Ross County manager Derek Adams has resigned with the team second-bottom in the Scottish Premiership.
The former Livingston and Aberdeen player only lasted 79 days in the job, overseeing 12 games.
County have lost seven of their previous nine matches, only collecting two points in that run, and are in the same position they found themselves when Adams was appointed for a third time in November.
In a club statement published on Wednesday evening, a day after County were thrashed 5-0 by Motherwell, Adams said: “After much consideration in recent weeks, I have made the decision to resign from my position.
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Derek Adams admits the 5-0 loss against Motherwell could’ve been more had it not been for goalkeeper George Wickens, and says his players want to succeed, but there are rarely leaders in the modern game
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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Ross County
“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.”
Chairman Roy MacGregor added: “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.”
Lennon: He never looked happy
Speaking to Sky Sports Neil Lennon, James McFadden and Kris Boyd reflected on the decision.
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James McFadden, Kris Boyd and Neil Lennon react to Derek Adams’ resignation from Ross County after just 79 days
Neil Lennon: “Maybe he’s done Ross County a favour, giving them time to get someone else in to maybe see it through until the end of the season. He’s never looked happy. Some of his interviews after games were, quite frankly, shocking. It wouldn’t have helped the morale in the dressing room.”
James McFadden: “I’m not really surprised. It’s a nightmare for Ross County. They’ve changed the squad about in January, it looks like it’s going to be another playoff for them.”
Kris Boyd: “I think it’s obvious to see why it hasn’t worked out. You can’t go and lambast your players in every interview and then expect them to perform for you every weekend. You might be the best coach in the world, you can galvanise players behind closed doors, but if you’re having a go at them in public they’ll switch off.”
Ross County’s next five Scottish Premiership fixtures
- Rangers (a) – February 14
- Dundee (a) – Feb 17
- Livingston (h) – Feb 24
- St Mirren (h) – Feb 27
- Hibernian (a) – March 2