The Following is from Alan Cameron (The Highland Bullpen)
and John MacLeod (Ex Ross Shire Journal)
Ross County Football Club
Managers and Coaches
1929-1930 Tom Pirie
When Ross County were first formed in 1929 there was no suggestion of a manager or coach for the side. The club did, however, recruit Tom Pirie, formerly of Queens Park and Aberdeen on the playing side. Whilst as captain his experience and guidance was an asset meaning he was seen as the leader on the park. Contemporary newspaper reports were quoting him as “mainstay of the side” “showing real leadership” being “the general”. The team were variously referred to as “Pirie’s men”.
However the club were actually managed by a “committee of Management”. For the record the committee were noted in August 1929 as President James MacKenzie, Vice President TH Burns, Secretary D G Elder, Treasurer R Sutherland, Committee Hugh Ross, A Matheson, R Rennie, D Maclean, J F Hunter, Alex. Nicol, G Graham, H Morrison, M MacGregor, J Dodds, PA Marshall, J Wilson
The management committee met every Monday during the season and in addition to running the team also dealt with other executive business that included, signing players, appointing grounds men and the erection of an enclosure. This committee also chose the clubs initial colours of red and blue broad horizontal stripes (the old and new colours of Victoria United combined). Importantly this group were also responsible for fundraising in addition to Provost Murray’s fund for the club.
The committee started off “more or less experimentally, searching in the dark”, but justified themselves by producing a team that won the North of Scotland Cup. They had produced “a clean living team, a clean playing team with control of its temper”. The team played for no financial reward but for the joy of the game, the committee “did try to make things more pleasant for the team” what this means we know not!!!
One of the pleasant duties for the management group was to present G Johnstone, left back, with a gold watch to remind him of Ross County 1929 – 1930, as he was leaving the country, much to County’s loss. Marshall presented the watch.
County finished their first season in the Highland League seventh out of twelve teams.
Marshall had been elevated to treasurer by time of end of season’s annual meeting and had succeeded in producing an income of £498 against expenditure of £446. Whether for this feat or not Marshall was then elevated to Vice President.
Whilst Pirie had no formal role at the management end of the club when, in July 1930, it was reported that he was likely to leave as “he is working in the wilds of Glencoe as a road engineer” it resulted in the proposed engagement of player coach. A newly formed Supporters club started a fund raising scheme with the sole purpose to guarantee wages of a player coach to take Pirie’s place. J F Hunter was chairman of this group and the committee agreed to consult with County’s committee! The two committees them met and agreed to jointly advertise for a player coach.
1930-1931 Johnny Hart
This led to the appointment of Johnny Hart of St Johnstone. He arrived in Dingwall on the evening of 8th August and the first game afterwards was at home to Citadel, which County lost by four goals to two. He had not had much chance to prepare himself It would perhaps have been better for all if he decided to watch instead of playing?
Of medium height and build, looking younger than his years, he moved smoothly, showing excellent ball control and clearly full of field experience. He had also previously played for Dundee United and Motherwell.
A week later County whacked the fancied Clach 5-1 in Inverness. Hart was showing himself a master of tactics with a firm grip on the team. He did however lose the toss, which saw County kick off. from which Aird scored after only a couple of passes!
Hart was a firm player and Clach sought to respond to this and eventually he was subject to a nasty knock on the face that saw him “grassed”.
Some “useful training and coaching under Johnny Hart” aided a 4-2 victory over Elgin City. As a coach rather than player the term coach player was considered more appropriate than player coach in that era!
Against Fraserburgh he was the life and soul of the team, both in defence and attack. By early September Hart was considered a prime favourite at Victoria Park. He showed much of his mettle in a qualifying cup tie versus Caley when County were 3-1 down but Hart became the 6th forward (!!) and inspired a 3-3 draw (although Caley won the replay 2-1). The same tactics in the replay, however, a crowded forward line left the defence exposed.
As a player he won his way into Ross Shire hearts as centre back and when he moved to inside forward he more than retained them.
His sole piece of silverware came when County won the Inverness Cup with a 3-1 win over Clach, Hart had recovered from leg injury to play in the final. His services where however dispensed with by the end of the season.
County finished 4th in the league, 9 wins and 5 draws in their 22 games. Hart played 31 games, scoring 12 goals. He only missed the last league game of the season (although did appear in a friendly versus Aberdeen 3 days later).
1931-1932 John Ramage
At the AGM on May 31 the County members discussed the question of appointing a new player coach but decided to refer matter to committee for further discussion
In July 1931 County signed John Ramage as player coach. Ramage had spent several seasons with Hearts and when he arrived in Dingwall at the end of July he immediately used his senior experience and formulated a system of intensive training. He came with considerable experience and a good reputation after 8 seasons as centre half with Hearts. He was the captain for two seasons but an injury prompted a short retiral before he moved to Luton whom he left to join County.
In his first outing in County colours he led the B team to a 3-1 victory in the annual trial match early in August.
County lost their first league game, 4-3 at home to Buckie, under Ramage. John was rattled by a disputed “offside goal”. The match report noted that particularly good were his long punts up the field and to his wings. He goes whole heartedly into the game and fears nothing but needs training, a factor someone as enthusiastic as him will not fear.
His first win as County coach was a couple of weeks later, a 3-l victory at home to Keith. Ramage was encouraging the young players around him and his leadership was starting to impact on his young charges.
A 2nd round Qualifying Cup win over Elgin was a personal triumph for Ramage “he exerted all the wiles of defensive football known to the game” when County when 2-1 up, the defence was often taxed in this period but County held out. A 7-3 victory at Huntly then showed his able leadership, prompting and encouraging his men. All sides were applauding his play!
He had a combative and never say die spirit, unfortunately it was this style that probably got him into some serious trouble.
On October 14th 1931 County drew 1-1 away to Forres and the Ross Shire Journal remarked that Ramage was the outstanding performer in a game with little to commend it. Scott of County had to be hospitalised following a bad tackle and was not released from hospital until the day after. He was considered “a tower of strength in the full sense of the phrase”. However behind these words lay a more remarkable story as Ramage ended up in Forres Police Court a few weeks later when he pleaded guilty to assault.
He had punched a Forres fan, after a wholescale barracking of the County players. Ramage clearly felt no one was giving him or his players any protection from such behaviour and took the law into his own hands. The “sturdy response did quieten down the Forres fans whose behaviour was clearly beyond decent boundaries, but in a story that would continue to be paralleled through football history the only person ending up in court was of course the main ”personality”. His guilty plea was to avoid the expense of bring ing witnesses through to court. By February the “mad hatters” in the Forres crowd had got the attention of the SFA who felt the need to take action against them.
ln the same week the former Scotland player George Brewster was questioning whether Hearts had let the player go too soon such was Ramage’s contribution on the field.
ln May 32 the County AGM was again discussing question of player coach, and again the matter was remitted to committee. A Charity cup game took place without Ramage as the coach’s annual tenure came to an end. County finished Ramage’s one season 8th out of 14 teams. They managed a point a game with 10 wins and six draws.
1932-1936 The Management Committee.
In July 1932 the committee decided to dispense with services of a player coach altogether, so trying to progress “without a professional”. This committee were PA Marshall President, T H Burns Hon. President, GM Manson, Hugh Ross, D G Elder, A Mathieson, W Kintrae, D Douglas, D G Munro (Canon}, Leo. Mackie (Alness), J F Hunter, R C Rennie, J MacKenzie (Tain). I assume the mention of Conon, Alness and Tain imply the remainder were from Dingwall.
This decision was given a quick vindication, as the first game of the season was a 4-2 home win over Caley. The team did appear to be lacking in fitness as they had been 4-0 up!
County followed this win up with a 3-1 win over Inverness Thistle. The team was made up of 100% Ross shire players.
In late September County actually topped the table with Citadel and Fraserburgh although they had both played one game less.
The committee led team did win the Stuart Cup beating Elgin City 2-1 as the season drew to an end.
9th place in the league, after challenging early on, was disappointing. It was clear County could not afford a player coach but such a person could have moulded this team into a better unit. A year’s profit of £22 3s and 4d was not enough to wipe out the £300 debt!
The May 1935 AGM had a new suggestion that a selection committee of four out of the whole committee should exist, primarily to run the team. Radically the call was also for, on some occasions, that those four could travel with the team!
1937 George Henderson
County topped the league again at the end of 1937 but with a Scottish Cup-tie impending against Chrinside they first lost 6-1 to Clach and then even more shockingly suffered a 10-0 defeat to Nairn. The following week was the cup tie and on the Monday George Henderson arrived in Dingwall as a new player coach. The 6 foot centre half met the committee in the evening. From Kelty, in Fife, he had previously played with St Bernards, Sunderland and Barnsley. When County were losing at Nairn he was turning out for Cowdenbeath against Montrose. His arrival was however well received particularly as his duties were also to include the coaching of schoolboys and juveniles. He made 49 appearances for Sunderland in the late 1920s, one of those seasons the club finished 3rd in the League.
Henderson made his debut against Chirnside, a winning start as County won 3-2. Henderson had a sound debut breaking up dangerous raids with clever anticipation. His home debut was a friendly arranged against a Junior Select that County won 4-1. His first “southern” import was a Frank Wilson from Hamilton who played in a 2-1 home defeat to Fraserburgh. Henderson almost scored from a header from a County corner, however his effort scraped the bar.
Defeat from Albion Rovers in the cup continued a disappointing spell for County and Henderson although he was engaged by the club for another month with Wilson staying as long as the club were in the North of Scotland Cup. They were promptly knocked out 3-1 by Caley. County suffered one more league defeat and by the end of the month Henderson’s services were also dispensed with.
On the following Saturday County beat Peterhead 7-1, without Henderson and the clubs first win since the Chirnside game. His tenure only covered three league games, all lost, 8 scored and 14 conceded. His only victory was against Chrinside in the Cup(assuming you don’t include a friendly win over a Junior Select), with the above two Cup defeats you can add in a draw in the North of Scotland Cup against Caley.
1938 The Management Committee.
1938-1939 George Barrie
At the AGM in May the player coach position was again discussed. Mr. MacGillivray advocated the use of a player coach again. County President Stewart McCulloch said it would be a successful proposition.
So on 19th August 1938 new player coach George Barrie made his debut in a 5-2 win in the Sports Bed competition over Highland Light Infantry (HLI) at Telford Street. The pivot started somewhat shakily perhaps aware that all eyes were upon him. He was taking in his bearings and weighing up his team-mates. When he opened up he looked very fresh, much like the majority of centre backs he concentrated on the third back position. He was quickly respected by his fellow players, “he knows his job!”
He showed a quiet and effective performance in his first league game, a 3-1 home win over Keith. However a 6-2 defeat at Huntly then followed. County were then surprisingly beaten 6-2 by Wick in a Qualifying Cup tie. Although Wick had several south players brought in for the game, including Frank Wilson who had appeared for County in similar circumstances under George Henderson.
However Barrie steered County to the top of the league by early October. His performances were unostentatious and very effective, he could “bottle up” opposition goalscorers well!
Defeat at Nairn in late November allowed Elgin to consolidate their league position at the top, and on top of this Barrie was to be out injured for several matches. A December 4-1 home defeat to Buckie highlighted Barrie’s missing influence on the pitch.
He was back in mid January as the title challenge needed to be reinvigorated but was on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss at Deveronvale, he scored the County goal himself. He was then outstanding in another loss, a 3-2 North of Scotland Cup defeat to Caley.
Barrie missed a 9-4 win over Fraserburgh due to a chill but County went back to the top of league although Elgin still had 3 games in hand. Two amazing results first saw Elgin beat County 8-2 the following week, then a 6- 0 County win over Elgin took County back to the top! (8 each on aggregate!) Barrie was man of the match, his fine positional play stopped him having to run around so much!
County were clearly a weaker team the various times George was unavailable for selection. Clach won the league (Elgin eventually finished 3rd) and County finished fifth. His league record, from his solitary season with County, then stood at 12 wins, 11 losses and 3 draws. County scored 74 and conceded 80 (quite a record for a team finishing in 5th place).
In August 1939 as the world descended into conflict. JR Campbell, an expert in physical culture and a personality in the “keep fit movement”, had undertaken the duties of trainer at the club. This appeared not to include a coaching role but “should prove of great benefit in getting players into shape for lasting a full 90 minutes”. The Highland League only lasted a few games.
1939-1950 The Management Committee.
1951 Jimmy Dykes
At a meeting in mid July 1945 to revive the County after the war one of the first things done was to thank the Fire Brigade Club who had looked after the clubs liabilities and ground during the previous two years. The Brigade Club however stressed they had no interest in continuing to manage the club and it should be revived as a football club.
The meeting proposed to get a management committee together to run a playing team and on 24th May 1946 Stewart McCulloch was elected President of the Ross County FC Management committee. This committees and its’ various subsequent forms ran the club with varying degrees of success for five years, at one point being criticised for seemingly simply putting the players’ names into a hat! How often have we wondered that with some managers…
County’s first post war player coach was Jimmy Dykes. The former Hearts and Scotland centre half, took charge of Ross County on 23rd January 1951 following an interview by members of both the Football Club and the Supporters Club. The supporters’ involvement was due to their establishing a fund to secure someone in such a role. By the time Jimmy was appointed £100 had been raised. They had each been subscribing one shilling a week. Jimmy, now 33, was in excess of 6 feet and had been capped by Scotland against Northern Ireland (Home Nations) at Windsor Park and Netherlands Olympic Stadium Amsterdam in 1938/39.
He arrived at the club from Portadown to much excitement having played for several Irish League teams.
His first game in charge was a 4-2 away defeat to Lossiemouth. The following week County lost in unusual circumstances as the Keith County game was abandoned with 20 minutes to go at 3-2 to Keith, however the result stood. Early in his time in charge he handed Tom Sutherland his debut in goal away to Peterhead. Jimmy also made his County debut that day unfortunately it turned out to be an 8-1 defeat.
The next game, Jimmy (“still not hardened to Highland football”) turned out again and scored his first County goal as his team won 7-0 away to Brora in the first round of the North of Scotland Cup. The County team was Newton, Forsyth, Crosbie, Farmer, Dykes, Sutherland, Urquhart, Ogilvie, Pines, Ferguson and Browning
Jimmy carried on where he left off and soon became a star performer, keeping close tabs on the Caley legend Andy Mitchell the following week, a game the Inverness side struggled to win 1-0.
Representative honours came County’s way under Dykes when Chic Ogilvie and Alex Ferguson were selected to play for the North of Scotland FA against a Sutherland Select. The North won 5-0 with the County duo contributing three goals.
Jimmy won one trophy in his time for County, the Stuart Cup, in the final they beat Nairn 3-2 at Station Park, Nairn. Simpson, Ogilvie and Pines scored for County after Nairn had taken a 2-0 lead. The change in fortune coming mainly due to positional changes Jimmy had made. This game followed the County AGM where it was publicly stated they did not believe they would retain Dykes services for the following season!
In early June the County management committee met and voted 9-3 to dispense with Jimmy’s services. The decision perhaps owed more to the question over whether the role was needed than Jimmy’s ability. County had finished the season sixth from bottom. In total Jimmy had been in charge for twelve league matches, winning four and drawing one. County had scored 28 and conceded 36 (an average score of 2 ½ to 3, impressive entertainment!)
1951-1952 Jimmy Fiddes
Following what appeared to be pressure from the Supporters Club County decided to arrange a further meeting with Jimmy Dykes in late July to discuss the possibility of him returning. Dykes chose not to go back to Victoria Park and former Rangers and Falkirk player Jimmy Fiddes was appointed to the role in August 1951 following a 5-0 defeat from Clach in the League Cup. Fiddes had played 57 games for Rangers pre war and won a Scottish Cup (1936) and League Championship (1938/39). He made 134 appearances for Falkirk before trying his hand at management in Dingwall.
Two major figures of Scottish football were involved in Jimmy’s decision to join County. His manager at the time at Falkirk was a certain “Mr Shankly” who had “no hesitation in stating that Jimmy was the man for the job without a doubt”. He returned home following a time in Dingwall where he was visited by Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Jerry Dawson who encouraged him to take up the role.
Things did not improve greatly immediately for County as the day after his appointment County played Caley in the League Cup and lost 9-4! The team lined up Shearer Forsyth Browning Simpson Farmer Watson Ogilvie Donnie Fraser Greig Ronnie Fraser Urquhart. Bill Greig scored a hattrick and Ronnie Fraser got the other goal. Telford Street saw a crowd of 2000 that day.
Fiddes, however, added some strength and morale to the team and they subsequently held Caley to a 2-2 draw in the return game in the Cup before losing by a solitary goal to Inverness Thistle. The club, of course, were not to qualify for the latter stages of this particular competition. Victory soon after against Nairn in the Qualifying Cup gave County fans some hope however Elgin defeated them in the next round.
County continued to struggle and by early in the New Year Jimmy left the club to return south where he joined Stenhousemuir. He did however produce one of his best displays in for County where the club drew 3-3 with Caley. Jimmy’s last game (I believe both as player and manager) was a 2-0 defeat at Lossiemouth on 19th January 1952. County had only 11 points at this stage and would finish the season with 23. No managerial appointment was made in the remainder of the season.
Jimmy’s only recorded goals for the club came in the form of a hat trick against Welfare club Seaside Rovers whom County beat 8-1 in a friendly.
Following Jimmy’s retirement from football he worked at the Grangemouth Refinery (he was a native of Falkirk) and was awarded the BEM in 1970 for his services to the petroleum industry.
1952-1953 Jimmy Stenhouse
Jimmy Stenhouse took over as County player coach in July 1952. Jimmy was then with Aberdeen and had formerly played for St Mirren (winning the wartime Summer Cup in 1943)as a right half. In his playing days he would be best remembered for a Scottish League cap he obtained in 1944 for the Scottish League against the English League. Prior to returning north to Aberdeen he had a season with non League Kettering Town in England. This explains County’s post season friendly with Kettering Town which County won 3-2.
Jimmy was introduced to his players in a public trial at the end of July by the club President Lt Col WE Mitchell Smith. He made his first signing shortly after, the Scottish Army Command player Tom Cook who had also previously played for Hibs.
Jimmy chose not to play in County’s opening league cup game and he must have been delighted to watch his team win 3-2 with Alex Ferguson in tremendous form, scoring one. James MacPherson made his County debut and scored the second whilst the County winner came from Robbie Hart.
Jimmy played a few days later as Caley were the visitors however his playing debut saw a 4-0 defeat in front of a massive home crowd. It was not long however before he scored his first goal for County, another League Cup tie against a different Inverness team, Thistle, saw a 4-3 win. Jimmy scored the fourth. This result was almost good enough for County to reach the semi final however a defeat from Clach put paid to their hopes. County’s first league game with Stenhouse in charge was highly controversial. County lost 1-0 to Elgin but had a goal disallowed for offside. Initially the referee let the goal stand but changed his mind following protests from the Elgin players. Perhaps not surprisingly Mr Harrower from Keith required police protection to leave the pitch at the end of the game!
County’s run of bad results continued as they suffered a first round Qualifying Cup loss, 5-4, from Buckie Thistle. By late September County had started putting some points on the board and were further boosted by the signing of Sime Waldie from Queen of the South. His debut saw a 3-0 win at Lossiemouth with Stenhouse scoring once. Jimmy scored twice the following week but was once again outshone by Peco Ross whose hat trick helped County defeat Keith 10-3. Forres were also victims in late October losing 8-2 to a seemingly free scoring County side. Jimmy’s stock was rising and an 8-0 win over Inverness Thistle was further proof of the improvement in County’s play. This took them joint top with Caley. By early December County had amassed 50 goals.
County’s away form was not so brilliant however and it contributed to them finishing a disappointing 4th, some 16 points behind Elgin. Jimmy resigned at the end of the season of his own free will to take up a role with the National Coal Board in Ayrshire. It was a great loss to County after the fans had viewed so much exciting football during the season.
His full managerial record was
League, 14 wins, 1 draw and 13 defeats. 81 goals scored and 64 conceded.
Cup, 25 conceded 18 scored, 5 defeats, 3 wins
Total competitive games 36, scoring 99 and conceding 89. 18 defeats, 17 wins and just 1 draw. The days of free scoring football teams!
Friendlies, 2 wins, 11 scored, 2 conceded
1953-1958 The Management Committee
1958-1965 Alex Young
In June 1958 the County management committee appointed Alex Young, the former Aberdeen centre half, as player coach of the club. Young ultimately was appointed into the Aberdeen Hall of Fame.
Young’s first game in charge of the club saw a 4-2 defeat from Clach in the League Cup at Grant Street Park. The County team was MacKay, Stewart, Duncan, MacDonald, Young, Leckie, Pirie, Ogilvie, Urquhart, Ross and Grant. The County scorers were Tommy Urquhart and Chic Ogilvie. Young expressed some optimism for the future however was disappointed with their next game, a 5-2 defeat at home to Inverness Thistle in front of a crowd of 800.
Young also had to contend with the start of a period of financial troubles for the club and early in his rein Frank Thomson led the club into being a public limited company and offered shares in the club with the intention of raising £4000 in forty days.
County then recorded their first victory under Young as they defeated Caley 3-I in the League Cup. Cathel Melville, the former Clach centre forward scored a double. In the return leg and Young scored his first goal for County, a penalty in a 3-0 victory. Melville scored again as did Chic Ogilvie in front of a Victoria Park crowd of 1200.
County just missed out on a semi final place, a 1-1 draw against Inverness Thistle was a decent improvement but the team had to win the tie to qualify.
Sime Waldie received a testimonial at the end of August and Young’s County side beat a Highland League Select 5-1. The select had 8 players from either Caley or Clach!
The County share issue was not going well with less than £100 being raised in the first six weeks (42 days….). However, by the end of October a “last minute” rush ensured that all 400 shares were sold allowing Young some confidence to take his plans forward for the future.
Young took County into the Scottish Cup thanks to a quarter final Qualifying Cup win at Huntly. Fraserburgh knocked County out of the Qualifying semi final however. Peebles Rovers knocked County out of the National tournament with a 2-0 win at Peebles. This was also the day that Fraserburgh famously knocked 1st Division Dundee out of the Scottish Cup.
County’s last chance for honours that season went when they lost 1-0 to Inverness Thistle in the North of Scotland Cup. County finished Young’s first league season in mid table with 26 points from 28 games.
For what seems to be the first time in County’s history a “manager” showed a bit of longevity and Young remained at County for some time. His last recorded competitve appearance was an 8-2 defeat from Caley in the League on 4th January 1964. He did also play in the post season tour of Lewis. One of the additions to the team in his time was Sammy Wilson who had a longer term goal of getting into coaching, he announced his retirement from playing for the start of the 64/5 season to get more involved in coaching. Young retained his position on the team selection management committee. Something else worth exploring for modern football fans!
The one trophy won in Young’s time as manager was the 59/60 Inverness Cup. Again a slightly unusual set up as the games all appeared to be played under the floodlights of Telford Street. County played three ties against Clach, Nairn and Caley, winning them all with an aggregate of 7-3, thus winning the trophy. Perhaps Young should also be credited with the 64/5 Inverness Cup, at which stage as far as I can ascertain he was still a leading light in the Selection Committee although Sammy Wilson was heavily involved in leading the coaching. A team effort perhaps?
1965-1966 Sammy Wilson
Sammy Wilson, part of the legendary 1957 League Cup winning side for Celtic, took over as player coach in the early 1960’s. Sammy signed for County as a player in the mid 1960’s and was part of a County side that appeared to be going places despite strong challenges from the other great Highland league sides of the time, Elgin and Caley.
As mentioned previously 1964/65 saw Sammy take over a leading role in the coaching.
County finished 4th in 64/5, 17 wins and 5 draws in their 30 games. 109 scored and 68 conceded. An average scoreline of 3.63 v 2.27 (6 goals a game!). The only game that season with less than one goal was a 1-0 defeat to Brora away in the North of Scotland Cup.
1965/66 County moved up to 3rd place. Oddly they only played 29 games (one game versus Keith was not played. It made no difference to County but Keith could have got to 4th place with a win). 19 wins and 2 draws, 92 scored and 50 conceded.
Sammy was actually manager at the start of County’s championship winning season, 1966/67, and had made some new signings in Ian and Gordon Davidson from the East Coast and Jack Lornie from Tranmere Rovers. ·
County took some criticism in the local press for their poor preparation for the new season with only two weeks training which concentrated mostly on ball skills and not muscular strength! I wonder what modern critics would say?
At the end of July they travelled to Orkney and beat a local select 2-0. Shortly after a trial match took place between the first and second XI at Victoria Park. This was the Saturday before the season officially started. Sammy’s first five games of the season were to be away from home to give the newly sewn grass a chance to grow!
1966-1968 Ian McNeill
Sammy Wilson resigned just a few games into the 1966/7 season having taken over a hotel in Tain allowing Ian McNeill to take over as player coach. County had lost three points in their previous two games. MacNeill’s first team lined up H Fraser, Wallace, Brett, McNeill, Greig, MacMillan, Thomson, MacKenzie, Lornie, Hosie, Ian Davidson (Angus Fraser was the sub in what I think was the first Highland League season to have substitutes, indeed it’s worth also noting that subs were initially only for injured players but the next season it was changed to allow tactical changes. Probably on the back of astute moves by the likes of Don Revie which made the governing bodies realise the sense of doing so). The date was 17th September and bizarrely this was County’s first game of the season at Victoria Park. It was a tremendous boost for MacNeill and the team, a 10-1 victory over Huntly. Jim Hosie scored 4 goals with the others coming from McNeill himself, MacMillan, Lornie (2) and G Davidson (2). County had led 5-0 at half time. (the playing surface had been reseeded and time was allowed for the grass to grow)
County’s next game however saw another set back as Peterhead knocked them out of the Qualifying Cup denying them Scottish Cup participation that season.
As lan McNeill’s position at the club grew so did the team and after a draw with Forres, County carried on their league form with an 8-1 win over Deveronvale. Next week, oddly, the fixture list was reversed as County visited Princess Royal Park and started off where they left the previous week with a Jack Lornie goal in the first minute. After 28 minutes the Vale keeper failed to intercept a Lornie cross and Davidson increased the lead and only 60 seconds later the keeper got in a tangle with one of his defenders allowing Mackenzie in to make it 3-0.
Lornie made it 4 -0 a minute after the second half restart a lead County held until the hour mark before Vale scored their only goal of the game. lan McNeill raced through unchallenged with only four minutes left to complete the scoring at 5-1 and continue County’s title challenge.
County’s cup form under McNeill also changed as they lifted the Inverness Cup, thanks to a 2-1 win at Grant Street Park against Inverness Caley.
The Victorious County team lined up
FRASER, WALLACE, BRETT, MCNEILL, GREIG, LAUGHTON, GRANT, IAN DAVIDSON, LORNIE, GORDON DAVIDSON, VASS, MACKENZIE, & MACMILLAN.
County then defeated Elgin 4-0 in the North of Scotland Cup, a result made more significant by Elgin’s tremendous performance and narrow defeat against Celtic (eventual European champions) in the Scottish Cup the following week.
County progressed to the North of Scotland Cup Final and were clear favourites to beat For res Mechanics, but in a surprise scoreline went down 3-0.
County eventually entertained Fraserburgh in Dingwall with victory to guarantee the championship. MacNeill’s men won comfortably 3-0 to ensure him his place of Ross County history. There were still two games left in the league season. County had scored 107 goals that season, conceding just 32. County had been unbeaten in League football since McNeill took charge until the league was won.
County would finish runners up in 1967/68 to Elgin City by six points. Solid defensively with 35 conceded but “only” 82 scored this season. County actually picked up 3 [oints against Elgin in their two games, albeit their 1-0 win came in the last game of the season after the league race was over. Of the 5 cup games that season County won only 1, the opening Qualifying Cup game versus Lossiemouth. The fans must have enjoyed the 9-6 spectacle, Hosie scoring 4 for County and a Cowie hat trick for the visitors.
Towards the end of the following season 1967/68 lan McNeill accepted the post of Player Manager of ambitious English non-league side Wigan Athletic. He stayed until the end of the season and saw County inflict Elgin’s only defeat of the season upon them with a 1-0 win in Dingwall thanks to a Jim Hosie effort. MacNeill had played a significant role in the progress of Ross County in delivering their first ever Highland League Championship.
Ian would return to manage County in the early 1970’s.
1968-1969 Archie Wright
Following lan McNeill’s successful stint as manager the directors appointed Archie Wright on 18th June as manager for season 1968/9. Archie had previous experience as manager of both Airdrie and Clyde.
He officially took over the job on Saturday 30th June and his first training session was on Monday 2nd July. He had spent the weekend in a caravan at Rosemarkie with his wife and Chairman Fred Newton where they discussed the plans for the following season and for the period of his 3-year contract. Changed days indeed! He took a handful of training sessions that week before leaving on a pre-arranged holiday (presumably not to Rosemarkie!).
Archie saw his new charges start their pre-season friendlies in glamorous fashion as Tommy Docherty took his Rotherham side to Dingwall and gave County a footballing lesson, beating them 3-0 in front of 2500 fans. Following the game, in which Ian Greig broke a bone in his leg, the visitors signed County outside right Ian Marshall. County fielded, the one time to be Partick Thistle player coach, David McFarland, at inside right as a trialist however he was not to sign for the County.
County’s first competitive game under Wright was a 2-0 League win over Nairn, with this team Morrison, Borley. Robinson, Brett, MacMillan, MacKenzie, Murray, Davidson, Lynas, Hosie, MacMillan sub Bannerman. The goals came from Jim Lynas and Ian Davidson.
County won the Highland League Cup under Wright thanks to a 2-0 win over Peterhead in the final and further success was approaching as the club qualified for the Scottish Cup after beating Clach 2-1 in a Qualifying Cup Quarter final replay at Grant Street. Unfortunately there was to be no cup run as the club lost 6-1 away to Alloa Athletic at Recreation Park
Archie’s last game in charge was a 3-1 loss to Nairn County on 5th April in the semifinal of the North of Scotland Cup ending our chances of any more silverware that season. There were 9 league games left in the season. In his 21 games in charge in the League County had gathered 29 points, scoring 57 goals and conceding 21.
1969-1971 Jack Lornie
In April 1969 the directors made the popular choice of Jack Lornie as player manager to succeed Archie Wright. Jack was County’s youngest manager at only 30 years of age and was given full control of team selection and team matters. He had been with the club for the previous four seasons, following his signing for Tranmere Rovers. Prior to being with Tranmere he had played for Leicester City and Luton Town in the English Leagues.
His first game was a League match in early April versus Clach at Victoria Park. County won this tie 2-1 with goals form Jim Lynas and John Buchanan. Buchanan, who was to go on to be a success in the English league also, was just a youngster then with a big future in the game. Jack Lornie had persuaded him to return to soccer after several months out playing shinty.
Other youngsters given an immediate chance by Lornie were Stephan Pater, and David Stephen (Maryburgh). Dod Krysanowski (better known to many as a successful golfer in Strathpeffer) was also given a game when he replaced Pater who had taken a second half leg knock.
Jack took just a few weeks to appoint Sandy Wallace as his assistant manager, persuading Sandy to cross the Struie to join County from Brora Rangers. Sandy was to have specific responsibilities for the reserve team. Lornie’s 69/70 pre season preparations got a terrific boost with a 5-1 win over Aston Villa, who had travelled to Dingwall, with goals from Brownlee, Lynas (2), Sokolowski and Buchanan. The papers felt that County were “responding to Lornie’s spartan like training methods”!
Jack Lornie remained as player coach for season 1970/71 but elected to leave at the end of this season. County finished fifth that season, with Caley as champions. Fifteen wins and seven draws from thirty games were just not enough to secure County success. County’s 71 goals were at least 20 less than each of the four teams above them. The loss of Jim Lynas later in the season to Caley seemed to favour the prospective champions much more than it did County.
1971-1976 Ian McNeill
lan McNeill returned to County in 1971/72 as manager and he was to stay for a further five seasons. His first sight of the new County side came in the last game of season 70/1 when County lost 2-0 at home to Peterhead. Ian was joined by Jim Savage, formerly of Hearts and Wigan, whom County were looking to find a job and a home. A strong wind spoiled the game but Willie Watt and Colin Brett both showed up well. McNeill also had an early sight of the reserve team as they won the MacNicoll Cup 5-2 versus Golspie.
His opening game in County’s travels of the 71/2 season was a 1-0 away win over Buckie Thistle. Pre season’s friendlies included a 2-2 draw with Ayr United. County finished sixth in Ian’s first season back in Dingwall and the following season almost emulated the County team of 1967 but lost the League Championship in a play off with Inverness Thistle. In today’s era of no play offs Thistle would have won the league comfortably on goal difference (and also goal average for those interested).
County won the North of Scotland Cup (1972) and Qualifying Cup (1973) under McNeill’s charge.
McNeill had a five year contract with County that the Board were considering renewing in Spring 1976 when he announced he was resigning from the post. It was early April and the season still had a few games left however McNeill offered to remain in charge until the end of the season. County then finished the season with three defeats, to Inverness Thistle, Caley and Peterhead conceding twelve and scoring only three goals. County finished the season 8th of sixteen teams.
County finished in the top half of the league each season with the runner up position being the highlight. 151 League games, 72 wins and 33 draws with 345 goals scored and 255 conceded, 2.28 v 1.69 per game.
1976-1977 Jack Lornie
Jack Lornie was a popular choice to return to the helm when the decision was made early in June. He was to be given full control of team affairs at County and a meeting between him and the board was planned. The meeting was to discuss club policy, a new image for the club and a particular concentration on improving discipline. The new image included blazers, ties, shirts, flannels and new track suits.
He kicked off his spell as man ager with a couple of 4-0 defeats in friendlies to Celtic and Queens Park. His first competitive outings saw both League and League Cup wins over Buckie and Brora.
The highlights for Jack’s one season in charge at County were an appearance in the North of Scotland Cup Final against Caley and the signing of Willie Wallace. A semi final victory over Rothes by the only goal of the game was good enough to see County into the final at Kingsmills, unfortunately County were beaten 3-0 by the Inverness side. In the league County finished fifth from bottom. Nine wins and three draws in 30 games. 52 goals scored and 66 conceded.
Footballing expenses soared for the season with a loss of almost £16000 which was dealt with thanks to the profitability of the Social Club.
Jack stepped down at the end of the season to be coach and trainer with his signing Willie Wallace becoming manager.
1977 Willie Wallace
What has been the briefest spell as County manager was had by Willie Wallace, the ex Lisbon Lion. Willie played for County towards the end of season 76/77 making his debut in a 1-1 draw at Rothes. He was probably the first Highland League player to have previously won a European Cup winners medal! Wallace had signed a 2 year contract and it was hoped his experience would help many of the younger players in the County side.
A couple of the County players of that era were Don Cowie, father of current manager and goalkeeper Bobby Geddes who would shortly move onto bigger things.
Willie was appointed manager in June 77 taking over from Jack Lornie who of course stayed to be the club coach with Sandy Wallace taking responsibility for the youth squad. Willie Wallace refused to make any predictions to the press about how he would do as a manger but his first job was to instil confidence in the players. This he failed to do announcing only three weeks later he had accepted a post as coach of Dundee, assisting another former Lisbon Lion, Tommy Gemmell who was the Dens Park manager. Wallace therefore left the club after suffering no defeats, but no wins. Or games either.
One successful piece of business he did do was sign the former Celtic and Tottenham youth player, Henry Creaney as a striker for the County. Creaney would go onto score many goals for County.
Ironically Wallace did return to Victoria Park before the autumn, to snap up County’s 16 year old keeper Bobby Geddes for Dundee. Whilst the fee was not disclosed it was believed to be a Highland League record in excess of £3000.
1977-1979 Bill Cassidy
Following Wallace’s brief spell in charge Bill Cassidy was given the managerial reins. Bill, a former Brighton player, had only recently turned down the opportunity to manage Caley having steered Brora to a then all time high of 4th place in the Highland League. Bill started his spell with a visit from Rangers (Glasgow) who beat the County 4-0. This game saw the debut of Davie Cooper for the lbrox side. Cassidy’s first competitive game also ended in defeat, 3-2 to Clach in the League Cup.
By November however he had led them to a club record of twelve league games without de feat and County were sitting at the top of the table. This record was lost to Nairn at Victoria Park. County continued to lead the League right through to April but a couple of costly home draws proved their undoing as Caley stormed through and eventually pipped Peterhead (with County coming third) to win the league, thanks to a last day 6-3 win over County (Reflections in the Ross Shire Journal had this at 6-4 but I’ve only ever seen 3 County goalscorers). Reviewing the league table it was another dramatic end of season day in the Highland League Caley had 49 points, Peterhead 47 and County 45, so a reverse of this score would have seen all teams on 47 points. Am I correct in thinking that goal difference was in play by then? It was only a few years after the County/Thistle play off game. Peterhead would have won the title on goal difference (did they win that day?).
In the following season Cassidy led County to the Highland League Cup, defeating Rothes 3-1 at Kingsmills Park in the final. A few weeks later the Inverness Cup also made its way to Victoria Park, this time following a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Inverness Thistle at Telford Street Park (home of Inverness Caledonian). County also put in a challenge in for the league title, however some disappointing results late in the season saw County finish 5th and Cassidy resigned at the end of the season.
In total Bill was in charge for 60 league games and saw 36 victories and 11 draws. County scored 125 goals conceding 74. Bill sadly passed away in his mid 50’s in 1995. His senior football career would be best remembered for over 100 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion but I was most interested to see he spent a season playing professionally in the USA and for the Detroit Cougars (I think in their second and last season)
1979-1982 Sammy Wilson
Sammy Wilson was the surprise appointment as manager when Chairman Gordon Macrae made the announcement of Bill Cassidy’s replacement in July 1979. This time Wilson would, of course, simply be the manager as his playing days were over. Much was expected of “Shuffling Sam” whose own skills were bound to influence the County team. He had been responsible for Roddy MacDonald getting his chance with Celtic and he was hoping to further develop the youth talent in the area. Wilson started his job on the 9th July “with a free hand with no strings attached”.
Wilson started with a couple of attractive friendlies, opening with a goalless draw with St Johnstone in front of a crowd of 500. A week later West Ham United came to Dingwall and thrashed County 8-1 in front of 2000 fans. Trevor Brooking was amongst the goalscorers. County opened the league season with a 2-1 win at Keith. The team was Morrison, Allison, Moir, Dingwall, Giles, Corbett, Wilson, Stuart, MacDonald, Kenney, Maclaren. Brett and Macrae were the subs. Keith scored in the 1st minute but goals from Kenney and a Mackay OG sealed the points. County would finish the season in 4th place and with the INverness Cup after a 5-4 win over Caley after extra time. During the season County paid a club record £4000 transfer fee for Ray MacKintosh.
Season 1980/81 saw County drop to 11th place despite winning 13 of 30 games. A semi final Inverness Cup appearance was their only time past the 2nd round of a Cup competition. 1981/2 saw County finish 6th (one less win, for only 12 victories!) and a losing Inverness Cup final.
In total Wilson managed 90 league games, 39 wins and 21 draws. Scoring 177 goals conceding 168.
After three years, in 1982, results were not going well and it took until the end of March to record the team’s first home win of the year, beating Forres Mechanics 3-2 with goals from Duff. Taylor and MacQueen.
Having decided to bow out as manager due to pressure of business Wilson’s final game in charge was a 1-1 away draw with Clach in the middle of April, as County became the first club to finish their fixtures for the season. The game was watched by the former Clach and County player Robbie Giles who had already been appointed to take over the club.Sammy will be best known for his playing time with St Mirren, Celtic (scored in a League Cup final versus Rangers) and Millwall. 123 senior appearances and 47 goals. He finished his playing career in the Highland League playing with both County and Brora.
1982-1983 Robbie Giles
The former Clach and County player Robbie Giles was appointed to take over the club as Sammy Wilson left. Robbie had only recently hung up his boots after 4 seasons with County preceded by 10 years with Clach where he earned his reputation as one of the finest centre halves in the Highland League.
One of Robbie’s first jobs was advising the fans that Donnie Stuart was to be upgraded to assistant manager and that the club had decided to release 1st team coach Jockie Clark. Jack Lornie was, however, to be retained as the club trainer.
Robbie Giles stated early on that he was to continue the policy of signing local players, an action designed to help County’s financial situation but also encourage local youngsters. He made his first signing in May 1982 when he signed the teenage left winger, Keith Macleod, from Caley after his contract had expired. An early pre-season friendly was arranged versus Hibs where the County youngsters got a taste of Premier League opponents. They also played Aberdeen which turned out to be one of their first games in a season that would see European glory.
Robbie’s second season, 1983/4, quickly failed to deliver the results hoped for and with only one win in eight games and a quarter final Qualifying Cup defeat from Fraserburgh Robbie Giles left the club following “mutual agreement” in October. His last couple of league games had seen a 4-1 defeat from Huntly and a 4- 2 defeat home to Clach, after being 2-1 up with only 19 minutes of the game left. Club Chairman, Gordon Macrae, pointed out that Robbie had always given 100% and it was unfortunate that the team performance did not match the background effort.
The 82/3 season saw 12 wins and 4 draws, with 68 goals scored and conceded. In 83/4 he took charge of 8 league games, just one win (over Caley I’m pleased to say) and 2 draws. 23 goals conceded and 16 goals scored.
So Robbie’s full League record was 38 games, 13 wins and 6 draws, scoring 84 and conceding 91.
1983 Donald Stuart
Donnie Stuart, who was running the reserve team and effectively Assistant Manager, was put in charge following Robbie Giles’ resignation in October 1983. His first game in charge was a 1-1 home draw with Nairn County. County’s goal coming courtesy of a late and crazy own goal from Nairn’s Forsyth. The result saw County move above Rothes as the Speyside team went to the bottom of the league. One of Donnie’s best results in charge was a 4-3 home victory over Keith which “sent the fans home in raptures”, unfortunately in those days the crowd only numbered 154!
Donnie made a significant contribution to the future of the club when he fielded Billy Ferries for his debut as a trialist in his second game, a 3-0 defeat at Elgin City. Billy would of course go onto become a County legend winning two league titles (plus one with Elgin City) and being part of our squad in our opening seasons in the Scottish league.
Scott Lemmon was on loan to Motherwell for much of Donnie’s time in charge, however his loan spell came to nothing as the Motherwell manager, Jock Wallace, left the club to rejoin Rangers. One of Wallace’s first acts as the new Rangers manager was to take his team to Victoria Park where they beat County 6-0 thanks to a Bobbie Williamson hat trick and goals from Sandy Clark, Dave MacPherson and Bobby Russell. Donnie stayed on as caretaker manager until the winter and his last game was a 2-2 draw away to Brora Rangers on Christmas Eve. MacQueen and Duff scoring for County.
In total Donnie was in charge for 11 League games, 3 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. 22 goals scored and 21 conceded. There was also a 2-1 home loss to Forres in the Inverness Cup.
1984-1985 Sandy Wallace
Donnie Giles caretaker stint ended when our own Wallace, Sandy was appointed on a permanent basis.
Poor weather in the winter of 1984 delayed Sandy’s managerial start. His first game came almost seven weeks into the New Year and saw County hammered 4-0 at home to Inverness Thistle. John Buchanan and Dave Jackson made playing debuts for the club that day. Buchanan scored the first goal of Wallace’s reign in a 3-1 North of Scotland defeat to Caley.
There were eleven games left in the Highland League season and with our third manager of the year (sound familiar….?) earned 3 wins and 3 draws. 13 goals scored and 19 conceded. County were also beaten by Caley in the North of Scotland Cup in February.
Less than 100 paying spectators witnessed County’s first win under Wallace at the end of March when Forres were beaten 4-2 in Dingwall. The victorious County squad was Ure MacKay Steven Lemmon Allan Cowie Sutherland Buchanan Duff MacQueen Jappy Ferries Jackson. County were unbeaten in their following three games but lost their last tie of a difficult season in which they finished fourth from bottom.
Pre-season glamour ties for 1984/85 were against Hearts and Celtic, both ending in 2-2 draws. Dave Jackson scored a double against Celtic. Amazingly, considering the previous season, County topped the Highland League by September and celebrated this achievement by defeating Lossiemouth 6-2 in the “best, most accomplished display” Wallace had seen from any team in eight or nine years. Their unbeaten league record lasted into October.
County finished the season in a respectable sixth place that Wallace could justifiably be proud of. 14 wins, 6 draws, 53 scored and 47 conceded. Things did not go so well in the next season despite his efforts to field a young team. Before Christmas the board decided to dispense with Wallace’s services and he was to be replaced by the player coach he had signed. County had played 17 games by this stage, 7 wins and 3 draws including an 11-2 win over Lossiemouth (they had scored 12 in the first 7 games…) with Billy Ferrie scoring 4 goals. In his second last game County lost 2-0 in an historic first ever league game away at Fort William.
1985-1987 John Buchanan
John Buchanan was one of the finest players to have played for County and he was given his chance to manage the club when he took over in December 1985. His first job was to look for early answers from those County players who were out of contract at the end of the season. One of his players, Alan Duff, soon played his last game for the club for several seasons as he signed for Caley for free, such was his disappointment with Sandy Wallace’s sacking.
Buchanan’s first game in charge was a 2-1 loss at Boriough Briggs to Elgin City. The team was Morrison, MacKay, Steven, Hercher, Christie, Cowie, Ferries, Robertson, Jackson, Duff, Albert Allan, subs Ronald Murray and Robert Allan.
There was no money available for Buchanan to build a side and he had to look around locally for players where he made several signings, including Hercher, Dave Bellshaw, Albert Allan, Cammy Robertson and Jimmy Steven. Michael Ure also returned as County’s keeper. Early season friendlies in 1986/87 against Dundee and Hibs were designed to give the players a chance to gel however County lost both of them 7-0 which would not have inspired confidence for the players. Check the names and pen pics of the players who graced Victoria Park for those two teams.
The highlight of Johnny’s managerial spell with County was guiding the inexperienced side to the League Cup Final. The final however proved too much for the team as they lost 5-0 to Buckie at Telford Street. In previous rounds they had knocked out Clach, Brora and Peterhead. County finished bottom of the Highland League in 1987.
Bobby Wilson was appointed to take over County in June 1987, however the announcement was made in the spring which was not an ideal situation for Buchanan. In fact Michael Ure left the club shortly after Bobby Wilson had been appointed.
John was sent off in a league tie at Kingsmills Park and showed his frustration at his position by throwing his jersey off as he left the pitch. This was his final game in the County hot seat.
Whilst his playing career was short at Victoria Park his abilities and reputation in the English leagues will make Johnny be remembered as a great ambassador for the club. His main club was Cardiff City for whom he appeared in Europe and scored almost 70 goals in over 250 games.
County won only five of thirty league games under Buchanan in 86/7, with one draw. 28 goals were scored, less than one a game, as 85 were conceded!
In 1985/6 Buchanan recorded 4 wins and 1 draw with 28 scored 35 conceded.
His total league record was 9 wins, 2 draws, 56 goals scored and 120 conceded in what was a tough time for the club financially and in the wake of Sandy Wallace departure which appeared to cause some dressing room issues.
1987 Chic Ogilvie
County legend Chic Ogilvie stood in as the club’s manager late in the-season following John Buchanan’s departure.
Chic had done almost everything else for the club and was an ideal choice to act as interim manager until Wilson arrived on 1st June. Chic’s first game in charge saw County gain a respectable home point in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Clach. It was, however, probably County’s last chance to avoid finishing bottom, as Chic would only have four games to manage the team.
Most work at the club in that time was building for the season ahead with May proving a busy month on the signing front. Chris Somerville and John Suttar both signed from Brora Rangers, goalkeeper Suttar turning down an offer from Montrose to stay in the Highland League. Other signings included Derek Dewar, formerly of Caley and Clach and Rikki McCaffery, another Brora player. Two big signing targets were “Nero” MacDonald and Billy Ferries, both of whom County would eventually capture.
Not surprisingly the season continued in the way it had been since August with County pick ing up only one more point (a 0-0 draw away to Peterhead, with two 3-1 defeats from Buckie and Fraserburgh) in their last three games, to finish the season bottom with only 18 points. It was the first time since 1937 County had finished bottom of the table. Little consolation could be found in County not having the worst defensive record of the league, as they still managed to concede 92 goals in their 34 games.
Chic played in every position, except goalkeeper, for Ross County and also had spells as masseur, trainer and coach. His natural position was inside forward or wing half, however it was obvious Chic would play anywhere to be with County. His short spell as manager really just completed a full house for perhaps the biggest name in the club’s history.
1987 - 1/7/1996 Bobby Wilson
Many believe we would not be in our position today had the club not taken the bold move of appointing Bobby Wilson for season 1987/88. Wilson had previously guided Keith to three league titles but was not expected to do the same for County. Wilson was a stalwart with Dundee during the 60 ‘s and early 70 ‘s. It is astonishing when you consider where we were when Bobby took charge.
Early indications were promising as County finished 8th in his first season (with 41 points more than the previous season bottom place finish!). Bobby’s first game in charge was a 1-0 win away to Fort William. There was, however, little improvement in the following two seasons but 1991 saw a remarkable improvement in fortunes as County went from 11th to see the league title come back to Dingwall. The feat was achieved again in 1992, both seasons beating Inverness rivals Caley by only three points.
Bobby had also taken County back into the Scottish Cup for the first time in 15 years. Our first venture ended in a disappointing 4-1 home defeat from East Fife but more notable scalps were gained and these undoubtedly helped County be elected into the Scottish league for 1994. These included comprehensive away victories against Queen of the South and Forfar and an 11-0 home win over St Cuthberts Wanderers.
Bobby managed a complete set of silverware in is Highland League management time with County, collecting the Qualifying Cup, North of Scotland Cup, League Cup and lnverness Cup (twice) to add to the two consecutive League championships won.
1987/88 19 wins, 2 draws, 13 losses.67 scored and 39 conceded
1988/89 18 wins, 3 draws, 13 losses. 61 scored and 51 conceded
1989/90 13 wins 5 draws 16 losses. Both 54 scored and 54 conceded
1990/91 24 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses. 91 scored and 37 conceded
1991/92 24 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses. 95 scored and 43 conceded.
1992/93 19 wins, 7 draws, 8 defeats. 87 scored and 49 conceded.
1993/94 21 wins, 4 draws, 9 defeats. 80 scored and 51 conceded.
1991/92 North of Scotland Cup won after a 1-0 replay win over Lossiemouth. League Cup also won, 3-1 win over Fraserburgh. And a quadruple completed with a 3-2 Inverness Cup win over Caley.
1992/93 Inverness Cup won with 3-2 win over Brora Rangers.
1993/94 County won the Qualifying Cup, beating Huntly 2-1, as Bobby completed his trophy haul.
Looking back at the record it seems remarkable now that County went from 11th to 1st in the space of a season and also that it was Bobby’s 5th season before County won a cup, but were remarkably close that season to a clean sweep of trophies.
138 League wins, 28 draws and 72 defeats. 535 goals scored with 324 conceded. Average score 2.25 v 1.36.
Such was the talent Wilson had assembled for his Highland league side he added only one player to his first squad in the Scottish League, Billy Herd from Cowdenbeath. The team were good enough to finish third but not quite good enough for promotion.
Next season County “slipped” to fourth and Neale Cooper replaced Wilson in the close season as County sought a manager with a bigger name in the game.
Cooper of cource took County onto another however few would deny Wilsons`s influence on the club having also won a sackful of trophies in addition to his league titles.
2/7/1996 - 11/11/2002 Neale Cooper
Injury stopped Neale from many appearancees in the dark blue of County but this let him concentrate on the task of managing the club into Division 1. Neale left Dunfermline Athletic to take up the challenge of player manager at Victoria Park. Four league outings and three in the Cup were Neale`s total number of games for County. Neale had previously played for Aberdeen, Aston Villa and Rangers in an illustrious career capped with international honours also.
In Neale`s third season in charge a victory over Brechin City in March saw a double reason for Neale to celebrate. The club pulled 15 points clear in top spot in the Division and 18 points clear of 3rd place with only 8 games left leaving promotion and the Championship strong possibilities.
In addition it was the 100th Scottish League match under the management of Cooper. In the 100 games County had won an impressive 58 and drawn and loss 21, collecting 196 points along the way. Steve Ferguson`s opening goal of the evening was County`s 200th in those 100 games.
Record League wins in Neale`s time were 8-0 away to Albion Rovers and the best home win of 8-1 over Montrose in November 1997. During his time at the club he oversaw the record transfer of Derek Adams to Motherwell. Victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle came in Neale Cooper`s 150th game in charge of County.
Neale secured successive promotions from Division 3 and 2 in his time at Victoria Park. Neale`s first season at Dingwall saw the club beaten all four times by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and he had to wait 4 years, following those promotions for his chance of revenge which came with an Alex Bone Penalty.
11/11/2002 - 27/11/2002 Danny MacDonald
Danny MacDonald Stepped into the breach when Neale Cooper dramatically resigned as County coach in the late 2002. Danny was a well respected figure in North football circles, and it was quite a coup for Neale when he attracted Danny to work with him in Dingwall.
He was a obious choise to replace Neale temporarily until the club could find another manager. County has just lost at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, their third successive defeat when Cooper Left the club. The Next Game was an away trip to Falkirk that was hardly an ideal venue for a club in crisis. Danny took the players down south and fielded a pretty much unchanged side and saw the lose 2-0 again, although the general feeling had been that they left the pitch with some pride having given the Bairns a tough time to collect their three points.
Danny was to be in charge for just one more match, this time at home to Saint Johnstone, probably the next toughest tie the club could faced. County were well organised and fought hard to gain a 0-0 draw, the value of such a result proving priceless at the end of the season. The 1 point won and it`s later consequences more than masking the fact County did not score in the 180 minutes Danny had been in charge. The olny change the 2500 fans saw in the County line up that day had been Paul Deas not playing. Danny left the club when Alex Smith arrived.
27/11/2002 - 11/6/2005 Alex Smith
Alex took over November 2002 shortly after Cooper`s resignation. Alex won his first point for the club in a 1-1 draw away to Alloa Athletic. The following week saw a comfortable home victory over Saint Mirren and many fans started to expect some immediate returns from the experienced manager. Smith, however, appeared to be thinking more long term than that and drafted in a number of new faces. The changes did not work immediately and County appeared to be in free fall towards relegation.
Of course Smith arrived at County with a wealth of experience in Scottish football management, most notably at Aberdeen where the North East side collected some cup silverware.
A 5-1 derby win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle was one bright light of the remainder of the season and a couple of late victories ensured County would stay in Division 1.
The many changes continued in the summer and the fans saw some improvement at the beginning of this season. County briefly led the table and appeared genuine promotion challengers untill a series of draws dragged the team down. Alex always stated his aim was more geared towards season 2004/05 and the enthusiasm and skill of many young players in the County team augured well for the future. He also led the club to its first Hational final in a Challenge Cup defeat to Falkirk.
Just under three years into the job and at almost the same as his award of the MBE Alex left the County. Alex had been in charge for 110 games of which County won 39 and drew 26. 137 goals were scored and also conceded.
21/6/2005 - 24/10/2005 John Robertson
John Robertson took over as County manager in the late June 2005. Robertson had been a bit of an enigma as a manager, he probably achieved some mixed success at "his" club, Hearts.
County won their first three league games under Robertson and a draw with Hamilton saw them maintain their place at the top table. At the same time there were early exits from the League and Challenge Cup.
It was obvious that County were having some financial difficulties but Robertson continued to motivate his players and told them to concentrate on the football. County stumbled from 2nd to 4th place following a defeat from Clyde and then came the announcement that Robertson was leaving.
Various stories went around as the reason he left although his version was that him leaving would save some of the player`s jobs, ``I did it for the lads``. He left the club at the end of October just four months after starting the job. His total league record was 4 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats. County had managed only a goal a game in that time but conceded a miserly nine times.
2005 Donald Park
When Robertson left his sidekick Donald Park took temporary charge of the club. Robertson and Park had worked together at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and of course both had Hearts connections hence it was natural they would work together. Some saw Park, a Highlander, as having an opportunity to move into management himself with County having chosen not to leave with Robertson. It was probably unlikley that Park saw the same situation himself and his ``tenure`` did not last long, as he left agreeing to take charge of the match. He can say he has a 100% record as this game resulted in a 2-1 victory at home to Saint Johnstone. An own goal and one from John Rankin secured the points.
2005-2006 Gardner Spiers
Gardner Spiers, who had been in charge of Count`s successful Cuonty Under 19 side. County briefly challenged at the top of Division 1 under Spiers however to many draws put paid to their ambition of playing in the SPL, and ultimately was the main reason George Adams decided Spiers would not get the job on a permanent basis. Saint Mirren always seemed just out of reach for County and the club just not consolidate itself in 2nd place.
He would have been a popular appointment as many felt he was taking the club forward and he himself claimed at one stage he was about to be offered the job. In the spring it was agreed to put on hold discussions about his role due to the clubs financial situation. He led the County to a 14 game unbeaten run, however with the last six being draws it was clearly was not enough to get the job permanently. His final game was a goalless draw with Dundee. Spiers, understandably, did not accept the chance to return to his previous youth job with County.
2006 George Adams
George Adams took temporary charge of the team after removing Spiers from the job and saw County unbeaten run end with a 2-0 defeat from Saint Mirren who claimed promotion to the SPL.
2006-2007 Scott Leitch
County then appointed Scott Leitch in the middle of April 2006.
36 year old Leitch arrived as a player from Motherwell but immediately packed in his playing career. In the closing matches of the season County lost two and got a goalless draw at Hamilton, conceding three without scoring.
Early indications of Leich`s presence were new contracts being signed by Sean Higgins, Sean Webb, Kevin McKinlay and Neil McDonald.
Challenge Cup success was County`s first ever National tounament success as they defeated Clyde on penalty kicks in the final following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. At this point of the season County were still seen as challenging for promotion to the SPL.
However County managed very few points in the ensuing period and disaster struck as ultimately County were relegated from bottom place in the 1st Division. Leitch left the club.
2007 Dick Campbell
Former County player Dick Campbell was appointed. Campbell was given one sole objective of achieving promotion to Division 1, a feat he had achieved several times before with different teams. Campbell signed several with a number of years experience, including Stuart Golabek and Stewart Petrie, around the Scottish leagues recognising experience as a valuable commodity to get out of Division 2.
County were sitting top of the table when the bombshell announcement that Campbell had been removed from his job. He appeared to be well on his way to the objective of promotion however the board felt that the type of football being played was not of the standard they required to serve up to their fans. County had played only eight league ties under Campbell winning four and drawing three, accumulating 15 points. The thirteen goals scored were clearly not enough. County had made little impact in either of the early season cup competitions.
2007 Billy Kirkwood, Derek Adams,
Stewart Petrie
Derek Adams, Stewart Petrie and Billy Kirkwood took over the running of the club in the immediate aftermath of Campbell leaving and won their first two ties, 2-1 at home to Brechin City and 4-1 away to Ayr United when County appeared to adopt a more attacking mode. The trio remained in charge for five games, winning four and drawing once (1-1 at home to Queen`s Park) scoring ten goals in total. County remained at top of the league.
4/10/2007 - 25/11/2010 Derek Adams
Derek Adams was then appointed sole manager of the County. A solid start turned to into some exceptional results, as soon County were to embark on a winning sequence of 10 league games, stoped only by a decent 1-1 draw away at Peterhead (managed by Neale Cooper). County also knocked out a couple of non-league clubs in the Scottish Cup before losing to Saint Johnstone.
He made an early decision to carry on playing but did feel that combining the roles was not an ideal arrangement.
Billy Kirkwood returned to his favoured role in the youth development but was to remain an intergral part of the match day managament team helping Derek out.
It was to be March before County tasted defeat under Adams as a commanding lead was built up in the 2nd Division.
2010 Craig Brewster
The former Dundee United and Dunfermline forward made 10 appearances for Ross County
in the 2009-10 season scoring three goals.
Brewster, who had management spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dundee United,
was assistant to Derek Adams and took over the running of the team for a two week period after
Adams unexpectedly left to become co-manager at Hibernian to Colin Calderwood on November 10, 2010.
25/11/2010 - 13/2/2011 Willie McStay
The former Celtic defender was appointed Ross County manager on November
25, 2010. Previously he had been player/manager at Sligo Rovers, in the
League of Ireland, leading them to a historic treble in the 1993-94
season. From there he coached Celtic reserves also spending a season as
manager of Ujpest FC in the Hungarian League prior to being landing the
Ross County job. Interestingly, McStay's first game in charge was due to
be the Challenge Cup final against Queen of the South at St Johnstone's
McDiarmid Park but the match was postponed due to the weather. McStay
failed to win any of the nine matches he was involved in during his
short tenure culminating in a 0-0 home draw against Stirling Albion on
February 12, 2011.
2011 George Adams
As director of football at Ross County, George Adams, the father of
Derek Adams, took over the running of the team in the short period
before the appointment of Jimmy Calderwood, in which he played a pivotal
part.
Adams started his playing career at Aberdeen and became Alex Ferguson's
first signing at East Stirlingshire. His association with Ferguson
continued when he became a youth coach at Aberdeen. He also worked in
youth development at Celtic and Motherwell. He was appointed director of
youth football at Rangers in 2003 until September 2005. Later that year
Adams snr joined Ross County in the role of director of football.
17/2/2011 - 19/5/2011 Jimmy Calderwood
The former Dunfermline, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock boss, who also had
spells in the Netherlands with Willem 11 and NEC Nijmegen was appointed
Ross County manager on February 17, 2011, agreeing to fill the post
until the end of the season.
The highlight of Calderwood's tenure was leading County to a 2-0
Challenge Cup final victory against Queen of the South at McDiarmid
Park, on April 11, 2011. The team finished in eighth place in division
one, six points clear of the relegation zone
19/5/2011 - 28/8/2014 Derek Adams
Derek Adams was re-appointed as Ross County manager on May 19, 2011.
Adams admitted the offer of a three-year contract to be County manger
for a second time was “too good an opportunity to turn down.” It came
just six months after he'd left to become assistant manger at Hibernian.
In his first season back in charge Adams led County to promotion to the
SPL by winning the first division (now Championship) title with five
games to spare. County also reached the fifth round of the Scottish Cup
only going out after a replay against Premier League opponents St
Mirren. To cap a highly successful season Adams was crowned PFA Manager
of the Year.
The following season County excelled by finishing fifth in the top
flight, their highest placing to date.
The 2013-14 season got off to a poor start with just one win in their
first five league games. This also included a shock defeat by lower
league side Stranraer in the League Cup. But the January signings of
Filip Kiss, Yoann Arquin and Jordan Slew helped steady the ship and
County finished the season a respectable seventh in the table.
But after an indifferent start to the 2014-15 season Derek Adams and George Adams were to both leave the club on August 28, 2014.
2014 Steven Ferguson
Former Ross County player Steven Ferguson, who was assistant manager,
took charge of the team until a successor to Adams could be found.
Having joined County from Dunfermline Athletic, Ferguson was an integral
part of the Dingwall club's early promotions from the old third
division, scoring 54 goals in 220 appearances for the club.
9/9/2014 - 28/9/2017 Jim McIntyre
Jim McIntyre was appointed manager of Ross County on September 9, 2014.
In his three years in charge, the former Queen of the South manager, led
County to 9th, 6th and 7tth in the SPFL table. But, undoubtedly, the
highlight of his tenure was winning the Scottish League Cup on March 6,
2016 with a 2-1 victory against Hibernian at Hampden Park. County's run
to the final included victories over Inverness Caley Thistle in the
quarter-finals and Celtic in the semi-finals, also at Hampden Park.
But a poor start to the 2016-17 season saw both McIntyre and his
assistant Billy Dodds end their association with the club.
29/9/2017 - 9/3/2018 Owen Coyle
Owen Coyle turned out for numerous clubs during his playing career,
including, Bolton Wanderers, Dundee United, Motherwell and Dunfermline
Athletic. He also enjoyed a loan-spell at Ross County during the
2000-2001 season. Coyle also had a couple of notable successes as a
manager. He led Falkirk to the First Division title in 2002-03 and
steered Burnley back to the Premier League after a 33-year absence via
the 2008-09 play-off final against Sheffield United. Unfortunately, a
run of poor results, winning only four of his 22 matches in charge, with
County sitting foot of the table, led to Coyle's resignation on March 1,
2018.
2018-2020 Steven Ferguson, Stuart Kettlewell
Both Stuart Kettlewell and Steve Ferguson were appointed co-managers of
Ross County following on from Owen Coyle's departure. Kettlewell had
steered County's under-20s to victory in the SPFL's Development League
the previous season. Between them they had amassed over 370 appearances
for the club. Unfortunately, they failed to rescue County from
relegation at the end of the 2017-18 season. However, there was an
immediate return to the Premiership with the Championship being won by
six clear points. The club also triumphed in the Challenge Cup with a
3-1 victory against Welsh club Connah's Quay Nomads in the final at the
Caledonian Stadium on March 23, 2019. A return to to the top flight saw
County finish 10th in the 2019-20 season. By June, 2020 Kettlewell was
placed in sole charge of first team duties. His most memorable success
after that was a remarkable 2-0 victory against Celtic at Celtic Park in
the last 16 of the League Cup. However, County's league form was poor,
and by December 19, 2020 they were foot of the table having won just one
of 16 league matches.
21/12/2020 - 26/5/2021 John Hughes
The former Falkirk, Celtic and Hibernian defender who started his
management career at Falkirk, whom he led to the top flight in 2005 and
to a Scottish Cup final in 2009. This was followed by spells at
Hibernian, Livingston, Harlepool United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle,
with whom he won the Scottish Cup in 2015, and finally Raith Rovers
before his appointed as Ross County manager. By the end of the 2020-21
season he had managed to lift them away from the relegation zone with a
10th place finish. He decided to leave the club at the end of his
contact.
26/5/2021 - 15/11/2023 Malky MacKay
Former Celtic, Norwich City and West Ham United defender, Malky MacKay,
who won the Football League Championship with Cardiff City in 2012-13,
having taken the club to the League Cup final the season before. He was
appointed Ross County manager on May 26, 2021 and steered the club to a
top six finish in his first season in charge. In season 2022-23 County
finished in 9th place and survived a two-leg play-off final against
Partick Thistle, eventually winning on penalties. County were again
involved in a play-off final at the end of the 2023-24 season. This time
County enjoyed a comfortable 6-1 victory aggregate victory (2-1 and 4-0)
over Raith Rovers. MacKay involvement with the club came to an end on
November 15, 2023 following a 1-0 defeat by St Johnstone. County had
only won two of their previous 13 league matches.
20/11/2023 - 7/2/2024 Derek Adams
Derek Adams became Ross County manager for a third time on November 20,
2023. Adams returned from England where he had managed Plymouth Argyle,
Bradford City and Morecambe twice. Adams; first game in charge ended in
a 0-0 draw at home to Kilmarnock. But after only two wins in his 12
games in charge he resigned on February 7, 2024, following on from a 5-0
defeat at Motherwell.
8/2/2024 - Present Don Cowie