Ross County to earn six-figure windfall after former striker Ross Stewart's promotion to the English Championship with Sunderland

Ross County are set for a six-figure windfall after Ross Stewart helped Sunderland earn promotion this season.

The former Staggies striker moved to Sunderland in January 2021 with clauses built into the deal based on both individual and team performance at the Stadium of Light.

Neither of those have been an issue this season, with Stewart leading the scoring charts for much of the season – finishing second on 25 goals – and the Black Cats winning the play-off final to earn a spot in the English Championship for next season.

Those successes will each benefit County, with the club to receive a substantial amount ahead of the summer transfer window.

Further windfalls could come County’s way in the future too, with further incentives built in to the deal should Sunderland stay in the Championship with Stewart at the club, and a sell-on clause also included in the deal struck 18 months ago.

Then, Stewart’s managers at County were Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson, and the latter was delighted to see his former striker cap off a wonderful campaign with a goal in the play-off final.

“He was really level-headed, and that’s one of Ross’ great strengths,” Ferguson, now County’s chief executive officer, said.

“He’s not fazed by too much to be fair, he will just go about his business the way that you should – he actually thrives on the biggest stages.

“For him to have the season that he’s had, and top it off with a goal in the final, it’s fairytale stuff for Ross.

“What a fantastic achievement that is. The play-offs are big games in England, and they are watched by huge supports both live and on the telly.

“For him to contribute so much throughout the season and cap it off with a goal in the final, it’s fantastic for Ross.

“He deserves it for the way that he’s played this season. It’s a great end to a fantastic season for him.”

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