Derek Adams is inching closer to a third spell as Ross County manager after quitting Morecambe.

The 48-year-old took over at The Shrimps last season when Stephen Robinson made his move to St Mirren - but could not save them from relegation from English League One. He has led the club to a playoff push this term but is set to replace to replace Malky Mackay in the Highlands.

Dingwall chairman Roy MacGregor knows the boss well from his two previous spells in the dugout and is backing him to be the man who can keep his club in the Premiership. Adams began his managerial career in Dingwall before joining Hibs as assistant but returned for a second stint that saw County win the Second and First Division titles, a Challenge Cup and reach the Scottish Cup final in 2010.

Morecambe CEO Ben Sadler said after Adams departure: "Derek has done an excellent job in challenging circumstances during his second spell with Morecambe, securing the club’s status in League One upon his return midway through the 2021/2022 season, and building an excellent squad almost from scratch in the current season that is currently sitting just outside the League Two playoff positions, with games in hand.

"For all of that, we thank Derek and wish him the very best for the future. However, the sole focus of the board of directors now is to appoint the best manager to take this very special club forwards.”