How Kettlewell is changing minds at Kilmarnock

At the end of May, Stuart Kettlewell’s appointment did not appeal to some Kilmarnock fans. The polite version was “Underwhelming.”

However, after their first league victory of the year, some of those same Tannadice fans chanted his name four months later.

That figure might surprise you on paper.

Kettlewell’s first Scottish Premiership victory came after six games, and his team exited the competition in the quarter-finals. However, that doesn’t fully convey the message.

Fans enjoyed what they saw during his 12 games in charge. There has been a clear style of play, young players have excelled, and fresh signings have quickly bonded.

When former Ross County and Motherwell manager Kettlewell was revealed, it would be fair to say that there was a sex difference.

Fans of BBC Sport Scotland were quick to voice their opinions, but it wasn’t entirely agreeable.

Martin: Terrible appointment, County County failure, Motherwell bailout before being fired. Board sucked in by his “word soup” and ignores protests from fans (polling 90% against). A relegation fight is in hand. Regret the season ticket’s early renewal.

Davey: Absolutely content. possesses a reputation for introducing young players into the Scottish game. No doubt, everyone will yell at everyone regardless of their position.

Peter, Kettlewell is a cheap choice.

Some argued that the board had no intention of doing it, while others argued that the fans should continue to support him regardless.

Martin’s comment, which is above, may have been a little harsh. Cleveland and co-manager Steven Ferguson contributed to County’s rise to the top, while Motherwell finished fifth in the league when he left.

Kettlewell didn’t let that initial skepticism manifest in his writing.

Kilmarnock hit the ground running in the League Cup after missing his honeymoon and making a full pre-season trip to the Netherlands with his team.

Following a respectable victory over Livingston, Brora Rangers won favorably. A win over East Fife guaranteed passage to the second round while a penalty shootout loss to Kelty Hearts appeared a blip.

However, it wasn’t quite as straightforward in the league.

The manager was initially disappointed with what he had seen, saying that he had “bit your hand off” for such a campaign-launching moment after the League Cup second round win over United.

The only loss to date, at least in the last 90 minutes, was against Celtic, and that was in the 96th minute penalty debate.

In previous games, Kettlewell claimed that “we weren’t a million miles away from where we wanted to be” after Saturday’s victory at Tannadice.

Did St. Mirren and Celtic have a good game plan, in your opinion? Yes. In the end, we were dealt two bitter blows and faced penalties.

“That can create a negative atmosphere around the circumstance. However, today we received our just rewards because the performances were excellent. The players were boosted by that belief and confidence.

Kuttlewell’s attacking yet pragmatic play is highly recommended.

George Stanger, Lewis Mayo, and Robbie Deas make a strong back-three, and he has consistently chosen his players.

Although both Jamie Brandon and Ben Brannan have recently experienced injury issues, both were first-choice wingbacks and excelled.

After arriving in the summer, Marcus Dackers and Djenairo Daniels have forged a physical partnership.

However, David Watson is the real star. Former manager Derek McInnes frequently left the midfielder on the bench during the second half of last year, but he has since found a new life.

Watson has also praised his new boss, while Kettlewell has previously had young talents (Lennon Miller was his ingenue at Motherwell).

The 20-year-old said, “He’s been helpful, not just for me, but for other young lads.” He has been fantastic. Every day, young boys are training, which opens up opportunities for academy players.

Fans want to see their team win, but they also want to see young players succeed and see their team play well.

Kettlewell has so far fulfilled those expectations. Before the win at Tannadice, Kilmarnock have already won one of their past 15 road victories in the league.