Stuart Kettlewell, the seasoned manager now at the helm of Kilmarnock, is setting ambitious goals for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. With a history rich in triumphs, including the Scottish League Cup win in 2012 and the Scottish Cup victories in the 1990s, Kettlewell is determined to add new chapters to this storied legacy.

Building a Competitive Team

Kettlewell has already made significant moves in the transfer market, securing players like Jamie Brandon, Greg Kiltie, and Scott Tiffoney. With two more potential signings on the horizon, the manager is focused on creating a balanced and versatile squad. "We're quite far down the road with another couple of signings," Kettlewell revealed. "It's just to try to give us those options and that balance."

Emphasizing Team Culture

From the very first day, Kettlewell emphasizes the importance of team culture and unity. "I always do a little thing with the players on day one - my non-negotiables," he said. "I'm not a school teacher, it's not a dictatorship, but what I need them to buy into is the culture that I believe in and the culture that already exists at this football club."

Learning from History

Kettlewell encourages his players to understand and respect the club's history. "Learn the history of this football club, understand what the history of the football club is," he urged. "You have to learn that history, but you then have to add to it. We have to try to create our own piece of history."

Challenges and Goals

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Kettlewell remains optimistic. "It's not easy, it's not a given, as we're certainly not the biggest club in this country, but those are the goals you have to set for yourself," he said. "How high can you finish in the league? How far can you go in cup competitions? Because those are the things that mean an awful lot to the supporters."

Injury Updates

Kilmarnock will be without Matty Kennedy for several months following a successful surgery. "Matty's going to be out for an extended period of time," Kettlewell confirmed. "We know Matty's qualities, so we're desperate to get him back as quickly as we possibly can, but it will be several months before that's the case."

Looking Ahead

With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Kettlewell is poised to lead Kilmarnock into a promising season, aiming to make their mark in both the Scottish Premiership and domestic cup competitions.