91Èȱ¬

Ross County have confirmed that Jim McIntyre has been appointed manager with Billy Dodds as his assistant.

A statement on the Queen of the South website said Doonhamers boss McIntyre was interviewed for the job on Sunday and offered the role on Monday.

It read: "Whilst clearly very disappointed, we understand his desire to work at a higher level again.

"The board thank [Jim] and Ross County for the professional manner in which the negotiations took place."

The statement continued: "We would also like to place on record our thanks for his services over the past 15 months and acknowledgement that he achieved all the targets set for him in that time.

"We believe he leaves the club well equipped to push for a play-off place in the Championship again despite the quality of clubs at this level this season.

"The process to find a replacement manager will begin immediately."

McIntyre's appointment comes just almost two weeks after County sacked Derek Adams as manager along with his father, George, who was the club's director of football.

The Staggies are without a point after five league matches this season.

A similar statement on the Ross County website confirmed the appointment of McIntyre and Dodds, with Dingwall chairman Roy MacGregor thanking Queen of the South for their understanding in giving his club permission to talk to their manager to allow a "formal and swift agreement".

Queen of the South are currently fourth in the Scottish Championship table after picking up seven points from their first four matches.

McIntyre was appointed manager of the Doonhamers in June 2013, replacing Allan Johnston who moved to Kilmarnock.

He started his football career with Bristol City as an apprentice in 1991 and enjoyed successful spells with Airdrie, Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Dunfermline.

In December 2007, he was appointed caretaker coach of Dunfermline Athletic after the sacking of Stephen Kenny, and, as manager he led the East End Park club to the First Division Championship and promotion back to the Scottish Premier League in 2010-11.