Hasty Clarke critics should hang their head in shame, says Kettlewell
The Ross County boss believes the people who were quick to criticise the Scotland boss need to take a look at themselves
Last updated 17th Nov 2020
The critics who were quick to write off Scotland boss Steve Clarke should "hang their heads in shame'', according to Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell.
Clarke has lifted the nation by guiding his team to their first major championships in 22 years after sealing qualification for next summer's Euro 2020 finals.
But it was not so long ago the former West Brom, Reading and Kilmarnock head coach was being doubted over his tactics and team selections as the national side adjusted to his leadership.
Clarke has had the last laugh with Thursday's shootout success in Serbia and he can now take a major step towards securing a slot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar if the Scots can beat Israel on Wednesday night to clinch promotion to the Nations League's A division.
County boss Kettlewell therefore believes those who were quick to judge should take a long hard look at themselves.
"It makes me laugh a bit I must say,'' said the Dingwall manager. "We all jump on the bandwagon and all want to try to bask in everybody else's glory.
"I am delighted about what Steve and his team have achieved but the game is so fickle.
"It was only a few weeks ago I heard a lot of people hammering Steve Clarke and his players.
"If we're all being honest, we've all heard those comments and seen questions over his tactics and where he's playing certain players on the pitch.
"Then all of a sudden we're at a major championships and everybody is a hero and brilliant.
"So someone has got it wrong along the line. Some of the comments have been completely untoward as far as I'm concerned.
"I think there are one or two people who should hang their heads in shame over what was said a few weeks ago because it's just an incredible achievement. Fair play to Steve for taking all that criticism over the last couple of months to go on and secure this success.''
And Kettlewell has told his Staggies squad they should be aiming to play a part next summer alongside the likes of Motherwell duo Declan Gallagher and Stephen O'Donnell.
He said: "Some of our players must look at the guys in the national squad who are based at some of our more provincial clubs.
"You've got Motherwell players standing beside guys from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
"That has to be something that a lot of guys in Scotland see as a real opportunity and can see there is a national manager there who doesn't care what team you play for, he's simply looking for the best guy for the role.''