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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Wilson

Kyle Lafferty weighing up new Kilmarnock contract as Derek McInnes makes squad decisions for Premiership return

Kyle Lafferty is weighing up a new contract at Kilmarnock while Chris Burke has been offered a full-time coaching deal as Derek McInnes begins his squad reshape for the Premiership.

Lafferty struck nine goals after returning to Rugby Park in January and played a major part in securing the Championship title.

McInnes has also tied fans’ favourite Rory McKenzie down on a new two-year deal but Stephen McGinn heads up a list of players departing along with Jason Naismith and Brandon Haunstrup.

McKenzie will take his Killie career into a 13th season after agreeing the new deal.

The Rugby Park academy graduate - who made his debut for the club in 2011 - was named players’ player of the year and admits penning a new deal was a no brainer as he closes in on 350 appearances.

He said: “Staying at Kilmarnock has always been my priority so I’m delighted to agree this new contract.

“This year has been one of the most enjoyable of my career and to pick up my first medal with the club was a really special moment.

“It’s a really exciting period for Kilmarnock and everyone here is looking forward to being back in the Premiership and testing ourselves against the best teams in the country again.”

Also leaving Rugby Park are veteran goalkeeper-coach Colin Doyle and youngsters Tomas Brindley and Euan Deveney.

Loan stars Zach Hemming, Dean Campbell, Declan Glass, Dylan Tait, Daniel MacKay, and Rumarn Burrell have all returned to their parent clubs.

(SNS Group)

McInnes said: “I’d like to thank all the players for their efforts and contributions to the club and this is always a tough part of the job.

“Stephen McGinn in particular was really influential in my time as manager and was someone I really enjoyed working with. After having a conversation with Stephen, we feel the best chance for him to continue playing regularly will come elsewhere.

“However he goes with our best wishes and full acknowledgement of the role he played in our promotion.”

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