Stephen Frail says Motherwell not having a game in the Scottish Cup this weekend is a huge source of disappointment – but might give them time to get their next steps right after Stuart Kettlewell’s shock resignation last week.
The Fir Park club were left reeling last Monday as Kettlewell quit, saying his family were finding it difficult dealing with abuse directed at him during a matchday.
Frail took the team for a 3-1 defeat at home to champions Celtic on Sunday and will continue in the role for as long as necessary.
Motherwell lost their Scottish Cup fourth round clash 1-0 at St Johnstone a fortnight ago, before also losing 2-1 in Perth seven days later, ahead of Kettlewell’s decision.
That gives the Fir Park side a blank Saturday, but Frail says it could be a blessing in disguise.
“We’re gutted with no game next weekend in the Scottish Cup, but it might give the club a wee bit of time to take a breather, to get everything settled down, hopefully get the right person in place that can take us forward.
“This is a fantastic club, with great people at it, and hopefully we can keep going in the right direction.”
Frail hopes Motherwell’s performance on Sunday was better than in their last four games, and that brings them back closer to their fans.
He said: “I hope so. I felt it, the players felt it, and they felt they were getting a lot of energy from the fans.
“At half-time we were 2-1 down, really disappointed, but there was an energy in the dressing room.
“What has happened this week has happened. It feels as though the whole fan-base has been tarred by this, and it’s not.
“It’s done, it’s dusted, and hopefully we did get some sort of connection back.
“That’s down to the players, but it’s also down to the fans appreciating what the efforts they saw on the pitch.”
Kettlewell’s decision left the Steelmen stunned and chief executive Brian Caldwell said: “It’s really sad that Stuart felt that the time was right to move on.
“He had an exceptional record and has generated an impressive amount of transfer income for the club.
“He has been a critical factor in the development of Motherwell Academy Graduates, as well as developing young loan players during his tenure.
“When Stuart approached me, I was very disappointed to learn the effect this was having on his family and how he was feeling. No manager, player, or club employee, every one
of whom gives their all for the club, should feel this way. We therefore had no option but to reluctantly accept his resignation in the best interests of Stuart and his family.
“As a fan-owned, community-driven football club, we will always look after our own.”
Former Celtic and Hibs boss Neil Lennon and Falkirk gaffer John McGlynn are among the current frontrunners for the job with the bookmakers, while former Australia national team boss Graham Arnold has reportedly expressed an interest.
Despite losing their manager, Motherwell still brought in fresh faces to the playing squad over the last few days. Manchester City striker Will Dickson, 20, and Crystal Palace forward Luke Plunge, 22, both put pen to paper on loan deals until the end of the season and featured in Sunday’s defeat to Celtic off the bench.
“This is my first loan move, and I couldn’t be more excited,” Dickson said. “I’ve shown what I can do at City through the levels, but this is the next big step for me. It’s an ideal opportunity for me to showcase my talents, and I would love to see my game progress at Motherwell. It’s an ideal place to be.
On his move, Plange said: “I feel fit, ready and optimistic about the rest of this season. I feel I have played in different leagues and bring a bit of experience on that front.”