Why Roy MacGregor felt Derek Adams was right choice for Ross County manager
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CHAIRMAN Roy MacGregor says appointing a manager who understood Ross County was the main reason they took Derek Adams back for a third stint in charge.
Adams (48) was unveiled as the new manager of the Staggies on Monday night as he takes over from former boss Malky Mackay who was sacked last week after a winless run of nine matches.
Adams had been in at Ross County during two different periods, first in 2007 and 2010 before returning to manage between 2011 and 2014 after a brief period as assistant manager of Hibernian.
During Adams' previous reigns, he took Ross County to the final of the Scottish Cup in 2010 and promotion to the Premiership in 2012.
MacGregor says Adams understands what Ross County are all about and believes he is the right choice to improve their form this season.
“Probably Ross County’s most successful time, on our journey, was in Derek’s time," said Adams.
“As a First Division club, he took us to a Scottish Cup final.
"He then went to Hibs under Colin Calderwood, but assistant managership didn’t work out.
“We took him back and he took us into the Premier League.
“We got a bit of a shock last year, there’s no doubt. We got out of jail, winning on a penalty shoot-out.
“We felt we hadn’t quite picked up the baton this year and we were looking for someone that understood the club more.
“We’re a third through the league, two-thirds to go. If you take in a manager, normally it takes a month or two for them to get to know the players and the club.
“That was probably too big a risk for us.
“It was very easy to bring Derek back. He understands the club and has followed it from England as well.
“We had a tremendous repertoire of CVs, but when we considered all the factors we needed at this time, Derek’s name was at the top."
MacGregor admitted it was the first time he had ever appointed someone three time, but says Adams is an exceptional candidate who he has full confidence in being successful at Ross County.
He said it was difficult decision to dismiss Malky Mackay as manager, but felt it was the right decision for the club.
"Good people are difficult to find.
“This industry is a very challenging industry.
“Malky was a really good friend, so it wasn’t easy.
“I don’t take that lightly.
“I’ve responsibility for staff at the club, for the fans, and just felt this was right.
“The point I made a few days ago was trying to get someone who could go into city clubs and not be afraid.
“I’m not saying that didn’t happen in the last nine years, but Derek’s record from previous was that his style of play was to at least go and have a go.
“There is also his experience in England. I’m sure half our team are from England. He knows all the players and two or three played for him before.
“There was no learning curve. He understood what we tried to do in the summer.
MacGregor added: “For whatever reason we have underachieved. The points on the board don’t correlate with what you think you have.
“It is easy to say that, but there was a feeling we invested in the team and could have had a few more points at this stage.
“We’ve taken in someone who knows the club, knows the area, knows most of the players, the backroom staff, the leadership.
“It was probably a pretty easy decision.
“We had some really talented people who, on a different day, we might have thought was the way forward.
“It would have been easy to get some of those names here, but with where the club is just now, this felt right.”
