JACK ROSS says he’ll treasure the memories made at St Mirren as he quits the club for Sunderland.
The 41-year-old, who guided the Paisley club to the Championship title, heads to the Stadium of Light as manager on a two-year contract.
The Black Cats will start next season in League One following back to back relegations from the Premier League and then the Championship.
In a message to St Mirren fans, he said it wasn’t an easy decision, but the move was an ‘exciting career opportunity’.
A message from Jack Rosshttps://t.co/fDdh0WNGjc pic.twitter.com/gVLTxkHcEB
— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) May 25, 2018
On the club’s website, he wrote: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to so many people involved at St Mirren FC for the experiences of the past 20 months.
“To my players and staff who have worked tirelessly to support the work we do and who have been relentless in their pursuit of success and their desire to drive the club forwards.”
Ross also thanked the club’s board of directors for their support.
He added: “I am immensely proud that I have helped to give you your club back and I have always said that your unwavering passion for your club was there long before me and will continue long after my time.
“It has not been an easy decision to leave a club and a job which I loved but I have been offered an exciting career opportunity of which the challenge of I look forward to meeting.
“The days at Easter Road last May, and the Saturday’s 21st and 28th April at our stadium and in the town will be memories I will always treasure and I wish all Buddies every future success.”
He ended the statement with “SMTID” – St Mirren till I die.
James Fowler will head to Sunderland with Ross as assistant manager.
A club statement read: “Jack helped the club retain its place in the Ladbrokes Championship in his first year in charge when relegation to the third tier had seemed inevitable, before leading the club to the Championship title and promotion back to the Premiership.
“The club would also like to express its gratitude to Jack for ensuring that St Mirren FC were protected at all times and commend his commitment to the job throughout periods of speculation.
“We wish Jack every success in his new challenge at Sunderland.”
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