Derek Adams returns to Dingwall for third spell as Ross County manager after leaving English League Two outfit Morecambe
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Derek Adams has been named Ross County manager for the third time.
The 48-year-old's Morecambe departure was confirmed this morning amid speculation he could be about to return to Dingwall, and the Staggies have now confirmed that it is a reality.
Appointing Adams means the ex-Bradford City and Plymouth Argyle manager is back at the Global Energy Stadium for a third stint in charge, having previously managed Ross County between 2007 and 2010, and 2011 and 2014 – either side of a spell as Hibernian assistant manager.
In his previous reigns, Adams led the Staggies to the League One and Championship titles as well as the 2010 Scottish Cup final as a second-tier side, defeating top flight outfits Hibernian and Celtic along the way.
Adams also led County to a 40-match unbeaten run, spanning their successful Championship campaign and the start of their first ever Premiership season, recording Premiership finishes of fifth and seventh.
As a result of his achievements in his second spell in particular, Adams received national recognition, being named PFA Scotland manager of the year in 2012 before being shortlisted for the same prize in 2013.
During his time in England, which began with Plymouth Argule in 2015, Adams reached the League Two play-off final in his first season, before earning automatic promotion in his second with a second-placed finish.
Having just missed out on a play-off spot in England's third tier with Plymouth, his next adventure came with Morecambe, who Adams again led to promotion from League Two via the play-offs thanks to a 1-0 extra-time victory over Newport County in the final.
That led to an approach from Bradford City in the summer of 2021, but his stay at Valley Parade did not last long and he was gone by February 2022.
Most recently he returned to Morecambe for a second spell in February 2022, but could not save them from relegation back to League Two last season. Morecambe currently sit just outside the play-off places, but with games in hand could move back into automatic promotion contention.
Ross County, meanwhile, sit second bottom of the Scottish Premiership and parted company with former manager Malky Mackay last week.
Chairman Roy MacGregor had spoken of his desire to appoint a new manager who would not be fearful of attacking the big city clubs County are competing with in the top flight, looking for a touch of Sir Alex Ferguson to move the Staggies up the standings.
