Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell has emphasized the importance of re-establishing the club as a selling team to support its financial and competitive recovery. Speaking after the club agreed to an undisclosed transfer fee for creative midfielder Noah Chilvers, reportedly a significant sum from Oldham Athletic, Kettlewell outlined his vision of building a squad of motivated players who view Ross County as a stepping stone to larger opportunities.

Since suffering back-to-back relegations, the club has focused on reinforcing the squad through permanent signings, with eight such players brought in so far. Kettlewell stressed that securing players on permanent contracts strengthens their commitment to the club.

“If we have permanent deals we start to get more of a buy-in. It has to be the right permanent deal but that was a big focus for us,” he said.

Kettlewell acknowledged the financial realities facing clubs of Ross County’s size, noting that sustained success depends on identifying and nurturing talent that can be sold on to bigger teams. He described this approach as a necessary business model rather than an attempt to weaken the squad.

“Clubs like us have to be selling clubs. If we can find gems, allow them to work here, grow and develop, then it becomes a business model. I’m not wishing anybody’s Ross County career away but if you look at the history of this club with myself here as a coach and manager, we were a selling club that a lot of big clubs would come to,” Kettlewell added.

Addressing fans’ concerns, the manager said he is not trying to offload all of the club’s best players but acknowledged that player sales are vital to maintain the club’s momentum. “That’s how the wheel keeps turning and we can’t just rely on investment, and money, being thrown at things,” he said.

Kettlewell’s comments reflect a strategic shift aimed at long-term sustainability, balancing competitive ambition with financial prudence as Ross County seeks to navigate the challenges following recent relegations.