Jack Ross rubbishes Hibs bitterness claim as new Dundee United boss reveals good-luck messages from Easter Road

Jack Ross says there’s no bitterness over his harsh Hibs exit as he dismissed suggestions he’s on a revenge mission at Dundee United.

The 46-year-old is back in management at Tannadice having been bulleted by Easter Road chief Ron Gordon in December after two years in charge with the Leith side His shock sacking came with the club sitting seventh and just 10 days before the 46-year-old was due to lead Hibs out at Hampden for the final of the Premier Sports Cup.

But Ross says he has brushed off that disappointment as he revealed he’s received good luck messages from both Gordon and Hibs chief exec Ben Kensell since accepting his latest posting on Tayside. Now he says his only focus is on carrying on the success of United predecessor Tam Courts, who led the Tangerines to a fourth-place finish last term. The new boss spoke at the plush Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews as he was officially unveiled.

He said: “It’s funny when you leave clubs. I know there’s a lot of things that float about which then becomes fact or a ‘reality’ that there was never any truth in.

“I left – I didn’t agree with it – but I left on good terms. I’ve had messages from the chief exec and owner since I took this job so that gives you an indication of where that relationship still lies. I wish no ill will on the club. It was a brilliant club to manage.

“Now I’m at United and I think it’s a club that’s on an upward trajectory. What they achieved last season was terrific, on the back of being promoted and stabilising. The challenge for me is not an easy one because it’s about delivering a period of sustained success. But it’s more than capable of doing that as a football club. So I’m looking forward to embrace that challenge.”

Ross also stressed he took