Ross County's world record-breaking hat-trick hero dies
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A ROSS County legend who holds the world record for scoring the fastest ever hat-trick has died at the age of 71.
Tommy Ross netted three goals in 90 seconds during an 8-1 win over Nairn County on Saturday, November 28, 1964.
During that memorable match he actually scored seven of the eight goals.
The feat was belatedly recognised by the Guinness Book of Records in 2004 – 40 years after the original match.
Tommy, who was raised in Inver, made his County debut the previous May against Rothes, and averaged around a goal a game in his first season.
He scored 44 goals in his second season and started to attract the attention of a number of senior clubs, including Newcastle United and Aberdeen.
Tommy eventually signed for Peterborough at the start of the 1965-66 season for an undisclosed sum.
He established himself in the first team by his second season at London Road, scoring a number of goals in the process.
But when the manager who signed him got the sack he ended up being transferred to York City, where he enjoyed four “happy” seasons.
Tommy’s next move was to Wigan Athletic – at the time when they were managed by Ian MacNeill – who had guided Ross County to the Highland League title in 1967.
Tommy’s last move in England was to non-league Rossendale United in the Cheshire League, where he won 16 trophies in four seasons.
Tommy and his wife Christine, whom he met in England, moved back to Scotland where they set up home in Inver.
Not long after returning north, Tommy was persuaded to help out at Brora Rangers for a season before hanging up his boots.
He also managed Tain St Duthus in the North Caledonian League, where his sons Stuart and Andrew now make up the management team.
He also acted as a scout for Tottenham Hotspur for a few years.
Tommy passed away last week and is survived by his wife and three sons, Stuart, Andrew and Ian.
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