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Stuart Kettlewell is the new manager of Motherwell Football Club.

Joining the club in the summer initially as the Lead Development Coach, Kettlewell took charge of first-team duties following the departure of Steven Hammell.

Picking up two wins, against St Mirren and Hearts, in his two games in charge, the 38-year-old was subsequently offered the job on a permanent basis, with his deal running initially to May 2024.

“Stuart impressed the board, not only with how he has got the team going in the last two games against St Mirren and Hearts, but with his vision for the club,” Chairman Jim McMahon said. 

“We took time to speak to a number of impressive candidates, each of whom had their own strengths, but Stuart was, in our eyes, the best person to take Motherwell forward.

“He has managed at this level, he’s already won a league title and a domestic cup and we could sense from him a real desire and determination to take this role on and improve us across all areas of the football department.”

He retired in 2016, having made over 300 appearances in his career turning out for Ross County, Clyde, Queen’s Park and Brora Rangers.

After announcing he was hanging up his boots in 2016, he began his coaching journey with Ross County at Under 17 level.

Working his way up the ranks, Kettlewell became Under 20s manager at Ross County, winning the 2016-17 SPFL Development League.

When Owen Coyle resigned as manager of The Staggies in March 2018, Kettlewell and then academy director Steven Ferguson were appointed co-managers of Ross County.

In their time in charge, they brought silverware to County, winning the 2018/19 Challenge Cup. They were also promoted straight back to the top flight, winning the Championship, at the first time of asking.

Alongside promotion, Kettlewell was instrumental in generating money for the club through player sales and helped steer the club through the coronavirus pandemic and behind-closed-door matches.

In June 2020, Kettlewell was placed in sole charge of the Dingwall side before leaving in December of that year.

Joining Motherwell in August, Kettlewell has been working closely with the Under 18s and Development Team to continue the progress of our young and exciting youth prospects.

“I’m immensely proud,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“It’s been a whirlwind eight or nine days.

“I had a burning desire to take the job to see if I can take this club forward and be a catalyst to what we hope will be a good chapter for the football club.”

“I genuinely think I come to Motherwell a better manager than what I was previously and I hope that is something that appeals to the Motherwell supporters.

“There’s some real good players here. I wouldn’t have taken the job had I felt there was a real issue with the playing squad.

“This is a community club. It’s important that we join that up. I think this club is unique. It now becomes my job to drive it forward.”

Stuart will name his assistant manager in due course. The vacant lead development coach role will also be filled in the near future.

We take on Kilmarnock on Saturday 25 February at Rugby Park.

Kick-off is 3pm

Tickets

Our allocation will be situated in The Chadwick stand and will be available online by clicking here until kick-off on the day of the game.

Ticket Prices

• Away End tickets will be available ONLY in the Chadwick Stand only, if an away supporter purchases a home end ticket they will be denied entry.
• Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and T&C’s apply.
• If supporters require assistance, please contact the Kilmarnock FC ticketing team at tickets@kilmarnockfc.co.uk or call 01563 545311
• Ambulant disabled tickets can be purchased directly through the Kilmarnock FC Ticket Office.
• Wheelchair tickets can be purchased directly through Kilmarnock FC disabled supporters’ representatives:

1. Peter Orr –– 01563 406390
2. Mae Orr – 07909713098

How to follow game online

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

The Story of the Match

Stuart Kettlewell takes full charge for the first time as Motherwell go into this one on the back of two confidence boosting wins over St Mirren and Hearts.

Those two wins lift the Steelmen from bottom of the league to three points above Saturday’s opponents.

Rugby Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground recently. The Ayrshire side won last time out, with Armstrong and Taylor cancelling out Van Veen’s goal in a 2-1 comeback win in August.

Match Officials

• Referee: Alan Muir
• AR1: Douglas Ross
• AR2: Sean Carr
• Fourth Official: Lloyd Wilson
• VAR: Andrew Dallas
• AVAR: David Dunne

Motherwell picked up the bonus point in the cinch Reserve League cup this afternoon against Kilmarnock at K-Park by winning the penalty shootout 4-2, with the game ending 1-1 after 90 minutes. 

Fraser Murray put Kilmarnock ahead with ten minutes remaining but Olly Crankshaw levelled the game in the 89th minute to take the game to the shootout.

Aston Oxborough would go on to save two out of Kilmarnock’s four penalties in the shootout, with Motherwell converting all four of their spot kicks.

It would be a game of few chances in the first half. Crankshaw had the ball in the net midway through the first period. The winger cut inside onto his right foot before finishing into the top corner but was adjudged to have been offside by the officials.

Oxborough was called into action to save Bobby Wales’ effort, which looked to be finishing into the corner. The Englishman got his hand to it to clear it away.

Oxborough would be involved again in the second half, with two saves from distance to keep the game level.

But Kilmarnock would dominate the ball more as the half went on and would make it count on 79 minutes. Kian Leslie crossed the ball into the danger area after some good work on the wing and Murray was on hand to head into the far corner to open the scoring.

The goal would kick Motherwell back into life and Crankshaw fired Motherwell on level terms in one of the last actions of the game. Crankshaw picked up the ball and drilled an effort from 20-yards into the bottom corner. 1-1.

Motherwell would have a golden chance to win the game after 90 minutes. Some good work from Ross Tierney would unleash Crankshaw who went through on goal but his effort was saved by the keeper.

Daniel Hunter, Stuart McKinstry and Olly Crankshaw all scored from the spot. Oxborough would save Kerr McInroy’s spot kick, with a strong hand to the bottom right.

Killie would score their next penalty however Oxborough got down well to the bottom right to save Murray’s effort from 12-yards.

Ross Tierney stepped up knowing if he finished, he would secure the bonus point for his side and he did just that, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Motherwell made it a six point week as Stuart Kettlewell made it two wins out of two in the cinch Premiership as interim manager. 

Third placed Hearts made the trip to Lanarkshire as they looked to continue their fine run of form.

But Motherwell, fought with everything and Job Obika got his side ahead with his first goal for the club on 40 minutes.

Blair Spittal scored after just 22 seconds in the second half to double the Steelmen’s advantage and to take the wind out of Hearts’ of sails.

A second win the space of four days, moved Motherwell further away from the bottom of the table as they now look to their next ‘cup final’ against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Stuart Kettlewell has stepped up to take the first-team following Steven Hammell’s departure.

The former Ross County manager said he had an open and honest conversation with the players where he made it clear that he only wants players who are with him during this tough period.

He emphasised the importance of Wednesday night’s cinch Premiership match against St Mirren and how he wants to see a reaction from this group of players.

It’s derby week as Motherwell take on Hamilton at K-Park on Sunday 26 February.

Kick-off is 1.10pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets for the match cost £8 for adults, with concessions and kids costing £3.

Cash and card are accepted at the turnstiles. There is no facility to buy tickets online before the match.

Story of the match

An international break last weekend meant both side weren’t in action.

Motherwell advanced comfortably to the Quarter Finals of the Scottish Cup with a 4-0 win over Montrose in their last outing.

The women of steel are unbeaten in their last four.

Accies lost their last two games 1-0, against Partick Thistle and Spartans respectively. Their last win came against Glasgow Women in the mid January.

Captain Liam Kelly says the players aren’t naive and know that they have caused the club to part company with manager Steven Hammell.

He says they must focus on the game against St Mirren and that talking is worth nothing at this stage of the season.

The skipper is aware of the fans’ frustrations and insists that the players must do right by interim manager Stuart Kettlewell.

“The game management was outstanding throughout the game.

“But we can’t get carried away. We’re still in a dogfight.”

We return to cinch Premiership action on Wednesday night, taking on St Mirren at Fir Park.

Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Tickets

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

Ticket Office open from 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility

Away supporters can purchase tickets in the Tommy McLean stand from the ticket booth up until kick-off (cash and card available)

Ticket office opening times
Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9-4pm, matchday 11am – kick-off.

Hospitality

There are still hospitality places available for this match in the Centenary Suite.  Watch the game in style with prices starting from just £35pp.

Call 01698 338008 or book online.

Cooper Bar
We’re open from 5.30pm on the first floor of our Cooper stand. Fans and children of both clubs are welcome to join us for food and drink.

How to follow game online

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

The Story of the Match

Stuart Kettlewell takes temporary charge of the Steelmen after Saturday’s Scottish Cup exit and his side go into this game desperately in need of some home points.

The Buddies’ visit to Fir Park is their twelfth away game of the season and they have only won two of them as they look to stay in the top six

On the flip side, this will be Motherwell’s twelfth home league game and they have only won one of those.

Motherwell are undefeated in the last three head-to-heads at Fir Park and will be looking for more of the same to halt a dismal run of home form.

Match Officials

• Referee: John Beaton
• AR1: Alastair Mather
• AR2: Gordon Crawford
• Fourth Official: Dan McFarlane
• VAR: Euan Anderson
• AVAR: Andrew McWilliam