Player of the Year awards 2025/26

An incredible man, with an unwavering commitment and love for the football club. As Jordan Allison, head of the Killie Community put it, everybody thinks Lenny’s work as a volunteer at Rugby Park is a show of what Kilmarnock means to Lenny. This special recognition for Lenny highlights what he means to Kilmarnock.

Tyreece John-Jules ended the season as the club’s top goalscorer, with eight to his name. The striker – who recently signed a contract extension until the summer of 2027 – signed for the club in late October, before finding the net for the first time in a defeat to Falkirk in November. His last strike came against Celtic back in February, where he unfortunately picked up a season-ending thigh injury just days after scoring a match-winning hat-trick against St Mirren.

An incredible strike by last year’s Youth Cup-winning captain was the outstanding choice for this category. Brannan burst onto the scene during the early months of the campaign, scoring four goals within the first month, including League Cup group fixtures. The pick of the bunch came in a 2-2 draw at Easter Road on matchday two of the campaign. The versatile full-back picked the ball out of the sky, while moving backwards, quickly adjusting his feet to unleash a wicked effort beyond helpless Hibs goalkeeper.

Ready to call time on her career after a full circle journey at Killie having started her playing days at the club back in 2000 during Jim Chapman’s first spell as manager – Taylor was a fitting winner of the award. She hopes to go out on the high of all highs, by helping the team to the SWPL 2 crown in the final game of the season against Queen’s Park next Sunday.

John-Jules’ fine form between the turn of the year and picking up his injury had a profound effect on the team. So, it was little surprise to see the former Arsenal man recognised by his fellow pros for his influence on the squad, both in training and on a matchday, for his impressive football talents.

‘One of us,’ said club captain Brad Lyons about Kitman Kev. Always greeted with a smile, through the good times and the bad, he was a fitting winner of this accolade for his service and dedication to the club, alongside wife SJ. Like Lenny, Kitman Kev is part of what makes Killie the club it is, and we’re delighted he’s on our team.

The midfielder was voted the Kilmarnock Football Club Supporters Association player of the season after some standout showings during the early months of the campaign. He burst onto the scene under the tutelage of Derek McInnes over three years ago and played a vital role in helping the club achieve European football during the 2023/24 campaign.

The young defender made his break-through into the first team this season. He was thrown in at the deep end during the aforementioned 2-2 draw with Hibs earlier in the campaign, and the Canadian never looked back. He dropped in and out for spells, but never hid away from the challenge of playing top level football in Scotland, and has gained vital experience which will stand him in good stead moving forward, having also signed a new deal this season. His standout performance came during a 0-0 stalemate with St Mirren during a difficult festive period for Killie.

The academy product made the return to Ayrshire’s finest last summer, departing St Mirren in favour of playing for Killie. He’s scored four goals and contributed to the team with six assists to date, with two games left to play this season. The 29-year-old has flourished under McCann and Billy Dodds, who have allowed him the freedom to play in his favoured No.10 position at the summit of the usually deployed midfield diamond.

Davie Sneddon MBE was part of Kilmarnock’s greatest-ever team and memorably scored the first goal at Tynecastle on that famous day in April 1965 when we became champions of Scotland. David was part of the marvellous Killie side which completed one of the greatest European comebacks seen by a Scottish side as we beat Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 at Rugby Park after a 3-0 first leg loss. As well as pulling on the stripes, David held the position of manager and helped win the Tennent Caledonian Cup in 1979.

One of Killie’s most famous goals was scored by Brien McIlroy as the club famously tasted title glory in 1965. The winger went on to score 141 goals in 304 games for the Rugby Park side including the second goal in the fraught title decider at Tynecastle, where the league was unusually decided on goal average. McIlroy also played in the 1962/63 League Cup final side during his time at the club. 

Jim Clark was the third inductee on the night. Assistant to Bobby Williamson, he helped play a major role in guiding the club to winning the 1997 Scottish Cup. It was his meticulous set piece planning that was credited with Paul Wright scoring the winner against Falkirk on that sunny May afternoon at Ibrox. A supporter since the 1950s, he fulfilled his boyhood dream when he became a key part of Killie’s midfield during the 80s.