Jack in the dark after axe from Ross County

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 23:20

ROSS Jack was last night sacked as assistant manager of Ross County. The former Everton, Dunfermline and Kilmarnock player leaves the job after just five months.

It is understood County manager Derek Adams felt the pair's professional relationship was not working out, but County would offer no reason for the move last night.

Only a fortnight ago, Jack was allegedly involved in a training ground bust-up with goalkeeper Tony Bullock. Bullock, the former Dundee United and St Mirren keeper, was initially told to take two weeks' leave, but was restored to play in the ALBA Challenge Cup final.

Adams, who informed Jack of his decision yesterday morning, would only say: "I've just decided to change a member of my backroom staff; that's it. That's all I'd like to say on the matter. I'll operate on my own in the role. I did that last season, so I'm going back to that just now."

Adams is set to lose another of his coaching team in February, with Stewart Petrie heading to Australia to assist ex-Rangers midfielder Ian Ferguson.

Jack, 49, is an former SFA development officer for the Highlands. He served as the Scottish Institute of Sport's high performance football coach between December 2001 and March this year. But the Black Isle-raised coach, who lives in Fortrose, lost that job when SFA chief Gordon Smith axed the position.

Jack, who had been working without a contract, spoke of his complete bewilderment at the sudden turn of events.

He said: "I'm still waiting, myself, to be told why this has happened. I can honestly say there has not been a breach or anything, and it is nothing to do with Tony Bullock, despite what people might think.

"That's absolute nonsense – that (incident] was nothing. Whatever has happened is between Derek (Adams], George (Adams] and Roy (MacGregor].

"Was I given a reason? No, to be honest. Not a clear reason. I'd rather Derek, George or Roy speak about that. I've done nothing wrong so the last thing I want to do is put myself in jeopardy for other jobs that may come up. I'm not a trouble-maker so I'd rather someone at club say something."

He added: "It's just very disappointing; hardly the best Christmas present."