With Scotland's World Cup qualification secured, domestic football returns to centre stage this weekend, bringing with it mounting pressure for Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell.
A Season's Momentum Lost
Football managers view international breaks differently. Some, like Jurgen Klopp who famously declared he 'hated' them after a 2021 break left him with injured players including Andy Robertson, see them as a disruptive force.
For Stuart Kettlewell, however, the recent pause in fixtures might have come at an opportune moment. His Kilmarnock side have suffered five consecutive defeats, a stark contrast to their early season form which saw them flying high with just one controversial loss against Celtic.
The Kilmarnock boss always faced a challenge winning over supporters after his appointment as Derek McInnes' successor was met with lukewarm reception. A positive start achieved this, but recent performances have seen that goodwill evaporate.
Defensive Woes and Key Absences
Defensively, Killie have been dreadful of late. Hearts and Rangers both scored three goals past them with ease, while their last two fixtures against Falkirk and Celtic saw them concede seven avoidable goals.
Kettlewell's problems have been compounded by the significant loss of experienced goalkeeper Max Stryjek, whose season was cut short after a routine medical revealed an anomaly. His replacements, Eddie Beach and emergency Celtic loanee Tobi Oluwayemi, have failed to inspire confidence between the posts.
A new goalkeeper must be a January priority, with a loan move for someone like Hearts' Craig Gordon potentially ideal, though likely complicated.
Attacking Concerns and Motherwell Showdown
The issues extend beyond defence. While Marcus Dackers has been a handful for opponents, his return of one goal in twelve appearances is insufficient. With Djenairo Daniels sidelined for the season, more responsibility falls on Dackers' shoulders.
The club also needs midfielder David Watson, who is attracting interest from clubs at home and abroad, to rediscover his early-season form. His performance in these testing weeks could be crucial for both the team and his burgeoning reputation.
The next two fixtures are huge for Kettlewell's future, starting with the visit of his former club Motherwell to Rugby Park this afternoon. His departure from Fir Park was unceremonious, with the manager unwilling to accept vitriol from the stands during a poor run, and his subsequent comments angered supporters who would relish seeing him fail.
The problem for Kettlewell is that his new supporters are growing restless too. With Kilmarnock sitting just two points above Livingston at the bottom of the table, and difficult trips to Hearts and Aberdeen plus a home game against Rangers before Christmas, points against Motherwell and Dundee United are essential.
