As soon as SK signed Bair, he gave a press conference saying he was his "project" because he thought he saw potential in him and could coach him in to being a productive striker.
People might not like Kettlewell, but it doesn't mean 100% of what he did was wrong. He was spot on with Bair and did make him productive and turned a nice profit for the club when he was moved on.
I wouldn't want him back as a manager, but he did have some successes and we don't need to rewrite history to pretend he didn't.
As others have said, recruitment is a collaboration at our level. From the data analysts to the manager and coaches, from the agents to the Chairman and CEO. Even the other players and club staff can help.