‘He fits our vision’ – Kettlewell replaces McInnes at Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock have confirmed the appointment of Stuart Kettlewell as their new manager.

The former Motherwell and Ross County boss replaces Derek McInnes, who left the Rugby Park club to join Hearts earlier this month.

Kettlewell, 40, left Fir Park in January citing personal abuse during a run of poor results.

However, he impressed Kilmarnock chairman Billy Bowie and his fellow directors enough during interviews to be offered a two-year deal. Stevie Frail will again assist Kettlewell with Chris Burke and Craig Clark as coaches.

Scotland assistant John Carver and former Killie forward Steven Naismith had also been linked with the post.

“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,” a club statement said.

“We identified Stuart as the best candidate to lead Kilmarnock into an exciting new chapter.

In appointing a new manager, Kilmarnock have clearly been eager to avoid any of the complications that surrounded the departure of McInnes.

That all got a bit tricky with the mounting speculation followed by a defeat at Motherwell and the understandable dismay of some fans.

The decision that McInnes wouldn’t be in charge for the final match of the season against his prospective new employers was clearly an exercise in damage limitation.

Kettlewell was not an unexpected candidate. He is available and can point to a strong evidence of work at Motherwell and Ross County.

Amy: I’ve not seen one Kilmarnock fan who supports this. Cheap option and one that confirms us as bottom-six fodder.

David M: He didn’t really get a chance at Motherwell. I always respect his honesty.

Ryan: Risk is a massive factor with Kettlewell. When you consider the manner in which he departed his previous position, surely it has to be considered a real possibility that he would walk again, on his own terms, if he wasn’t happy?

Ross: Given some of the other names touted, the prospect of Kettlewell is a little underwhelming. He didn’t exactly set the heather on fire during his last job.