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

Stuart Kettlewell has been appointed as Kilmarnock’s new manager, according to Kilmarnock.

Derek McInnes, who left the Rugby Park club earlier this month to join Hearts, is the new boss of Motherwell and Ross County.

Kettlewell, 40, left Fir Park in January citing personal abuse resulting from a poor campaign.

However, he received a two-year deal after impressing Kilmarnock chairman Billy Bowie and his fellow directors enough in interviews. With Chris Burke and Craig Clark serving as coaches, Steve Frail will once more assist Kettlewell.

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

In a statement from the organization, the club stated that they had a thorough search for a candidate who had a track record of hiring and developing players, including young talent and had a deep understanding of Scottish football.

“We chose Stuart to start a new chapter in Kilmarnock,” the company said.

In choosing a new manager, Kilmarnock clearly had an eye on avoiding any issues that came with McInnes’ departure.

With the growing rumors, a defeat at Motherwell, and some understandable dismay from some fans, things got a little tricky.

It was obvious that McInnes’ decision to not take over for his final game against his prospective new employers was a case of “damage limitation.”

Kettlewell didn’t come along unexpectedly. He is accessible and capable of citing compelling work history at Ross County and Motherwell.

David M: At Motherwell, he had no real chance. His sincerity is always mine.

Ryan, Kettlewell has a lot of risk. If he wasn’t happy, surely it has to be considered a real possibility that he would walk again on his own terms when you consider how he left his previous position?

Ross: Given some of the other names being praised, Kettlewell’s potential is a little unwelcoming. During his previous job, he didn’t specifically ignite the heather.