Derek Adams quits Hibs to return to Ross County

• Derek Adams has spent much of his time at Hibs watching from the stands, due to a lengthy touchline ban

Adams originally joined the SPL club as assistant to Colin Calderwood in November last year.

But today the Edinburgh club announced the surprise news that the former Aberdeen and Motherwell player was returning north.

In a statement on the Hibs website, Adams said: "I have enjoyed my time in Edinburgh and am sorry to be leaving Hibernian, but the chance to be a manager again at Ross County is just too good an opportunity to turn down.

"Colin has been great to work with, and I would like to thank him, and everyone at Hibernian, for the opportunity and wish them every success in the future."

Adams enjoyed success with Ross County in the 2009/10 season in a famous Scottish Cup run which saw the Dingwall side beat Celtic on the way to the final, where they lost 3-0 to Dundee United.

But he was unable to improve the First Division club's league performance early this season, and successor Jimmy Calderwood only just kept them above the relegation zone.

Calderwood paid tribute to Adams today in a statement: "I'm sorry to see Derek go, as we have a great relationship and he has been fantastic since joining us last year.

"But the opportunities to be a manager are limited, and I completely understand his desire to be a number one again. I've really enjoyed working with Derek and wish him the very best in his new role."

Ross County brought in former Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood in an effort to cement their First Division status, but his position was not made permanent and the job was still vacant until today.

The news that the Highland club have lured back their former manager, who is still held in high regard by fans, will come as a surprise to many.

Writing on the club's website, County chairman Roy MacGregor said: "The past year has been a difficult year for the club, however the club is now delighted to announce that Derek Adams has agreed to return as First Team Manager.

"I would like to personally thank Colin Calderwood and Rod Petrie at Hibernian Football Club for their professionalism and support in making this happen".