Play-off final victory was worth £2.5 million to Ross County as club executives share relief at remaining in the Premiership next season
Ross County Football Club estimate that there is a £2.5 million difference between relegation and remaining in the Premiership.
The Staggies secured top flight football for another year yesterday in a 6-1 aggregate victory over Raith Rovers in the play-off final thanks to a 4-0 win on the day.
It was the second time in as many years that County have been on the brink of relegation, before managing to save themselves.
As a result, the overriding emotion among the club’s top brass was one of relief as they know how important it is for the club to be able to budget for top-tier income.
That said, there was also an acknowledgement that County do not want to settle for remaining in the Premiership by the skin of their teeth every year, with ambitions of competing further up the league table.
“I’m very relieved – it was tense, and there was a lot at stake financially for the club,” club chairman Roy MacGregor explained.
“It’s been a traumatic year off the park, and it’s then dramatic on the park, but the manager has done a great job at picking the team up.
“It’s hard work, and yesterday was great but that’s twice in-a-row we’ve been 11th. That’s not what we set out to do, so we need to take stock and make sure we don’t get into this position again.
“We need to find a way to be 10th or better next year.
“I think you can see, particularly in what Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Dundee have done in creating alliances with other clubs, that they have benefitted from it. These are the clubs we have to follow, not the top five or six.”
Chief executive officer Steven Ferguson continued: “From a business point of view it’s huge – I don’t think people realise how huge. It really is seismic and affects so much more than what’s on the pitch.
“You’re talking millions. Having a stab in the dark, it’s probably a £2.5 million difference if you included everything that’s attached to it.
“It’s fantastic for everybody involved and for the area, and the Highlands, that we are still in the Premiership. Being there for 12 of the last 13 years is satisfying for us, but we want to be able to learn from this season and see if we can grow again.”
