Ross County confirm Malky Mackay is their new manager
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ROSS County have announced Malky Mackay is their new manager.
The 49-year-old was hired as the new Staggies boss this afternoon.
The appointment came just two days after John Hughes resigned as he decided not to stay on after guiding the Staggies to Premiership safety on the final day of the season.
In a club statement, Ross County said today they feel they have appointed the right man.
They said: "In appointing Malky, the club feel we have an individual who has vast experience, essential leadership skills and strong knowledge of the game.
"As well as being a respected figure throughout football with extensive contacts that will be essential in developing the next chapter of our club.
"As well as having been a manager, Malky brings great experience at performance development level as well as in strategic-planning and governance.
"This was clearly shown during his tenure as performance director at the Scottish FA, where he was also proud to take interim management of his national side.
"Ross County very much feel like this is the start of a new chapter on our journey and look forward to supporting Malky in every way possible to help drive the club forward."
It is the first time Mackay has been in charge of a club since he left Wigan Athletic.
The former Cardiff City and Watford manager left his role as Scottish Football Association performance director in November.
However, his appointment has proven controversial, with a number of Ross County fans voicing their concerns about him taking charge of the club.
He was subject of an investigation for allegedly sending racist, sexist and homophobic texts during his time in charge of Cardiff City in 2013.
But after conducting an investigation, the Football Association did not charge Mackay with any offences.
Ross County supporter liaison officer Kenny MacLennan confirmed he has expressed the concerns he had received from fans directly to the club.
Mackay, who played as a defender, began his playing career with Queen’s Park and Celtic.
He joined English side Norwich City in 1998, remaining there for six years.
Between 2004 and 2006, he achieved consecutive promotions to the Premier League with Norwich, West Ham United and finally Watford.
Mackay also won five international caps for Scotland.
Mackay took over as the manager of Watford in June 2009, before being manager at Cardiff in 2011 and Wigan Athletic in 2014 before being appointed Scottish Football Association performance director in 2016.
