Dick Campbell thought he was achieving Ross County's goals

"You can be in the game for a very long time and begin to think that nothing surprises you, but I am surprised by this," he told The Scotsman.

"The board are saying that it is down to my style of management and play.

"But you cannot do much more than take a team to the top of the league."

Campbell had been appointed in the summer and given a season to take County back to Division One at the first time of asking or accept the sack.

But his departure came after just eight league games, with chairman Roy MacGregor claiming that fans and his board were concerned by the style of play.

"My impression was that I was being asked to win the championship and it didn't matter how we played so long as we got there," said Campbell.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Mr Campbell was one person starting to bring some respect back into the club thejailender

"If Ross County can find a new manager who can win the league and play fancy football at the same time then good luck to them.

"I'm not the sort to harbour ill-feeling and I hope they get promoted at the end of the season."

Campbell is believed to have had a disagreement with County's director of football, George Adams.