Maurice Ross leaves Notts County after bust-up with player

Former Rangers and Wolves full-back Maurice Ross has resigned from his role as Notts County assistant manager following a bust-up with a player, just five weeks after starting his new role.

The 40-year-old has been a coach for eight years after hanging up his boots at a young age, but was only brought in to Notts County just over a month ago in a bid to boost their promotion hopes.

That has failed spectacularly though, with Ross immediately coming out to apologise for a mysterious 'ill-judged comment' made to an unnamed player during the draw at Altrincham at the weekend.

In a statement, the ex-Scotland international said: 'During Saturday's match at Altrincham, I made an ill-judged comment to a member of our playing staff which has led to my departure from the club.

'I deeply regret the comment, which is not a reflection of the type of person I am, and would like to place on record my apologies to the player in question for the upset I have caused.

'While it was said in the heat of the moment with no malice intended, it was nevertheless unacceptable and I'm devastated by the impact it's caused.

'I would also like to apologise to the club's board of directors, supporters and Ian Burchnall, all of whom I have enjoyed working with immensely.

'The club have handled today's events impeccably and everyone at Meadow Lane has my full support for the rest of the season and beyond.

'I will be taking some time to reflect on my actions and learn from this experience before continuing my coaching journey.'

County had earlier revealed: 'Assistant head coach Maurice Ross has this afternoon left the club with immediate effect.

'We will be making no further comment.'

Ross has left the club just five weeks in to a four-and-a-half-year contract, which he signed in March with the aim of helping the club back into the Football League.

The move saw him come in to work under new boss Burchnall, who had previously tried to sign Ross as a player for Norwegian side Viking Stavanger.

Ross hung up his boots in 2013 and began his coaching career in Scandinavia, managing Sola, Egersunds, TB/FC Suduroy/Royn and Vikingur across a five-year spell.

The Notts County assistant manager's job was his first coaching role in English football.

Reference: Ben Nagle for MailOnline  1 day ago