Return of fans will be vital for Ross County, says chief executive Steven Ferguson
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ROSS County chief executive officer Steven Ferguson says the biggest result for the club next season will be the return of fans to the Global Energy Stadium.
The club have released the sale of season tickets as they look forward to the return of supporters to the ground.
Current guidelines state in tier one regions, up to 1000 seated fans will admitted into stadium.
In tier zero regions, up to 2000 seated fans will be allowed into stadiums in the first phase, with more fans being allowed as the situation improved.
Ferguson says the club are relying on the region being in tier zero for the start of the campaign and to receive the backing of fans after being hard hit last season.
“We were lucky enough to have five games with fans last season, the frustration being that we weren’t able to continue that more consistently to the end of the season, but we had to mindful of the pandemic.”
“We are prepared, we tested different models last season and each game was really successful in its own right. We just want to see more fans coming through the turnstiles now.”
“There is no doubt in my eyes that season 2020/21 was probably the hardest season in the history of the game.
“For me, having been a manager, the fans can actually be worth points on the board. “They can be the difference in players reactions, the reactions of opponents and a huge part in driving the team forward.”
“Our view is that we saw an unbelievable commitment from fans last season- in terms of purchasing season tickets and Staggies Army memberships during a financially challenging time.
“This season we will hopefully have the ability to welcome them and thank them when they return to our stadium.”
“The most important thing for Ross County right now is ensuring we get as many fans as possible back into the Global Energy Stadium- we are being told 1,000 fans minimum but we will be looking for more than that come the first game.
“We want to get the buzz back in the stadium and see the faces that have helped this club get to where it is today.”
Ross County will kick off the 2021/22 season with a clash against St Johnstone in Dingwall on Saturday, July 31.
Their first five matches are all against team who finished in the top six last season, including champions Rangers at home and away trips to Hibernian, Aberdeen and Celtic.
Ferguson says playing these clubs in the top flight of Scottish football is the dream for the club and says they will work hard to remain in the Premiership for as long as possible.
“When you look at our opening fixtures, to be playing five of last seasons top six in our opening matches is really exciting.
“This is why we want to be in the Premiership, to play against the best week in and week out.
“Its important that the Highlands has Premiership football, we have spent 9 of the last 10 seasons in the Premiership bringing Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and many more clubs to the Highlands.
“There are teams that will wish they were in our position but we are here and we will always work as hard as possible to keep the club here.”
