By Jack Daly

Motherwell are currently searching for their fourth manager in just under four years, following the recent resignation of Stuart Kettlewell due to a barrage of abuse from a sector of fans.

The question is, what is the problem and why the abuse? Kettlewell had the highest win percentage of any Motherwell manger since Stuart McCall who left the club over 10 years ago. The ‘Steel Men’ are on the verge of gaining two top six finishes within the space of four years which could have been three had they not narrowly missed out finishing 7th in 22/23. Do the Motherwell fans and the Motherwell board expect more?

Stuart Kettlewell during press conference (Ross MacDonald-SNS Group via Gettyimages)

It’s only natural to want your team to succeed. However, perhaps a more realistic and patient approach would be better. Motherwell are a fan-owned club with the ‘Well Society’ being the majority shareholder. And as football fans we all universally groan

when we see mangers leaving a club after a bad spell of form or not being given a proper chance in the dug-out. What is baffling is that as a fan-owned club, they have allowed a section of their support to effectively chase their best performing manager in ten years out of the club through a barrage of criticism and abuse.

However, before his resignation Kettlewell proved to be something of a fan favourite at Fir Park with Motherwell’s average attendance rising over 1000 spectators under his regime. For example, in Kettlwell’s only full campaign with the club, Motherwell gained their highest number of spectators in a season since 2018/19.

What is clear to see is that the Motherwell faithful wanted to see a more entertaining brand of football. Motherwell, this season, have an average of 9.8 shots per game but only average 37.7% possession per game.

The Steel Men also average an average of 1.21 goals per game this season. This is eerily similar to Stevie Hamill’s teams record in 2021/22. The stats show that this Motherwell team aren’t doing enough to get forward and put teams out of their misery. However, this Motherwell team are getting results.

Motherwell fans at game against St Johnstone (Ross MacDonald-SNS Group via Gettyimages)

Motherwell have won nine games so far this season. They are evenly matched between home and away results. Under Kettlewell’s regime Motherwell also managed to get the clubs first league win at Ibrox in 27 years, which makes his exit all the more surprising. Even experienced players like Andy Halliday expressed their views, saying: ‘I certainly wasn’t expecting it, and my teammates weren’t expecting it either.’

Motherwell fan Lewis Wardrope said ‘Personally I never heard any abuse directed at Kettlewell it was always directed at the team. It was the play style that was criticized. At no point during a Motherwell game did I think “we look like scoring here.” Wardrope disagreed with the abuse he received and did not think it was merited. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that’s no excuse to target an individual. It’s a bit of bittersweet, depending on the new manager Fir Park may see better and more attacking football.”

So, what’s next? Many suiters have been linked to the Fir Park dug out. Suggested names include Ayr United’s Scott Brown, a young and hungry manager who’s taken inspiration from many managers such as Brendan Rodgers and former Scotland manager Gordan Strachan.

They have also been linked with Falkirk manager John McGlynn, however. Would he want to stay where he is and see if he can bring the topflight challenge to Falkirk.

Neil Lennon has also been linked with the Motherwell job. His trophy haul speaks for itself and his man management in Scotland is regarded as second to none.

If the Motherwell fans are looking to see some fierce attacking football the best option for them in Scott Brown. The honest men have scored the second highest number of goals in the championship and have conceded the 3rd least. They are also picking up an average of at least 2 points per game sitting just 2 points behind a Falkirk team who have previously been unstoppable.

Scott Brown with former manager Brendan Rodgers (Craig Foy-SNS Group via Gettyimages)

Brown would surely love a crack at the whip in the Scottish topflight and with Motherwell this is a perfect opportunity. Hopefully the fans will be far more patient with the next incumbent.

Kettlewells Calamitas Exit