Kilmarnock's Derek McInnes: The Fire Still Burns After 20 Years in Management

Derek McInnes: A Season of Ambition and Stability at Kilmarnock

The enthusiasm for football remains undiminished for Derek McInnes as he embarks on his 18th year of management. After his successful stints with Aberdeen, Bristol City, and St Johnstone, he made a pivotal shift to Kilmarnock in 2022. Under his guidance, Kilmarnock not only achieved promotion back to the Scottish Premiership but also secured a commendable fourth-place finish last season, clinching a valuable Europa League qualifying spot.

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

Despite a quiet summer transfer window, McInnes is optimistic about continuing to build upon last season's triumphs. "The fires are still lit," he shared with Sky Sports News. He emphasizes the importance of enthusiasm in management, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of the role.

Maintaining Stability: The Transfer Window Strategy

This summer, Kilmarnock has seen minimal player movement, welcoming only Bruce Anderson and Robby McCrorie as new signings. Corrie Ndaba's loan has been made permanent, and Stuart Findlay returns for another season. McInnes believes that keeping the core of the team together is crucial for success. "We did say last season we didn't want to have that turnover all the time," he stated.

First Match: Facing Celtic

Kilmarnock is set to kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign against Celtic at 4:30 PM on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. McInnes is eager for the team to enjoy the upcoming European campaign and is promoting continuity among his players for a successful season.

Sky Sports Coverage of Scottish Football

As the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports brings comprehensive coverage of the Scottish Premiership and more. Starting from the 2024/25 season, up to 60 Scottish Premiership games will be aired across flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. Additionally, viewers can follow live updates, exclusive features, interviews, and extensive highlights on the Sky Sports app.

Engaging with Scottish Football Fans

Sky Sports News, operational 24/7, offers rolling coverage of both the Premiership and Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL). Fans can also engage with content through Sky Sports’ social media channels and the dedicated X page @ScotlandSky, which focuses on all things Scottish football.

Conclusion

Derek McInnes is entering this season with a clear vision of sustaining Kilmarnock's momentum, driven by his lifelong passion for the game. With stability in the squad and ongoing support from Sky Sports, the club is poised for another exciting chapter in their journey.