Key Highlights :
Stuart Kettlewell is determined to replicate the incredible form he achieved at Motherwell last season, despite losing half of his winning team. The Fir Park boss led the Steelmen to safety last term with a stunning second half of the campaign, picking up more points than champions Celtic and one less than Michael Beale’s Rangers.
Kettlewell is now facing a rebuilding mission with top scorer Kevin van Veen heading for the exit along with youngster Max Johnston, defender Dan Casey and midfielder Sean Goss. Centre-back Calum Butcher is also facing four months out after surgery – leaving the Well gaffer with a job on his hands.
Kettlewell wants a lean, mean squad this term but he’s hoping a cool £300,000 compensation cheque for Johnston and a few more departures might leave him room for four new faces and tee him up for the task of kicking on from last season.
The Motherwell boss is confident that he can achieve the same levels as last season, despite the personnel changes. He said: “It was a great run and we did get a point more than Celtic and one one less than Rangers over that period. In 14 games we amassed 30 points. Dundee United were relegated on 31 – we were level on points with them when I took over.
“But it’s a totally different scenario – because it could look like a totally different team. A lot of the guys who achieved those stats are no longer here and I was able to have a consistency of selection. But now it has become a little bit different. How do we go about it? That may change depending on the personnel and who we can bring in. But so many things can change and I’ve tried to park last season. The faces will be different but that doesn’t mean it has to be less of a standard.”
Kettlewell is wheeling and dealing to shape his new look team but some will need to go before he can make his moves. He said: “Getting the balance is really important and it’s something we are working on. We are a bit thin on the ground in some positions but I’m hoping we can redress that in the next few weeks. We’ve got seven weeks but I’d be hopeful of being settled before then. There’s so many different factors but in my mind another four players would give us a decent balance. I also always think a club should have one or two projects in the group, players with little experience but have a profile you think you can develop. You see them as a saleable asset down the line, but they come in almost as this ball of plasticine you can shape into something significant.”
Kettlewell admitted the loss of Butcher was a sore one. He said: “It was a real body blow. He’s had his operation and been through every step he’s had to go through. He sacrificed his family holiday to go under the knife and get back as quick as he possibly could, which tells you all about the guy. We’re obviously desperate to get him back as quick as we possibly can but we knew it would be a significant period of time.”
Kettlewell has plenty on his plate but is taking the Viaplay Cup seriously – with a clash against his old Ross County charge Ross Draper’s Elgin up first. He said: “I was his manager for a couple of seasons so I know him well. He’s in the rat race now! We absolutely have ambitions in this competition. When you look at the history in terms of silverware and getting to semis and finals. It’s massive for the club.”
Despite the changes to his squad, Kettlewell is determined to achieve the same levels of success as he did last season. With hard work and a few new faces, the Motherwell boss is confident that he can once again lead the Steelmen to safety and beyond.