Kettlewell set for top-flight return as Kilmarnock boss – Daily Business

Stuart Kettlewell is set for a rapid return to Scottish football with Kilmarnock poised to unveil him as their new manager.

The 40-year-old walked out on Motherwell in January blaming personal abuse from supporters for his decision.

He hasn’t had to wait long for another opportunity in the dug out, however, with the Ayrshire club having identified him as their No. 1 choice to replace Derek McInnes, who left Rugby Park earlier this month to take charge at Hearts.

Killie failed to make the top six this season, finishing ninth in the table.

John Carver, the Scotland assistant manager, and former Hearts boss Steven Naismith had also been linked with the post.

Kettlewell was aided by Stephen Frail during his spell at Fir Park and he will likely turn to him again as his No. 2.

The former Ross County manager was appointed as the Steelmen’s boss in 2022, taking charge of 92 games with a win percentage of 41.3 per cent.

Michael Wimmer, who replaced Kettlewell at Motherwell, quit Fir Park last week after just 12 games in charge to return home to Germany to take over as manager of third-tier outfit Jahn Regensburg.