John Hughes leaves Ross County as outgoing boss looks to 'explore further opportunities' after securing survival

Ross County have confirmed John Hughes has left the club despite securing top flight survival for the Dingwall club.

The former Inverness and Hibs boss took on the role at the Staggies after the departure of Stuart Kettlewell in December last year.

With the side bottom of the table when he took the role, Hughes steered the club away from the drop zone and avoided the dreaded Premiership play-off with the win over Motherwell on the final day of the season.

However, County have confirmed that the fixed-term contract has now ended and Hughes "has decided to explore further football opportunities and with the imminent expiry of his contract."

A statement from Hughes read: “I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters.

John Hughes has left Ross County (SNS Group)

"I have enjoyed my time at Ross County. I was appointed with the objective of securing Premiership football and I am proud to have achieved this under the circumstances. I wish Roy MacGregor and Ross County every success for the future.”

The statement further noted that chairman Roy MacGregor has launched the new manager hunt and are "currently taking stock of our position and we are working extremely hard to deliver a long-term, strategic plan."