Going Dutch will bring squad closer, says Chairman
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ROSS County chairman Roy MacGregor reckons the Staggies’ Dutch tour will be vital for team bonding so the squad can gel before the Scottish Premiership kick-off in August.
The club have revealed their plans for another trip to Holland during pre-season, where they’ll take on Eredivisie side FC Twente on August 1.
With a raft of new signings expected following the departures of loan stars Filip Kiss, Erik Cikos, Jordan Slew, Michael Tidser and Yann Songo’o as well as Michael Fraser, Alex Cooper and Gary Glen, MacGregor believes the trip will be crucial to develop a good feeling amongst the new crop.
He said: "I think it’s a good team bonding thing. I’d think we’ll have quite a few new players joining so it’ll be good for all the players to spend the time living and working together."
Before the trip, the Staggies will pit themselves against local sides to sharpen up, with trips to Wick Academy (July 12, 3pm), Rothes (July 15, 7.30pm), Elgin City (July 19, 3pm), Clach (July 22, 7.30pm) and Nairn County (July 26, 3pm) all in the pipeline.
MacGregor also feels that it’s important that Adams finds the right man to replace Neale Cooper and reckons a big management team would stand the Dingwall side in good stead heading into next season.
He said: "That’s a football issue but I’m sure Derek will be looking at who he can get in over the next few weeks – we need as big a management team as possible."
After Hibernian tumbled out of the top flight at the hands of Hamilton Accies at the weekend, MacGregor also thinks serious questions must be asked at the Edinburgh club.
The Hibees, who prised manager Terry Butcher away from Caley Thistle in a bid to improve on a slow start to the season, saw a disastrous second half of the campaign culminate in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat after letting a two-goal first-leg lead slip at Easter Road.
Fans protested against Butcher and the board outside the ground after the match and 14 players were released the following day.
MacGregor reckons clubs like County will miss the revenue of the Green and Whites’ sizeable support, but insists someone must take responsibility for their plight.
He said: "I didn’t watch the match but from what I’ve heard justice was done and football won the day.
"Hibs are a big club and they’ll be a big miss because of the following they take with them but I believe serious questions need to be asked at that club.
"Seeing that there’s no Edinburgh club in the Premiership next season, it is a big wake up call.
"The play-offs made it very exciting, especially with a Championship club beating a Premiership club, and I think we’ve got a Scottish football structure that everybody can be pleased with.
"There’s excitement throughout, even at the bottom (of the league structure) where now a team could be relegated."
To see more from our exclusive interview with Ross County Chairman Roy MacGregor, see this week's North Star.
