Capital men leave Ruggers with a point. Doidge missed a "sitter" at the death for Hibs so it could have been a whole lot worse! O'Hara again stood-in for Dennis and had a couple of fine stops! Robbie Deas will miss several matches with a broken cheekbone. 

The main problem for Killie is this - they had (after the Hibs Home draw) now lost 11 points from winning positions in the league - only Dundee have lost more. 

Killie should be far more comfortable in fourth, regardless Killie finish the month with 32 points from 23 matches.  

February 2024

Mayo Thumps Killie in Front at Fir Park!

On Feb 1st dead-line day Killie sign on loan from FC Groningen striker Kevin van Veen (right) who goes on to make his debut for Killie as a late sub in a 1-1 draw at Motherwell. Lewis Mayo put Killie in front (with their only shot on target) with a left-footed belter from outside the box, to pick-up his first Killie goal. Will Dennis replaced O'Hara in goal, and looked a little shaky upon his return.

Killie were sorely missing Ndaba (suspended) and Lyons (injured) at the time.

The draw ended a run of 5 straight months (Sept-Jan) where Killie had lost their opening match of the calendar month.

Killie then hosted Livi and huffed and puffed during the first half, as Danny Armstrong and Greg Stewart toiled in wide areas. They had just two shots before the break and were limited to three touches in the opposition box. However, the superb recruitment done by the club in recent windows means they now have options to turn to when things aren't going to plan, and their bench proved the difference here.

Kennedy's incisive dribbling and Van Veen's clever link-up play got the hosts up the park far better, and chances started to come as a result. Good teams tend to find a way to win when they are below their best, and that is what Killie did here with Marley netting the match winner after 88 min's. 

It is then announced that teenager Ethan Brown had penned his first professional deal at Killie.

It was Scottish Cup 5th Rd action next where going ahead late in the first half (Watkins again!) didn't do much to lift the hosts' level as they laboured for much of the tie and endured a few ropey moments against Paul Hartley's side. However, substitute Armstrong continued his fine campaign when he belted Rory McKenzie's cross into the back of the net to ensure Killie's name went into the hat, where Killie drawn away to the Dons in the Quarter-Finals. 

Derek McInnes' visitors were then seeking an unprecedented third win over Celtic in a single season.

His side again proved tricky opponents but were undone when Celtic found a rare moment of space inside the box and the unmarked Kyogo Furuhashi scored with a precise header.

Donnelly was the victim of a second fine save as Hart did well to parry the midfielder's powerful header over the crossbar then Armstrong kicked thin air when found unmarked at the back post.

David Watson (above) and Fraser Murray had been dropped to the bench, but the young duo were sent on to devastating effect, with the former having already found the side netting before meeting his fellow midfielder's fine cross to the far post, in the 93rd min to earn Killie a point!

Two home games were to follow, Aberdeen & Rangers.

Prior to the Dons (H) match, Warnock said not many people would put money on his side to come away with a win - a sentiment that appeared to be shared by his confidence-shy players in the first half. The hosts would have headed down the tunnel kicking themselves had Corrie  Ndaba (below) not nodded the opener on the stroke of half-time after Killie  spurned chance after chance. Kyle Vassell battered an effort off the upright early on before Stuart Findlay saw his towering header punted off the line by Graeme Shinnie in the most glaring openings.

Interim Aberdeen boss Warnock was furious at the break, booked for his blustering on the sidelines, but any dressing down delivered to his players didn't seem to have any effect. Richard Jensen was bullied by Vassell, allowing the striker to square the ball to Kennedy who continued his fine season since departing Pittodrie in the summer with a cool finish. A pair of wasted chances from defender Findlay emphasised the visitors' frailties, while substitute David Watson failed to finish after his injury-time equaliser at Celtic Park last week.

It could well have been more comfortable, but in a repeat of the same fixture earlier in the season, Killie collected all three points without even a glancing below in retort from Aberdeen.

It would be a Danny Armstrong penalty (after John Lundstram handled in the box) that gave Killie the half-time advantage over Rangers.  But as Philippe Clement's men sought a turn-around, four clinical second-half minutes swung the match.

James Tavernier bent home in a trademark free-kick, then Tom Lawrence viciously slotted from the left after a driving run and ricochet. 

Killie  beaten at home for only the third time this season, remained in fourth, a point ahead of St Mirren with 40 points from 28 matches.

March 2024

Killie Thump the Buddies With Their Best Comeback in Over 50 Years

Killie head into March on 40 points, 1 point ahead of the Buddies in 4th place in the Premiership. Killie were looking to seal their "Top 6" finish before April rolled around, and that is exactly what they did with 5 points from 3 matches in March.

Killie opened at Dens park and another 2-2 draw was had with Dundee. Killie twice came from behind with goals from Marley, and Deas in his "batman mask" in stoppage time, with only 10 men, as Mayo was red-carded (with a penalty awarded).  A good result and a battling display!

Killie's only major disappointment in the month was away to Warnock's Dons (he quit after the match) in the Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals where killie went down 1-3. Armstrong scored on the stroke of half-time, but Killie could not over-come 2 deflected Dons goals. Over 1,500 fans travelled to Pittodrie, where Killie were slight fav's having beaten the Dons 3 straight times in the league. A real Hampden appearance opportunity lost!

The following week it was back to premiership action where  Killie completed a remarkable turnaround with an incredible burst of five goals in 19 second-half minutes as they came from 2 down at the half beat top-six rivals St Mirren to go fourth in the Scottish Premiership. This is/was Killie's biggest comeback in over half a centaury!

Set-piece goals from Charles Dunne and Mikael Mandron had given the visitors a seemingly comfortable cushion, before Derek McInnes' tactical tweak - changing from three to four at the back - helped turn the game on its head. Kyle Vassell began the fightback on the hour and the hosts were soon in front thanks to a Danny Armstrong penalty and Marley Watkins header. Vassell would add the 4th (his second of the match) with David Watkins adding the fifth with a fine solo run and shot that started in his own half. 

Even the most optimistic Kilmarnock fan might have only hoped for a draw when they were two goals down thanks to uncharacteristically soft first-half defending. However, the good feeling that McInnes has built up meant just one goal put the wind fully back in the Kilmarnock sails and as soon as they had made that breakthrough, they were irresistibly unstoppable.

To close out an unbeaten March Derek McInnes shared his pride in his Kilmarnock side for securing their place in the top six of the cinch Premiership at Tynecastle with two games remaining before the split.

Killie finished tenth last year securing  6 points from their final two games (to avoid the dreaded play-off's) but were now guaranteed to be competing for a place in Europe in the closing weeks of the campaign after their 1-1 draw away to Hearts took them seven points clear of seventh-placed Hibernian. The fourth-placed Ayrshire side claimed their point when Marley Watkins’ stunning second-half strike that cancelled out Kenneth Vargas’ 10th-minute header for the Jambos.

Prior to the Hearts (A) match Rory McKenzie  pen's a one-year extension thu May 2025 on his Rugby Park contract. 

For the record Killie finished the month with 45 points from 31 matches and were 2 points ahead of St Mirren in 4th place.  

April 2024

Big Joe & Marley Were Both on Target at Perth

Killie would have 2 matches remaining before "the split"... the Staggies (H) & the Saints (A). 

Killie would pick-up 6 points from these fixtures, with 2 clean-sheets with a 1-0 win over the Staggies (with Vass on target) and a 0-2 win at the Saints (Big Joe & Marley).

Also of note at Perth was the return of Brad Lyons after a 3 month lay-off. Brad had also signed a contract extension thru May 2026.

The "Top-6" post-split fixtures gives Killie a third trip to Doc's boys at Dens park on the seasons' final day.  

Killie's opening fixture of the final matches was at home to Hearts to close out April as the teams played out a 0-0 draw.

Seven out of nine points with three clean-sheets so another Great month for Del's boys!

Killie finish the month with 52 points from 34 matches, and were 4th in the Premiership table. 

May 2024

Four games remain in Killie's Euro quest for next season. To start May the the season-ending SPFL nominations came out, with Derek McInnes up for Manager of the Year & David Watson Young Player of the Year awards. No Killie players were named to the "Team of the Season". 

Up in Glasgow a chaotic opening 25 minutes, saw Kilie take the lead through a James Tavernier own-goal at Ibrox to start May. Killie from their only foray into the Rangers box. A deep, seemingly unthreatening, cross was knocked back towards goal by Matty Kennedy, with the ball hitting Tavernier's arm and bouncing in slow-motion into the goal. Then Rangers captain missed from the penalty spot after Joe Wright had handled on the line. Wright was red-carded for the infringement. Will Dennis made a great save diving to his right to save the spot-kick.  Silva then scored on the brink of half-time to level, Ben Davies' rebound put them ahead, before Tom Lawrence and John Souttar added in extra-time to wrap the game up in a score-line that flattered the hosts.  Bad news for Brad Lyons as he limped out of the Rangers match with a season-ending injury. 

Many Killie fans were wondering "how come ?".... Joe got an Ibrox red-card, when Alistair Johnston of Celtic back in December fortuitously blocked the ball from a sure-fire Ndaba goal with his upper left arm and VAR didn't even review it!

David Watson, (right) who is under contract until 2026, became the first non-old Firm player to win the PFA young player prize since Andy Robertson in 2014. Del said " I think we should expect speculation about Davie, we should expect clubs to be more than aware of him, bigger clubs than us. We would be surprised if there wasn't. If there are offers for him, it is something we would have to look at, but we don't want to lose him".

Killie Clinch 4th After Victory In Paisley is Secured!

The head to head match-up with the Buddies could confirm a 4th place finish for Killie, and a Europa League qualifiers  place (with a Europa Conference safety net place). A 0-1 victory was secured in front of 2,000+ killie fans in Paisley with Kyle Vassell belting in the games only goal with assists going to Marley & Danny. Will Dennis , Andy Deas (no Joe after his Ibrox red-card) & Stuart Findlay all shone in defence for Ayrshire's finest!

In Killie's final home game of the season Celtic sealed a 12th Scottish Premiership title in 13 seasons by beating Killie 5-0 in arguably their best display of the season. Brendan Rodgers' side travelled to Rugby Park, where they had lost on their previous two visits, knowing a point in their penultimate league fixture would extend their top-flight dominance. Two goals inside the opening 12 minutes eliminated any fears of a third straight defeat in Ayrshire. Killie were already guaranteed fourth spot, and were denied a Danny Armstrong consolation at four down, with Marley Watkins judged to be offside by the VAR in the build-up., Additionally Del pointed out that...“The first goal should have been pulled back and (referee) Don Robertson apologised at half-time. He said it wasn’t a foul but he knew it was a head knock and he should have stopped the game. It’s poor from him because he’s a good official. They didn’t need a helping hand but they got one !"

One thing is for sure Rugby Park is truly ours again when we host the Old Firm . The fans were fantastic right to the end, "Stand up if you love Killie" when the 4th hit the back of net, then  "Killie Till I Die" getting belted out providing an atmosphere that was brilliant right till the end considering the circumstances.

Also of note was that either the Celtic (H) match or Dundee (A) match was Rory McKenzie's 400th appearance for the club.

Prior to the Dundee (A) finale Derek McInnes was been named Scottish Premiership Glen’s Manager of the Season for 2023/24. Under his leadership, Killie secured fourth place in this season's top flight and earned a place in the Europa League qualifiers for 2024/25.

Scottish Football Writers Association Awards

Derek McInnes said: "I am delighted to accept this award, like any individual award there is a whole support team that's played their part in it. Having brilliant staff, I am recognising the effort from all of them, and the efforts of the players. The club is working as one and everyone is contributing. When positive results play out on the pitch and individual awards get given, it's indicative of the club doing a lot of things right off the pitch."

For a fourth time in season 2023-24, Dundee and Killie couldn’t be separated as they both finished successful seasons with a 1-1 draw at Dens Park. After a slow start, Killie took the lead through Gary Mackay-Steven - who was making his first start on possibly his final appearance for the club. Dundee hit back when Scott Tiffoney sprung the offside trap and played Luke McCowan in, with the deputising captain firing in. The effort was initially disallowed but VAR intervened to award the goal. Killie hit the bar twice in the second-half and had Robbie Deas sent off for a second yellow, while McCowan missed a penalty to seal a victory for Dundee in the 88th minute.

For the record Killie finish up with the perfect "trifecta" on VAR calls...

• Offside Goal over-turned to Dundee
• Red-card review for mistaken identity (Robbie Deas sent off!)
• Penalty call confirmed by VAR to Dundee.

With the playing season now over, it was time for "Awards Season". Killie "Player of the Year" (and top goal-scorer) was Marley Watkins. "Player's Player of the Season" went to Lewis Mayo, along with David Watson picking up yet another "Young Player of the Season" award. "Signing of the Year" went to Matty Kennedy. 

Teenager Bobby Wales  is voted Alloa Athletic's "Player of the Year" having scored 12 goals (along with 4 assists)  in 25 appearances for the Wasps. 

The Latest "Killie Hall of Fame" inductees were also announced: Gus MacPherson, Mark "Mavis" Reilly and the late Tommy Burns.

Loanee's Corrie Ndaba (Ipswich Town) , Stuart Findlay (Oxford Utd) Tom Davies (Cardiff City),  James Balagizii (Liverpool), Kevin van Veen (FC Groningen) & Will Dennis (Bournemouth)  see their Killie loan deals all expire as they return to their respective parent clubs. 

Departing upon completion of their contracts: Jack Sanders, Kerr McInroy, Aaron Quigg, & Steven Warnock.

Still in discussion with the club: Liam Polworth, Marley Watkins, Gary Mackay-Steven, Greg Stewart, Innes Cameron, Kieran O’Hara.

Remaining under contract: Aidan Glavin, Ethan Brown, Ethan Mersey, Ben Brannan, Lewis Mayo, Joe Wright, Robbie Deas, Liam Donnelly, Rory McKenzie, David Watson, Brad Lyons, Kyle Magennis, Danny Armstrong, Fraser Murray, Matty Kennedy, Kian Leslie, Aaron Brown, Kyle Vassell, Bobby Wales.

Before the end of May Derek McInnes agrees new terms with the Rugby Park club to extend his stay in Ayrshire by a further year until the summer of 2027.