DEREK ADAMS has parted company with Ross County – just 79 days after he returned to Dingwall.
The 48-year-old was appointed by chairman Roy MacGregor to replace Malky Mackay on November 20.
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But after picking up a draw with Kilmarnock then back-to-back wins over St Mirren and Motherwell in his first three matches, the wheels have come off in spectacular style.
Adams caused major controversy on December 16 when, in the wake of losing a last-minute goal to Dundee, he slammed the standard of Scottish football and suggested former club Morecambe were “100 times” better.
That slight on his squad has appeared to have a massive negative impact, and even bringing in seven new players last month has failed to stop the rot.
County are now second-bottom of the Scottish Premiership, having lost seven of their last nine matches.
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In the wake of Tuesday’s 5-0 humiliation away to Motherwell, Adams, who had previously admitted he hadn’t done enough homework on what he was coming back to, revealed showdown talks were planned with MacGregor and Staggies Director of Football Steven Ferguson.
Those discussions took place earlier today and it was decided a parting of the ways was in everyone’s interests.
A club statement read: “We have agreed to accept his resignation in the best interest of both Derek and the club.
“We would like to place on record our thanks to Derek, and we wish him well for whatever he chooses to do in the future.”
Adams said: “After much consideration in recent weeks, I have made the decision to resign from my position as First Team Manager.
“Over my 12 league games in charge, we moved six points clear of the team directly below and have been extremely close to gaining more victories and draws along the way.
“Ross County Football Club is close to my heart after twice playing here and managing for a third time. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Chairman Roy MaGregor and Steven Ferguson and wish them well for the future.”
County are already out of the Scottish Cup, having lost 3-0 at home to Championship side Partick Thistle in the fourth round, so County bosses have a blank weekend to take stock of where they’re now at.
Coach Don Cowie will take interim charge and is likely to be in the dugout for next midweek’s clash against Rangers at Ibrox.
The 40-year-old has worked under Stuart Kettlewell, Mackay and briefly Adams so may be entrusted with the task of keeping them in the Premiership.
County are currently six points clear of bottom side Livingston with a game in hand over Davie Martindale’s men.
The writing seemed to be on the wall for the under-fire coach as he prepared for showdown talks with the board the day after the game.
He admitted: “I’ve got to look at the bigger picture for Ross County football club as well.
“It was in a difficult position when I went in and it’s in a difficult position now.
“I’ll have a conversation with the chairman and the CEO and go from there.
“I tried to come in and help but the club’s in a difficult situation.
“I’m not surprised and that’s difficult for me to say because Ross County is a fantastic club.
“But at this moment it’s in a real difficult circumstance.”
It was just a few weeks into the job when Adams sensationally slammed the standard of Scottish football (or lack thereof) following his team’s defeat to Dundee.
He said: “We were the better side and had the better chances throughout the afternoon, but that takes nothing away from the fact that the game was really poor.
“The standard is shocking. It’s one of the worst games I’ve ever seen.
“I’ve been back here and see the standard and think ‘Wow, any chance?’
“If I’m a spectator and watching that today I’m thinking is this what Scottish football is about? It need to up its game.
“We were better than Dundee, Tony Docherty has to say that, but we’ve been done with a sucker-punch at the end.
“But the standard on the afternoon and in the games I’ve seen is so poor.”
“It is rubbish. It really is.
“The quality, for a supporter to go to games see passing movements and chances created – the amount of times the ball is given away and no-one is under pressure – it’s got to be a lot better.
“If this is the best product in this division, it has to be a lot better.
“If I’m a paying customer I’m not coming back to watch that, I can tell you that.”
Adams added that former club Morecambe were levels above the squad he inherited in the Highlands – 100 times over – but later apologised for the public outburst.
He said: “I’ve left a team in League Two that’s miles better than this team. MILES.
“That’s saying something.
“We had the bottom team budget in League Two and were 100 times better than this – ONE HUNDRED TIMES.
“That’s something I can’t change at this moment in time. I’m so frustrated and I look at the squad and know what’s been spent. We have to do a lot better, the players have to do a lot better.”
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