Stuart Kettlewell resigns as Motherwell manager with club fifth in Scottish Premiership
Motherwell have "very reluctantly" accepted the resignation of manager Stuart Kettlewell following "personal abuse"; Motherwell sit fifth in the Scottish Premiership and face Celtic on Sunday, live on Sky Sports; assistant Stephen Frail in caretaker charge at Fir Park
Tuesday 28 January 2025 17:32, UK
Stuart Kettlewell has quit as manager of Motherwell after revealing "personal abuse" started "affecting his family".
In a statement, Motherwell - who face Celtic live on Sky Sports on Sunday - said they "very reluctantly" accepted the resignation.
Kettlewell took the decision on Monday and explained to the club's CEO Brian Caldwell that the abuse has resulted in his family wanting to stay away from matches.
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The 40-year-old's departure comes one month prior to his two-year anniversary in charge and he leaves the club fifth in the Scottish Premiership.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat at bottom-side St Johnstone was the Fir Park side's third consecutive loss and leaves them with just one win from nine matches.
Assistant manager Stephen Frail will take charge of the team for Sunday's match against Celtic, assisted by Jon Obika, Richard Foster, and the backroom staff.
Frail 'shocked and gutted' by 'brave decision'
Speaking to Sky Sports News, caretaker boss Stephen Frail said: "There was a lot of shock around the club when Stuart announced his decision. From a personal point of view, I am really, really gutted and disappointed.
"He was the man that brought me to this football club and I'm really sorry to see him go. I know I can speak for the rest of the staff and the players, they were really disappointed.
"From a personal point of view, it's really sad to see a young, vibrant, exciting manager have to come to that decision.
"I think the last couple of results have probably moved him towards that decision. It's easier looking back now in hindsight, but you could see it in his face that it was taking its toll.
"We know fans pay hard-earned money to come and watch games of football and there'll be frustrations. But when the level of abuse that he received from some quarters of the stands becomes personal - it's really, really tough to take.
"I know how much he has tried to carry it and he's trying to deal with it, but as soon as it starts affecting the people closest to you - then I think you've got a decision to make.
"It is an incredibly brave decision because he's still a young man with a young family, he has to work.
"His record at this football club has been fantastic, in my opinion with a 41 per cent win rate.
"Fifth place - with our budget - is fantastic. Results sometimes don't go your way, performances don't go your way, but I would urge the fans to really look at it.
"The manager's win rate, the money he's brought to the football club with guys like Kevin van Veen leaving, Theo Bair who came in for nothing, Mika Biereth, who then gets a loan from Arsenal here and does really, really well. So I think that's all in his favour.
"I hope the fans look at that, take a wee step back and think - because I think it's a brave decision from a man who has got real passion for this football club."
Caldwell 'very disappointed by abuse'
In a statement, Motherwell CEO Brian Caldwell said: "It's really sad that Stuart felt that the time was right to move on.
"He had an exceptional record and has generated an impressive amount of transfer income for the club.
"He has been a critical factor in the development of Motherwell academy graduates, as well as developing young loan players during his tenure.
"When Stuart approached me, I was very disappointed to learn the effect this was having on his family and how he was feeling. No manager, player, or club employee, every one of whom gives their all for the club, should feel this way.
"We therefore had no option but to reluctantly accept his resignation in the best interests of Stuart and his family. As a fan-owned, community-driven football club, we will always look after our own."
Motherwell's next six fixtures
February 2: Celtic (H) - Scottish Premiership - live on Sky Sports
February 15: Ross County (H) - Scottish Premiership
February 22: Dundee Utd (A) - Scottish Premiership
February 26: Dundee (H) - Scottish Premiership
March 1: Rangers (A) - Scottish Premiership
March 15: St Mirren (H) - Scottish Premiership
