Ross County Appoints Stuart Kettlewell as Manager

Ross County Football Club can now announce the return of Stuart Kettlewell as First Team Manager on a contract running until the end of the current 2025/26 season. Stuart’s immediate remit is clear: to retain our position in the Scottish Championship and set the foundations for a strong reset in the summer.

Stuart will officially begin his duties on 1st January, leading the squad as we prepare for the crucial second half of the season. Joining Stuart until the end of the season will be Stephen Frail, who brings a wealth of experience, latterly assisting Stuart at both Motherwell and Kilmarnock.

This appointment marks a homecoming for Stuart, who knows Ross County Football Club inside out and has a proven track record with the club - both on the pitch and in the dugout. Over the past five years, since managing Ross County for over 100 games, Stuart has amassed a further 150 games as manager in the Scottish Premiership at Motherwell and Kilmarnock, further strengthening his credentials for the role.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to John Robertson, along with our backroom staff, for stepping up as interim manager during this difficult transitional period. John will continue in his role within the club and is looking forward to working closely with Stuart and Stephen as we move forward.

Ross County remains committed to securing our Championship status then building a platform for future success.

Steven Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, said: "As a club, we knew we needed someone who would accept a short-term deal with a very clear remit, could start work immediately, and understands the club, the culture, and the league.

"Stuart consistently came to the top in our discussions.

"He has a proven track record with Ross County and knows the unique challenges we face in the Highlands of Scotland; he understands the position we are in and the huge task ahead of us.

"Whether we like it or not, we are in a fight to secure our Championship status, and Stuart has the full support of the Board to lead that fight."

Stuart Kettlewell said: "I’m delighted to return to the club I have spent 12 years of my life serving as player, coach co-manager and manager with some standout successes along the way.

"We find ourselves in a fight and when asked I had no hesitation to accept the challenge.

"I will pour everything into the next few months with the staff and players to maintain our position in the Championship.

"Being back at Ross County will feel like home and I can’t wait to get started."