Derek Adams has been confirmed as Ross County’s new manager, returning for a third spell with the Staggies.
The 48-year-old left English League Two side Morecambe to replace Malky Mackay in Dingwall.
Reports on Sunday night suggested Adams was County chairman Roy MacGregor’s top target and that the appointment was imminent.
Just as that press conference kicked off, County confirmed Adams’ return on their official website, with a statement saying: “Ross County Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of new manager, Derek Adams.
“Derek joins the club for his third spell in the role, having spent 9 years managing in England with Morecambe, Bradford City and Plymouth Argyle.
“Derek has previously managed over 250 games for Ross County, leading the club to promotion and the league title in the 2011/12 season, winning PFA Scotland’s manager of the year award in the same year.
“The backroom staff will all remain at the club in their respective roles.”
Within the statement, County chief executive Steven Ferguson added: “We are delighted to welcome Derek Adams back to Ross County Football Club.
“He returns following a successful period in England and has led over 700 games as a manager across his career.
“He knows the Highlands and our club well.
“We look forward to seeing him build on the solid foundations laid by Malky and his staff over the last two years and believe that Derek inherits a talented playing squad that are capable of being successful in the SPFL.”
Kilmarnock clash first up for new Ross County manager Derek Adams
Adams was previously in charge of County from 2007 to 2010 and 2011 to 2014.
He guided the club to the First Division title and into the top-flight in 2012, and the Second Division title in 2008, as well as the Scottish Cup final in 2010.
The ex-Aberdeen midfielder spent four years in charge at Plymouth Argyle, which included a promotion to League One. He left the club in April 2019 and took over at Morecambe later that year.
He steered the club to promotion from League Two for the first time in their history in 2021 before leaving to take charge of Bradford City. He was sacked by Bradford in February 2022 and returned to Morecambe later that month.
Mackay was sacked by County last Wednesday, with the team just above the Premiership’s rock-bottom side Livingston on goal difference.
County’s last win was a 1-0 victory at Kilmarnock on September 2, with Killie also their opponents in the league this Saturday, which will be Adams’ third dugout debut for the Dingwall club.
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