Ross County Archives

“Let’s not get carried away” – Kettlewell’s message following emphatic win

Kettlewell insists on his side to “not get carried away” after brilliant start of the season. Ross County are currently 11 games unbeaten after their massive 4-0 win over East Kilbride yesterday evening, as well as a major League Cup Quarter-Final tie coming up in just under two weeks but Kettlewell isn’t get ahead of himself despite the positive start. Kettlewell said: “Let’s not get carried away – is always my message. It’s a really good day for us, it has us in a healthy position in the cup competitions and in the league, but we have to go and do our job again and find that level of consistency.” “We are not wanting to go about broadcasting who we are – we just want to go and deliver on Saturday.” Kettlewell left very happy after their win yesterday and insists it was a very good day for his side after continung their unbeaten run. The Ross County boss added: “We know how East Kilbride want to play – they want to dominate the ball. I felt there were spells before we scored the first goal that we could have capitalised on.” “It’s a good day for us, because I think they are a very good side” Stuart Kettlewell made tactical changes at the break, despite being one-up to keep turning the ball over more as he looked to pull further in front. He added: “We tried to adjust a few bits in the second half to make sure we were turning the ball over more – and we were very clinical when we did that.” “Games are different. I think back to the Montrose game, where if we turned the ball over there were banks of players in front of us to try and break down. We knew when we turned the ball over today, those counter areas were there for us to exploit.

August 30, 2026

Match Report: Ross County 4-0 East Kilbride

Chin stars as clinical County ease past East Kilbride in Dingwall. After a scrappy start to proceedings, the first chance came after 15 minutes. Randall spun his marker and hit the crossbar from a tight angle. Fifteen minutes later, it was Randall who came close for County again. Graham found the midfielder inside the EK box, but his low effort was saved by the foot of Kelly. With less than two minutes until the interval, Balde found Gray inside the area, who saw his shot come off the post. Into stoppage time, County hit the front. Chin found Lindsay, who played the ball across goal to Graham, who found the roof of the net to give the hosts a deserved lead. HT: Ross County 1-0 East Kilbride Into the second period, County doubled their lead. Emslie played the ball through to McCarvel, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Not long later, two became three. Chin did brilliantly to win the ball high up the pitch, before playing the ball down the line to McCarvel, who played a dangerous ball across the face of goal, which was eventually bundled in by Lindsay. With just under twenty minutes remaining, County made it four. Strapp played the ball into the County box, and it was the skipper Graham, in the right place, at the right time, to head home. East Kilbride came close to pulling a goal back when Balde found himself with the ball at the back post, but his deflected effort was cleared off the line. After two minutes of additional time, the referee drew the game to a close. A stellar showing form the Staggies as they maintain their perfect start to the campaign. On the other hand, East Kilbride will have to improve, as they face high-flying Hamilton in their next match. Ross County: Foster (7), Smith (7), Wright (7), Reid (7), Strapp (8), Randall (7), McCarvel (9), Chin (9), Lindsay (9), Emslie (7), Graham (9) Substitutes: Cornelius, Hamilton (6), Jamieson (6), MacLeod (6), Phillips (6), Reid, Turner (6), Wade, Williamson East Kilbride: Kelly (5), Fagan (4), O’Connor (4), Hamilton (6), Kyle (6), Armstrong (6), Zaid (6), Gray (6), Balde (7), McGrattan (5), Elliot (5) Substitutes: Calder (5), McGuffie (5), Dargie (5), McKendrick, Ross, Smith, Steele (5)

August 29, 2026

Match Preview: Ross County vs East Kilbride

Ross County and East Kilbride meet for the first time. Ross County have enjoyed a stellar start to their campaign. The Dingwall outfit managed to finish top of their League Cup group, beating Premiership outfit Dundee on penalties along the way, before beating Championship side Dunfermline Athletic 2-1 away from home in the Last 16, to set up a Last 8 meeting with Hibernian in Dingwall. In terms of the league, County have been flawless, winning all three of their matches, with the most recent win coming away against Airdrieonians, who were also relegated from the Championship last campaign. East Kilbride have had a rapid rise to reach League One. The Kilby have earned back-to-back promotions to reach this division, and based on their start to their League One season, are showing no signs of slowing down. EK have picked up seven points from a possible twelve, which puts them in third, one place and two points behind their opponents on Saturday, albeit having played a game more. Both sides were in Challenge Cup action during the week and both got the job done in a professional manor. Ross County beat Highland League outfit Banks O’ Dee 4-0 in Dingwall, courtesy of an early strike from Jamieson, a brace from Phillips and a goal from Coyle. While East Kilbride beat Lowland League outfit Cowdenbeath 3-1 away from home, courtesy of a brace from McGrattan and a penalty from Elliot. This is a game that promises goals, based on their starts to the season. County have scored thirteen goals in their last five matches, while East Kilbride have found the net twelve times in their last five matches, here’s hoping for more of the same when these sides meet on Saturday for the first time.

August 28, 2026

Ex-Premiership midfielder seals Japanese move

Former Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Hibernian midfielder Jackson Irvine has completed a move to J-League side Cerezo Osaka from Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli. Irvine, who has represented Scotland at youth level spent five years in Germany after departing Hibernian in 2021, captaining St. Pauli in their return to the Bundesliga in 2024. The midfielder has 86 caps for Australia, including playing at the last three World Cups. The midfielder began his senior career at Celtic and spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Kilmarnock. He’d then move north to Ross County on loan, before making the move permanent a year later. Irvine would win the League Cup in 2016 and move to England that same year. Contractual disputes amid COVID saw Irvine return to Scotland with Hibernian, spending half a season in Edinburgh as Jack Ross’ side finished third. Upon completing his move, Irvine said: “I’m incredibly excited to be coming to the hottest football nation in the world and joining a new league and a club with huge potential. I hope I can use my experience and quality to help the team become even better. I’m also looking forward to experiencing a new culture and a new way of life. Let’s achieve success together!” On the official Bundesliga website, the St. Pauli director of sport, Andreas Bornemann said: “After returning from the World Cup, Jackson approached us with the request to move to Japan. “We thank ‘Jacko’ for his dedication over the past few years and wish him and his family all the best for the future.” It remains uncertain how long Irvine’s contract in Osaka lasts, but at 33-years-old, he could be expected to wind his career down in Japan.

August 5, 2026

Ross County 2-1 Ayr United: Ross County edge past Ayr United to keep survival hopes alive

Goals by Duncan and Iacovitti seals a massive victory in the relegation battle as the Staggies survival hopes strengthen. Ayr were quickly in the attacking phase as a strike by Dempsey was deflected off a County defender which rattled the post to deny Ayr an early lead. Ross County fired ahead after 3 minutes, Ryan Duncan who smashed it following a deflection into the bottom right hand corner following a corner as relegation worried County took a vital advantage. A scrappy opening half hour with just the one goal, apart from that there hasn’t been many clear-cut chances as County still lead. Ayr were nearly level, a scrappy moment in the box which was regained which landed to Liam Dick with his effort heading wide of goal which went out for a corner which was whipped in as Kevin Holt headed one off the bar to deny the equaliser. It looked almost certain a second was coming as a free kick into the box and Iacovitti headed the ball into Wright with his effort somehow smashing wide of target. Ayr were level after 40 minutes after a ball was crossed into the back post where Anton Dowds struck it in to damper County’s relegation hopes. Into the second period, Ross county nearly restored their lead as a ball into the box found Randall but his tame effort was caught safely. A dull second half as neither said have came close to creating any clear cut chances as both sides try and push to go ahead with the Staggies battling to keep their Championship status alive. Ross County restored their lead after 69 minutes as Duncan worked his way onto the edge of the box, crossed the ball in and Iacovitti headed one home to keep their Championship dreams for next season alive. Jamie Lindsay had a chance in the dying stages from distance but fired his effort a bit too high of target as they look to seal the victory in a fascinating relegation battle. A massive win in the relegation fight for the hosts although they still remain bottom with Aidrie drawing with Partick Thistle. A massive game for County next week with Morton if they are to avoid the drop. Ross County: Carson (6), Wright (6), Gallagher (6), Iacovitti (7), Randall (6), Docherty (6), Chilvers (7), Duncan (8), O’Sullivan (6), Carbon (6), Phillips (6). Substitutes: Foster (6), Smith (7), White (6), Lindsay (6). Ayr United: Mitchell (5), Dick (6), King (5), Holt (6), McMann (6), Dempsey (6), Bannigan (6), Rus (7), Summers (6), Murphy (6), Dowds (7). Substitutes: Watret (5), McRoberts (5), Hislop (5).

April 18, 2026

Tony Docherty sacked as Ross County boss amid poor start to Championship return

Ross County boss, Tony Docherty and assistant Callum Davidson have both been sacked by the Highlanders after a verry poor campaign for the Staggies so far. Tony Docherty was appointed the new manager in Dingwall at the start of September, taking over for Don Cowie who was previously sacked. Tony was sacked by Dundee in May in which he took over Ross County just after the season had begun. Since joining County, Docherty has had a nightmare start to life up North, taking charge of just 15 games, only managing to win four games as well as four draws and seven defeats. Tony has a win record of just 26.67%, averaging just 1.1 point per game. Tony had only won 2 games against a Championship side, defeating Raith Rovers 2-0 and Dunfermline 3-2. The former Dundee boss also defeated Banks O’ Dee 2-0 in the Scottish Cup and most recently defeating Celtic B 4-0 in the Challenge Cup. It look as Ross County had a real chance at the title following some big signings like Declan Gallagher, Trevor Carson, Gary MacKay-Steven, Jamie Linday and Ryan Duncan as well as keeping hold of Ronan Hale who netted on 18 occasions in the top flight, who also attracted interest from the likes of Aberdeen and Hibernian in the summer. The sacking comes following a 6-0 battering in Kirkcaldy against Raith Rovers yesterday. The Staggies surprisingly sit rock bottom in the Championship, just 2 points off of 9th place, Queens Park. A big few months await in the Highlands as County need to up their game if they are to avoid any scare of the drop.

December 14, 2025

Ross County 3-3 Ayr United: Points Shared in six-goal Thriller

Ross County welcome Ayr United to Dingwall as both teams are eager to get back to winning ways. The Staggies make four changes from last week’s defeat at Gayfield against Arbroath as Dean Cornelius, Kieran Phillips, Dylan Smith and Gary Mackay-stevens come in to replace Scott Fraser, Jamie Lindsay, Connor Randall and Alex Iacovitti who drops to the bench. Scott Brown makes just one one change from their 1-0 defeat against Dunfermline as Kevin Holt returns as Liam Dick drops onto the bench. County had an early flurry with Duncan whipping in a corner with Alki Wright getting a head on it but a good stop by Mitchell with another good chance being cleared by Stuart Brannigan. Ayr had a chance of their own, Mcallister with a cross into the box with Mark Mckenzie meeting the cross but a comfortable save for Trevor Carson in goals. Ronan Hale has a decent enough effort, Hale on the left hand side, cutting in unleashing a strike with a simple catch for Mitchell as moments later, Hale again with a similar strike but on the right which struck side. Ethan Walker got the Honest Men ahead after 22 minutes, Mckenzie with a low driven cross into the box, Walkers with plenty of space eventually controlled the ball and struck home to get Ayr in front. The hosts had a big chance, a lose piece of play by Ayr which allowed defender Alki Wright to have a chance of his own but not enough accuracy as it fires wide. Ronan Hale got county back level, a ball up the field to Hale where he cut onto his right foot and struck it home doing what he does best to get the Staggies on level terms. It didn’t take county long to fire ahead as a cross from Declan Gallagher across the box found Jordan White who put County ahead. Scott McMann from distance almost got Ayr back level but a brilliant fisting save by Carson to keep his sided in front. A bright first half display by County but as soon as the hosts went 2-1 up, Ayr looked to use that as motivation as it was a good response but failing top draw level. A very entertaining first half in the Highlands. Four minutes into the second half, Duncan almost added a third for County with his strike being tipped over by David Mitchell in goals. Jordan White had his second of the afternoon, multiple attempts beforehand but Jordan White took on a strike and smashed it home to get a third. Ayr found one back, a cluster in the box with the ball landing at Scott McMann where he struck it nicely into the bottom right hand corner. Substitute Curtis Main levelled the tie, a shot from the edge of the box smashing past Trevor Carson following a goal line block by Wright following an initial attempt. Mark Mckenzie could’ve had Ayr ahead, a powerful strike from close range but going out for a throw in to the hosts. In the dying stages, if a winner was to come, it certainly looked in favour as the visitors as we were in for a nervy end. It ends level but what a game as both sides put their quality on show. Both sides will leave on a positive note in a sensational game of football for the neutrals. Ross County: Carson, Crompton, Wright, Cornelius, Hale, Phillips (O’Sullivan 75′), Smith, Mackay-Stevens (Iacovitti 75′), White, Duncan, Gallagher Subs: Laidlaw, Foster, O’Sullivan, Clark, Iacovitti, Reid, Scott. Ayr United: Mitchell, Mcallister (Dick 66′), Holt, Bannigan (Main 58′), Ure, Murphy (Bonnar 66′), King, Walker, McKenzie, Rus, McMann Subs: Russell, Dick, Want, Main, Thomas, Bonnar.

November 9, 2025

Ayr United face Struggling Ross County in the Highlands

Ayr United are making the 435 mile round-trip up north to take on a Ross County side struggling with form. Ross County have had a poor start to the season in the Championship since relegation from the Scottish top flight last campaign after losing out to Livingston in the play-offs. The Staggies sit 8th in the Scottish Championship with just two wins in 13 games so far. Whereas for Ayr, they sit just four goals outside the top four as the Honest Men sit 5th in the table which the visitors will certainly be content with ahead of their trip up the A9. Ross County’s only two wins come over fife sides, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline. They have suffered many shock defeats this season against the like’s of Queens Park and Arbroath. The Staggies failed to make it out their Premier Sports group earlier on this campaign with Championship rivals, Partick Thistle claiming top spot. Whereas for the Honest Men, they have suffered a dip in form, failing to win in their last three following an impressive nine game unbeaten streak. Ayr did make it out their League Cup group but a defeat to Partick Thistle dumped them out. Ayr have racked up some big victories with a big away win at Raith Rovers not long ago and a 1-0 win away to Dunfermline with Scott Brown defeating his former gaffer, Neil Lennon. Last meetings Last time these sides met was at Somerset Park in September where the sides drew 1-1 with Ethan Walker putting Ayr ahead in the opening two minutes with former Ayr man, Jay Henderson levelling the game for County. Last time out Last time out for the Dingwall side, they suffered a heavy defeat in Angus with Arbroath securing a big 3-0 win over Tony Docherty’s men with Harry Cochrane, Jacob MacIntyre and Taylor Steven all on the scoresheet. For Ayr, they were on the wrong side of the result as Scott Brown suffered defeat to former gaffer, Neil Lennon and Dunfermline last Friday night with on loan Falkirk man, Barney Stewart suffering the blow for the team from Ayrshire. Stats Ross County average 1 goal a game in their last five in which they have also been given the most penalties (3) in the Scottish Championship this season so far and Trevor Carson has mad the most saves in the league so far this campaign (3.8). Ayr have also averaged 1 goal a game in their last five but haven’t scored in their last two outings. Ayr have been ranked the third best side on their travels in the Championship this season.

November 8, 2025

“The Players Have Got To Make it Happen” – County Chairman Addresses Slow Start

Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor stated it is down to the players to come up with an instant solution to fix their current league form. The Dingwall side were relegated from the Scottish Premiership last campaign after defeat against Livingston in the playoffs sealed their fate. Since then, it hasn’t been what the County supporters would’ve expected, as the Staggies sit eighth in the Championship, in which some tipped the Highlanders as favourites for the title. Earlier in the season, Ross County coach Don Cowie was relieved of his duties after crashing out of the League Cup, as well as collecting just one point in their opening three Championship fixtures, with former Dundee man Tony Docherty taking charge. It was a busy transfer window in the Highlands, with Ross County capturing some pretty high-profile players such as Declan Gallagher, Ross Docherty, Garry Mackay-Steven, Jamie Lindsay, Scott Fraser, Dean Cornelius and most recently Trevor Carson, as well as loan signings of Sean Mackie, Ryan Duncan and Miller Thomson. Ross County have suffered league defeats against St Johnstone, Arbroath, Queen’s Park and two defeats against Partick Thistle. They have also drawn with Airdrieonians, Dunfermline, Ayr United, Greenock Morton and St Johnstone, as well as their only league win, which was a 2-0 win over Raith Rovers. Chairman Roy MacGregor spoke to the Press and Journal, saying: “The fans, the management and the directors are all doing their bit. We’re just needing the players to gel. “There’s no lack of effort from the players, but this is a team sport and we haven’t been able to put it together. The lack of league wins tends to create negative vibes. If we go behind in games, you ask, ‘Can we respond?’ “We haven’t been scoring goals as freely as we were. There’s maybe a feeling of being a wee bit more protective rather than expansive — a feeling of ‘let’s not take risks.’ “The habit of winning gets you out of that (mindset). It gives you momentum, and we haven’t been able to create that momentum. Everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction. If we need to tweak things, we will tweak them. “Ultimately, this is a results-driven business. We haven’t yet managed to conquer that. We have to find a way to return to getting three points, particularly at home. Our record has not been good. “Three of the next four games are at home, so we have an opportunity to kick into gear. Everyone is waiting for that to happen, but the players have got to make it happen.”

October 21, 2025

Ross County Announce Management Shake-Up Following Relegation

Ross County have confirmed a significant restructuring of their football management team following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership, vowing to make an immediate return to top-flight football their top priority. The Dingwall club, who dropped to the Championship after a disappointing play-off defeat to Livingston last week, released a statement acknowledging the frustration and disappointment felt across the club and its fanbase. “Last week’s result against Livingston – resulting in us playing in the Championship next season – has left everyone at the club, personally and collectively, hugely disappointed. We know how much playing Premiership football matters to our community, and we share their deep frustration at how the season concluded. As you might imagine, we have done a lot of soul searching at the club over the last week, and following that, have decided to restructure our football management team under Don Cowie as we make gaining immediate promotion our sole focus. We believe strongly that we have a dedicated and talented manager in Don and that he is the right man to lead us for the season ahead. To support Don, we have appointed the experienced John Robertson as assistant manager with immediate effect. Carl Tremarco and Paul Cowie will leave the club, and we thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future. John has more than 400 games under his belt as a manager, knows the challenge of recruiting from our base in the Highlands, has experience of the Scottish Championship, and has worked with Don in the past. He already knows the club well and has spent much of last season watching from the sidelines in his role as a BBC pundit. “Everyone at the club is determined to put us in the best position possible to gain promotion back into the Premiership – and to do so within a season. Bringing John in to support Don, will allow us to reshape the playing squad and turn things around as quickly as possible” said Chief Executive Officer Steven Ferguson.”

June 2, 2025