Next Kilmarnock Manager: Four Potential Candidates To Replace Stuart Kettlewell
Kilmarnock have sacked Stuart Kettlewell after a 10-match winless run left the club second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, with assistant Stevie Frail also departing and Kris Doolan stepping in as interim boss.
Who will be the next Kilmarnock manager? Here at Free Bets, we've picked out four potential contenders for the Rugby Park hot seat.
Next Kilmarnock Manager - Four Potential Candidates
With Stuart Kettlewell departing Rugby Park, Kilmarnock are on the hunt for a new man to lead the club - and here are four potential candidates who could take charge in Ayrshire next.
Kris Doolan
Kris Doolan has emerged as the early favourite for the Kilmarnock vacancy – and it's easy to see why.
The Partick Thistle legend was set to join Killie as a youth development coach, but has now been thrust into interim charge after Stuart Kettlewell's exit.
Doolan brings credible managerial experience from his time at Firhill: he guided Thistle to the promotion play-offs in back-to-back seasons, coming agonisingly close to a top-flight return in 2023.
As a young coach and former striker, he's regarded for his enthusiasm and attacking instincts, attributes that could inject much-needed energy into a struggling Kilmarnock side.
For punters, Doolan's situation is particularly intriguing.
As the caretaker boss, he has an audition with a run of winnable fixtures on the horizon.
If he can spark a turnaround and pull Killie out of their slump, the board may hand him the job permanently.
Hiring from within would also be cost-effective for the club's budget.
His proven ability to motivate a squad and his familiarity with Scottish football make him a strong contender at Rugby Park, justifying why he's the front-runner in the next manager betting markets.
Peter Leven
Peter Leven offers a compelling outsider option for the Kilmarnock job, combining club connection with fresh coaching experience.
A former Killie midfielder in the mid-2000s, Leven has since broadened his credentials on the sidelines.
He has been part of Aberdeen's backroom staff since 2023 and even enjoyed two stints as their caretaker manager.
Leven is known for his calm man-management and tactical acumen – qualities that would be invaluable in Rugby Park's relegation fight.
His lack of permanent managerial experience makes him a dark horse, but he's familiar with Kilmarnock's culture and has proven he can steady the ship in tough moments.
If the Killie board opts for a young, progressive coach with club ties, Leven could be their man.
David Martindale
A move for David Martindale may not be the most glamorous, but appointing the current Livingston manager would see them steal a huge asset from a fellow relegation struggler.
He kept Livi competitive in the Premiership for several seasons, delivering top-half finishes.
When relegation finally came, he responded by guiding the club straight back up at the first attempt while also landing the 2024–25 SPFL Trust Trophy.
Martindale's strengths lie in his pragmatic, defensively solid approach, with well-drilled sides that are difficult to break down and strong from set-pieces.
He is also highly regarded for his recruitment and man-management, repeatedly improving players and maximising value.
Although he has no direct connection to Kilmarnock, that fresh outlook could be a positive for a club seeking stability rather than sentiment.
For Killie fans, Martindale may not be the glamorous pick, but his track record of rebuilding, grinding out results, and outperforming expectations makes him a serious contender.
Steven Naismith
The Rugby Park fans would widely welcome a club hero and sentimental choice, Steven Naismith.
The 39-year-old began his career at Rugby Park and made over 100 appearances for Killie from 2003-2007, so his ties to the club run deep.
Fans remember Naismith as a passionate, hard-working forward – traits he's carried into his managerial career.
After hanging up his boots, which included a successful playing stint with Everton and 51 Scotland caps, Naismith transitioned into coaching and took the reins at Hearts in 2023, initially as interim manager and then as permanent manager.
His tenure at Hearts was a mixed bag - Naismith injected energy and attacking intent, but an eight-game losing run saw him dismissed in 2024.
Notably, his coaching credentials remain respected despite that rough patch.
Working under veteran bosses and, more recently, assisting Steve Clarke with the Scotland setup, Naismith has been honing his tactical understanding at the highest level.
Why could he fit Kilmarnock? As a former player, his return would instantly unify and excite the fanbase.
He knows the club's culture and expectations, and his familiarity with Rugby Park could help him hit the ground running.
Tactically, Naismith favours a high-tempo, forward-thinking style, aiming to play on the front foot – an approach that could resonate with Killie supporters if results follow.
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