Behind-the-scenes invite as Staggies sow the seeds of success
STAGGIES’ fans are to be given a grassroots glimpse of the seeds being sown to pave the way for a second successful season in the SPL.
A weekend of grand tours of Ross County FC’s Global Energy Stadium are being planned for the end of July ahead of the curtain-raiser on the new campaign. The behind-the-scenes tour being planned for the weekend of July 27 aims to build on the success of a similar venture last year which drew hundreds of fans keen to find out what goes on from the changing rooms to the dugout.
As efforts continue to build the County squad for the 2013/14 season, on-going groundwork within the stadium this week saw completion of seeding of the pitch and improved infrastructure.
Hopes are high that the £700,000 investment will bear fruit on the field of play next season following the postponement of two key fixtures last year due to drainage problems.
Ross County general manager Ranald Gilbert told the Journal: “We’re hoping for a great surface. Lots of fans have been coming in to take a look and can see how much goes in to providing a modern, bespoke pitch.”
With behind-the-scenes negotiations over players, backroom staff are now focusing on the next stage of the stadium work which will see improvements to the East Stand.
While players and manager Derek Adams have previously encouraged fans to help make the Dingwall stadium a “fortress” for teams to visit, the works now under way will help make it more enclosed.
It will also increase the capacity from its existing 6,138 to around 6,500.
The tours of the stadium, planned for July 27/28, follow a “really positive” response to a similar venture last season.
Said Mr Gilbert: “It’s in response to demand. Somewhere between 600 and 700 came last time which was way more than I had anticipated. It’s a great opportunity for people to see what goes on and for us to get feedback from the fans about any issues they might have.
“For the club as a whole we aim to show Highland hospitality to everyone who visits and give them as a good an experience as we can. It’s about more than 90 minutes of football.
“Kids love the chance to sit in the dugout where the manager is and their dads like to get on the pitch. It’s something that appeals to all generations.”
Acknowledging that many fans start to experience withdrawal symptoms when the season comes to a close, he said: “It’s a lean period of the year when the team aren’t playing.
“You can define your week by the football. For me, and I’m sure many others, Saturday is football day and then there are midweek games or Champions League fixtures on TV in the middle of the week. It can be a long summer!
“Hopefully plans for the tours will whet the appetite for the new season.”