Ross County's ground plans take shape
THE new-look Victoria Park is taking shape with optimism high the transformation into an all-seater stadium will be complete before the kick-off of Ross County’s debut Scottish Premier League season.
Steel framework has been constructed for a new stand for away fans at the ground’s northern end, while the pitch has been completely stripped of its turf for an undersoil heating system to be installed.
The work — costing £1.4 million — is set to enable the venue to meet SPL criteria and avoid the club having to share Caley Thistle’s Tulloch Caledonian Stadium next season.
“It’s definitely more building site than football ground at the moment, but the work is well under way and we are very pleased with the progress,” said County’s general manager Ranald Gilbert.
Work is also being carried out at the home supporters’ traditional stronghold, the Jail End, to prepare for the installation of seating as part of the upgrading to an all-seater stadium capable of holding 6000 people.
Floodlights, changing rooms and media facilities are also being upgraded.
Ross County’s board of directors hopes to raise some of the necessary finance from additional borrowing and support from businesses. It has also reiterated its appeal to fans to contribute £20 each to the cause.
The campaign aims to raise around £400,000, with every penny raised through donations offsetting the borrowing the club has to make on the stadium development project, allowing more funds to be released to manager Derek Adams for his playing squad.
“Behind the scenes the club is working very hard to bring in the kind of funds we need to operate at this level,” added Gilbert, who praised supporters who have responded well and other clubs, including Charlton Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons, for donations.
“We hope the donations will keep flowing in from followers of Ross County — wherever they may be — as we prepare for our greatest footballing challenge yet.”
Adams hopes the work will be complete by 1st July so it can host games from the start of next season. “It’s vitally important that we play on home soil for our first home game and by the players working so hard to win the title before the end of the season, they were able to give the club the chance to get a head start and be on course for complete it,” he said.
Donations can be made via Ross County’s website or handed in to the club.