‘Kettlewell already demanding more from new-look Motherwell’

The Motherwell manager has already laid down the law to his players before a ball of the league season has been kicked.

Stuart Kettlewell called their League Cup performance against Partick Thistle “awful” and “unacceptable”, and didn’t shy away from telling his players as such. He was quick to chastise them in his post-match Radio Scotland interview, and no doubt like likewise in the Fir Park dressing room.

He spoke about his players standing off Thistle, allowing them to dominate large spells of the game, and he criticised a lack of energy and commitment from a group he was clearly expecting more from.

It may be a new league season on the horizon, but it’s the same old frustrations for the Motherwell boss. We heard similar complaints from Kettlewell last season and he’s demanding better already.

The Motherwell team that faced Partick Thistle had a new look to it. Only two players who were named in the starting XI started the final game of last season.

Several familiar names remain, but those new faces will now know what’s expected of them at their new club. No doubt Kettlewell’s stark warning of “performances like that will get you nothing in the Premiership”, will still be ringing in their ears.

For his part, the manager will be hoping the message has well and truly landed. Ross County come to Lanarkshire for the opening day of the new league season. And they’ll come full of confidence given their League Cup form. Many are tipping the Dingwall side to have a much improved season; Motherwell will be hoping any signs of that are delayed until after 17:45 on Saturday.