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Former Southampton winger out to light up at Ross County after signing deal at Dingwall


By Alasdair Fraser

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JOSH Sims is vowing to light up Victoria Park with his skills after pledging his future to Ross County through to summer 2024.

Ross County's new signing Josh Sims at the Global Energy Stadium. Picture: Ken Macpherson
Ross County's new signing Josh Sims at the Global Energy Stadium. Picture: Ken Macpherson

The former Southampton winger, once fully fit, promises his own style of flair play will fit neatly into Malky Mackay’s attacking mindset.

It is fair to say Sims would never have been committing to the Staggies and Scotland’s Premiership had he not endured a cruel sequence of illnesses last year with Covid-19, ulcerative colitis and a heart problem related to medication.

He hasn’t kicked a ball since last summer, but his status as a young English Premier League prospect was undeniable before release by the St Mary’s club nine months ago.

Now free of health issues and working back towards full fitness, County – who worked for several months on the deal – could have a major talent on their hands.

“Ross County look like a very exciting side. The way they play suits my style of play,” the ex-England youth international said.

“I like to get on the ball and make things happen, be exciting to watch. I want to get the crowd off their feet.

“You only have to watch one of Ross County’s games to see that is exactly how they play. They are a fast-flowing team. That’s one of the main reasons I came here.”

Despite release last summer, Sims was tended back to health by The Saints, his club since his early teens. Sims was sold on a move entailing a significant drop in wages after extensive talks.

“Enda Barron, County’s head of recruitment, was in contact in late 2021. My first conversation with the manager was early this year,” he said.

“It wasn’t just about football, but the whole matter of moving up here with my young family.

“It is a big decision, but he set out the whole picture brilliantly and made me feel comfortable from the off. He laid out the longer-term plan for me which was what I wanted.”

Mackay’s vision for Sims involves him establishing himself at County, excelling in coming months and then winning a move back to England’s top league.

For now, though, Sims – who joins Saints loanees Kayne Ramsay and Jake Vokins in Dingwall – is completely energised by the opportunity before him.

“I’m really looking forward to getting fully fit and finally cracking on now. After all the laborious stuff, I can actually focus on football now,” he said.

“I’ve been keeping up with the league while talks were ongoing and people back home would be pleasantly surprised by the standard. Even in training, I can see we’ve got really good- quality players and great lads.”


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