McCann urges Kilmarnock to back up fan optimism

[SNS] Neil McCann is calling on his players to back up the positivity shared among Kilmarnock fans by flying out of the traps this season. The Ayrshire side get their competitive action under way with a League Cup group opener at home to Raith Rovers on Tuesday (19:45 BST). Kilmarnock ended last term by securing their Scottish Premiership status with four straight wins, scoring 13 goals in the process. Things looked bleak for the Rugby Park club when Stuart Kettlewell was sacked, and much of the support were underwhelmed by the appointment of McCann. But the way in which McCann's men concluded the campaign has fuelled the fanbase with hope that they can have a positive season. "It's about going again and understanding what we did last year as a group because we were in a bad position when I came in," McCann said. "We not only managed to get ourselves out of the relegation and play-off spots, but we did it with a wee bit of style. "It's important the fans come with optimism this year and hopefully we can back that optimism up with a really bright start to the season." McCann also hailed some "really positive" transfer business by a "club that's gearing itself for the future". He added that he will be looking to "make one or two more" additions to the squad.