And so, Motherwell are searching for their fourth manager in just under three years after Stuart Kettlewell’s shock exit.
The Fir Park club yesterday confirmed they had been forced to reluctantly accept their boss’ resignation with his decision taken because of the unacceptable abuse he has been on the end of from supporters.
The Steelmen sit fifth in the Premiership and are contenders for a European spot but some fans have been unhappy with recent form and apparently the style of play.
Four without a win in all competitions, Well also have just one win from nine. But it has been their first difficult run of the campaign after a strong start.
It many now be seen as a poisoned chalice, but Not the Old Firm has already run the rule over some of the candidates to be the next Motherwell manager.
But what are the fans saying about it all?
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Motherwell fans ‘sad’ over Kettlewell exit
It may have been supporters that have driven Kettlewell out, but it would appear to have been a vocal minority who were against him.
The reaction to his departure, and particularly the nature of it, looks to be one of sadness. But there is also a frustration as the detractors are told to be careful what they wish for.
One supporter said on social media: “The saddest thing about Kettlewell is that he’s just gave power to the Motherwell fans that seem to think we were Barca at one point. The modern day sack culture in football is counterproductive, sack a manager, rotate a whole playing squad & repeat! I hope we don’t regret it!”
Another wrote: “This is very bad for the club btw. Potentially turning possibility of a euro finish into guaranteed relegation scrap. Him and his team deserve criticism for the way they’ve played recently but this is just madness. A PR nightmare for the club also with the headlines.”
This fan said: “A terribly sad situation. I hope that we as fans can reflect on this and do things differently. A manager with an impressive win record who has developed players and brought in significant transfer revenue. Thank you for everything, Stuart.”
This one added: ” Genuinely think a lot of Well fans need to take a good, long hard look at themselves as well after this. Seen a lot of the abuse over the last few weeks on here and quite frankly a lot of it has been totally embarrassing. Be careful what you wish for.”
Whole another said: “Good man hounded out of the club, made us over £2m in fees, kept us up first season, developed young players and has us in top 6. That’s last 4 managers support have chased out the club.”
Not everyone was on the same wavelength though and one fan said: “See this shout of where do well fans expect to be sitting, I couldn’t care less about where we finish as long as it’s no 11/12.
“What I do care about is actually trying to win games, see an actual shot at goal, no sitting in letting other teams batter us and try to nick it.
Another added: “50/50 on this, especially after SK’s comments of late. Survived a 16 game winless spell last year but heading a similar way again shows that for all his ship-steadying, his management & tactics seem to rock the boat in the first place. Not the worst boss, but far from the best.”
What have Motherwell said about Stuart Kettlewell?
The club’s statement reads: “Motherwell Football Club can confirm the Club Board of Directors have very reluctantly accepted the resignation of Stuart Kettlewell today.
“Stuart approached Chief Executive Brian Caldwell on Monday morning to explain why he wished to resign.
“Stuart explained that some of the personal abuse was now affecting his family, to the point where they didn’t wish to attend games.
“As a result, he felt it would be best if he tendered his resignation.
“Since being appointed manager in February 2023, Stuart has managed 92 games overall, boasting a win percentage of 41.3%, the highest of any Motherwell manager since Stuart McCall.
“He guided Motherwell to safety, narrowly missing out on top-six football in his first three months in charge, collecting 30 points out of a possible 42.
“The good form ran into 2023/24, when Motherwell went ten league games without defeat, the longest run since 2010, and again, narrowly missed out on top-six football.
“This season, he guided the club back to Hampden for the first time in six years in the Premier Sports Cup and has the team sitting fifth in the league currently.
“All of this was achieved despite the sale of a number of key players for substantial transfer fees.
“The club wishes to thank Stuart for his hard work and total dedication during his time at the club. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
CEO Brian Caldwell added: “It’s really sad that Stuart felt that the time was right to move on.
“He had an exceptional record and has generated an impressive amount of transfer income for the club.
“He has been a critical factor in the development of Motherwell Academy Graduates, as well as developing young loan players during his tenure.
“When Stuart approached me, I was very disappointed to learn the effect this was having on his family and how he was feeling. No Manager, player, or club employee, every one of whom gives their all for the club, should feel this way.
“We therefore had no option but to reluctantly accept his resignation in the best interests of Stuart and his family. As a fan-owned, community-driven football club, we will always look after our own.”