Ross County Football Club's 'incredible' top flight survival worth a tidy sum
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THE smile says it all – and was reflected on the faces of thousands of Ross County FC supporters riding the emotional rollercoaster during the club's dramatic play-off comeback to retain Premiership status.
The heroics of goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw and his Staggie team mates in snatching a last-gasp penalty shoot-out victory against the odds to break the hearts of opponents Partick Thistle proved priceless to fans – and will do the local economy no harm, either.
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Highland economic consultant Tony Mackay said: "The Ross County recovery was incredible.
"The main impacts will obviously be felt by the football club. Many local businesses also benefit from spending by visiting fans."
He noted Ross County's significantly better home attendance this season when compared to Inverness Caledonian Thistle – playing a league below – would almost certainly have dropped off had relegation loomed.
Taking account of TV revenue, sponsorship, advertising and gate receipts, he reckoned the difference between staying up and going down could be as much as £2.6 million.
He added: "It is also worth mentioning that playing in the Premiership has brought good publicity for Dingwall and Easter Ross. Some visiting fans may have decided to spend more time in the area."
Meanwhile County's new season kit is flying out the door.
A club spokesman said: "The response to our kit launch has been fantastic with a large quantity of orders both online and in-store. Our launch video coupled with the hype around the club following on from Sunday’s result has resulted in great demand for both the home kit as well as season tickets for next season. Our away kit will also be launched towards late June/early July."
