Stuart Kettlewell recently made the difficult decision to step down as the manager of Motherwell, citing personal abuse and its impact on his family as significant factors in his decision. Despite the challenges, Kettlewell asserts that he made the right choice to leave his position. His departure, a month shy of his two-year anniversary, marked one of the toughest decisions in his professional career. He was replaced by former Austria Vienna boss Michael Wimmer, with Motherwell standing fifth in the Scottish Premiership.
Kettlewell's tenure at Motherwell was marred by a minority of supporters who contributed to his exit through abusive behavior. He expressed that the football environment and society have grown more toxic regarding abuse, a sentiment he experienced firsthand, even when the team was performing well. Kettlewell recounted specific instances of abuse, notably during a game against Aberdeen in January, which affected his family deeply.
"I believe in the work that I do. I believe in the work that my staff and the players have done throughout that period of time." – Stuart Kettlewell
Despite the difficulties, Kettlewell holds fond memories of the support he received from various individuals within the football club. He cherished the solidarity shown by many during his two-year stint at Motherwell. Even after his departure, he received a message and a picture of a banner from the kit man at Motherwell, demonstrating unwavering support.
In reflecting on his decision to leave, Kettlewell emphasized that his choice was not an easy one. Leaving a managerial position voluntarily is rare, especially when discussing abuse and its ramifications on family life. Nonetheless, he remains confident in his decision.
"Sitting here three weeks down the line, I still feel that I made the correct decision. It is quite rare we see a manager walk away from a job, choose to leave, talking about abuse received and the impact that has on the family." – Stuart Kettlewell
Kettlewell was one of the longest-serving managers in the top flight at the time of his departure. However, he acknowledged that various factors contributed to his resignation. He recognized that sometimes management cycles must end and new leadership is necessary.
"As I say, it almost becomes that one where it may have to get handed over to someone else. There may be a question of whether that's the cycle of football management." – Stuart Kettlewell
Kettlewell clarified that while the abuse was directed at him, its effects reverberated through his family. Instances occurred where family members had to leave games due to hostile environments, highlighting how deeply such situations can affect loved ones.
"I think one of the things I need to clear up is that it was abuse directed at my family. That's not true. Of course, it's abuse directed directly to myself. I've said it before, it doesn't matter whether it's shouted at your wife or your children. Of course, that would be worse, but you have to understand the impact and the effect that that has on them to varying degrees." – Stuart Kettlewell
The Aberdeen game in January served as a turning point for Kettlewell. The persistent abuse during this match forced his daughter and her boyfriend to leave due to their inability to endure it any further.
"There were games where family members have had to move and leave even when we were winning games of football – I'd reference Aberdeen in January. There were games where my daughter had come independently herself with her boyfriend and they have to leave. She can't listen to it anymore." – Stuart Kettlewell
Kettlewell highlighted that football management requires knowing when to step aside and prevent overstaying one's welcome. His decision reflects a broader understanding of managerial tenures and their natural conclusions.
"You don't just keep kicking the can down the road" – Stuart Kettlewell
"You don't want to overstay your welcome" – Stuart Kettlewell
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