Ross County: Neale Cooper exits as assistant manager

Neale Cooper has left his post as assistant manager of Ross County.

The Scottish Premiership club say the 50-year-old's exit is "part of a restructuring of the football staff".

Physiotherapist Paul Chappell also leaves the Dingwall outfit after the avoided a relegation play-off in the final week of the season.

Manager Derek Adams told his club website: "I would like to thank Neale and Paul for their assistance while at the football club."

Cooper, the former Aberdeen, Aston Villa, Rangers, Reading and Dunfermline Athletic midfielder, became assistant to Adams in November 2012.

Having ended his playing career at County, where he was manager for six years, he went on to manage Hartlepool United, Gillingham and Peterhead before returning to the Highland club.

County chairman Roy McGregor told BBC Scotland last week that the club would need to take stock after flirting with relegation.

Adams later insisted that his own immediate future remained at Victoria Park.

Meanwhile, four players who impressed with County's under-20 team this season have been offered one-year contracts - midfielders Tony Dingwall and Scott Ferries, striker Kyle MacLeod and defender Ross MacKillop.

Teenagers Stephen Miller, James Beeston and Connor Lyall have been retained for a second season with the under-20s.

"I'm pleased to see the progression these boys have made and the contract offers come as a reward for their hard work and strong performances during their time with the club," said Adams.

"It is pleasing for me as a manager to see local youngsters taking advantage of the opportunity the youth system here has afforded them.

"I thank both them and the coaches who have worked with them for their efforts."