Coyle’s reign at Ross County ends after just five months

Former St Johnstone boss resigns after just five months in charge at Dingwall

Owen Coyle has quit as Ross County manager after just five months in charge.

The club made the shock announcement hours after Coyle had completed his regular media duties ahead of tomorrow’s scheduled visit of Partick Thistle with no warning of the news to follow.

The Ladbrokes Premiership bottom club revealed both Coyle and assistant Sandy Stewart had left the club with immediate effect.

In a statement on the club’s website, Coyle said: “Myself and the chairman had a chat on Monday and after some reflective thought I felt for the good of Ross County – and the challenging situation with my family being in England – it was in everyone’s best interests for me to offer my resignation, which the chairman duly accepted.”

The decision comes with County bottom of the Premiership, three points adrift of Thistle with 10 games left.

The Dingwall side also face third-bottom Hamilton at home this month and, although they suffered a limp 2-0 defeat at St Johnstone on Saturday, they had taken four points from their previous two matches.

Coyle, a former County and Dundee United player, only took over on September 28, after Jim McIntyre had been sacked the year after leading the club to League Cup glory and a top-six finish.

The former St Johnstone, Burnley, Bolton and Blackburn boss cited his relationship with chairman Roy MacGregor as key to accepting the post after receiving a phone call hours after McIntyre’s departure was confirmed.

The 51-year-old secured three victories in his first six matches to move the Staggies up to eighth, one point off the top six, but they have only won once in the subsequent 16 games.

Coyle had brought in eight new players including former Bolton players Chris Eagles and David Ngog.

MacGregor said in a statement: “We thank Owen and Sandy for their time at Ross County Football Club and wish them well for the future.”

Picture: SNS Group. Owen Coyle has resigned as manager of Ross County with immediate effect, along with his assistant Sandy Stewart.