JACK ROSS’ stint as Newcastle’s interim Head of Coach Development has been made permanent.
The former St Mirren, Hibs and Dundee United boss started his temporary role at the end of March – six months after being sacked by Dundee United.
But he wasn’t unemployed for long and the boss took over the Academy position working closely with ex-Magpies goalkeeper and Academy director Steve Harper and under-21s boss Neil Winskill.
It’s now been rubber-stamped and made permanent for Ross, whose family re-located to the north-east of England when he was boss of Sunderland.
He spent 18 months at the Stadium of Light before his spells in charge at Hibs and United.
A report says his job “involves overusing application of the Academy playing and coaching philosophy and Coach Competency Framework”.
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Appointing him in march Harper said: “Jack is a very experienced manager, coach and coach educator. His knowledge and experience will be of huge benefit to us during his time here.”
Ross left United at the start of last season having defeated AZ Alkmaar at Tannadice in the Europa Conference League – but suffered heavy defeats in the return leg and at home to Celtic, shipping 16 goals in the two games.
He was replaced by Liam Fox and as United struggled Jim Goodwin was drafted in but couldn’t save the Terrors from relegation.
United began their latest Championship campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Arbroath on Friday night.
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Meanwhile Jack Butland insists there’s no need to push panic button despite Rangers’ shock loss at Kilmarnock.
Michael Beale’s new-look side were jeered from the field after Brad Lyons’ goal saw Gers lose their opening top-flight league fixture for the first time in 25 years.
Keeper Butland said: “We are not looking for excuses. We believe in what we have.
“You can see that in the way the fans reacted, but there is huge expectation because of the excitement around what we have done in the summer and the players that are in and remain from last year.
“It is an exciting time for the club. We are excited about that and the fans are disappointed because they feel the same.
“Nothing changes. We take it a game at a time and we look forward to getting over this.”
When asked if the players were already reaching for the panic button with Celtic three points clear after one game and a massive Champions League qualifier against Servette to come in midweek, Butland added: “No, absolutely not.
“It is still in our control. We have still to play them four times.
“It is not going to be plain sailing for them either and that is how we have to look at it.
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“Nothing is won or lost at this point. We’re confident with what we have got in the building.
“Performance wise, we were lacking a little bit and could have been more clinical in the final third.”
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