Stuart Kettlewell says he doesn't let criticism get to him
Under-fire Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell is adamant he is able to blank out the abuse coming his way and has urged his players to be similarly thick-skinned as they bid to end their 12-game run without a victory.
The Steelmen are ninth in the cinch Premiership after failing to win since the start of September and the pressure intensified on Tuesday as they produced what the manager admitted was "easily the worst performance on this run" in a 3-0 defeat at Ross County.
Kettlewell insists he is mentally equipped to handle the criticism and calls for his sacking from supporters.
"It has no effect on me whatsoever, I have to say," he said. "Social media, news reports, all these different things - and this is where I'm really consistent - I've never read any of it.
"I've never been on social media in my life. I don't tend to listen to or take influence from what other people say. I'm very strong-willed and strong-minded.
"I'm not someone who believes in trying to influence my own life or somebody else's life by social media.
"I get the merits of it and I get that people will be completely disgruntled with myself and the players at this minute in time, but I can assure everyone that there is nobody who puts more pressure on myself than I do.
"Somebody shouting at me and calling me all sorts and giving me abuse isn't going to motivate me any more than I already am. That doesn't have an impact on me, but I need to urge that to the players as well.
"I'm not saying you try and shield yourself from everything and sweep it under the carpet, it (the criticism) is there, but I think you need that strong mind to come out the other side of it.
"It's about not sinking into your shell and feeling sorry for yourself. We're all in football because we wanted to be a part of it. Sometimes that doesn't look or sound good and people want to come after you and there are personal attacks.
"We know what this world looks like with social media and people sitting in stands, but you have to be big enough to stand up to that."
Kettlewell is aware of the need to spark an upturn if he is to salvage his job.
"There's certainly not been any conversations surrounding my future at the club, but I'm not silly, I understand that if you don't start winning games at any club you'll find yourself under pressure," he said.
"The only way you ever get control of these situations is by winning because in this country we are so knee-jerk. We don't strip layers back and look at factors like budget, size of squad, injuries.
"All we consider are the results and I accept that. The only way you find yourself safe in a job is by winning games."
Kettlewell confirmed Dan Casey and Calum Butcher will both be added to Well's absentee list for Saturday's match at home to St Johnstone due to injuries sustained against County.
Casey is due to have a scan, although early indications are that he has not fractured his leg and the issue is not as severe as initially feared.
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