Ross Jack back in the game with Rothes job
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ROSS Jack says he is delighted to be part of a “progressive and ambitious” club after being named the new Rothes manager.
Former Elgin City boss Jack (60) was named the club’s manager on Sunday, three weeks after the departure of former boss Steven MacDonald, and will join on a two and a half year contract.
Jim Walker joins the club as Jack's assistant, and he is also taking in his own coaching staff.
A club statement thanked Gordon Connelly, who was helping take the team in the absence of a permanent manager, who has now left the club. Fellow interim manager and coach Nathan Sharp has also departed.
Speaking to the Northern Scot, Jack said: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to be part of a progressive club with big ambitions.
“It all came about quite quickly and suddenly. I’ve had an inclination to get back in as I have been out of the game at senior level for quite a while.
“I turned down a few opportunities but I was given this chance and I know I am still hungry, ambitious and have a desire to manage.
“I was very impressed with what the chairman and the committee had to say to me and with their ambitions, targets and the project that is ahead."
Jack managed Elgin City from 2009 to 2014 before moving to manage Turriff United for four years, during which time he guided the Aberdeenshire side to second place finish in the Highland League.
However, he is not ready to set targets for his time at Mackessack Park just yet.
He said: “I’m not going to make any predictions about estimated finishes or targets. I’m experienced enough to not set too many targets in case I end up with egg on my face.
“The aim is to win as many games as we can, provide a brand of football that is pleasing on the eye and get the crowd on our side.”
Despite changing manager so early in the season, Rothes are not in a bad place table wise and, having won three of their last four, including an impressive 2-0 win over Inverurie Locos on Saturday, are on good form.
Jack was quick to note this and thank the departing coaching team.
“I’m very thankful to the management who went before me,” he said.
“They have assembled a decent squad with good quality and it’s up to me and my staff to get the most out of them.”
The first assessment for Jack and his new squad is a trip to the central belt to face Caledonian Braves, formerly known as Edusport Academy, in the first round of the Scottish Cup.
Rothes have never won an away tie in the Scottish Cup, but did draw 1-1 with Caledonian Braves, then called Edusport, in 2017 before losing 3-1 in the replay at Mackessack Park.
The Braves aim to be in the Scottish Premiership by 2025 and have a squad of 50 players.
Jack added: “They are a very wealthy club with a huge squad and massive ambitions, which I’m impressed with.
"The management team is very experienced and there is a lot of players there with experience too."
