Kettlewell strikes me as a very sensible chap who perhaps is tainted by a difficult spell in a difficult job.
His next role is critical to his career longevity and it may suit him to not be “formally interviewed” for the role. Becoming the no2 and groomed successor to someone like McCann, who has lots of experience at both League 1 and Championship level, would be very credible.
If we stay up, the experienced no1 stays on long enough to raise his profile enough to launch on to a better gig elsewhere and Kettlewell steps up.
If we go down, Kettlewell steps up to lead the campaign to escape the Championship.
Either way, he is afforded the protection and tutorage that Hamill never received