Stuart Kettlewell handed permanent Ross County role after relegation

Ross County have extended Stuart Kettlewell’s time in charge as they seek some stability following successive relegations.

County announced the permanent appointment of Kettlewell as manager with Stephen Frail staying on as assistant boss as they prepare for life in William Hill League 1.

The pre-season title favourites were relegated from the Championship on Friday night following a 3-2 defeat by Raith Rovers.

Former long-serving County midfielder Kettlewell led the Staggies to the Championship title in 2019 along with co-manager Steven Ferguson, who is now chief executive, and spent six months in sole charge before being sacked in December 2020.

He returned five years later on December 30 after spells as Motherwell and Kilmarnock manager. But he could not save County from the drop after both Don Cowie and Tony Docherty endured tough times at the helm earlier in the campaign.

Chairman Roy MacGregor said in a statement: “After a disappointing season, where Stuart led the team to within minutes of retaining our Championship status, we feel that he has the right skillset, traits and affinity with the club and the Highlands to take us forward.

“It was a devastating blow to suffer a second relegation in two seasons, just four years after being one place away from qualifying for Europe.

“But myself, Steven Ferguson and the board believe we can learn from the journey the club has been on in the last few seasons – and the mistakes made – and think it’s the right time to take this opportunity to reset and rebuild, and actually build something more sustainable and resilient than before.

“We have full faith that Stuart is the best person to lead the club and to instil a desire and culture in the squad that the supporters can get behind on a Saturday afternoon.

“I hope that, together, we can dust ourselves down, stick together and create some lasting memories on the journey ahead.”

The club announced that John Robertson would be leaving the coaching staff and players Ross Laidlaw. Alex Iacovitti, Jordan White, Jay Henderson, Declan Gallagher and Uche Ikpeazu had been released.

Loan players Trevor Carson, Ryan Duncan, Levis Pitan, Jayden Carbon, James Scott, Kaedyn Kamara, Sean Mackie and Miller Thomson have also departed, while five unnamed players have been offered new contracts