Ross County in the frame!

THERE'S an atmosphere of "determination and optimism" at Victoria Park this week ahead of Ross County's home tie against Queen of the South.

That's the view of the club's head of administration, Ranald Gilbert, who says the excitement built up over a frantic summer period has perfectly set the scene for the long season ahead.

Speaking after the club team photocall this week, Mr Gilbert said, "Behind the scenes we are only now starting to feel the excitement which fans built up over the summer – mainly because up until now they haven’t had time!

"The club’s community team have been travelling the length and breadth of the Highlands delivering their summer programme – finishing up with a hugely successful trip to Stornoway."

A rise in season ticket sales – around 15 per cent up - has also given the club a boost, despite a sluggish start to the season, with one point from the first couple of league games.

Said Mr Gilbert, "It’s now that I think we feel we can start to see all of the hard work that’s been put in at the club over the past couple of months pay off. There’s always a buzz in the run up to a home game, although up until now we’ve been too frantic here to really enjoy it, so this almost feels like the start of the season to us.

"We’re lucky though because things have settled down for us now while this is only the start of a long hard season of work for the first team.

"Working at a football club you’re very conscious of the mood and atmosphere about the place and at the moment there’s a very real sense of determination and optimism looking at the season ahead – we’re fortunate to see how much work is put in by Derek (Adams) and Stuart (Balmer) to get the team ready for the challenge on the pitch and there’s a great spirit amongst the squad."

It really is all systems go at the ground this Saturday, as in addition to the match itself the community department are continuing with the popular Matchday Club. This gives kids aged between 5 and 14 the chance to enjoy a 90-minute coaching session by Steven Ferguson and his community team at the Highland Football Academy.

The event runs before every league game this season. Those attending then enjoy the match. with their complimentary season or match ticket to enjoy 90 minutes of First Division action.The programme has been sponsored by Safety Welding and Lifting. Spaces are limited. To find out more, call 01349 860860.

For match reports, previews and the latest team news, pick up a copy of this week's Ross-shire Journal.

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