Former Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell thinks about the future
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Stuart Kettlewell says a move away from the Highlands may well be in his future.
The former Ross County player, coach and manager – originally from Glasgow – has spent his life in the north for the last 11 years.
He had become such a part of the fabric in Dingwall that even when he was sacked as first team manager last month, Staggies’ chairman Roy MacGregor says that there would be a role at the club for Kettlewell if he wanted it.
That would most likely have amounted to some sort of return to working with the club’s academy, where Kettlewell led the development squad to the Scottish title in 2016/17.
The 36-year-old is taking some time to assess his situation right now, but says he is leaning towards a return to the central belt instead.
“I’ve had the feeling the last couple of days that it might mean moving back down the road, and potentially moving away from
the Highlands,” Kettlewell said.
“Moving on to pastures new seems to be the consensus in my house at the minute.
“Katie, my missus, has a real desire to head back closer to what we would originally have called home, and I think the kids have a wee bit of desire for that as well.
“Everybody is probably feeling it during this time, and how hard it can be.
“We feel like our kids probably miss out on quite a lot with what is quite a big family down the road. Maybe it’s time for them to get that chance.
“I’m not going to rubber stamp that right this second.
“There’s a lot of water that needs to cross under the bridge before that happens, but it’s certainly something we’re speaking about just now, and who knows what comes off the back of it.”
If Kettlewell does return to Glasgow, he will depart with plenty of good memories from his 11-year association with County.
His sacking last month has not sullied his opinion of the club and the area, and there may even be scope to give something back to the area before going.
“I’ve had some brilliant times and some amazing experiences,” he said.
“Hopefully I don’t sound too self-obsessed, but if you look at what’s happened over the last 10 or 11 years, I’m extremely proud to say I’ve been a part of every single bit of that.
“Sometimes you just need a period of time to sit back and really think about what you’ve done.
“I’m not work shy, I’ve said that for the last few weeks.
“I’ve pitched myself out a few times to see if anyone is looking for any voluntary work around the community just now. If that is the case, then I’d be more than happy to do that just to keep myself ticking over.
“I’d be quite happy to get up and about, and if there was any help required through the community at this time, then I would love to be able to do it.”
Listen to the full chat with Kettlewell by clicking here
