The 2006-07 campaign was a season of consolidation and a memorable cup run for Kilmarnock, with The Killie securing an impressive 5th-place finish in the Scottish Premier League under manager Jim Jefferies, maintaining their status as a competitive top-six side on a small budget. The year was defined by their exciting run to the Scottish League Cup Final at Hampden Park, where they ultimately fell to Hibernian. Leading the charge was the emerging young forward Steven Naismith, whose 15 league goals, and subsequent SPFA Young Player of the Year award, proved vital, marking his breakout season as a top talent in Scottish football.