Kilmarnock keeper Kieran O'Hara signs new deal while Will Dennis says farewell

Goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara has signed a new deal at Kilmarnock while last season's no.1 Will Dennis issued a 'thank you' to the club as he effectively confirmed a return between the sticks at Rugby Park is off the cards.

The 23-year-old impressed last term while on loan from English Premier League side Bournemouth and it’s looking likely that the Cherries see the stopper as part of their plans for the upcoming season.

That would rule out any hopes of a second loan stint in Ayrshire – something Killie gaffer Derek McInnes and the player himself had previously said they would be open to happening.

But while Dennis won’t be around for the 2024/25 campaign, O’Hara will as the former Republic of Ireland keeper put pen to paper on a new deal.

The 28-year-old signed as a free agent from Colchester United last summer but had to be content with playing second fiddle behind Dennis. That saw him restricted to just four appearances, as well as playing for the B team in the Challenge Cup defeat to Dumbarton in August.

Dennis returns to Bournemouth after 44 games for the club and having played an integral part in their fourth-place finish and European qualification.

In a social media post, the keeper said: “I would like to start by thanking all of the staff at Kilmarnock for bringing me in and supporting me during my time at the club, by having faith and pushing me throughout the season.

“Also my teammates who have made my time at the club enjoyable and unforgettable with what we achieved as a group.

“And finally to the fans, thank you for being so welcoming to myself and my family. Either in the stands or streets your support has been amazing and I will always be grateful.

“Thanks again and I wish the club every success going forward. ‘Mon the Killie.”

Dennis’s return to the English south coast leaves O’Hara as the only senior keeper at the club as Killie prepare for the new campaign.

Youngster Aidan Glavin, who spent last season on loan at Auchinleck Talbot, is also on the books but is likely set to continue his development with a further loan move.

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