Ross County boss sees clear progress despite Hibernian loss
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
John Hughes says he can see the progression of Ross County’s squad since he took charge of the club – but that did not make losing to Hibernian any easier to deal with.
Hughes became Staggies manager in late-December, and has since guided his side to five Premiership victories, two more than former boss Stuart Kettlewell had in the first half of the campaign.
Billy Mckay’s opening goal against Hibs after getting through a tricky first half last Saturday may have had Hughes believing another three points were on the way.
Another dubious penalty decision saw Martin Boyle equalise from the spot moments later though, and Kevin Nisbet would break a run of eight games without scoring to net the winner with half-an-hour still to play.
“We went for it at 2–1 and had a go,” Hughes explained.
“I feel sorry for the lads because they deserve more.
“I have trust in them and I can see us come along leaps and bounds.
“The attitude is there, they have a good physical presence. I want better football but they are giving me everything.
“I am into them and demanding of them but I haven’t raised my voice since I came here.
“It’s a hard one to swallow losing it in that manner. We just need to keep a clean sheet!”
County were incensed that Boyle did not get shown a second yellow card for diving, with referee John Beaton deciding against blowing his whistle.
It is not the first time that a refereeing decision has gone against the Staggies, and Hughes is at a loss as to why.
“The last time I saw a dive like that the boy had Speedos on!” Hughes joked.
“I felt Boyle played for the penalty, I felt he went into him.
“Boyle then dived again on the far side but John decided not to take any action because it would have been a second yellow and a red.
“I am expecting better from John Beaton to see what was up, but he only gets one look at it. It just seems that up at Ross County, it’s easy to give penalties.
“I’m not having a go at referees, I’m in it with them and they have to make decisions instantly. I can look at a monitor and see, they can’t.”
