Ross County manager Tony Docherty says training has kicked up another gear following Staggies’ long-awaited win over Raith Rovers in Dingwall
Tony Docherty says Ross County’s level of training and atmosphere have got even better following victory over Raith Rovers last Saturday.
Goals from Miller Thomson and Ronan Hale secured a first league win since March 1 for the Staggies, making it the first of both the Championship campaign and Docherty’s tenure as manager.
It would be easy to assume that would provide a launchpad for County to kick on in the days and weeks that followed, but there were notes of caution immediately following Saturday’s match that more hard work would be needed.
That said, Docherty said there has been a noticeable lift in Dingwall over recent days, and he is looking forward to seeing how that carries into this weekend’s trip to league leaders St Johnstone.
"The atmosphere has always been good since I came, now it's even better than good,” he explained.
"There is a feelgood factor about the club because we got the rewards we merited.
"In the five games I've been involved in, we have drawn two away from home with good performances and good points. In the two games we didn't win at home, our performances were probably good enough but this time we were rewarded.
"It's important, in terms of messaging, the players get their rewards.
“It is alright saying ‘believe in the process’ and 'trust in the process’ but if you’re not winning there can be a seed of doubt there. Once you win it does reinforce the message and I’ve really noticed it in training this week.
“Although the atmosphere was already good, it is up a level this week, as well as the level and intensity of training.
“There is also a great competitiveness to the training because there is a healthy squad here. It is about healthy competition.”
There was a risk that County’s internal competition could take a hit with new injuries for the squad to contend with in the last week.
Ahead of the clash with Raith, Connor Randall and Ross Laidlaw were both hit with issues, adding to a list that includes Josh Reid, Noah Chilvers, Andrew MacLeod, Ross Docherty, Kieran Phillips and Sean Mackie. Miller Thomson also left Dingwall after last Saturday’s win to link up with Scotland’s under-21s.
Other than Thomson and Phillips, and longer term concerns MacLeod and Chilvers, late decisions will be made on whether those players will be available for this Saturday’s trip to Perth.
While some players are unavailable, though, Docherty insists opportunities present themselves for those who do get on the pitch to nail down their starting spots.
“You want to make sure there’s a consistency of performance where, if someone is injured, someone else can come in,” Docherty added.
“It then gives an opportunity, bringing consistency and motivation to stay in. That’s what I’m saying to the players: they pick the team.
“If they put in a level of performance in training and matches, then they give themselves the best opportunity to continue playing, and that promotes momentum.
“Certain ones have grabbed the opportunity, but again I’m learning every day about the squad. I’ve been in for five games now, and you learn a lot from training but even more from match days.
“I’m seeing now between the good experience there is at the club, introducing Trevor Carson to that alongside Declan Gallagher, Ross Docherty and Connor Randall.
“There’s a really good balance now between these, what I call cultural architects, with the young, hungry, energetic, motivated players – Dylan Smith, Ronan Hale I include in that, Miller Thomson, Ryan Duncan.
“Blend them with the experience and it's a good mix, in my experience. I’m finding that with my squad here, they are a brilliant group to work with.”