Midfielder Jordan Tillson is enjoying life under Ross County manager Malky Mackay
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Jordan Tillson believes Malky Mackay is helping to bring his game to the next level for Ross County.
The experienced midfielder has played in the vast majority of games for the Staggies this season, with only five of his teammates having featured more often under Mackay.
He appears, then, to have earned the trust of his third manager in less than two years in Dingwall as he has been entrusted with an important role just in front of the back four.
That is where Tillson played when he first came into the team under Stuart Kettlewell, but at times last season under both Kettlewell and John Hughes he was asked to play a pressing game higher up the pitch – still a defensive role, but further forward.
The idea was to use his mobility to prevent other teams closing in on County’s goal in the first place.
Dropping deeper into a role that comes more naturally to Tillson though, and after a summer of chance at County he feels like he is ready to kick on again.
“There’s been a big change at the club, and it’s obviously hard to get the gameplans and things that you want to get sorted straight away with the Covid setback as well,” the former Exeter City man explained.
“I think everyone understands what is required and are starting to deliver on that now.
“I really feel like the gaffer has helped my game and I’m going to develop under him.
“Last year I ended up playing in a couple of different positions. I was a bit higher up the pitch, and this year the gaffer wants me to stay and help out the back four at times.
“Whatever he asks me to do, I’m willing to do it. If he asks me to do a job, I’d like to think that I can do it. I’m enjoying playing, and I think that shows when you get some rhythm in your game.
“It’s about repaying the favour that he’s done for me by playing me. Everyone has played and had a good start to the season, so it’s now time to turn those performances into results.”
