Stuart Kettlewell appointed Kilmarnock manager on two-year deal as he replaces Derek McInnes at Rugby Park
Former Motherwell and Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell has taken over at Rugby Park on a deal until the summer of 2027; Kilmarnock had been searching for a new manager since Derek McInnes left for Hearts last Monday; the club finished ninth in the Scottish Premiership last season
Monday 26 May 2025 17:33, UK
Kilmarnock have appointed Stuart Kettlewell as their new manager.
As revealed by Sky Sports News on Sunday, the former Motherwell and Ross County boss has replaced Derek McInnes, who left Rugby Park to join Hearts last Monday.
Kettlewell, 40, has signed a two-year deal at the club, as he returns to the dugout for the first time since January, following his exit from Fir Park.
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He will be assisted by Stephen Frail, while Chris Burke and Craig Clark - who were in interim charge for Killie's last game of the season - complete Kettlewell's backroom team.
Sky Sports News understands Killie chiefs were keen to act quickly and replace McInnes, with Motherwell and Dundee among those also searching for new managers.
It is believed the club interviewed around six candidates after whittling down an extensive list of options, with Kettlewell impressing Rugby Park bosses.
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Former Kilmarnock forward Steven Naismith and Scotland assistant John Carver had been linked with the post.
Kilmarnock finished ninth in the Scottish Premiership this season, having also been in Europe at the start of the campaign.
A statement from Kilmarnock's board of directors added: "The club conducted a thorough recruitment process, where we were looking for a candidate who has a track record in recruiting and developing players, including young talent and has a strong understanding of Scottish football. We identified Stuart as the best candidate to lead Kilmarnock into an exciting new chapter.
"Stuart's experiences, paired with the above, fits our vision and desires for the future of Kilmarnock."
'My job doesn't have to be my family's life'
Kettlewell quit his post at Fir Park in January, with Motherwell stating that "some of the personal abuse (Kettlewell was receiving) was now affecting his family, to the point where they didn't wish to attend games".
Asked at his Rugby Park unveiling if his family would attend Killie games, he said: "That then becomes a choice, that becomes a choice everybody has.
"So from my side of things, that will moving forward become a choice for me.
"Again, you understand that people will jump on that conversation and that topic but I can categorically tell you that it won't affect me doing my job and it won't affect my family's life in any way.
"I think I've been very categoric, if anybody wants to go over and look at any words that I've said in any quotes that I've made, at no point have I ever asked for a cuddle, at no point have I ever asked that you feel sorry for me.
"I made a decision, stood by my decision, still do to this day.
"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.
"I believe that it's a good fit and then ultimately everything's about when the ball starts rolling. We all know that we can talk about so many things about your plans and your processes and all the rest of it, but you're always judged when the ball starts rolling.
"But I can safely say with the nucleus of the squad that's here, it's a group that I'm really looking forward to working with."
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