Finish the job, says Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell ahead of game against Stirling Albion
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Stuart Kettlewell wants Ross County to see off Stirling Albion to top their Betfred Cup group and maintain the buzz around Dingwall.
Tomorrow sees the final round of group games, with the Staggies knowing that a win against League Two side Stirling would guarantee them a spot in the second round.
County will be buoyed once again by the presence of 300 supporters in the Global Energy Stadium, and Kettlewell would love nothing more than to keep building a feel-good atmosphere around the club.
“The task for the players is to finish off the job and become the top side in the group,” he explained.
“Stirling Albion have started the season well, so we’ll go into that game with exactly the same level of respect as we did against Elgin.
“This will be the third game with fans – Celtic, Livingston and Stirling Albion – and even around the manager’s office and main foyer, there’s a difference there. A wee bit more of a buzz about the place.
“After Celtic, the Aberdeen game didn’t feel like a game because there was no buzz.
“I saw a massive difference about the place with 300 fans in staff and players. Hopefully we get that feeling again on Saturday and it’s a good one for Stirling Albion as well to come and play in front of supporters.
“For me, it makes it a proper football game.”
Cup runs are always important opportunities to boost club’s finances, and this season that has been heightened all the more by the pandemic.
While progressing would be valuable for the club’s coffers though, Kettlewell is also mindful of the impact it could have on fans.
“There’s an added incentive in both cup competitions during this pandemic,” he said.
“The opportunity to go further in cup competitions will mean that bit more just because we know how difficult this time is for everyone.
“We’re all trying to get a lift as players, management, but especially for the supporters – you want the supporters to have something else to look forward to in such a tough period.
“Who knows whether further down the line they will be able to follow the journey, but certainly the message from me to the players is to be competitive in every competition we take part in.
“We have to give it everything we’ve got and see where it takes us.”
On the pitch too, it is important to string results together after a winless run.
The Staggies looked like they enjoyed themselves in a 4–1 win against Elgin City on Tuesday night, and Kettlewell wants his players to keep building on that.
“Performances are always important, especially playing at home,” he added.
“A couple of guys got their first goals for the club on Tuesday, and Oli Shaw continued his run, so there are all these stories we can talk about but only if these guys apply themselves properly.
“There will probably be a few changes, so that might give an opportunity to one or two to make their mark.”
