Stuart Kettlewell issues Motherwell 'more points than Celtic' reminder as boss insists standards don't have to drop
dailyrecord.co.ukConfident Stuart Kettlewell is up for the challenge of repeating last season’s incredible Old Firm style form – despite losing half of his winning team.The Motherwell boss blasted the Fir Park men to safety last term with a stunning second half of the campaign where he picked up more points than champions Celtic and only one less than Michael Beale’s Rangers.
But Kettlewell is facing a Steelmen 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 Fir Park boss – who kicks off the Viaplay Cup group stages at Elgin City on Saturday – 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.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk