Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 8th July 2023
I want to extend a warm welcome to Derek McInnes and his staff and players at Kilmarnock Football Club for today's important pre-season friendly game, as we continue our build-up to Thursday's huge UEFA Conference League first round, first leg tie at home to KF Vllaznia of Albania.
Today's game and our previous games against New Saints, Lincoln Red Imps, St. Mirren and Connahs Quay Nomads have provided ideal preparation for the tough European encounter that lies ahead and the Vllaznia game is an exciting challenge that everyone at the club is looking forward to.
I have been delighted to welcome our new signings to the club in recent weeks and I am sure that they will make a significant impact during their time at the club. The three new lads - Jack Scott from Wolves, John Robertson from FC Edinburgh and Matthew Fitzpatrick from Glenavon have all settled in very easily and I look forward to working with them over the coming months.
In addition, Daniel Finlayson has joined us on a permanent basis on the expiry of his loan from St. Mirren, Max Haygarth has agreed a one-year contract extension and the two young players who we signed from Dundela, Rhys Annett and Ryan McKay have signed their first professional contracts over the summer.
Having returned to the club from Portadown on the expiry of his season long loan, Josh Archer has signed a new contract and Jordan Stewart has returned to the club after his loan spell at Glenavon.
I also want to thank the players who have left the club in recent weeks - two of whom in particular have made major contributions over a significant number of years.
Both Jimmy Callacher and Niall Quinn played over 360 games for the club, playing key roles in many of the successes we've enjoyed in recent seasons. Both were hugely popular and influential players and Niall leaves, having enjoyed a successful Testimonial season. Jimmy has signed for Crusaders and Niall has moved on to Glenavon and we wish them well in the future.
Sam Roscoe has moved to his home town club of Altrincham FC, near Manchester, after a successful and impressive two-year stint with us and I also want to thank Eetu Vertainen, Cameron Palmer and Kyle Lafferty for their contributions during their time at the club.
Another person who has left us has been our fitness coach, Ricky McCann who made a major contribution as part of our backroom staff for several years and I thank him for all his efforts and wish him every success in the future.
In thanking Kilmarnock FC for assisting is with our European preparations today, can I wish Derek and all his players and staff every success in their season ahead.