Former Hearts and Hibs stars leave SPFL club after 'devastating' blow as ex-Jambos coach survives cull
A clutch of former Hearts and Hibs players are leaving the recently relegated club.
Former Hearts and Hibs stars are amongst those to be leaving Ross County at the end of this season.
The Staggies have suffered a brutal double relegation and now face League One football next term after last week’s 3-2 loss versus Raith Rovers. Stuart Kettlewell will remain as manager after taking over until the end of the season initially with ex-Jambos coach Stephen Frail flanking him as number two.
Tynecastle icon John Robertson will leave his assistant coaching role as former Hearts and Middlesbrough forward Uche Ikpeazu also makes way. Ex-Hibs goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw departs Dingwall alongside the likes of the ex-Jambos and Middlesbrough man. Chairman Roy MacGregor said: “We are delighted that Stuart has accepted the offer to become our permanent manager.
Who is the new manager of Ross County?
“After a disappointing season, where Stuart led the team to within minutes of retaining our Championship status, we feel that he has the right skillset, traits and affinity with the club and the Highlands to take us forward.
“It was a devastating blow to suffer a second relegation in two seasons, just four years after being one place away from qualifying for Europe. But myself, Steven Ferguson and the board believe we can learn from the journey the club has been on in the last few seasons - and the mistakes made - and think it’s the right time to take this opportunity to reset and rebuild, and actually build something more sustainable and resilient than before.
“We have full faith that Stuart is the best person to lead the club and to instil a desire and culture in the squad that the supporters can get behind on a Saturday afternoon. I hope that, together, we can dust ourselves down, stick together and create some lasting memories on the journey ahead.”
What former Hearts and Hibs stars have left Ross County?
CEO Steven Ferguson said: “We would like to wish each of the departing players well in the next stages of their careers. I’d also like to single out Jordan and Ross who between them have represented the club over 400 times and been excellent servants to the club in that time. And also, Alex Iacovitti, who has represented the club over 120 times.”
A statement adds: “As the club prepares for its first campaign in the third tier since 2007/08 it has further been announced that John Robertson has left the club. Robertson returned for a second spell in the dugout - as assistant manager - at the start of the 25/26 season as interim manager.
“The club would like to extend their gratitude to Robertson for his hard work and commitment over the course of a challenging season. Players who are out of contract and also leaving the club are Ross Laidlaw. Alex Iacovitti, Jordan White, Jay Henderson, Declan Gallagher and Uche Ikpeazu.
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