Motherwell manager latest as Stephen Frail opens up on supporter abuse and how his kids are 'mad' on Steelmen
Stephen Frail insists nobody should be put off the Motherwell job by the fan flak that drove out Stuart Kettlewell - because it’s not what the true Well fans are about.
The caretaker boss wouldn’t comment on his own future as he prepares the Steelmen for the visit of Celtic tomorrow. Frail is just focused on uniting the club after a damaging few days that followed Kettlewell’s resignation in which he cited abuse from the fans driving his young family away from games.
A banner draped near the Fir Park entrance on Thursday night read “Thanks for Everything Kettlewell”. And Frail - whose own two daughters Caitlin and Christie are regulars at home games - said potential new bosses need to know the Motherwell fanbase are as good as any. He said: “I would tell anyone, don't let it put you off. Because everyone’s behind this football club and want it to do well. One or two elements have taken it too far. Hopefully this can be a reset. We need to get that connectivity back.
READ MORE: Stephen O'Donnell: I've had eggs thrown at windows, I know how bad abuse can get
“I know that if I was in the frame to go for the job that wouldn't put me off. My two girls are mad on this. They love it. I'm not just saying it to curry favour with any of the other fans or whatever.
“They come with their scarves on. They hate when they don't make games. And they're so invested in it. There's been games that I've looked at and said, I know they're not there. And it doesn't feel as good, if I'm being honest. So when I know that they're there and we win, that's the first people I look for in the stand because I know where they sit.
“The abuse comes from whatever direction. Because of performances, results. That's football. But we should try and make sure it's not as acceptable as it possibly has been in the past.”
Frail has almost 25 years of coaching and management experience behind him and had two stints as caretaker at Hearts in the Vladimir Romanov era. The 55-year-old would never rule out a return to being number one - but insists he’s not even thinking about that ahead of the visit of the league leaders.
Former Preston boss has Ryan Lowe emerged as the latest candidate to replace Kettlewell along with experienced heads such as Billy Davies and John McGlynn. Frail said: “I would never shut the door totally on something like that. Definitely not. I've enjoyed this week, although I'm really disappointed that Stuart’s left because he brought me to the club. And I'll always remain loyal to him for that.
“We're sitting fifth, four points off fourth. There's a lot to be positive about. It’s an attractive job. We've spoken a lot about the fans.
“But I think all clubs have got an element of people that can maybe take things too far. So, we have got a real good fan base who are behind the team.”
Meanwhile Stephen O’Donnell is ready to renew rivalries with Jota after the winger’s sensational return to Celtic.
The Fir Park vice-captain said: "That Jota song still comes into my head sometimes! He was a good player and at that time was really tough to stop.
"Top players, the slightest switch off can at that level punish you. With Maeda, Jota, Palma, Yang and Kuhn, I think they've got some very good wingers.
"I don't think Jota was even needed! But I'm sure he adds some real quality to the team."
