Scottish Premiership club Kilmarnock Football Club announced the appointment of former Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell as their new manager, on a two-year contract. The 40-year-old makes his return to the dugout after stepping down from the top job at Motherwell back in January. When he departed the club, it was marooned in fifth place in the Scottish Premiership. Kettlewell’s experience and understanding of Scottish football impressed the Rugby Park board during an extensive interview process that considered approximately six candidates.
Kettlewell’s appointment will be a significant one as Kilmarnock looks to push beyond this past season’s ninth place finish in the Scottish Premiership. When the campaign started, with Liverpool’s ambitious summer spending, the goal was to challenge for places in European competitions. Unfortunately, they underdelivered on those aspirations. Kettlewell’s track record with player recruitment and development, especially regarding young talent, aligns with the club’s goals for future growth and success.
Recruitment Process
The Kilmarnock board opened up a wide-reaching recruitment process to fill the role of their next manager. That decision followed hot on the heels of Derek McInnes departing to become head coach at Hearts. The club was looking for a candidate with a profound knowledge of Scottish football. Secondly, they needed an alternative to the recruiting machine — someone who could develop players like no one else.
Kilmarnock’s new management were said to have gone through an exhaustive interview process, ruling out around six candidates before settling on Kettlewell. It’s hard to overstate the importance of his previous successes, as Motherwell manager, in his selection. Kettlewell stated, “That then becomes a choice, that becomes a choice everybody has,” highlighting his commitment to making impactful decisions for the team.
Coaching Staff Structure
Along with Kettlewell, Stephen Frail will be in as his assistant, providing extra know-how to the coaching ranks. Chris Burke and Craig Clark coached the team in its last game of the season. They remain on the first-team coaching staff, their coaching roles continuing as well. This continuity is a source of strength to Kilmarnock. It gives the organization an opportunity to retool and improve its prospects while looking ahead toward a bright new season.
Kettlewell was humbled by the opportunity and knew that collaboration and working as a collective would be vital among the coaching staff. “So from my side of things, that will moving forward become a choice for me,” he remarked, emphasizing his approach to leadership and teamwork.
Future Aspirations
As Kettlewell gets to work in his new role, he knows the challenges are plenty. He aims to reinvigorate the squad and instill a competitive spirit as they prepare for the upcoming season. His experience at the coal face of Scottish football will prove invaluable in steering the team back towards winning ways.
I believe I’m a humble enough person to admit that you learn little bits yourself as well and one of the things that I’ve spoken about is that this is my job – it doesn’t have to be my family’s life – and I really do stand by that. This perspective is shared by ARC Director Kettlewell, showcasing his professional dedication to maintaining a work-life balance.
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