Heroes welcome beckons for Ross County if they secure League Cup triumph
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JIM McIntyre has told his players they will forever be hailed as heroes in Dingwall if they return home with the League Cup tonight.
As a player McIntyre won the Scottish Cup with Kilmarnock and experienced first-hand the adulation of the club’s supporters, something he believes will await the current County side if they overcome Hibernian.
After what must have seemed like an age to those in the Staggies squad, the game is finally upon them and a chance to write themselves into the history books as the players to win the club’s first major trophy.
Much like the club’s 2010 squad that reached the Scottish Cup Final is held in high regard by supporters at the Global Energy Stadium, there are fresh opportunities on Sunday to cement names into Dingwall folklore.
“Unless you win a league, I would agree you make more memories in cup competitions. There’s no doubt that at the top level, the cup competitions represent your greatest chance of having success and we’re keen to have a bit of both,” said McIntyre.
“It’s a special time and to win one was fantastic. You’re always remembered and always welcomed when you go back. If we manage to do it here then it’s something our players can look forward to.
“It’s been fantastic having different teams win the cups. That’s where we all see our best chance of success. It’s there for the provincial clubs to grasp. You need a bit of luck with your draw and you’re going to beat Premier League sides – we’ve beaten our neighbours and Celtic. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”
Up to 10,000 fans are expected to travel to Hampden Park to watch County take on the Hibees, with nearly 50 supporters buses leaving the Highlands for Glasgow.
County's preparation differs starkly from Hibernian’s, who chose a week of warm-weather training in Spain rather than remaining at home. McIntyre’s thinking was to keep the preparation as normal as possible for what could be one of the greatest days in the club’s history.
“I went to see them against Morton as well and like any team, they’ve got strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to us to exploit their weaknesses and nullify their strengths,” added the County boss, who secured American goalkeeper Chris Konopka on a short-term deal prior to the final.
“They’ve got good strength in depth and versatility. We know we’re facing a good side that’s got a Premiership squad. I don’t see much between the two teams.”
McIntyre is deprived only of Scott Fox and Craig Curran ahead of the Hampden showpiece and he has sympathy for both players, who have contributed massively to the Staggies’ season.
Contributions off the pitch do not go unnoticed by McIntyre either and as well as chairman Roy MacGregor, reserves special praise for backroom figures like kitwoman Fiona Wilson, office staff Reay Ross and Lorraine Christie and club secretary Fiona MacBean, who took over from her father and club legend Donnie.
“The work she puts in outwith her own personal job is incredible,” he said. “There’s so many people behind the scenes that you’d be delighted to win it for. A lot of the work these guys do is voluntary because they love their club. This is a chance to reward them with a special day and hopefully we can bring that high level of performance is needed to win a cup.”
