I met Stuart Kettlewell for the first time - here's the impression I got from new Killie boss

Friendly, switched on, stern yet engaging - the 41-year-old gave up some of his time to chat to the Killie Chronicle last week.

"The ones that want to come here are always the better players, no matter what. If you've got a desire to come here and play for Kilmarnock, can be involved in what we're trying to do here, then you'll always be a better player for me than maybe somebody that's sitting waiting several weeks to see what their other options are.”

A 15-minute conversation with Stuart Kettlewell provided plenty of quotes, with the above being my favourite. As most have concluded, even at this early juncture, the former Ross County and Motherwell manager can talk.

As a journalist, that is golden for me, of course. It’s always easier to speak to someone who is expressive and emotive as opposed to drawing blood from a stone, with plenty of dull managers and players on the Scottish football scene.

This was not the first time I’d encountered Kettlewell. Before the Killie Chronicle was conceived and my focus wasn’t entirely devoted to my club on a matchday, I covered Motherwell on a few occasions. I also saw him at close quarters during the three games he was in the dugout against Kilmarnock last season.

My recent brief meeting with the gaffer was the first time I’d had the pleasure of speaking to him with Killie colours on, though.

Cards on the table, when I checked my phone while getting ready to go out for a meal with my better half on holiday in Italy, only to be greeted by a report strongly suggesting the 41-year-old was the chosen one to succeed Derek McInnes, I was sceptical, to say the least.