Ross County manager wants small screen stars as team prepares to face Motherwell which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports
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STUART Kettlewell wants Ross County to make a right spectacle of themselves in Monday night’s Premiership opener.
But while the Staggies’ manager admits his team must look to entertain, he also wants County’s new army of “armchair” supporters to be left wishing they could switch off and return to the stadium.
County kick-off closed doors action against Motherwell live on Sky TV, with Kettlewell determined “virtual” season ticket-holders won’t grow too comfortable on their settees.
“It’s up to us to motivate the players and for them to motivate themselves,” Kettlewell said.
“We have fans digging into their pockets to watch the game with virtual season tickets so it’s all on us to perform. It’s about encouraging the fans to come back here to our ground when allowed.
“We need to whet their appetites.
“I still think that fan pressure is there. I’m heaping it on myself. I’ll impress upon my players that we need to get out there and please our fans. When people are forking out good money to watch at home, we have a duty to provide a spectacle.”
Last season, on County’s return from the Championship, the war cry was survival – and that remains the bottom line. A year on, though, Kettlewell holds a burning ambition to improve.
“We all want to stay in the Premiership,” the manager said.
“For me personally, though, I have ambitions and I know the players and staff do too. It’s not just about surviving, we would like to shock a few people along the way. The question is whether we can punch above our weight.
“We’ve had a brilliant journey over the last 10 years taking this club to some really memorable occasions. I won’t put a number or league position on it, but I genuinely expect the group I see in front of me to be better than just survival.”
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