We’ve invited fans of the 42 SPFL clubs (well, some of them at least) to give us a preview of their team’s upcoming season. Let’s find out what Mike Munro thinks is in store for Ross County…
Last season’s position – 9th
This season’s prediction – 6th
Best Signing Of The Summer So Far – Andrew Davies
Despite not having too much knowledge about the player when he signed, he clearly has a decent pedigree. I am also extremely encouraged by the opinions of Bradford City fans who were genuinely gutted to see the player leave who had clearly become a fan favourite over the years through the grit and determination he had shown to help his club progress. He is also strong in the air and supposed to be excellent at reading the game.
Losing Paul Quinn was a massive blow for Ross County who had a developed an excellent understanding with Scott Boyd. Although it may take time for Davies to gel with his defensive counterpart I am confident he will forge a good understanding. A strong defence I believe could be a catalyst for success this season.
Key Man – Liam Boyce
Although a number of players played a pivotal role in turning round County’s season last year, I believe Boyce could be a very key player for us this season. When McIntyre took over the team we were leaking goals constantly and shot shy up front. It looked like we were destined for relegation.
When the team began to gel following the introduction of January recruits, Boyce looked like a different player. A couple of goals gave him real confidence which helped us to pull away from the relegation zone including a hat-trick against relegation rivals, St Mirren. When Boyce arrived at County from part-time football he was not in the best condition. The work our sports scientist has done with him has been significant leading to him becoming a mainstay. He is an excellent link up player with a real eye for goal and could be a big threat this year. I am excited to see how he links up with Brian Graham this year. The service he will receive from the wide areas from Gardyne, Da Vita and Dingwall should lead him having plenty of opportunities to improve on last years’ goal tally.
The Manager – Jim McIntyre
With several names like Kluivert and Lobera being banded around as potential County managers in the wake of Adams’s dismissal it felt like a bit of an anti-climax when McIntyre was appointed. His start at Ross County did not begin well with a record of 2 wins in his opening 19 games.
Some fans began to seriously question following a trouncing by Aberdeen whether the right man had been appointed. There has also been a massive player turnover at the club with McIntyre being provided with the backing to make multiple changes. However, during a make or break Valentine’s Day match at Victoria Park things began to fall into place when McIntyre abandoned the regular 4-2-3-1 for a more orthodox 4-4-2 which appeared to suit the players at his disposal better.
There followed an incredible run which no one could have foreseen where a lot of credit must go the manager. This led to McIntyre gaining a lot of respect and trust from County fans. It has given the fans serious grounds for encouragement that long term contracts have been offered and that several key players have committed to the club for 2 years. Like myself, several County fans believe continuity is the key and favour this approach to the short term contracts and high staff turnover that came under the previous regime. It is also evident that the players enjoy working under McIntyre and Dodds through committing to these longer term contracts.
Despite an excellent end to the season McIntyre made a brave and very unpopular decision in releasing County captain and legend Ritchie Brittain. I personally feel he could still have offered something. However, it appears McIntyre favours a midfield with more pace with Ritchie not fitting into the system. It remains to be seen whether releasing someone of Ritchie’s stature and ability was the right move.
Expectations
I am quietly optimistic about this season. This time last year we were playing ‘guess the trialist’ at pre season games. I was astonished to see that we signed all of them despite only testing them against local opposition. This year McIntyre has done his business early making some astute signings in the process.
Scott Fox will certainly be an improvement on what we had in goals . Andrew Davies and Chris Robertson will add a solid presence at the back. Franks and Holden look shrewd signings. I am also encouraged about what I have heard so far about Murdoch and McShane. However, I still feel we are a little light in midfield with many County fans wishing we could entice Jackson Irvine back to Victoria Park. That remains to be seen.
Still, another option in midfield is definitely needed. A box to box midfielder with a great engine. Despite the criticism he received about his time at Rangers, I think Ricky Foster could be an excellent acquisition. His versatility could be vital as the season unfolds. If he shows signs of the form he showed at Aberdeen he could play a pivotal role this year.
Well, going to Celtic Park as an opener couldn’t be a more difficult start and that will be a massive challenge. It is important get off to a decent start which has not been the norm in previous years. With the majority of last years key players staying and new signings being brought in early preseason I expect the team to be well drilled for the opener and have a successful season leading to a top half finish. I am particularly looking forward to my trip this week to Budapest to see how the team are doing.
About The Author
Mike Munro is a life long Ross County fan having been born in the Highlands. He now lives in Edinburgh and is part of a group of Central Belt-based County fans called The Central Staggies. It’s a great group where like minded County fans get together to discuss issues that affect our club or just meet for a blether before the games. We are a relatively small group but welcome any County fans to join us.
Apart from football, Mike has a lot of different interests such as music, and other sporting activities, and last year attended the Commonwealth Games. This year he is competing in a wine Marathon for a wonderful cause.
