Malky Mackay sacked by Ross County as club decide 'change is now required'

Scottish Premiership side part company with manager after winless run

Malky Mackay has been sacked from his position as manager of Ross County. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Ross County have taken the decision to part company with manager Malky Mackay following a run of nine matches without a win.

The 51-year-old took charge of the Highlanders in the summer of 2021 and led the team to a top six finish in his first season, earning a manager of the year nomination for the achievement. He also kept the club in the Scottish Premiership last season following a dramatic comeback and penalty shoot-out win over Partick Thistle.

However, a 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday left the Staggies second bottom of this season’s top flight table with 10 points from the opening 12 fixtures, remaining ahead of last-placed Saints only on goal difference.

And County officials have decided a “change is now required” with former Cardiff City, Watford and Wigan Athletic boss Mackay informed of the decision to relieve him of his duties following a meeting with chairman Roy MacGregor and CEO Steven Ferguson.

The club chairman said: “Malky has brought so much more to the club and the wider staff than just football management. The board would like to put on record our thanks for his contribution over the last two-and-a-half years and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

Former Celtic, Norwich and Scotland defender Mackay becomes the fourth Premiership boss to lose his job this season following on from the recent departures of Lee Johnson, Michael Beale and Steven MacLean from Hibs, Rangers and St Johnstone respectively.