Stuart Kettlewell

Stuart Kettlewell (born 4 June 1984) is a Scottish professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Ross County. He played as a midfielder for Queen's Park, Clyde, Ross County and Brora Rangers. Kettlewell has since managed Ross County (two spells), Motherwell and Kilmarnock.

Playing career Queen's Park Kettlewell began his career with Queen's Park. He made 182 appearances for the Spiders in all competitions, scoring 11 goals, and held the captain's armband from 2006 until he left the club.

Clyde Kettlewell became Clyde's first summer signing of 2008, when he joined the Broadwood side on 19 May. He made his Clyde debut in July 2008, in a 2–0 victory over Annan Athletic in the Scottish Challenge Cup. He was appointed team captain before the game. His contract was terminated in June 2009, following Clyde's relegation and financial troubles.

Ross County On 11 June 2009, Kettlewell signed for Ross County. He made his debut on 8 August 2009, in a 2–1 win against Airdrie United. In May 2013, Kettlewell signed a new contract at Ross County after the club had finished fifth in their first season in the Scottish Premier League. He had an operation to cure a hip injury just before his contract expired at the end of the 2013–14 season.

Brora Rangers Kettlewell then signed for Highland League club Brora Rangers. On 2 May 2015, he scored the winning kick in a penalty shootout, after a 2–2 aggregate draw, as Brora defeated Lowland League champions Edinburgh City in a promotion play-off. Brora then lost a promotion / relegation playoff against Montrose, who had finished last in 2014–15 Scottish League Two.

Coaching career Ross County Kettlewell returned to Ross County to coach their under-20 team in 2016. Under his management, County won the 2016–17 SPFL Development League. After Owen Coyle resigned in March 2018, Kettlewell and academy director Steve Ferguson were appointed co-managers at Ross County. Under their management, County won the Scottish Championship title and lifted the Scottish Challenge Cup trophy. This arrangement continued until June 2020, when Kettlewell was placed in sole control. Kettlewell was sacked on 19 December 2020, after a 2–0 defeat against Hamilton left the club four points adrift at the bottom of the 2020–21 Scottish Premiership table and had won only one of their last 16 league games.

Motherwell On 3 October 2022, Kettlewell was appointed lead development coach at Motherwell. He became their caretaker manager in February 2023, after Steven Hammell was sacked. He led them to victories in their first two games, and then became their manager on a permanent basis on 22 February. In February 2024, Motherwell extended their contract with Kettlewell as their manager until May 2025. Kettlewell resigned as Motherwell manager on 27 January 2025 citing the personal abuse he and his family had received from some of the fans, and left the club fifth in the Premiership table.

Kilmarnock Kettlewell was appointed manager of Kilmarnock in May 2025 after the departure of Derek McInnes. On 15 December, after seven months in charge, Kettlewell departed with the club second bottom of the Scottish Premiership table.

Return to Ross County Kettlewell returned to Ross County for a second spell as manager on 30 December 2025. Under Kettlewell, County were relegated to Scottish League One for the first time in 18 years.

Managerial statistics

Initially co-manager at Ross County with Steven Ferguson until 10 June 2020 Initially interim at Motherwell and appointed permanently on 22 February 2023

Honours Player Ross County Scottish Challenge Cup winners (1): 2010–11 SFL First Division winners (1): 2011–12

Brora Rangers Highland Football League winners (1): 2014–15 North of Scotland Cup winners (1): 2014–15

Manager Ross County

Scottish Championship winners (1): 2018–19 Scottish Challenge Cup winners (1): 2018–19

Individual Scottish Championship Manager of the Season (1): 2018–19 Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month (1): February 2023 Scottish Championship Manager of the Month (3): September 2018, October 2018, April 2019