Ross County 2-1 Hamilton: McIntyre praises chairman MacGregor

Ross County celebrated Premiership safety after beating Hamilton Academical

Manager Jim McIntyre paid tribute to his chairman Roy MacGregor after Ross County clinched Premiership safety.

Victory over Hamilton Academical ensured County avoided finishing second bottom and a relegation play-off.

"I'm really pleased for him," McIntyre told BBC Radio Scotland. "He's been tremendous, absolutely fabulous.

"We need the tools at our disposal and it was quite clear that we needed investment and he's backed us in everything we've asked for."

McIntyre, whose side were bottom when he took over early in the season, admitted Hamilton had been the better side and said he felt "drained" after watching his men come from behind to win, despite losing Filip Kiss to a red card.

"Great credit goes to the players," he said.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, this is up there with anything I've ever done in my management career.

"The fans have backed us to the hilt. I'm delighted for them.

McIntyre is thankful for MacGregor's backing

"It's important for me as a manager that we progress and we're not in fighting around the bottom of the league next season. That's got to be the aim.

"We've got to aim to be better than that and be higher. We know it's going to be difficult, it always is.

"Your first thought is always safety. Hopefully, we can make additions to the squad, help the good players that we'll retain and hopefully go forward as a group."

MacGregor reflected on a dramatic end of the season by saying: "To take it this near to the wire is a great thing today but there's also lessons to be learned from it and we look forward to starting thinking about that on Monday."

Hamilton player-manager Martin Canning felt his side's performance level dipped in the second half but he was pleased to clinch seventh place in the division.

"It's a huge bonus," he said.

"Coming up last season, if you had offered us seventh place at the beginning of the year, we would've bitten your hand off.

"Today's disappointing but I can't be too disappointed because obviously the boys have put in a terrific shift this season. They've been great to a man, a credit to themselves and the club."