Stuart Kettlewell resigns over Motherwell fan abuse that forced family to leave game early in TEARS
Stuart Kettlewell resigned as Motherwell manager after his family were left in the firing line following back-to-back defeats at St Johnstone.
Record Sport broke the story that the 40-year-old was set to step down after almost two years at the helm. Kettlewell had led Motherwell to fifth in the Premiership but it wasn’t enough for some supporters who have turned on their boss following the league defeat to Saints at McDiarmid Park.
It came on the back of their Scottish Cup exit at St Johnstone the week before and the abuse left some of his closest family members in tears and forced others to leave the game early on Saturday. A ‘Well statement read: “Motherwell Football Club can confirm the club’s board of directors have very reluctantly accepted the resignation of Stuart Kettlewell today. Stuart approached Chief Executive Brian Caldwell on Monday morning to explain why he wished to resign. Stuart explained that some of the personal abuse was now affecting his family, to the point where they didn’t wish to attend games. As a result, he felt it would be best if he tendered his resignation.”
Motherwell’s board now have to start the process to appoint Kettlewell’s successor and they are looking to make an experienced appointment. They have big shoes to fill as the former Ross County boss led the Steelmen to fifth with one of the smallest budgets in the league.
Motherwell haven’t won in their last four games but a lot of that was down to a crippling injury list. At one point, Motherwell had up to 10 players injured including captain Paul McGinn and Ashton Oxborough.
Kettlewell had a win average of more than a 41.3 % win rate since he took over from Stevie Hammell back in February 2023. He dragged them out of the relegation fight and to the top of the bottom six. The following season they finished ninth and this campaign they were in the top six.
Kettlewell has also helped develop some of the club’s top rising talent, like Lennon Miller and Ewan Wilson. Motherwell rejected a £2.5 million offer from Udinese for Miller last week He had also proved to have an eye in the transfer market, bringing in Theo Bair on a free transfer and then selling him to Auxerre for more than £2 million in the summer.
Motherwell chiefs tried to convince him to change his mind but Kettlewell had already made his decision. 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.
"The club wishes to thank Stuart for his hard work and total dedication during his time at the club. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Assistant manager Stephen Frail will take interim charge for the weekend clash with Celtic, along with coaches Richard Foster and Jon Obika.
