Kilmarnock goalkeeping coach Fraser Stewart is leaving the club to join Newcastle United. The 37-year-old will strengthen the Scottish contingent within the Premier League side's under-21 coaching staff.
Stewart has spent the last four years at Rugby Park, working closely with first-team goalkeepers Max Stryjek and Calum Ferrie. He will now work under lead coach Robbie Stockdale at St James' Park. His departure comes with Kilmarnock sitting 12th in the Premiership, having taken five points from their opening seven games.
McCann's search begins
Manager Neil McCann confirmed he is now looking for a successor. "The shock move leaves Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann looking for a replacement," he said. The search is understood to be underway, with former Killie player and current Rangers academy goalkeeping coach Conor Brennan considered a possible candidate. Brennan previously stepped into a first-team role temporarily before Derek McInnes brought in Allan McGregor.
Stewart brings significant experience, having previously served as the Scottish Football Association's head of goalkeeping for the Scotland under-21 and women's national teams. His brother, Colin Stewart, holds a similar role as goalkeeper development lead at Liverpool's academy, having previously been at Rangers.
The backroom change occurs as Kilmarnock prepare for a tough away fixture against second-placed Rangers on 10 October. The team's recent form shows one win, three draws and one defeat from their last five outings, a sequence you can review in full on our fixtures page. McCann's immediate focus will be on shoring up a defence that has conceded 15 league goals this season, with the new goalkeeping coach set to play a key part in that effort. The club's full squad details are available on our squad page.
More detail at uk.sports.yahoo.com
