Stuart Kettlewell has resigned as Motherwell’s manager after discovering that “personal abuse” began to “touch his family”.
In a statement, Motherwell – facing Celtic directly in Sky Sports Sunday – said they “reluctantly” accepted the resignation.
Kettlewell made the decision on Monday and explained to the club’s executive director, Brian Caldwell, that the abuse resulted in his family’s desire to stay away from matches.
The 40-year-old’s departure comes a month before his two-year anniversary at the helm and he leaves the Fifth Club in the Scottish Premiersip.
Saturday’s 2-1 loss in the bottom St Johnstone was the third consecutive loss of the fir Park squad and leaves them with only one win over nine games.
Stephen Frail will be on top of Motherwell when they face Celtic – directly in Sky Sports – Sunday
Assistant manager Stephen Frail will take over the team for Sunday match against Celtic, assisted by Jon Obika, Richard Foster and the back room staff.
Caldwell ‘very disappointed by abuse’
Motherwell’s chief executive Brian Caldwell has criticized the abuse suffered by Kettlewell and his family
In a statement, Motherwell CEO, Brian Caldwell said:
“It is really sad that Stuart felt it was the right time to move on.
“He had an extraordinary record and generated an impressive amount of revenue from the transfer for the club.
“He has been a critical factor in the development of Motherwell Academy graduates, as well as in the development of new players borrowed during his term.
“When Stuart approached me, I was very disappointed when I learned the effect this had on his family and how he felt. No manager, player or club employee, each of whom gives everything to the club, should feel in that way.
“Therefore we had no choice but to accept his resignation with reluctance in the best interest of Stuart and his family. As a community -led football club, we will always take care of ours.”
The next six Motherwell matches
February 2: Celtic (H) – Scottish Premiership – directly in Sky Sports
February 15: Ross County (H) – Scottish Premiership
February 22: Dundee UTD (a) – Scottish Premiership
February 26: Dundee (H) – Scottish Premiership
March 1: Rangers (a) – Scottish Premiership
March 15: St. Mirren (H) – Scottish Premiership
