Kilmarnock writing own 'fantastic story' to rival Arbroath fairytale says Derek McInnes

Derek McInnes is aiming to write the next chapter in Kilmarnock’s history with a return to the Premiership, rather than play a supporting role in Arbroath’s promotion fairytale.

It all comes down to a Friday night cliff-hanger between the cinch Championship top two, separated by just one point with two games to play.

On one side is Kilmarnock, relegated from the top division last season after 28 years and the other Arbroath, part-time and excelling to prove all doubters wrong and on the brink of the big-time themselves.

Rugby Park boss McInnes accepts many neutrals may tune in to the televised match rooting for the underdogs while a capacity crowd roars on from the stands.

"I understand the fairytale aspect, but I think the whole part-time thing shows what can be done,” he said.

"Although we have some obvious advantages at Killie, the crowd, the players, I've only had three months with the players. Arbroath have been working together and put that squad together over three years, you can see the benefits of that, they have good players, good enough to play full-time.

"I understand it will be a fantastic story, but I am only caring about Kilmarnock, and this would be a fantastic story for us after being five points behind them having it all to do.”

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There have been twists and turns leading to this penultimate stage. Kilmarnock were fifth in December before Tommy Wright was sacked, Kyle Lafferty returned to the club and McInnes was appointed.

Every story needs characters and this is not without them. Dick Campbell in the away dugout is one of Scottish football’s most colourful and long-established and McInnes himself, one of the biggest names