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Stuart Kettlewell was sacked by Kilmarnock this month Stuart Kettlewell has returned to Ross County as manager - but only on a short-term contract tasked with steering the Dingwall side clear of second successive relegation. The 41-year-old, who was sacked by Kilmarnock two weeks ago, previously managed County for two years until 2020. He succeeds Tony Docherty, who was sacked earlier this month after four months in charge with County sitting bottom of Scotland's second tier despite starting the season as among the promotion favourites. Kettlewell, who served the club for 12 years as a player and coach, said: "We find ourselves in a fight and, when asked, I had no hesitation to accept the challenge. "I will pour everything into the next few months with the staff and players to maintain our position in the Championship. "Being back at Ross County will feel like home. " County hope Kettlewell will also "set the foundations for a strong reset in the summer" should they remain in Scotland's second tier. He is joined in Dingwall by Stephen Frail, who was also his assistant with Motherwell and Kilmarnock. Kettlewell resigned as Well manager in January 2025 citing the personal abuse he and his family had received from some of the fans and was sacked by their Premiership rivals after just seven months in charge. County chief executive Steven Ferguson added: "We knew we needed someone who would accept a short-term deal with a very clear remit, could start work immediately and understands the club, the culture, and the league. "Stuart consistently came to the top in our discussions. "He has a proven track record with Ross County and knows the unique challenges we face in the Highlands; he understands the position we are in and the huge task ahead of us. "Whether we like it or not, we are in a fight to secure our Championship status. " Interim manager John Robertson will remain on the coaching staff. Premier League: Arsenal put four past Aston Villa, Wolves level with Man Utd Semenyo helps Bournemouth to thrilling draw at Chelsea Scottish Premiership: Motherwell sweep aside Celtic; Rangers, Hibs & both Dundee clubs also win Who will end up on Lord Sugar's ‘naughty list’? How was Jenga invented? Get ready for more award-winning comedy as Dom and Kay join MI5 How much gold have we mined? Hannah and Dara go prospecting 'Aberdeen savour the most perfect game ever played' How Mc Tominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit Scotland men's internationals to be shown live on BBC Commonwealth Games: Why is it so special to be part of Team Scotland? From titles to tinpottery - rank Scotland's top 10 clubs A sombre and sobering end to the year - Bunce Sporting highlights to look forward to in 2026 NFL play-off picture - scenarios & big game deciders in season finale 'Absolutely pivotal' - Championship transfer window preview Torvill & Dean and Wiegman recognised in New Year Honours Kildunne on receiving news of her MBE. Video Kildunne on receiving news of her MBE Test Match Special Podcast. Audio Test Match Special Podcast Sutton's predictions v singer-songwriter & Sunderland fan Tom A Smith Tailenders. Audio Tailenders What did Sabalenka and Kyrgios' Battle of the Sexes achieve? Jobs can be saved in Sydney Ashes Test - Mc Grath Best images of 2025 F1 season - on and off the track England claim chaotic two-day Test victory in Melbourne. Video England claim chaotic two-day Test victory in Melbourne 'Are you not entertained? ' Why two-dayer was no less of a Test The 25 best sports photos of 2025 - and the stories behind them Forest fulcrum Robertson - 'a talented, highly skilled, unbelievable outside-left' Take on our BBC Gameshows ultimate football quiz 'It's giving me goosebumps' - Europe stars recall Ryder Cup triumph Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.