Ross County manager pays tribute to fans’ strong support
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Malky Mackay is delighted with the blossoming connection between Ross County’s players and fans.
After a long time without fans inside the Global Energy Stadium, and a summer of upheaval in the playing squad, having four of their last five games in Dingwall has given the Staggies faithful the chance to see first hand the progress made by the squad.
Fans – and in particular a growing section in the jail end – have responded with very vocal support.
That, according to Mackay, is helping to keep morale high in the dressing room as the players appreciate the backing they are receiving.
“It’s important for the players to have those experiences and actually feel the buzz of fans,” Mackay said.
“Two of them came up to me and asked if they could give their shirts to people in the crowd last weekend.
“I would hope fans see a group who are absolutely giving their sweat and blood for the Ross County jersey. I think that’s something fans will always take to – seeing players running their hearts out for the jersey until the 95th minute.
“I love the fact that we’ve got this fresh young Staggie Brigade behind the jail end. They have done nothing other than fuel our players.
“It’s fabulous, it’s great to see fresh blood coming into the club and youth want to come here and be part of it.
“It’s exciting. Some of the players are exciting players who get bums off seats anyway, so that’s something that is starting to breed a little bit of culture and connection.”
One defeat in six games going into last night’s clash against Celtic will not have harmed fans’ perceptions of County right now, and Mackay feels it is important to make memories for them.
“It’s interesting, at certain clubs at certain times it takes something to happen to give them a memory,” he added.
“I always remember at Cardiff, for a number of years after they moved into the new stadium there hadn’t been an occasion for the fans to get behind.
“Then we got to the semi finals of the Carling Cup, and we beat Crystal Palace on penalties in the second leg at home. The place was bouncing. That was one of the first memories they had of something that meant something in that stadium.
“Obviously lots of memories have been made here at Ross County, but we’ve got to make sure we make our mark here with this group so the fans remember that.”
