Neil McCann thanks board after Kilmarnock finish season in style

Neil McCann thanked the Kilmarnock board for its backing as he rounded off a successful survival campaign with a fourth William Hill Premiership win in a row.

McCann, appointed in January to replace Stuart Kettlewell, oversaw a 4-1 victory at relegated Livingston as the feelgood factor carried on for Killie, having clinched safety in midweek.

The goals in West Lothian came from his mid-season window recruits Joe Hugill (two), Nicky Clescenco and loan star Findlay Curtis, and McCann stressed the spark from those signings was crucial in helping him lift the winter gloom in Ayrshire.

“I was fortunate to get a club like Kilmarnock where board that are so supportive, helped us in January and let me get on with my work,” he said.

“Hopefully they feel a bit of pride with their rewards for digging into their pockets – and going beyond the budget to help the group.

“Steve Clarke’s record of four wins in a row (in 2018) is a good one because he was exceptional at this club.

“He was one of the people whose counsel I sought about what I was walking into.”

Dundee’s late goal for a 3-2 win over Aberdeen denied Killie ninth place and extra prize money, but McCann was pleased at the performance in finishing the campaign on a high.

“We’re a bit disappointed we couldn’t get ninth,” he said. “People said it was a dead-rubber game but we went aggressive to go and get ninth.

“I said to them at half-time to respect the opposition and go and get more goals and play in the manner we demand.

“I thought we were absolutely exceptional at times.

“We’ve built a nice platform now. We don’t celebrate 10th but celebrate where we’ve come from and where we got to.”

Rangers winger Curtis scored his fourth goal in as many games and is tipped to represent Scotland at the World Cup this summer.

McCann added: “The wee man has been a joy to work with.

“I really hope he’s done enough to make that squad and we get to watch him in the World Cup.”

Livingston, who have signed Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson, need experience at the helm next season, according to stand-in boss Scott Arfield.

Livi only won two league games all season and face another Championship slog.

“In terms of managerial appointments, this club needs a leader that’s been through it,” said Arfield, 37, who wants to continue playing

next season.

“The Championship is a hard division. And they need a manager that’s probably done it before, probably won it, and wants to do it again.

“As we speak, I’m still desperate to play again.”