The only way is up for Ross County new signing as he prepares for 2025/26 season
ROSS Docherty says the only way is up as he wants to achieve promotion with Ross County at the first time of asking.
The 32-year-old midfielder arrived in Dingwall on a two-year contract from Dundee United following helping them to fourth place in the Premiership last season.
Docherty has made over 350 appearances in Scottish football, having also played for Livingston, Airdrieonians, Ayr United and Partick Thistle, as well as spending the last two years at Dundee United.
The Staggies were relegated from the Premiership following losing the Premiership Play-off final to Livingston last season.
Docherty now wants to help Ross County get back to the top flight and is confident they can do it.
He said: "We're not going to hide from it.
"We know it will be a tough league and we're under no illusion about that, but the main reason I came to this club is because I want to go straight back up.
"It's similar to when I joined Dundee United. I had the same conversations.
"We're by no means underestimating the Championship, but we have got ambition and you can see that with the other signings.
"We've plenty of characters around the place. That's the aim.
"Getting these games under our belts gets us moving again, but that's what we want to build towards.”
Docherty was previously a target for Ross County earlier in his career but chose to go elsewhere, but now he is determined to make an impact in Dingwall.
"There was interest a couple of years ago when I was going to Dundee United. It just happened all a bit too late.
"They had been in contact throughout the summer when I was on holiday, but it was nice to have that interest and Ross County made a great effort to sign me.
"That was a big part in it for me, to feel wanted. I was happy with what the manager was saying in terms of trying to get this club back to the Premiership straight away.
"The project is there, and I put my confidence in them and hopefully we can do that.”
Docherty feels Ross County lacked a number of options last season in the Scottish Premiership and their aim is to create a team that is exciting to watch.
However, he says the key to success is switching their styles when required to get the results.
He said: “When I get on the ball, I want to be finding players like Adam Emslie or Arron Lyall.
"Speaking to the boys, I think they maybe lacked some options last season.
"We want to be exciting. Our foundation will be build upon trying to keep clean sheets and win games, even if it's winning ugly, but we do want to go out and excite fans.
"The manager is trying to drill that into us. We're building a good squad with plenty of options. That can only help.”
