Kettlewell continues as Ross County manager

Stuart Kettlewell will lead Ross County in Scottish League 1 [SNS]

Ross County believe manager Stuart Kettlewell "is the best person to lead the club" after confirming the 41-year-old will stay on following their relegation from the Scottish Championship.

Kettlewell returned to Dingwall in December following Tony Docherty's dismissal but could not prevent demotion, with County finishing bottom of the second tier after Friday's 3-2 defeat at Raith Rovers. It was a second successive relegation for the Staggies.

The former County player had started the season as Kilmarnock manager but was sacked after nine defeats in 23 games. He had previously been in charge of Motherwell.

His initial step into management was with County in 2018 in partnership with Steven Ferguson, who is now chief executive at the club.

Kettlewell was placed in sole charge in June 2020 but was relieved of his duties in the December of that year as they team struggled for form.

"Where Stuart led the team to within minutes of retaining our Championship status, we feel that he has the right skill set, traits and affinity with the club and the Highlands to take us forward," said chairman Roy MacGregor.

• Ross County relegated again as Raith Rovers win

"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."

Stephen Frail continues as Kettlewell's assistant but John Robertson has left, the former County manager having assisted at the start of the 2025-26 season and briefly stepping in as interim boss before Docherty's appointment in September.