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Malky Mackay wishes Tom Grivosti well as defender moves from Ross County to Ireland on permanent deal with St Patrick's Athletic


By Andrew Henderson

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Tom Grivosti has left Ross County, the club has confirmed.

The 22-year-old defender had signed for the Staggies in 2018 and played a role in the Championship and Challenge Cup victories in the 2018/19 season, but has suffered greatly with injuries practically ever since.

Over the next two years he only made 15 appearances for County, leading to the decision to loan him out to Elgin City for the first half of this season in order to get him some game time.

Tom Grivosti has left Ross County to sign for St Patrick's Athletic. Picture: Ken Macpherson
Tom Grivosti has left Ross County to sign for St Patrick's Athletic. Picture: Ken Macpherson

However, with plenty of competition for places in defence after the signings of Declan Drysdale and Kayne Ramsay, the decision was taken that the best thing for Grivosti was a fresh start elsewhere.

"Tom needs to play football," manager Malky Mackay said.

"He's had a terrible two years out, and in the first half of the season we felt he needs to play, and locally, because I wanted him to train with us every day and be here for our physios to look at.

"He's a great boy, and I wanted to make sure we were still treating him every day and making sure he got as much time as possible. The little partnership with Elgin was terrific, and I think it worked out for both parties.

"Coming back in now, he wants to kick on to the next thing, but he's got six months left on his contract and hand on heart, is he going to come back in here right now and force his way in front of four others at centre back every week? With the greatest will in the world, no he's not.

"He needs to keep playing. The worst thing in the world for him would be to sit on the bench, so I had a conversation with him saying he needs to go and play.

"Jon Daly, who is a friend of mine and the assistant manager at Pat's, came on the phone specifically asking about Tom. I gave him a very good response, and said he needs to talk to the agent and the player, because if he doesn't want to make that move then there's no point in going any further.

"It was a case of going over to Irish football and giving himself a fresh start, then be someone that is looked at to come back in to English football.

"He's been a terrific boy for the football club, and he goes with all our wishes – I truly hope that he ends up in the Premier League in England."


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