By Riordan Craig

Derek McInnes made his return to Rugby Park on Saturday, following his departure from Kilmarnock in May, and was met with boos.

The Hearts manager, who took Kilmarnock from the SPFL Championship to Europe in his three years at the club, faced a hostile reception when he took to the pitch on Saturday night, with his new side ultimately running out 3-0 winners.

Co-host of The Killie View Podcast, Laurie Finlayson, said: “The reception Derek McInnes received was not a surprise – the build-up was dominated by discourse around his return.

“To be honest, he is fuelled by such a reaction and arguably enjoys being a pantomime villain.”

Despite leading the Ayrshire side to promotion with a win over Arbroath in the penultimate game of the season, as well as a trip to Hampden in the 2022-23 season, and a European tour last season, Killie fans turned against their manager in his final game in charge – a 3-0 defeat away to Motherwell.

Laurie explained why the Kilmarnock fans turned hostile: “He left a bad taste in the mouth for many, dispersing the credit he had previously earned with the fanbase. Fans’ biggest bugbear is over the manner in which he left, not simply the fact he joined Hearts.

“The Sky Sports appearance [as pundit for Rangers v Aberdeen] was the final straw for many – he effectively confirmed on live television that he was taking over at Tynecastle, without saying as much.

“He was also guilty of hiding from the spotlight when it suited him, which isn’t a great look.”

Killie since appointed Stuart Kettlewell. The ex-Motherwell and Ross County manager has them sitting in fifth in the Premiership, with only two defeats in 90 minutes across all competitions.

Laurie spoke about Kilmarnock under Kettlewell: “The football tends to be easier on the eye, with the most recent game being the most notable exception.

“I have certainly enjoyed going to games under Stuart Kettlewell so far – Dundee United at Tannadice is a standout for me: that’s what a Kettlewell Killie team can be. There is still room for improvement, definitely, but things have started pretty well.”

On if he’d have McInnes back, Laurie said: “I’m not sure I would, actually. He got us back to the Premiership, lead us to Europe, and gave me some unforgettable memories, but I think he’s burned a bridge too many with the fans, whereby he wouldn’t be accepted.

“That said, he has done a very good job at Hearts so far.”

Hearts will hope to continue their unbeaten start against Celtic on Sunday. Killie will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on Danny Rohl’s Rangers later the same day.