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Match report from the Dingwall Times on Saturday October 25th 2003

Ayr go top as County are held in 6 goal thriller

Hamish Brodie reports:

A quite astonishing match at Palmerston Park saw 6 goals and a red card all in the first 23 minutes as Ross County managed a point away from home for the first time in a while, but will perhaps be disappointed not to have won after playing for 72 minutes against 10 men.

With the clock yet to tick past the 1 minute mark Queen of the South broke up field from a Ross County attack and fed Sean O'Connor who slotted home. 3 minutes later and an all too familiar sight was greeting the away fans as Garry Wood sends the home side 2-0 up.

With County manager Adam Eckersley bellowing at his players from the touchline, the team responded with Jamie McCunnie feeding the ball forward for Keith Robertson to collect and fire across the box for David McGuire to tuck away at the far post with just 7 minutes on the clock. 13 minutes later, David McGuire hit the post, but was awarded a penalty as Jim Thomson was adjudged to have tugged his shirt. With Thomson sent off, David Winters stepped up to sweep home the equaliser from the penalty spot with County fans going wild at the unusual sight of not only away goals, but a comeback from 2-0 down away from home! With both defences looking liable to ship goals with every attack, David Winters headed the ball down for Keith Robertson, totally unmarked on the penalty spot to complete an amazing turnaround with just 20 minutes gone. 2-3 ahead and against 10 men, County were looking good for their first away win in weeks before Eric Paton took advantage of ponderous County defending to smash home an equaliser on 23 minutes.

Fans of both sides were beginning to wonder just how many goals would be scored in this match before the end, but after the early flurry of action, Queen of the South sat back defending stoutly with their 10 men and despite numerous attacks from County and the odd foray upfield from the homeside, neither team was able to breach the opposition defence again.

While this may be a turning point for County away from home, in the cold light of day it was a match they should have taken 3 points from and Ayr United weren't in the mood to hang around at County rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle, running out comfortable 0-2 winners with the kind of efficient away performance that County fans can only dream of currently. Good news at least from McDiarmid Park where St. Johnstone fell apart at home to in form Raith Rovers. With 11 games gone of the season, Ayr find themselves back on top by a point from Ross County with St. Johnstone and Raith Rovers leading the chasing pack. Who will win promotion come the end of the season is still anyone's guess, but after being pre-season favourites for relegation, County fans have to be quietly satisfied with the progress their team has made this season under their young manager.

FT: Queen of the South 3-3 Ross County (3102 Attendance)

[This message was edited by glamdring on 07 February 2004 at 13:58.]

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Article from the Dingwall Times on Sunday October 26th 2003

Fans in shock as Ross County sell 'keeper Colin Stewart to Plymouth

Alistair McSween reports:

Ross County fans were left surprised today by manager Adam Eckersley's decision to sell goalkeeper Colin Stewart to English Second Division side Plymouth Argyle. Colin had only joined County at the start of the Summer and fans had greeted his signing from Kilmarnock with jubilation, but with the arrival of new manager Eckersley, it became clear that Colin wasn't to be first choice for the new season.

Whilst fans can have no complaints about the form of current No. 1 Andy Goram, it is clear to all that at 39 he is approaching the end of his playing career and this could be his last season. Eckersley appears to favour 19 year old Craig Devlin as his second choice 'keeper ahead of the more experienced Stewart, but with just 35 year old Les Fridge who is known to be retiring after this season and 2 inexperienced 18 year old 'keepers as backup, the wisdom of Eckersley's decision to sell Stewart is being questioned by many.

It has to be said though that the reported £75,000 fee County will receive from Plymouth represents good value for a 3rd choice 'keeper and fans of the club will be hoping that manager Eckersley re-invests some of that cash in a new experienced goalkeeper for next season.

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Moray Firth Radio hold Ross County Fans Forum with chairman Archie MacLaren, manager Adam Eckersley and player/coach Brian Irvine answering your questions

Q: Adam, you recently sold Colin Stewart to Plymouth. Most fans had been expecting him to be our first choice 'keeper this season. What were your reasons for selling him?

Adam: Colin is a good lad and I wish him all the best at Plymouth who are an ambitious club. Had I not managed to sign Andy Goram for this season I doubt I would have agreed to sell Colin, but I've been very impressed with Andy's form this season and young Craig Devlin is looking promising and pushing Andy for the No. 1 jersey. I understand the fan's concerns, but a club like Ross County can't afford to reject an offer of £75,000 for a 3rd choice goalkeeper.

Q: Is it true that Plymouth initially wanted a player-exchange deal for Colin?

Adam: Yes, I can confirm that a Plymouth player was involved in the original offer, but we weren't looking for a player exchange deal.

Q: Archie, Adam mentioned the issue of a club like Ross County not being in a position to reject such an offer. What is the current situation at County regarding money for transfers?

Archie: As you know, Scottish football is almost in meltdown at the moment with hardly any clubs making any money and most SPL clubs running large debts. Whilst our aim is to win promotion to the SPL I will only accept doing so within the financial constraints of the club. We do have a positive bank balance, but the money from Colin's sale is a huge boost to us, especially since we are losing around £20,000 per month. We aren't in a position were we have to sell our best players though. Unless we get a ridiculous offer, none of the players Adam tells me he needs will be sold.

Q: Is any of the money from the sale being made available for transfers?

Archie: There is money available for transfers, but Adam knows the financial constraints we are working under and isn't about to go splashing cash around unless he really feels there is a player available that we need...Adam?

Adam: Yes, of course we are always keeping an eye out for good players who come available, but I don't foresee any players coming in in the near future. I prefer to keep a settled squad for the season so I'll only add to it if I feel we need more depth in certain areas. I can confirm that I am looking at strengthening the defence and will be looking at a number of goalkeepers, but it is likely that any signings will be next summer rather than this season.

Q: You mentioned the goalkeeping situation. With Andy Goram announcing yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season, do you regret selling Colin Stewart?

Adam: Andy told me at the start of the season when I signed him that this would likely be his last season, so his announcemnet yesterday came as no surprise and doesn't change my opinions on the sale of Colin Stewart.

Q: Brian, you're in your 4th season at the club now and still playing first team football regularly - how long do you think you can continue playing?

Brian: Good question! I think it's one of those decisions that will be made for me though. My body will tell me when I can no longer keep up with the rigours of regular first team football and no doubt Adam will tell me too!

Q: You've been involved in the coaching here for the last couple of seasons as well as playing. Do you plan to continue your coaching role here after you finish playing?

Brian: I'm definitely looking to move into full time coaching once I hang up my boots and I'm enjoying my time here at Ross County. My contract is up in the summer so we'll have to see how things turn out, but if Adam still wants me here as a coach I don't foresee any problems with me signing a new contract. We're in no hurry at the moment though because we are still waiting to see whether I'll be playing next season or just coaching.

Q: Adam, the season has gone well so far in the league. Are you surprised at the success you've had so far or was it what you expected?

Adam: After last season's near relegation, I think the main aim for this season was to consolidate in Division 1 and avoid any more last day nerves. I brought in a few players in the summer though and felt we had an outside chance of promotion if we could stay relatively injury free and develop some consistency.

Q: Our away form of late and especially in the cups has been very disappointing. Can you put your finger on why?

Adam: It is a problem at the moment certainly. As regards our league form, I think this is a very close division so home advantage is a major factor in results as can be seen from our own home form. I am constantly studying our away performances though for areas to improve and I think we are turning the corner. I have to apologise for our performances in the cups so far this season though. Losing 5-0 and 4-0 to lower division teams was a huge disappointment and one which I hope never to repeat. We'll have to see how we can do in the FA Cup...a home draw would be nice to start though!

Q: Last question, for Archie - You made a brave decision in appointing such an inexperienced and unknown manager in the summer, but it seems your decision is working out well so far. Are you happy with the progress the club are making so far?

Archie: I'm delighted with the work Adam has done for us so far. It was a gamble to appoint him, but I have always believed in him and that he will take the club forward into the SPL and maybe even further. I know Adam is very interested in giving Ross County's talented youngsters a chance so our Youth system will play an important part in the future success with finances very tight for bringing in many players.

retired_marcias

Article from the Dingwall Times on Monday November 10th 2003

Morrison apologises as late blunder costs derby

In a surprisingly frank statement today, Ross County centre-back Andy Morrison, 33, apologised to the club's fans for the defensive blunder that allowed Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Paul Ritchie to score an injury time winner in Saturday's derby match at the Caledonian Stadium.

Having maintained their impressive 100% home record with a 2-1 win over Brechin last week, Ross County headed into Saturday's derby match looking to halt a run of just 1 point from their last 5 away games. Playing with a new 3-4-3 formation, County were living dangerously in a lively first half, but it wasn't until the 67th minute that the first goal of the game came when Thistle defender Grant Munro slid in on County's David McGuire conceding a penalty. Substitute Jim Hamilton made no mistake, blasting the penalty home to give County the lead. Thistle counter-attacked quickly however as they broke up County's next attack and within 2 minutes were level through David Bingham.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, despite numerous County chances, Inverness attacked again with purpose causing Ross County problems at the back. County manager Adam Eckersley was livid on the touchline as the ball came into the penalty area and an out of position Andy Morrison failed to pick up Paul Ritchie who smashed home the winner to the jubilation of the home fans.

Today, Morrison released a short statement apologising to the club's fans, saying he knows how much the derby match means to them and is gutted that his mistake cost the club a point. With reference to County's new tactics, Morrison commented that it would take time to get used to playing a back 3 instead of a back 4 if manager Eckersley intends to continue using the formation.

County's 4th away defeat of the season sees them drop 2 points behind league leaders Ayr United who could themselves only manage a 1-1 draw at 3rd placed Raith Rovers on Saturday.

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Article from the Dingwall Times on Monday November 29th 2003

Eckersley scraps new tactic as Sutton destroys County

Hamish Brodie reports:

Young Ross County manager Adam Eckersley admitted this evening that his adventurous 3-4-3 tactic employed in the last 3 games was a mistake, especially away from home and would likely be scrapped with immediate effect with a return to the old 4-4-2 tactic assumed most likely.

Eckersley's comments come in the wake of a humiliating capitulation by County at the hands of Raith Rovers' John Sutton who scored 5 of the home side's 6 goals in today's 6-0 win over County. The 3-4-3 formation was also employed for last week's home match against St. Johnstone where County lost their 100% home record and were lucky to grab a 2-2 draw. Many fans had questioned the need to change the home tactic which had been successful and were unsure as to whether a bold 3-4-3 formation was the answer to their away frailties either.

Rovers' John Sutton was ecstatic at his 5 goal haul, but even more with the team performance. He also admitted that he was driven on by the wish to avenge Ross County's 7-2 trouncing of Raith a few weeks earlier at Victoria Park. This result sees Raith move to within a point of County while an 89th minute winner from Dougie Ramsey against Clyde sends Ayr United ominously 7 points clear at the top. With just 1 promotion place up for grabs, the chasing pack will need to close the gap as fast as possible if they are to retain any hopes of competing for promotion.

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Match report from the Dingwall Times on Saturday December 6th 2003

O'Donoghue stars in table-topping 6 pointer

Hamish Brodie reports:

After a recent slump in form from Ross County seeing Ayr United move 7 points clear at the top, this was a crucial match for County. Defeat would all but end their promotion hopes, even this early in the season and a draw would still leave Ayr in a very strong position.

Returning to their tried and tested 4-4-2 formation, County looked much more assured than in recent games and duly took the lead when Ross O'Donoghue was in the right place at the right time to tuck away the rebound after David Winters' shot was parried by Ludovic Roy in the Ayr goal. 6 minutes later and a defensive slip-up from Andy Morrison had let in Stephen Whalen to equalise followed by Andy Goram misjudging a long ball upfield from Ayr leaving Gerry Crabbe with a simple tap-in to put the away side 1-2 in front. With half time looming, County won a corner which David Winters floated into the box where an unfortunate Michael Dunlop connected with a bullet header past his own 'keeper to send the teams in level at 2-2 at half time.

Into the second half, County began to turn the screw with wave after wave of attacks and eventually got the breakthrough when another David Winters corner found Ross O'Donoghue ghosting in at the far post for a simple header. O'Donoghue had only scored once for Ayr before today, but is really starting to look like an important player for the club now as he settles into his midfield role. A tense finish ensued, but with no more goals scored, Ross County claimed a crucial win, moving them back to within 4 points of league leaders Ayr.

FT: Ross County 3-2 Ayr United (4011 Attendance)

Elsewhere Raith, St. Johnstone and Brechin all won to stay in touch with County.

BarryLFC

boo :p

retired_marcias

Match report from the Dingwall Times on Saturday December 13th 2003

Fans despair as County ship goals away again

Hamish Brodie reports:

Ross County's away form is becoming a subject of major concern for fans of the club now. Whilst the club were still top of the table on the strength of their home form and early away form, fans were happy to wait for a change in fortunes, but with a series of heavy defeats away from Victoria Park showing no sign of coming to an end, the club's promotion challenge is de-railing fast as they now drop to 4th.

County were no match for a rampant Clyde at the Broadwood stadium today as Stephen McConalogue netted a hat-trick and Mark Gilhaney scored one having set up two of McConalogue's goals. A penalty from David Winters 10 minutes from time did little to improve the feeling of dispondancy for the travelling fans.

Manager Adam Eckersley recently stated that he didn't expect any new signings before the summer, but after recent performances he must have to consider bringing in a new defender or two. With such good home form, it is hard for many fans to put their finger on exactly what is going wrong away from home, but it is clear that the County defence don't travel well.

FT: Clyde 4-1 Ross County (3182 Attendance)

Having had their lead trimmed to 4 points last week, Ayr United today bounced back with a 2-1 win over St. Mirren whilst wins for Raith Rovers and St. Johnstone saw them move into 2nd and 3rd respectively with County dropping to a worrying 4th.

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News column from the Dingwall Times on Thursday December 18th

Home draw for Ross County in Scottish Cup

Alistair McSween reports:

Fans and manager alike will have been relieved to see Ross County drawn at home in the 3rd Round of the Scottish Cup. Either Hamilton or Alloa will be heading north to face Ross County in a match County will be expected to win. County's away form so far this season has been appalling, with heavy defeats away to lower division sides in the Challenge Cup and League Cup so a home draw should at least give County the chance to progress to the 4th Round.

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News column from the Dingwall Times on Friday January 2nd

Eckersley adds to County squad as transfer window re-opens.

Ross County manager Adam Eckersley today called a press conference to unveil two new signings as the January transfer window re-opens.

As had been widely reported, Eckersley has been looking for a new goalkeeper to sign with a view to next season when current No. 1 Andy Goram retires. Rumours around Dingwall have also suggested that Eckersley is not entirely happy with the recent form of Goram who has conceded a lot of goals of late. 19 year old Craig Samson today joined for a fee thought to be in the region of £25,000 from SPL side Kilmarnock. Eckersley was very excited about his new signing claiming that this deal represented exceptional value for County, especially having sold an unwanted 'keeper this season already for £75,000. Eckersley went on to say that he expects great things from Samson in the years to come and that he will be a future Scotland goalkeeper.

County's other new signing was a slight surprise. Fans have been expecting and hoping for Eckersley to strengthen the defence which has been very leaky away from home this season. However, as yet no defensive signings have been made. Instead, 29 year old John O'Neill arrives from St. Mirren for a fee of £24,000. O'Neill is an attack minded midfield player who caught Eckersley's attention in St. Mirren's recent draw with County. Eckersley says that the player's all round ability in midfield together with high levels of flair and creativity will be invaluable to County with the departure back to Dundee United of Stephen O'Donnell who has been on-loan at County for the first half of the season.

Eckersley did not rule out more signings and also confirmed that he is still looking to strengthen his defence if the right player comes onto the market.