KILMARNOCK expect to have their new manager in place next week as the search for Stuart Kettlewell’s successor nears a conclusion, it was reported today.

Kris Doolan has been in temporary charge since Kettlewell was sacked just over a fortnight ago after a 10-game winless run.

Killie have collected just one point from the last three games under the interim boss and languish second-bottom of the Premiership, five points adrift of 10th-placed St Mirren.

“We know it has been a frustrating and unsettled time, with results clearly not what we would have wanted this season,” read a statement from the Ayrshire club, released today in the wake of Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Dundee.

“We also know that fans are looking for clarity on next steps, which is totally understandable. The club has been carefully working through the process of replacing Stuart Kettlewell, and we are close to completing that process.

“We expect to have a new first-team manager in place next week.

“This is an important decision for the future of Kilmarnock FC. We are determined to get it right and appoint someone who understands the club and what it means to supporters and, most importantly, someone who can hit the ground running and deliver much-needed results on the park.”