SPFL club wields axe on management team as incoming coach promoted to caretaker

The Rugby Park board convened in the wake of Sunday’s 2-1 Premiership defeat by Aberdeen at Pittodrie and decided to axe Kettlewell. Former Partick Thistle boss Kris Doolan, who was due to come in as Kilmarnock’s head of development and under-19s coach, has been appointed caretaker manager and will be assisted by Craig Clark and Paul di Giacomo.

Kettlewell took over as Kilmarnock boss last summer following Derek McInnes’ move to Hearts. The former Motherwell and Ross County boss only won three Premiership matches during his tenure and the defeat by the Dons stretched his winless run to ten matches. He leaves Kilmarnock on 12 points and second-bottom in the standings, three points ahead of Livingston.

Kilmarnock enter a crucial run of fixtures over the festive period, starting off with a home game against Falkirk this Saturday and then away trips to St Mirren and Dundee - the teams around them in the table.

A statement from Kilmarnock on Monday lunchtime read: “We can confirm that Stuart Kettlewell has been relieved of his duties as First Team Manager with immediate effect, alongside Assistant Manager Stephen Frail.

“The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Stuart and Stephen for their efforts during their time at BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park, and wishes them well for the future.

“Kris Doolan, who was set to be appointed as Head of Development and Under 19s Manager, will take interim charge of first team duties alongside coaches Craig Clark and Paul Di Giacomo, while a process gets under way to appoint a permanent manager.

“Further updates will be provided in due course.”

A statement attributed to the Kilmarnock director added: “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 turn around. Unfortunately change is now required to best serve the interests of Kilmarnock FC.

“Our focus is now on providing stability, supporting the squad, and supporting Kris, Craig and Paul as they lead the team forward while we progress with the next steps.

“With an important run of festive fixtures about to get underway, starting this weekend at home to Falkirk, we hope all supporters can stick with us as we aim to get back to winning ways.”