Kilmarnock

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to host Celtic in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• He insists the team have coped well with the turnover of players and change of manager, but had thought he could've got one or two more signings in before transfer deadline day.

• Killie are unbeaten this season - a nine-game run - which Kettlewell says is "not a bad place to start" as he strives for a first league victory and more points. He wants his side to continue to be a "decent threat".

• On Celtic fans' late entry protest at Rugby Park, Kettlewell says he has seen it before with other clubs but the focus of his team will be fully on the match and they will not discuss it.

• He expects the match to be tough as Brendan Rodgers' side have "continually raised the bar and been able to maintain it".

• Kettlewell was proud to see David Watson wear the captain's armband during Scotland's Under-21 match against Portugal.

• He emphasised he plans to continue empowering and helping young players to close the gap to Killie's first team and is "not fearful of leaving out one of the senior or experienced players to introduce one of the young players".

• Kettlewell expects to have the same squad available, despite hoping some injured players would be back to full fitness following the international break.

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• Kilmarnock have lost 16 of their past 19 league meetings with Celtic (W1 D2), including their latest four in a row, all by a margin of 2+ goals.

• Celtic have won seven and lost just one of their past nine league visits to Rugby Park (D1), winning their latest two by an aggregate score of 7-0.

• Kilmarnock have drawn their first four league matches this season, their longest run of consecutive draws in the top flight since a stretch of four between February and March 2000.

• Celtic are unbeaten in 10 league matches (W7 D3) since a 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone in April, winning by a 2+ goal margin in six of their seven victories in this time.

• Celtic are yet to concede a league goal and could keep a clean sheet in all of their first five Premiership matches for a second consecutive season after doing so last term, a run of games that included a 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock.

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Manager Stuart Kettlewell insists Kilmarnock are "happy but want more" as they prepare to host Celtic on Sunday.

The Rugby Park side went into the international break unbeaten in the Premiership following four successive draws to join Motherwell and Rangers in the middle of the table.

But Kettlewell wants to win as he turns his focus to the next batch of games.

"We're happy with what we've done and the standards we've set but we want more. We want three points," he told Sky Sports.

"Draws can be good but we want to win games, that is what changes the complexity of the league table and the feeling around the place.

"It's a big task on Sunday. When you play against Celtic, you play against serial winners. They have set the standards for so many years.

"It's going to be a difficult game but we want to go in with the belief that we can be ultra competitive and pose a few problems for Celtic.

"I'm happy with the squad but I would've hoped we'd have welcomed one or two [players who have been injured] back."

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Kilmarnock forward Djenairo Daniels has netted twice in the Premiership this season from an xG (expected goals) of just 0.64.

The Dutchman's total of five shots is the most of any Killie player, and he has put three of them on target.

Daniels, who arrived in the summer on a two-year deal from Cork City, has converted the two 'big chances' that have come his way and is averaging a goal every 102.5 league minutes in his four outings so far.

With Celtic the visitors to Rugby Park this weekend as league action resumes, can Daniels continue his impactful start as Stuart Kettlewell's side seek a first victory after four draws on the bounce?

We asked for your thoughts on Kilmarnock's summer transfer business.

Here are some of your comments:

Crawford: Kilmarnock did well at the beginning of the transfer window with a decent squad assembled. We still lack pace in the team and a goalscorer.

John H: Recruitment has been solid this summer and the team have started well. I still think however we lack a quality playmaker and this may come back to bite us as we try to turn draws into victories. It is a tight league and we need more quality in midfield to unlock stubborn defences particularly at home.

Craig: I'd say the club have done well in the summer rebuilding the squad after the departures of some very important players. Some good first-team players like Greg Kiltie, Jamie Brandon and Max Stryjek have come in as well as exciting new prospects like Marcus Dackers and George Stanger that can hopefully be big players for us.

Matt: Good to get a decent goalkeeper in, but generally the quality of players brought in isn't good enough. We have been lucky in the league games, two poor draws at home against relegation rivals and saved by a wonder goal against a Hibs team who played 120 minutes a few days before. Will be a long, tough season watching us struggle with less than 40% possession every game and minimal attacking threat.

Jim: Lewis Mayo apart, our defence is extremely weak and naive. The two goals against us by Motherwell were avoidable. We really needed an experienced defender to settle the defence.

David: I wouldn't say it was a success. The failure to land a central midfield playmaker and an out-and-out striker will cause us issues before January. There is a clear lack of depth to the team and reliance on too few seasoned players. The early results mask the reduced player budget and I'm afraid a lack of ambition by the manager. Time will tell but I suspect come January there will be a new manager in place.

Sandy Armour
Fan writer

Stuart Kettlewell made a couple of changes to our starting team on Saturday, but the final result followed the predictable pattern with the points being shared.

Motherwell have been attracting lots of praise so far with their style of play and our recent record there is unimpressive, so a point is more than acceptable.

We started the first half brightly and took the lead with Djenairo Daniels finishing off a lovely move. It was a clanger from 'Well keeper Calum Ward that let us grab an equaliser late on so we go into the international break still unbeaten but still looking for a league win.

The transfer window has now closed with Killie doing no extra business on deadline day.

The manager moved fast to get players in early in the summer, so perhaps it was no surprise. However, I do feel like we are one striker short.

Time will tell if we have a deep enough squad to navigate through what will be a difficult season.

Sandy Armour is editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine.

It was a quiet deadline day for Stuart Kettlewell's Kilmarnock, just what the head coach asked for leading up to the final day of the window.

There were 13 new arrivals over the whole summer though and the Rugby Park outfit are yet to lose in the league this season.

Killie fans, are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Kettlewell light in certain positions?

Send us your thoughts.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Kilmarnock are another side that look to have recruited well over the summer, a steady start to the season bearing testament to that.

Both the entry and exit doors at Rugby Park have been busy over the last few months.

But the hinges look set to get a bit of a break today, with nothing currently expected either in or out ahead of tonight's deadline.

That does, of course, come with the caveat that it is deadline day and anything can happen.

However, as things stand it looks like being all quiet on the Killie front.

They did see a loan deal for an English Championship player fall through at the weekend.

Despite that, manager Stuart Kettlewell seems relatively happy with his lot.

Watch all the highlights from Motherwell's dramatic draw against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Killie need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

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Stuart Kettlewell believes there is more to come from Kilmarnock this season after his side snatched a late point against Motherwell on Saturday.

The Rugby Park outfit go into the international break unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership following four successive draws.

George Stanger took advantage of a goalkeeping blunder from Calum Ward to help Killie secure a dramatic 2-2 draw at Fir Park.

But Kettlewell was frustrated as how his side conceded both goals.

"We move on to the international break nine games undefeated which isn't a bad place to be," Kettlewell said.

"We're definitely striving to see if we can pick up a few more points. That's four draws now and we'd love to turn some of them into victories.

"During the break we will work relentlessly on trying to become the best version of what we want to be.

"I think we're humble enough to say that the Motherwell game wasn't perfect and it's something that we'll be working on over the next couple of weeks."

We asked for your views on Kilmarnock's 2-2 draw with Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said...

Jim: Let's be honest we stole a point today. We were out played, out thought and second to every ball all day. I don't think we got a corner and had less than 30% possession. No Killie fan can be happy with this performance.

Robert: Last season this would've been a loss, this year we don't give up. Still lots of areas require improvement but progress is being made.

Graeme: Unbeaten in four games is the same as no wins in four games. If we were to end up with 38 points from 38 games we would probably be looking at a playoff. Away form looks better this year but two home games we would expect to win have resulted in two draws. Could be a long season for us although I expect us to comfortably avoid the relegation battle.

David: Well worth the point. However, still feel as though we need more bite up front and a midfielder to open up defences.

William: It's great to keep scoring goals. Positive play will filter through to all team members. Recognise our groups weaknesses and improve on them. Early yet, but things will click into place.

Adam: Not much has changed! Still struggling on the road. Need better strikers. Height doesn't seem to be the answer if you're not going to put crosses in the box, or even shots from outside, young Ben Brannan showed it's possible.

A mistake from Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward helped Kilmarnock to an enthralling draw as both sides remain unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the match report here.

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell described his return to Fir Park as "eventful".

The former Motherwell boss told BBC Scotland: "We score a very good goal. It just comes down to game management at the end of the first half.

"We know Motherwell have pace in their team. We can handle the last few seconds of the first half far better. We don't and it's always a body blow when you concede at that time.

"Motherwell really took control and we lost another goal from a turnover. I have to praise their players to get back in the game and maybe win it. We'll absolutely take [the point]."

On Kilmarnock's transfer plans in the remaining of the window, Kettlewell added: "I don't envisage there being much at all."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite Stuart Kettlewell's comments leading up to the match, Kilmarnock's trip to Motherwell on Saturday is about him.

It is the first time the Killie boss returns to Fir Park following his resignation in January, when he cited fan abuse as a factor.

"I've been back to an old club before," said Kettlewell. "It's something that happens in football.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

In response, his opposite number, Jens Berthel Askou, insists Kettlewell "deserves respect" on his return.

The former Ross County boss has had a steady start to life at Rugby Park, with three successive draws to kick off the Premiership season - the same as Motherwell.

Could his first win as Kilmarnock manager come back at his old stomping ground?

Read more: Weekend's Scottish Premiership picks

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Kilmarnock have announced the signing of former Ross County right-back James Brown on a short-term deal until January.

The 27-year-old left the Staggies in the summer after two seasons in the Highlands, making 73 appearances during his time there.

The Irishman came through at Shelbourne, before moves to Drogheda United and Blackburn Rovers.

Jamie Brandon has been the starting right wing-back for Stuart Kettlewell's side this season, but went off injured the 0-0 draw with Dundee last weekend.

Breakthrough star Ben Brannan can also play there, but has impressed on the left-hand side so far this season.

Kilmarnock have made a loan offer to Cardiff City for 19-year-old forward Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. (Lower Tiers), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Motherwell have defenders Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon available again and could involve new midfielder Oscar Priestman.

But Tom Sparrow remains out alongside long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Kilmarnock will assess Jamie Brandon's groin issue while Scott Tiffoney (calf) remains out.

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Kilmarnock goalkeeper Robby McCrorie has joined Danish side Esbjerg on loan until the end of the season.

McCrorie, who signed from Rangers for an undisclosed fee last year, has fallen out of favour at Rugby Park since the arrival of Max Stryjek and Eddie Beach this summer.

Esbjerg play in Denmark's second tier and are three points off leaders Horsens after seven games.

McCrorie, 27, has been named in Scotland squads before and will hope regular first-team football can catch Steve Clarke's eye again.

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Despite only being 20, David Watson is one of the old heads in an increasingly youthful Kilmarnock side.

The Scotland Under-21 midfielder has two seasons of first-team football to call on now, but struggled for starts last term.

Now, under new manager Stuart Kettlewell, he is a regular in a side packed with young players and academy graduates.

"He's been helpful, not just for me, but for other young lads," Watson said of Kettlewell.

"You look at Ben Brannan and Ethan Brown. Ethan's got his first start and he's done brilliantly, he's come into the squad and Ben Brannan's obviously been amazing, scoring goals from a left-back position that he's not used to.

"Definitely for the young lads, he's been brilliant. There's young boys training every day, so it opens up opportunities for academy players.

"I feel like I already had some (leadership qualities) but now being the more experienced player of the young lads, I feel like I can hand out advice and be that person that if a young lad has any issues or anything they can come and speak to me about it and I'll be able to offer some good advice."

Killie remain unbeaten under Kettlewell and have drawn their opening trio of Scottish Premiership fixtures.

Watson reckons a feelgood factor is returning to Rugby Park after a tough previous campaign.

"Last season was a difficult season for everyone at the club. We were disappointed we didn't live up to what our expectations were as a group, but this season has been really enjoyable," Watson added.

"We're starting to come together as a group now, trying to add the finishing touches.

"It's going to help me, learning new things every day, playing in a different system, playing a different role slightly. I'm learning and I'm loving it.

"I said that last year, not playing every week, being a bit disappointed, that helps you learn and realise what football is all about.

"You're not going to play every week, you're going to have to deal with these situations. It's helped me learn a wee bit about the ins and outs of football."

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in their past seven home league games against Kilmarnock (W4 D3) since going down 2-0 in December 2020.

• Kilmarnock conceded more goals in their last league meeting with Motherwell, a 3-0 defeat in May, than their previous five beforehand (two). Indeed, it was their heaviest league defeat to the Steelmen since January 2010 (also 3-0).

• Both Motherwell and Kilmarnock have drawn all three of their league games this season; no side has drawn each of their opening four games of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century (Rangers could also do this on matchday four).

• Motherwell are unbeaten in six home league games (W3 D3), their longest such run since May 2015 (seven) under Ian Baraclough.

• Kilmarnock have won just one of their past 14 away league outings (D3 L10), a 2-0 victory at St Johnstone in May.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Stuart Kettlewell insists Saturday's trip to Fir Park is about three points and not himself.

The Kilmarnock manager was in the Motherwell dugout between February 2023 and January 2025, resigning due to fan abuse.

He has guided Killie to three successive draws at the start of the new Premiership season, while Motherwell have the same league record and are yet to lose under new boss Jens Berthel Askou.

And Kettlewell wants the focus to be on the football, rather than his return.

"I've been back to an old club before," he said. "It's something that happens it football.

"The last time I saw a lot of the people that will be there was at my wedding. That gives you an indication of the relationship I had with the players and staff.

"I don't wish Motherwell any ill health or bad luck at all. I can't control what narrative people will put on [the game].

"We could all see there was a lot of support towards myself from the fanbase, the staff and the players, but we all move on.

"I want to go to try to win three points for this Kilmarnock side. I'll not get too lost in it, but I understand other people might do.

"I try to act as professional as I can. It's not about me. I hope you all know that I have never felt this is about me. I believe in being humble and not having an ego."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Stuart Kettlewell deserves to be treated with respect when he returns to Fir Park this weekend for the first time since leaving as boss.

The current Kilmarnock manager resigned from his Motherwell post in January, citing fan abuse towards him as results slumped.

However, Askou, who took charge this summer following Michael Wimmer's brief reign, is not concerned about emotions spilling over when the Rugby Park side visit in the Premiership on Saturday.

"I've heard that there have been things before my time here," said the Dane.

"For me, and I think it's the same for Stuart, it's a game between Motherwell and Kilmarnock. There have been games in the Scottish Premier League for many, many years.

"It's just another one. Obviously, it's maybe a little bit special for him to come back to a place that has meant a lot to him. He's been here for about two years and he's done very, very well in terms of working hard for this club.

"Now he's in Kilmarnock, coming back. What I will just say is I hope every player, coach, staff member or volunteer that leaves Motherwell and comes back in whatever role he or she comes back in, that they will be treated with the respect that they deserve.

"As I said in the beginning, it's a game against Motherwell and Kilmarnock."

In the last week Askou has recruited former Ross County striker Regan Charles-Cook and Australian midfielder Oscar Priestman.

Asked by the BBC if more would be coming in, the Motherwell manager said: "There's been a lot of change. Now it's the final pieces.

"We'll see if there's one or two new faces, or maybe we'll sharpen up the squad a little bit the other way as well."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell has been talking to the media before his side's trip to Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the best bits from his news conference:

• Kettlewell says he is unfazed by returning to his former club as it's a task he has been faced with before.

• He "can't control the narrative" leading into the game and insists there is no animosity towards Motherwell despite saying part of the reason he quit his previous job was because of fan abuse.

• Reflecting on his Motherwell departure and his time out of football, he says "not having an ego allows you to grow".

• The Killie boss says it will be a "big task" due to the way Motherwell have started the season and the style Jens Berthel Askou has implemented.

• He thinks it will be a game of "contrasting shapes and thought processes" against players he knows well.

• Kettlewell says his side have been close to winning all three league games so far this season and is "really happy" with the start they have made. Stressed the need to stay focused though as they try to extend the unbeaten run.

• Additional transfers depend on "a couple of factors" and Kettlewell says they will not break the financial structure in place.