How Kettlewell is changing minds at Kilmarnock

Stuart Kettlewell was not a popular choice among some Kilmarnock fans when he was appointed at the end of May. “Underwhelming” was the polite version.

But four months later, some of those same fans were singing his name at Tannadice following their first league victory of the season.

On paper, that statistic might come as a surprise.

It took Kettlewell six games to find that first Scottish Premiership win, and his side went out of the Premier Sports Cup at the quarter-final stage. But that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Supporters have liked what they’ve seen in his 12 games in charge. There’s been a clear style of play, youth players have shone and new signings have gelled quickly.

There’s plenty of green shoots – with a league record of one win, one defeat and four draws – and the 2-0 victory over Dundee United might just be the beginning.

It would be fair to say reaction was split when former Ross County and Motherwell manager Kettlewell was announced.

Fans who got in touch with BBC Sport Scoltand were quick to have their say, but it was by no means unanimous.

Martin: Terrible appointment, failed at County and bailed out at Motherwell before he was fired. Board ignoring protests from fans (polling 90% against) and suckered in by his ‘word soup’. Relegation battle ahead. Regret early renewal of season ticket.

Davey: Perfectly happy. Knows the Scottish game, has a reputation for bringing young players through. No doubt plenty will moan; wouldn’t matter who got the job.

Peter: Kettlewell the cheap option.

Some suggested it showed a lack of ambition from the board, while others argued the fans should unite behind him regardless.

Martin, whose comment is above, might have been a bit harsh. Kettlewell – alongside co-manager Steven Ferguson – helped get County up the table, while Motherwell sat fifth in the league when he left.

His Fir Park departure came as a shock, and was a decision Kettlewell made himself, citing a personal abuse that he had received from Well fans.

If that initial scepticism did affect Kettlewell, he didn’t let it show.

Buoyed by a full pre-season – he skipped his honeymoon for a trip to the Netherlands with his squad – Kilmarnock hit the ground running in the League Cup.

A decent win over Brora Rangers was followed by a gritty victory over Livingston. A penalty shootout loss to Kelty Hearts appeared a blip, while a win against East Fife secured passage to the second round.

It wasn’t quite as straightforward in the league, though.

Four draws drew frustration, but the manager was relatively happy with what he had seen, saying after the League Cup second round win over United that he’d have “bitten your hand off” for such a start to the campaign.

The only loss so far, in 90 minutes at least, has come against Celtic – and that was thanks to a contentious 96th-minute penalty.

After Saturday’s win at Tannadice, Kettlewell told BBC Scotland: “We weren’t a million miles away from where we wanted to be [in previous games].

“Did we execute the game plan pretty well against St Mirren and Celtic? Yes. We were dealt two bitter blows and penalties cost us, ultimately.

“That can surround the situation in negativity. But the performances have been good and today we got our just rewards. That gave the players a bit of extra confidence and belief.

“It’s not been a million miles from what we’ve had through the course of the season. The level of consistency has been excellent.”

Kettlewell’s attacking, yet pragmatic, style of play has been commended.

He has been consistent in his selections, with George Stanger, Lewis Mayo and Robbie Deas making a solid back-three.

Jamie Brandon and youngster Ben Brannan were first-choice wing-backs and excelled, although both have been struck down with injury of late.

Up top, Marcus Dackers and Djenairo Daniels have formed a physical partnership after arriving in the summer.

The real star though, has been David Watson. The midfielder was frequently left on the bench by former manager Derek McInnes in the second half of last season but has been given a new lease of life.

Kettlewell has previous with young talents – Lennon Miller was his ingenue at Motherwell – and Watson has also been full of praise for his new boss.

“He’s been helpful, not just for me, but for other young lads,” the 20-year-old said. “He’s been brilliant. There’s young boys training every day, so it opens up opportunities for academy players.”

Fans want to see their team win, but they want to see them play well and see young players come through.

So far, Kettlewell is ticking those boxes. He’s even started turning round the away form – Kilmarnock have won one of their past 15 on the road in the league before the win at Tannadice.

It’s early days, but the signs are promising. Keep up the performances, and the results should start coming.