Mark O’Hara returns back home

Kilmarnock Football Club is thrilled to announce the return of academy graduate Mark O’Hara, subject to SFA approval.

The midfielder has re-joined Ayrshire’s finest having started his career at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park all the way back in 2012, making his debut aged 16.

We have agreed a two-year deal with Mark, who officially joins Neil McCann’s side after leaving as captain of St Mirren upon the expiry of his contract in Paisley.

Mark has 87 Killie appearances to his name to date, with the last coming in out 2016 Scottish Premiership play-off triumph against Falkirk.

He went on to play for Dundee directly after his departure, where he would eventually work under McCann. His form earned him a move south of the border to play for Peterborough United. He spent time on loan with Lincoln City and Motherwell, before making his move to the latter permanent in 2020.

Mark would eventually go on to sign for St Mirren in 2022, becoming a key member of the team, helping them to secure three top six finishes and lift the Premier Sports Cup in December 2025.

He will don the number 5 shirt, and will see some familiar, and new faces next week when the players up their pre-season preparations in Belfast.

“I’m delighted to be back, and it’s good to come back at this stage of my career when I’m a different player than when I left,” Mark told Killie TV upon his return to familiar surroundings. “This is the club that gave me my chance in football. I’m looking forward to a successful season ahead.

“I needed a fresh challenge. The club’s in a good place, and having had conversations with the manager, and working for him before, I knew he was somebody I wanted to work for again and that he’ll get the best out of me. It’s nice to be able to give a bit back to the club that gave me an opportunity.”

McCann added: “He’s an important signing for the team. As St Mirren’s captain, he brings leadership skills. We lost Brad [Lyons], who had been a big presence around here, so it’s important that we brought in another leader within the group.

“Mark I know well from my time at Dundee, and he was absolutely brilliant for me. It was a long time ago, but he’s still got a lot to offer. He’s a homegrown player with a massive connection to the club, which I’m sure the fans will appreciate and enjoy him being back.

“I think Mark has got so much more to offer. Last season maybe disrupted him with one or two injuries, but I feel I can get Mark back to how good he’s shown he can be.”