retired_destiny1124

Another JRR reader Welcome and best of luck with your try

retired_marcias

Thanks for all the encouragement Good to see someone who recognises my name too

retired_marcias

Sunday July 27th 2003

A very quiet week this week with time to reflect a little on County's preparations so far for the new season. Decisions need to be made very soon on the trialists still at the club as to whether to offer them contracts or not.

Irish side Shelbourne make a derisory offer for star striker Jim Hamilton, offering an unwanted goalkeeper and £45,000, but only after he scores 40 goals. Needless to say, the offer is rejected along with an enquiry from Walsall.

Inverness Clachnacuddin 1-2 Ross County
Pre-season friendly - Friday 25th July

Our first away match of the season after 3 high profile home matches sees us travel the short distance to local rivals Inverness Clachnacuddin from the Highland league. Most of the original trialists gone now, but contracts have been offered to some who will hopefully be back. A chance for existing players to prove their worth in this match though. Not the best of starts as Scott Nicholl puts the home side infront early on. A lovely passing move starting with on-loan Stephen O'Donnell ends with David McGuire continuing his good form by slotting home the equaliser with a solid finish. Into the 90th minute and a long ball lofted forward by Steven Mackay finds Stephen McGarry who shows his striker's touch to put County infront and surely give us the win. Not the most assured of performances, but we had to replace a lot of players for this match with the departure of so many trialists.

The week ends with more enquiries about Jim Hamilton. Strangely he's on a 3 year contract worth £0 p/w I guess I'll get him into my office for a chat before the season starts and give him a proper contract! Less than a week left now until the season opener away to Gretna. It'll be a good match to test the squad - a division 3 side away and if we lose it's not the end of the world as it's a cup match, but I'd certainly like us to progress.

As I finish writing this at 6 pm, I get a phonecall from Bobby Duncan informing me that he's accepted my contract offer and will be joining us tomorrow. He should be a good signing as I currently only have 1 left-back and he's not really of the quality I'm looking for so Duncan should make the position his own and do well for us.

retired_marcias

Conversational interlude between Ross County manager Adam Eckersley and striker Jim Hamilton

AE: Hi, come in and take a seat Jim. I've been impressed by your attitude in training so far.

JH: Thanks. I still feel I have a lot to improve on for the season, but I'm getting there.

AE: I wanted to discuss your contract Jim. I haven't spoken to Archie since last week so I don't know if you have any arrangements with him. Why are you on a 3 year contract being paid nothing though?!

JH: Well, I had some bad injury problems at the end of last season and was without a club with no-one showing any interest due to my injury troubles. I got talking to Archie and he said I was welcome to come and train at Ross County if I wanted and we'd take it from there so I jumped at the chance.

AE: I can understand you coming on a non-contract basis for a trial, but a 3 year contract?

JH: Well, you know Archie, he's a larger than life character, but true to his word and if he promises something, you tend to believe him. He said he'd like to sign me, but with my injury troubles he didn't want to risk offering a long term contract yet, but that he'd be disappointed if another club came in for me so we agreed that I'd sign a 3 year contract with no wages, but he gave me his word that if I proved myself over pre-season he'd offer me a proper contract at the start of the season.

AE: Ah, I see. That's a lot of trust you put in him.

JH: Aye, but he's the kind of guy you do trust so I wasn't too worried. I admit it was a worry when you were appointed manager because I thought you might decide I wasn't needed, but again he promised me I'd be released on a free if you didn't want me in the side.

AE: As you know, I've already rejected an offer and a couple of enquiries about you so I'm very keen to keep you at the club. Give me a couple of days to chat with Archie and I'll have a contract offer on the table for you before the end of the week.


So there it was, even with my total lack of experience as a manager I was sure nothing like this could ever have happened elsewhere! A player agreeing to sign a 3 year contract for £0 p/w with just the chairman's word that he would offer him a new contract if he was good enough :eek:

retired_marcias

Article from the Dingwall Times on Tuesday July 29th 2003

Scottish First Division title odds released by Skybet:

St. Johnstone have been installed as Evens favourites to win promotion to the SPL with Clyde 5-4, Falkirk 6-4 and Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-1 thought to be the main contenders. Ross County are predicted to be amongst the favourites for relegation with the appointment of a totally unknown new manager, Adam Eckersley, doing little to dispell the notion that the club will struggle to even repeat last season's last day escape from relegation. One Dingwall punter is rumoured to have placed a bet of £10,000 on County to win the Division as Skybet give odds of 33-1. Even the most optimistic of Ross County fans must be fearing the worst for the new season however, despite the signings of a number of free transfers.

With just over a week to go before the league season begins, fans will be hoping for more signings at Victoria Park if the club are really to fulfill the predictions of their ambitious chairman Archie MacLaren who insists new manager Adam Eckersley is the man to take the club forward to the SPL and beyond. Fans remain to be convinced of their chairman's opinion and many are questioning whether he is the right man to be at the helm of their club.

County start the season this Saturday with an away trip to 3rd division Gretna in the Scottish League Challenge Cup. Hamish Brodie of the Dingwall Times will be first to interview the new County manager after the match so be sure to get your copy of the Dingwall Times and find out more about this unknown man charged with taking your club forward.

retired_marcias

Sunday August 3rd 2003

Mixed news this week on the transfer front. Tuesday saw James Dunbar and Andrew Bell both reject Ross County's offer in favour of moving South to join Stoke City and Swindon respectively.

On a positive note though, pacey wingers Gary Bowman and Kevin McCallion both agree terms with County and should increase our options on the left wing with their excellent crossing ability. McCallion is certainly one for the future, whilst Bowman will add experience to the squad as well as making an immediate impact on the wing

As the season draws near, attention is turned to bringing in some quality loan signings. It is felt we have good squad depth in most areas now, but the addition of 4 good loan signings from SPL clubs would give us the boost needed to aim for success on all fronts. Unfortunately the signs aren't promising with various players rejecting the chance to drop a division after their clubs agreed to let them join us.

Jim Hamilton puts pen to paper on a new 3 year deal - he actually gets wages now!

Gretna 5-0 Ross County
Scottish League Challenge Cup R1 - Saturday 2nd August

Here we are then. The first competitive match of the season and the nerves are jangling. With the team sheet submitted we prepare for the game after the long journey down from Dingwall. Gretna get a series of early corners, but County 'keeper Andy Goram keeps them at bay as County attempt to take control of the game. On 36 minutes, Gretna at last break through to take a deserved lead - the defending has been very disappointing so far and there's a lot to be done at half time as we soon find ourselves 2-0 down with Martin Cameron netting his 2nd of the game. Please get the half time whistle blown!. Ryan Baldacchino fires home in first half injury time as County fall apart. 3 substitutions at half time, but if I could I'd take all 11 off! As it is, Ross O'Donoghue, Jim Hamilton and Kevin McCallion all take to the field for their competitive debuts. The pressure is on as the second half begins. A 3-0 defeat to a team 2 divisions below us won't bode well for my first interview as County manager after the game, but as Martin Cameron completes his hat-trick this really does look like a nightmare start to my managerial career. As I watch Ian Stevens score Gretna's 5th with 15 minutes still to play I really begin to wonder what I'm doing here, managing a professional football team. Full time eventually arrives and I try to decide what to say to the players and how to approach my forthcoming interview with the Dingwall Times.

The atmosphere in the changing rooms afterwards is sombre. The players know they've let me down, I know I've let them down, we all know we've let the fans down. There will have to be a postmortem of what went wrong and it won't be pretty. For now though I must hold to my promise to have an interview with Hamish Brodie of the Dingwall Times. I can only hope he's willing to give me time to prove myself. Having the local press County reporter against me from the start would be a disaster. The only grain of consolation is that we aren't Arbroath who went down 8-0 at Brechin, but then Arbroath are a division below Brechin...

retired_marcias

Chat transcript from the Dingwall Times on Saturday August 2nd 2003

Ross County manager Adam Eckersley speaks exclusively to Hamish Brodie after County's humiliating defeat at the hands of 3rd Division Gretna

HB: Well Adam, good to meet you at last. There's a lot to discuss...
AE: Yes, I was hoping to speak to you in happier circumstances, but I hope things can only improve from here.
HB: First, I'd like to ask about your appointment as Ross County manager last month. There are all manner of stories on the streets and in the pubs of Dingwall that County chairman Archie was drunk when he offered you the job and got over-excited by your talk of Celtic's 1967 European Cup triumph. What's the real story?
AE (laughs): There's some element of truth in the rumours, but Archie certainly wasn't drunk. We were chatting together one evening when we talked about the Lisbon Lions and my dream of managing a team to repeat their feat. It was the following morning that he offered me the job though and he was definitely sober!
HB: Were you surprised when he asked you to take over?
AE: I was totally shocked. The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, having no football background whatsoever, but when I realised he was serious I couldn't resist the challenge. I understand that the fans will be sceptical of my appointment, I just ask that they give me some time and the chance to prove myself. I may never have been a player or manager previously, but I feel I have a decent football brain.
HB: The County fans tend to be patient with new managers, but they really are still in a state of shock at the appointment of a young manager with no experience and I doubt today's result has done much to allay their worries. Was it just inexperience today?
AE: To be honest Hamish I'm as shocked as anyone by today's result and don't blame the fans at all for their reaction - we let them down and we must turn things around before the league begins next week. We'll have to study the game to work out what needs changing.
HB: Do you believe you have the squad to stay in the division this season? After today, it would seem there is still a lot of need for improvement in the squad if we are to be competitive in the league.
AE: I honestly believe we do have a good squad Hamish. I know that may be hard to believe after today's showing, but it would be unfair to judge the side after 1 performance. If the fans need a scapegoat they can blame me, but the players will learn from that defeat and come back stronger. I'm always looking to strengthen the squad of course, but I won't make any panic buys.
HB: I'm sure the fans will be behind the team for the big kickoff next Saturday and we all wish you good luck here at the Dingwall Times. We're as shocked as the fans at your appointment, but Archie is a popular figue in the town and if he believes in you we'll give you our full support.
AE: Thanks a lot Hamish. I certainly hope to develop a good working relationship with the Dingwall Times.
HB: Just before we finish, what are your thoughts about St. Mirren away next Saturday? Are you confident the players will bounce back?
AE: Well, we'll have to improve a lot on today, but I believe we can get a result. They are a very good side though and if we can get a draw to start the season that'll be a point gained rather than 2 lost I think.

retired_bbcarr

a belated welcome and good luck

and that was a nasty result against gretna

retired_marcias

Thanks. The only way is up from there...well, either that or a quick sacking

retired_marcias

Saturday August 9th 2003

Match day today and I sit writing the first half of this as we head south down the A9 on our team coach. As with so many fixtures, it's a long trip from Dingwall to Paisley to face St. Mirren.

Not a great deal to report from last week. The players trained extra hard this week, those who played at Gretna knowing that their places are under threat and those who didn't knowing they have a chance to stake their claim for a place against St. Mirren. I'm still finalising the team sheet as I write this. I don't want to make too many changes. The 14 players who played in that match will be very eager to prove themselves so I don't expect a repeat performance.

No transfer activity to report from this week. A few players brought to my attention by the scouts, but they don't appear to be any better than what we already have so I didn't make any offers.

Whilst I have the time, I'll present the first team squad we begin the season with. Numerous players have been placed in the reserves and U19s to get match practice so they may be recalled to the full squad. For now though we have the following players:

Goalkeepers:

Andy Goram: Vastly experienced and starts the season as first choice 'keeper despite conceding 5 at Gretna. Signed largely for his coaching abilities, but still has 1 season playing left.

Craig Devlin: Just 19 years of Age, but he starts the season as our No. 2 ahead of the more experienced Colin Stewart. He's still very raw, but working with Andy should see him develop well for future seasons.

Fullbacks:

Kerr Dodds: This will be the 18 year old's first season so he still has a lot to learn, but he has electric pace and is a highly skilled tackler and marker despite his age. He is also a very confident dribbler, but needs to build up his strength.

Jamie McCunnie: Jamie is our more experienced right-back and is a strong player, also excellent at tackling. Less pacey than Kerr Dodds, but he is more experienced and mentally tougher. He'll start the season on the bench, but if the pressure gets to Kerr he'll probably find himself back in the first 11.

Bobby Duncan: Bobby joined us on a free after being released by Aberdeen in the Summer and has potential to be a very good player. At just 20, he still has much room for improvement in his game, but should prove to be a solid left-back in the 1st Division. Backup for Bobby at left-back is limited so it is hoped he will prove himself fast.

Centre-backs:

Martin Canning: A popular player in the dresing room and interesting a number of SPL clubs, Martin has a good all-round game for a defender with a high work rate. At 21, Martin is one of our younger centre-backs and will be looking to gain experience from playing alongside out veterans.

Brian Irvine: At 38 and having already taken up a coaching role at the club, Brian is definitely in the Autumn of his career, but he brings a vast amount of experience to the team and is still a highly proficient tackler and marker whose heading ability could prove invaluable. What he lacks in pace he more than makes up for in his reading of the game and leadership skills.

Andy Morrison: Having been out of the game for over 2 years after leaving Manchester City, Andy was delighted at the chance to join County and at 33 he still has a few years left before handing over to the younger defenders. Brave, determined and aggressive, Andy has lost much of the pace he may once have had, but like Brian he can read the game very well and is also a strong header of the ball.

Chris Gray: 18 year old Chris is likely to play most of his games with the U19s this season, but with just 3 centre-backs ahead of him in the squad he may well be pressed into action earlier than I'd like. A strong and brave tackler, Chris is a good team player, but is still learning the art of defending.

Central-midfielders:

Mark McCulloch: Attracting interest from a number of clubs, Mark could be one of our key players this season. With a solid all-round game, the defensive midfielder will be looking to make the midfield holding role his own. At 28, he is at the peak of his career now so we'll be looking to him to provide the younger players with the guidance they'll need, both on and off the pitch.

David Hannah: The former Dundee United and Celtic defensive midfielder brings with him a lot of the skills County will need in the 1st division. One of a few players in the squad to have spent most of his career in the top division David will be expected to vie with Mark McCulloch for one of the two central midfield berths.

George Keldie: George is likely to spend much of his time with the U19s, but with great pace, strength and stamina allied to a high work rate and determination, he could yet force his way into contention for a starting position for some first team games.

Ross O'Donoghue: Ross was very disappointed to be released by Aberdeen after 4 years as a youth at Pittodrie and will be looking to prove his worth this season. Having rejected an offer from SPL side Dunfirmline in favour of joining County, Ross is clearly hungry for first team football and is likely to be a pivotal figure for us this season with his pinpoint passing and great stamina combined with a highly creative touch on the ball.

Stephen O'Donnell: On loan from Dundee United, Stephen is undoubtably a talented player who is sure to break into the Utd full team in future years. A set piece specialist with an eye for goal, Stephen will likely compete with Ross O'Donoghue for the creative midfield role, but can also play on the right wing when needed.

Wingers:

Hugh Robertson: Capable of filling in for Bobby Duncan at left-back when needed, Hugh is a defensive-minded winger and a first team regular at County for the last two seasons. With the arrival of 2 more attack-minded wingers this Summer, Hugh may find his first team chances limited, but could still force his way into the side.

Gary Bowman: Signed on a free transfer this summer, Gary has lightening pace and superb crossing ability. With a good all-round game Gary should feature heavily in the club's drive for success this season.

Kevin McCallion: Similar in playing style to Gary Bowman, Kevin is a young left winger with a bright future who should learn a lot from Gary. With a high work-rate and bags of flair Kevin could will look to create chances for the team's strikers as well as looking to score a few himself.

David Winters: Possibly County's best player, David is a very talented right winger who left Dundee United for Ross County last season in search of first team football. A crowd favourite, David is a very pacey player with good dribbling and crossing abilities through whom a lot of our play is likely to be directed. With a great aerial prowess, David can also play as a striker if required.

Strikers:

David McGuire: David is an excellent player with the ball at his feet, with great pace and dribbling ability which should strike fear into opposition defenders. With a good football brain and off the ball running, David should certainly get himself into good scoring positions and could be the man to fire County into the SPL.

Jim Hamilton: Another former Dundee United player, Jim makes an excellent target-man with his strong physique and great heading ability. With an iron nerve, Jim is also a very good penalty taker and is likely to feature heavily this season.

Steven McGarry: Possibly County's best all-round striker, Steven will be looking to make one of the two positions upfront his own. A lethal finishers in the box and from distance, the former St. Mirren striker has an excellent eye for goal and should be able to score 20 goals in a season if he gets a good run. Steven is also a very good set piece taker and will hope to add to his goal tally with a number of freekicks.

Calum McHattie: Young Calum will have stiff competition if he wishes to break into the first team this season, but at 18 he looks to have a promising future ahead of him. Lacking a little in pace, he is a good finisher who should score a lot of goals for the U19s if he doesn't manage to break into the first team.

Keith Robertson: A strong target-man with electric pace, Keith was out of favour at Peterhead, but could prove useful to play alongside a good finisher like McGarry. Likely to start the season on the bench he will have opportunities coming on from the bench and will be looking to make a fast impact. Still a little raw technically, at 21 he still has a long time to improve.


That's about it then. Many other players in the reserves, some of whom we'll be looking to move on elsewhere, others who will be banging on the door of the first team. The U19s side also contains some promising players, but only time will tell how these develop.