Boyd itching to sign new contract
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"SIT down for the champions!" was the anthem ringing out into the evening air at Somerset Park.
If he hadn’t been savouring the delirious celebrations, Scott Boyd, the Ross County defender, might have drawn a double-meaning from that chant.
Boyd was at pains to take nothing away from the ecstatic scenes between players and supporters at Ayr.
But once the partying has subsided, the 25-year-old defensive rock is eager to sit down with club decision-makers at the earliest opportunity.
Around half of Ross County’s First Division-winning squad will be out of contract next month as the club plan for the SPL.
The heartening news for the club and supporters is that Boyd, one of the most distinguished performers of the last two seasons, is desperate to extend his five-year stay in Dingwall.
Signed as a youngster from Partick Thistle after cutting his teeth at Livingston, Boyd made it clear his attachment and commitment to County is as strong as his rock-solid partnership with Grant Munro.
Boyd said: "I was lucky enough to experience SPL football at a young age with Livingston and then I came here and got a chance to play every week.
"You strive to be at the highest level you can be and, obviously, it is a great opportunity now as Ross County move up to the SPL.
"I am still to discuss a new contract for next season but hopefully we can sit down in coming weeks and get something sorted.
"Like a lot of the boys, mine is up at the end of the season. It’s just the way in football these days, isn’t it?
"Winning the title was the big priority for all the lads but obviously, now, we have to look at our own futures. It would be good to sit down and talk to the club in the next couple of weeks.
"The main focus is the club and the fans and I don’t want to take away from that.
"But it would be nice to get my future settled."
Boyd’s desire to stay and play a part for Ross County in the top flight is strong.
He said: "I’d definitely love to be part of it. I’ve had a great time here.
"For some of the boys here when I first came to the club, that’s two promotions now and three cup finals.
"It’s just crazy for such a small club what we’ve achieved in the last five seasons!
"There are five or six of us who have been here since the Second Division.
"We came here as kids and have progressed.
"The gaffer has given us the platform to reach the SPL. It is just mental!
"He has been brilliant. What he has achieved has been amazing. He has taken a small club from the Highlands to the SPL
"It is hard for it to sink in, but when you see the backing today, I think the fans all see what a big an achievement it was for us to clinch promotion with five games left.
"The gaffer has always set standards for us to push ourselves to be the best we can be.
"And I think that is what we have done in the past season.
"It’s down to him, George Adams, the players, the board and the fans.
"It is just a great club to play for.
"I’m really enjoying my time here but I will just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of weeks."
Boyd is convinced the team can now rise to a post-title challenge set by manager Derek Adams, starting with this weekend’s visit of Dundee.
He added: "The gaffer has set us a target to try and go unbeaten to the end of the season.
"We know it will be tough but I’m confident we can do it."
