They say the third time is the charm when it comes to success, but that is not the case for Derek Adams, who is hungry for success for a whopping third time in a row.
Following the shock sacking of Malky Mackay from Ross County, Staggies chairman Roy MacGregor has chosen his replacement, who just so happens to be an incredibly familiar face.
MacGregor has called upon former manager Derek Adams to take over the vacant position within the Global Energy Stadium dugout – to the mixed emotions of the Ross County supporters.
There is a preconception in football that going back to an old manager is a bad move, and many armchair pundits would ever-so strongly warn against it. However, the County chairman has done the complete opposite, hoping to bust what he believes to be a common misconception. This will be Derek Adams’ third spell in charge of the Dingwall club, a long nine years since he was sacked by chairman Roy.
So why has he decided to re-appoint someone that he sacked? Is it the case that Mr MacGregor flipped through his extensive contacts book and just waited to see where his finger landed? And most importantly, are fans who would label this managerial appointment as a backwards step correct?
It can be argued that Derek Adams is the best manager the Highlanders have had. He led the club to their highest-ever Scottish Premiership finish – ending up in fifth place in the 2012/13 season.
Adams was the gaffer the season before that too and pioneered the club to their first-ever promotion into the top flight of Scottish football.
During Adams’ first spell in charge of the club, he led County to their first-ever Scottish Cup final – beating a mighty Celtic side led by Neil Lennon in the semi-final.
When we look at his statistics – it becomes even clearer as to why Roy has decided to back an old favourite, not just because of standalone achievements.
In the points-per-game (PPG) standings, Adams is at the top of the table for his first spell. Now, despite this era being in the Championship – he still has the highest for any County gaffer who applied their trade in the league below the top flight.
The move has been labelled by some as negative, with fans perhaps feeling like the club is going around in circles instead of moving forward and trying something new. Is that really a bad thing?
Derek Adams brought not only a large degree of success but also a fear factor to Dingwall. Ross County was a place where teams didn’t want to go.
That can be backed up by his second spell in charge. From the PPG standings, his second duration in charge has him in fourth place out of the last ten Staggies bosses. On paper, that doesn’t seem all that impressive – but considering that those in front of him only managed in the second tier perhaps sends us down the thinking channel of the chairman.
Former Plymouth Argyle boss Adams has the highest PPG ratio of any County gaffer to have managed the club in the top division. That is an impressive feat – and can explain why Roy MacGregor sees a potential growth project under Adams.
Malky Mackay’s appointment was labelled as a long-term project – but the statistics show that Adams was picking up around 0.6 more points per game during his reign than the recently departed Malky, who was averaging less than a point earned per game.
Inverness Courier sports reporter Andrew Henderson, who extensively covers Ross County, argues that if the club want to look up instead of down, then Adams is the man.
He said: “His track record speaks for itself really.
“Adams has a history of growing clubs, as the Staggies know first-hand.
“He has continued that trend during his time in England too, earning promotions with less fancied sides Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe, and although he could not prevent the latter from being relegated, they were well-placed to mount a promotion bid once again this season.”
The thinking is clear from Roy MacGregor. He is counting on Adams, who has managed more than 700 games, to repeat his past successes and take Ross County from perennially battling relegation and turning them into genuine contenders for European football.
This is a circular move – but Adams has gained nine more years of experience, know-how and personal development, which Mr MacGregor sees as a perfect mixing bowl to bring success back to Dingwall. With the data backing him up on those beliefs – the appointment was probably an incredibly easy one for Roy.
Staggies View 