Interim co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell have been handed the Ross County reins on a permanent basis, the club has announced.
As well as handling the first team’s affairs, the pair will also oversee all football operations at the club, including the reserves and all youth teams.
A new academy director will be appointed to replace Ferguson while former Staggies captain Richard Brittain will become reserve team manager.
Chairman Roy MacGregor said: “I’m delighted to confirm the permanent appointments of Steven and Stuart.
“They are a perfect fit for the role and no one knows the club and playing staff, from first team down to our youngest age group, as well as them.
“They are relishing the opportunity to take on their roles permanently.
“Steven is one of the most qualified coaches in the country, holding his UEFA Pro License, and, having played here too and spent years establishing our current youth setup, knows the club inside out.
“Stuart is one of the best young coaches in Scotland and – as well as having first team coaching experience under the last two managers – last season he led the Development Squad to a historic league title.
“In their short time in charge it has become obvious that they could not be overlooked in the search for a permanent manager. Having them overseeing our youth and reserve teams too will also ensure continuity at the club and give our emerging talents every chance of making the grade.”
Ferguson said he was delighted with the appointment.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to have the chance to work with the first team – as well as overseeing all age groups of football at the club – and it’s one that neither myself or Stuart could turn down,” he said.
“Working alongside Stuart felt right as soon as we started and it was really important to both of us in accepting the permanent job that we could have a say in the academy and reserves.
“Such a lot of work has gone into establishing the academy and it completes the circle to have a direct link from the first team right down to our youngest age group.
“It gives the club a solid foundation going forward from top to bottom and bottom to top.”
Kettlewell said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity and there’s no-one else I’d want to do it with more than Steven.
“We work well together and the club means a lot to both of us.
“Being part of such an innovative football structure appealed to both myself and Steven and we thank the chairman for the opportunity,” added Kettlewell. “There is probably no other structure like it in Scottish football.
“We are a different football club and because of that sometimes we have to do things differently from other clubs. But we firmly believe it to be right for the club.
“Needless to say, our permanent appointment brings some clarity to all the coaching and playing staff so they know what direction the club is moving in in the future.
“I think they have all bought in to what myself and Steven have been trying to do since we took charge.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from the players since we took over and we look forward to working with them all going forward.”
Ross County sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership, one point behind Partick Thistle and three behind Hamilton Accies.
With four games left to play, their next match is a crucial away fixture against Hamilton on Saturday.
