Kilmarnock announce Neil McCann as new manager
Last updated 6th Jan 2026
Kilmarnock have appointed Neil McCann as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 51-year-old, who takes over from Stuart Kettlewell, previously managed in the top flight with Dundee in 2017 and 2018, while he had an interim spell in charge of Inverness and was also part of Barry Ferguson's backroom staff at Rangers in the closing months of last season.
McCann, who has worked predominantly as a television pundit in recent seasons, will be assisted by his former Rangers team-mate Billy Dodds as he bids to lead Killie away from second-bottom place following a run of 14 games without a win since October 4.
"We fully understand how important it was to get this appointment right," read a statement from the Kilmarnock board. "After a thorough process, we are assured that Neil and Billy have the qualities, experience and character required to lead Kilmarnock Football Club forward.
"We have complete faith in their ability to do what needs to be done to keep this club competing in the Scottish Premiership. Both Neil and Billy know the Scottish league inside out, understand its demands and share a vision that aligns strongly with the culture and values of this football club.
"This is a significant appointment for Kilmarnock FC. We are confident the players will adapt quickly to their leadership and respond positively to the clarity, belief and ambition they bring at a crucial moment for the club."
Kettlewell was sacked three weeks ago after a run in which Killie took just two points from 10 matches. They have managed to collect only one further point from the four recent matches overseen by caretaker Kris Doolan.
McCann's first match in charge will be a bottom-of-the-table showdown with last-placed Livingston in West Lothian on Saturday.
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