The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Staggies appoint duo as co-managers
Ross County have announced the appointment of Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell as comanagers on a permanent basis.
Ferguson was academy director and Kettlewell was development squad manager before they took over the Ladbrokes Premiership’s bottom side initially until the end of the season after Owen Coyle departed in March.
With four post-split fixtures remaining, the Staggies are unbeaten in three games and one point behind Partick Thistle.
County chairman Roy MacGregor said: “I’m delighted to confirm the permanent appointments of Steven and Stuart.
“They are a perfect fit for the role and no one knows the club and playing staff, from first team down to our youngest age group, as well as them. They are relishing the opportunity to take on their roles permanently.”
Ferguson and Kettlewell will oversee all football operations at the club, including the new reserve team and all youth-age groups.
As part of the new structure a new academy director will be appointed to replace Ferguson while Richard Brittain will become reserve team manager.
“Steven is one of the most qualified coaches in the country, holding his Uefa Pro Licence, and, having played here too and spent years establishing our current youth set up, knows the club inside out,” said MacGregor.
“Stuart is one of the best young coaches in Scotland and, as well as having first-team coaching experience under the last two managers, last season he led the development squad to a historic league title.”
Ross County face a trip to fellow relegation battlers Hamilton on Saturday and Ferguson is keen to build on the job he has already done alongside Kettlewell.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to have the chance to work with the first team, as well as overseeing all age groups of football at the club, and it’s one that neither myself or Stuart could turn down,” said Ferguson.
Kettlewell said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, and there’s no one else I’d want to do it with more than Steven.”