Stuart Kettlewell's ambition for Motherwell in the future is a big reason why he has landed the manager's job.
Jack Ross and Grant McCann were also in the frame for the post left vacant by Steven Hammell after a tough Premiership campaign to date left them in the relegation dogfight. But Kettlewell's two wins as interim gaffer has been enough to convince the Fir Park board he is the right man for the job.
He has been appointed on a deal until the summer of 2024. Experienced former Premier League manager Ian Holloway had held talks and was an eye-catching name in the Motherwell frame, but chairman Jim McMahon insists Kettlewell's short tenure proved all he needed to know. He said: "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.
“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.
Kettlewell added: "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. I hope that is something that appeals to the Motherwell supporters."
