Derek McInnes signs new Kilmarnock deal as Rugby Park boss commits for the long haul

Derek McInnes has extended his contract as Kilmarnock boss until 2026.

Killie have announced the 51-year-old has signed on for a further three-and-a-half-years ahead of this weekend's return to old club Aberdeen. McInnes elevated the Rugby Park club out of the Championship last season and has ambitions to make them a Premiership force once more. He's underlined that commitment by putting pen to paper on an extended deal.

McInnes told the Killie website: “I’ve known for a while that Kilmarnock is the place that I wanted to commit my future to, so I’m really pleased that the extension has now been agreed. Thanks to the backing of the board and the supporters, the club has come a long way since we joined forces in January and I’m looking forward to the next stage of our journey. With a bolstered club structure and strengthening recruitment process behind the scenes, there are plenty of reasons for Kilmarnock fans to be excited about the club’s long-term future. In the short-term, there’s a lot of football to be played and everyone including the squad, staff and supporters will play their part.”

Killie sit 11th in the Premiership table after 11 games and managing director Phyllis McLeish said: “Derek’s commitment to the club, alongside the recently announced structural changes, provide the foundation and stability required to implement long-term plans that will positively impact our team standing and strengthen youth pathways.

“It’s important that we establish a long-term strategy for the club, to ensure that we continue to improve on and off the park. Derek is a vital part of our projected growth and with his guidance we believe, that in time, we’ll have built a much stronger Kilmarnock for our supporters and the next