PREVIEW: Ross County v St Mirren – Yan Dhanda predicts a "much more positive" Staggies approach as Derek Adams succeeds Malky Mackay
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Yan Dhanda believes supporters will see “a much more positive Ross County” with Derek Adams at the helm.
In Saturday’s scoreless draw with Kilmarnock, the creative Dhanda was given plenty of freedom along with ex-Southampton man Josh Sims to get forward and support main striker Simon Murray.
While the Staggies failed to find the net on Adams’ managerial homecoming, they created a good number of chances.
Former Liverpool and Swansea City attacker Dhanda was enthusiastic about the new style of play, but admitted it was a work in progress.
One major criticism of Malky Mackay’s time in charge was a relative dearth of goals. County have still managed just three in six Premiership home games this season and, last term, were the league’s joint second lowest scorers.
Dhanda, preparing for high-flying St Mirren’s visit tonight, was upbeat.
“We were disappointed not to win, but we can build on the Killie performance now with the new gaffer in,” he said. “I’ve always said we’re better than what our league position is suggesting. On Saturday, we showed what we could do.
“We played a little bit differently from what we have been in the past. The new gaffer is trying to get as much of his information across quickly and there were a few differences.
“We looked to play through the lines to me and Josh Sims. We’re tasked with doing what we’re best at. I know I have to get the team up the pitch, drive with the ball, create chances and take shots – I had quite a few shots compared to previous games, so I was happy with that.
“They didn’t go in the back of the net, but I’ll keep learning and understanding what he wants from me.
“Kilmarnock was positive – I really enjoyed it – and we’ll keep learning what the new gaffer wants. I think you’re going to see a much more positive Ross County now.”
Dhanda is well aware of the threat third top St Mirren will hold. Stephen Robinson’s men have double County’s points haul – 22 – after just 13 games.
“We have loads of games coming now, but we just want to play,” he said.
“The gaffer brought us in on Sunday to prepare for what we know will be a tough game on Tuesday night.
“St Mirren have been going really well, but we’ve had a couple of days to really take in some good information.”
