STUART KETTLEWELL has been appointed as Motherwell's new lead development coach.

The former Ross County co-manager has agreed to take the reins in the role working with Motherwell youth teams.

Kettlewell, 38, will take particular focus on the Development and under-18 teams in the position.

And a club statement confirming the appointment added that the ex-Queen's Park and Ross County will continue with media and punditry work alongside his new role.

On his new position at Fir Park, Kettlewell commented: “I am thrilled to join the club.

“I’ve obviously been out of the game for a period of time and I’m just looking forward to getting back in.

“The role fits in with my ethos of developing young players which is important to me.

“I’ve had a couple of opportunities prior to this but after I spoke with the staff and the manager, I knew it was a good fit and the right move for me.”

Motherwell boss Steven Hammell said: “We ran a robust recruitment process that was designed to find the very best person and I am glad Stuart is with us.

“He’s one of the country’s most well-respected, talented coaches who will form part of our close-knit staff group.

“We spent a great deal of time internally reviewing all the factors that helped assist the group that included the likes of Cadden, Campbell, Hastie, Turnbull and Scott.

“A big part of that, in our mind, was having a dedicated and focused coach who created a first-team mentality within that squad and that is something we hope Stuart can replicate for what we believe is a very talented group at the moment.”