Kilmarnock FC Sacks Manager Stuart Kettlewell After Winless Streak
Kilmarnock FC has announced the dismissal of manager Stuart Kettlewell following a disappointing 10-match winless streak, which included eight defeats, leaving the team in second-to-last place in the Scottish Premiership.
Assistant manager Stevie Frail has also left Rugby Park, with former Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan appointed as interim head coach.
Kettlewell, 41, who previously managed Motherwell and Ross County, took over the role in the close season after Derek McInnes departed for Hearts. He initially led the team to a promising start in the 2025-26 season.
However, after securing six wins in his first 13 matches, Kilmarnock suffered a series of six consecutive losses, followed by two additional defeats after a pair of draws, leaving them just three points above Livingston, who have a game in hand.
In their most recent match at Pittodrie, Kilmarnock took the lead but ultimately lost to Aberdeen after conceding two late goals, culminating in a record of six wins, eight draws, and nine defeats under Kettlewell's management.
The club expressed gratitude to Kettlewell and Frail for their contributions during their tenure at Rugby Park. In an official statement, the board remarked, "This has been a difficult decision taken after careful consideration. We believe there is plenty of quality in the squad and had hoped that results would improve. Unfortunately, a change is now necessary to best serve the interests of Kilmarnock FC. As we approach an important series of festive fixtures, starting this weekend at home against Falkirk, we hope all supporters will stand by us as we strive to return to winning ways."