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Neil McCann reveals the key factor in convincing Aaron Tshibola to return to Kilmarnock The manager faced the media ahead of the new season Neil McCann believes he and his staff ‘sparked something’ in Aaron Tshibola, ultimately convincing him to return to Kilmarnock. The midfielder was arguably the key man for Killie in the second half of last season, showing a consistency of performance which hadn’t always been there in three previous spells at Rugby Park. Having been called up by DR Congo for the World Cup, Tshibola took time to consider his options with his short-term deal having expired. Ultimately though the 31-year-old opted to return for a fifth spell in East Ayrshire, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal. McCann said ahead of the Premiership opener against St Johnstone: “He went to the World Cup and he might have had a few more options after playing there. But I think there was always an engagement from what we did last year. Read More: - Our Kilmarnock 2026-27 predictions from top-scorer to league finish - Exclusive: Charlie Adam backs Neil McCann to drive Kilmarnock forward - Killie Through and Through: Jimmy Clark’s Hall of Fame Pride “There’s clearly a connection to the club for Tish, so it was just a matter of giving him a wee bit of space and time to consult with his family, think about his own future and then make a decision. “Thankfully, he chose to come back. “The dialogue was always left open. I wasn’t pushy. Even though I was over there, I wasn’t hunting him down at his hotel trying to get him to come back! “I was confident he enjoyed his football last year. I think we sparked something in him and he understood how I wanted to play. He understood the importance I placed upon him within the team and, clearly, that was enough to get him over the line.” Killie completed another two signings ahead of the trip to Perth, with Jonathan Meier completing his move after leaving SSV Ulm and Johnly Yfeko arriving from Exeter City. McCann said: “To be honest, Sam Morrow does a lot of the recruitment. He’s very good in the background and has a big database. Between us, we worked hard in January to get the profile of player that I felt was necessary. “We’ve worked hard again to identify guys who not only fit what the team needs in terms of positions and how they’ll potentially play, but also the personality of the players and their profile. In terms of where have they been? Have they maybe lost their way a wee bit? Is there something there that I can unlock again? “I think that’s where Kilmarnock is at. Me as a coach and manager, along with Billy (Dodds), have to trust our coaching ability to unearth somebody, whether that’s a younger player, somebody with experience, or someone who maybe hasn’t hit the heights their ability suggests they should have. “We’ve got to try and unlock them. That’s probably the best word because anybody we’re bringing here, we feel there’s something there. Our budget isn’t one where we can just throw money about. “Like I said the other night at the Killie Trust event with the fans, I’m not bringing anybody here who’s not interested in engaging with the club. If somebody is chasing money, they can find another club somewhere because that isn’t us. “Why don’t you come and play for Kilmarnock and give yourself a chance?” McCann famously had an altercation with St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright during his time at Dundee, after which he said the former Killie boss was “not welcome” at Dens Park. He’s had something of a frosty reception in Perth ever since, and isn’t expecting anything different on Sunday. McCann said: “think they'll probably have long memories for that type of thing. To be honest, I normally get that type of reception anywhere I go, so I'd be disappointed if I didn't.” As well as lifting Kilmarnock clear of the relegation battle last season, the manager instilled a bold and aesthetically pleasing style of play. Does he expect the league to be more open this season? He said: “Everyone will have a wee go. I’m not sure how we're viewed by the rest of the league. Every other team might fancy we're the side they can open up against and beat. Great – bring it on. “We have got to be bullish in how we want to play. We'll respect everybody we play and every game will be different. “I was just saying that we've got different players coming in and who’ll play against different opposition. I've not got an absolute set way of playing or some mad philosophy of football. “I understand how I want to play and all the details within that, but different games sometimes demand different approaches.”