Born in Scotland on 14 September 1995, Stuart Findlay, figuratively stands tall not only in his 6ft 3in (1.91m) build and hefty 12st 12lb (82kg) weight but also in his defensive capabilities on the pitch. Currently wearing the number 17 jersey for Kilmarnock, Findlay primarily functions as a central defender and has consistently shown his mettle.
Findlay, who initially transferred from Celtic to Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship on a loan in January 2014, accrued a total of 14 first team appearances in his debut season. However, the defender later had a stint with Dumbarton, making 15 league appearances following his loan from Celtic to Dumbarton in January 2015.
Landing in Kilmarnock in July 2015, Findlay sent waves across the footballing community in his first season 2015-2016 with the team, getting onto the field 22 times. He replicated his efforts in later seasons, with appearances ranging from 18 in the 2019-2020 season to 37 in the 2023-2024 season. Across various seasons, Findlay notched up impressive statistics, scoring a total of 7 league goals during his time at Kilmarnock, thus far.
A short period saw Findlay exiting the Scottish Premiership for the English Premier League, transferring from Celtic to Newcastle United in July 2016. However, he would make his return to Kilmarnock the following year, bringing his defensive robustness back to the Scottish Premiership.
Findlay would transfer once again from the Scottish Premiership, leaving Kilmarnock for the MLS in the USA, specifically for Philadelphia Union, in February 2021. The transfer fee was around £250k, showcasing the value attributed to the Scot. He made strides, albeit smaller, making a total of 11 first team appearances in league matches across two seasons.
Just a year later, Findlay moved to Oxford United in the English Championship, switched clubs and continents again for an undisclosed fee. He made a considerable 28 first team appearances in the 2022-2023 season. However, his role in taking the Scottish Premiership by storm would recommence following his loan from Oxford United to Kilmarnock in July 2023.
Findlay's shrewd and tactful defensive play has also seen him participate in multiple competitions, including the League Cup 2024-2025 and Conference League Qualifiers 2024-2025 for Kilmarnock, starting five matches.
In conclusion, Stuart Findlay's versatility and consistent performances reflect his unwavering commitment to football at every level of competition, finely honed during his years with Celtic, Kilmarnock and various other clubs. His ascent in the footballing world is testament to his prowess not just in defending but also occasionally striking the back of the net, making him a versatile and valued asset to any team he graces.
