Ross County

Image source, Getty Images

Ross County have signed a striker with an "exceptional goalscoring record" in Ronan Hale, says manager Don Cowie.

The 25-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the Highlanders after leaving Cliftonville for an undisclosed fee.

Hale, a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, has scored 95 goals in 223 career matches, 50 of which came in 80 games for his previous club.

The forward has also had spells at Larne, Derry City, Crusaders and St Patrick's Athletic.

"Ronan has an exceptional goalscoring record in Ireland and had multiple clubs interested in him," County boss Cowie said.

"We are delighted that he has chosen to join Ross County and look forward to his time in the Highlands."

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has been speaking to the media as Ross County prepare for their first competitive game of the 2024-25 season.

County travel to take on Stranraer on Saturday in their first League Cup group game.

Here are the manager's key points:

• He says the club are still looking to add a few more players but he's delighted with those already in the building.

• Cowie is disappointed to lose Jack Baldwin, saying he was a great professional in the dressing room but it's not all about the football

• He adds that he knows it was important for Baldwin to move back to England with his family and the club wish him nothing but the best.

• Cowie confirms teams are interested in Simon Murray but at the moment the striker is still a County player, until that changes there's not much more to add.

• Looking ahead to Stranraer, Cowie says it's important to get out of the group and get into the next round of the cup.

• He insists they won't take the games lightly, they're in a really tough group but that puts them in good stead for league campaign.

• On the league, the manager adds that it's going to be an "ultra competitive" season but his side will be ready to face that challenge.

Image source, SNS

Ross County have confirmed captain Jack Baldwin has left to join Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The centre-back joined the Highland side in 2021, going on to make 102 appearances for the club, 38 of which came last term.

In a statement, County confirm Baldwin "made clear his desire to move closer to family in England".

They go on to thank the defender "for his service to the club".

Image source, SNS

Ross County will let Simon Murray leave Dingwall – with the striker attracting interest from Hibs and Dundee – once they complete the signing of 25-year-old Irish striker Ronan Hale from Cliftonville (The Press & Journal, external)

Read the rest of today's Scottish football gossip here.

Image source, Getty Images

The "versatility" of Akil Wright makes him a "great fit" for Ross County, says manager Don Cowie.

The Highlanders have confirmed the signing of the 28-year-old on a three-year deal after leaving Stockport County for an undisclosed fee.

Wright, who has also had spells at York City, Wrexham, Barrow and AFC Flyde, is a versatile player who can play at right-back and in midfield.

"We are absolutely delighted to finalise the signing of Akil," Cowie said.

"We identified him at the end of the season as a player who we believe is a great fit for our football.

"Akil has a wealth of experience in English football, predominantly playing in defence but has the versatility to also play in midfield."

Image source, SNS

Ross County came from behind to beat Brora Rangers 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Dudgeon Park.

The Highland League side went ahead early on through James Wallace before an unnamed trialist scored Don Cowie's side's equaliser prior to the interval.

Former Kilmarnock and St Mirren man Eamonn Brophy ran through to put the Staggies in front just after the hour mark.

The top-flight side have one more pre-season friendly on Tuesday 9 July against Clachnacuddin FC before their 500-mile round trip for the first game of the League Cup group stage against Stranraer.

Image source, SNS

Ross County's home match against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership next month has been moved to a later kick-off time due to its selection for TV coverage.

Don Cowie's County welcome Jimmy Thelin's Dons to Dingwall on Saturday, 31 August but the game will now take place at 17:45 BST with Premier Sports opting to televise the encounter.

Aberdeen were undefeated in the five meetings between the sides last season, winning the first four and drawing the last meeting 2-2 in May.

Image source, SNS

Charlie Telfer "will excite supporters" after the midfielder signed a one-year deal with Ross County, according to manager Don Cowie.

The 29-year-old left Airdrieonians at the end of last season after a hugely impressive Championship campaign, and now steps up to the Premiership with the Staggies.

"Charlie joins us on the back of an impressive season with Airdrieonians, gaining multiple accolades in the process," Cowie said.

"He is a creative midfielder who will excite supporters with the way he plays.

"He also has vast experience in Scottish football adding to the experience we already have in the dressing room."

County fans, we asked for your thoughts after Don Cowie was given the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Graham: Brilliant, just the right man to steer the ship at County. He can get the best out of the players and they will leave everything they have on the pitch for him. Delighted.

Fernando: Cowie had a reputation as a no-nonsense midfield enforcer in the mould of Roy Keane. I’m sure he’ll set his teams up in the same way as his playing style and will make us a lot tougher to beat.

Mohammed: Don’s done a great job since taking over from the Derek Adams debacle.

Tarquin: Cowie is the man this club needs. He knows what the club needs to move forward.

Don: Don was born for this role. He can lead us to great things. From a youth player to a manager. He knows the club inside out.

Dougal: Don will have our boys playing with that Highland grit and determination that will propel us up the league.

It's official. Don Cowie has been confirmed as Ross County boss, signing a one-year rolling contract.

The 41-year-old former County midfielder, who took interim charge in February and went on to secure the club's top-flight status, says it is an "honour" to be made permanent boss.

How are you feeling about Cowie's appointment? Is he the right man to drive the club forward?

Give us your thoughts here., external

We asked who you are backing to be Ross County's breakout star in the new season.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Kyle: Scott Allardice is a great midfielder and was unlucky with injuries last season. Expect him to make a big impact. As for young players keep an eye out for George Robertson, could be a great option in terms of attacking midfield where we’ve lost Yan Dhanda.

Sebastian: I’m backing Local boy done good Josh Reid to show some of that famous Highland spirit.

Francisco: I think Jack Baldwin will have a good season. As they say in my native Italy, he plays with the spirit of the bull. For their sake, let’s hope too many teams aren’t playing in red this year.

Victor: I’m looking forward to seeing Victor Loturi’s silky skills on show.

Pete: Jordan White is strong in the tackle and leaps like a salmon. A big season for us and he could move onto bigger things.

Dougal: The young laddie, Sandy Mackay will set the heather alight. Mark my words.

Ronny: The only youngster I can see making an impact next season is Dylan Smith. If not him, it'll likely be someone we bring in during this window.

Bertie: Our local lads can lead the way. They know what the club means to the Highlands.

Image source, SNS

"Experienced" goalkeeper Jack Hamilton has joined Ross County on a one-year-deal after his contract expired with recently relegated Livingston.

The 30-year-old shotstopper, who spent nearly a decade at Hearts, has also played for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership and Greenock Morton in the second tier.

A player manager Don Cowie knows well from their shared time at Tynecastle, he is excited by the addition of his "excellent" character to the team.

"I’m delighted to add Jack to our goalkeeping group," Cowie told the club's website.

"He is someone I know well having played alongside him at Hearts.

"Jack is an experienced goalkeeper as well as an excellent character who will be a great addition to the dressing room."

Who do you think will be Ross County's breakout star in the coming season?

Is there one particular youngster you are backing to impress or perhaps a fringe player who will come to the fore?

Have your say here., external

Cliftonville have dismissed a bid from Ross County for striker Ronan Hale, saying it did not merit serious consideration, and the Scottish Premiership club face competition from Wigan Athletic for the 25-year-old. (Belfast Telegraph), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Ross County have announced the signing of defender Ricki Lamie on a two-year deal.

Lamie, 31, spent last season on loan at Dundee from Motherwell and helped the Dens Park club to a top-six Premiership finish.

He had signed a pre-contract with the Dens Park club in February, but player and club "mutually agreed not to pursue the agreement" come the end of the campaign, leaving Lamie free to join the Staggies.

"We are delighted Ricki has joined the club," County manager Don Cowie said.

"Ricki has a wealth of experience in Scottish football and has leadership qualities that will be a great addition to our football club."

Hibernian want to bring 32-year-old striker Simon Murray back to Easter Road from Ross County. (Alan Nixon on Patreon), external

Hibs are eager to bolster their forward line and Ross County's Simon Murray is on their shortlist as a potential signing. (Scotland On Sunday), external

Ross County manager Don Cowie and chairman Roy MacGregor have made it clear they want top scorer Simon Murray to remain at the club amid interest from several Scottish Premiership rivals. (Daily Record), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Image source, SNS

Ross County manager Don Cowie aims to fend off interest from other clubs and keep Simon Murray for the remaining year of the 32-year-old striker's contract. (Daily Record, print edition)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

After the fixtures were released on Thursday, we asked how you Ross County will start the season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.

Here's what you had to say:

Ian: We’re fighting above our level as is the Highland way. There’s some good teams in the league so I think it’ll be another tight season. I think we’ll be above the relegation zone but very much in the stramash.

Alexandrina: I worry that we need more firepower up front. Hopefully we can bring someone in to take the pressure off Simon Murray. If not, I think we’ll be fighting relegation again.

Chuck: I think we’ve had a good off-season and added wisely to our roster. I think our offense looks particularly strong so I think we can stay clear of the regulation zone.

Rupinder: We’ve been quietly going about our business in the transfer market and Don Cowie is building the foundations of a solid team. Hopefully we won’t be involved in another relegation struggle this year.

Lisa: I’m really worried for our rivals. I think we’ll surprise a few people this year. Come on the Staggies!

Anon: If the fans get behind the team, we can make Dingwall a fortress. A good start and anything is possible. A bad start and it might be a case of deja vu.

Sandra: I’ve been a season ticket holder for 20 years and I’ve never been more confident going into a new season. The Stags have got their swag back. I think we might even be in contention for the top six.

Francisco: As they say in my native Italy, County will fight with the spirit of the bull, or should that be spirit of the Staggies? I think we will finish well clear of relegation.

Chad: With Cowie at the helm and a good dose of Highland spirit, anything is possible. I think we can give some of the bigger boys a run for their money.

Ronny: I’m delighted to see Will Nightingale back, and hopefully we keep a hold of Murray - but we need another three or four really decent signings on top of that, otherwise we're going to be back in the same position as the last two seasons.

Graham R: I’m hopeful for a better season, having faced the past two play-offs. We need to strengthen our defence and if Ryan Leak still features then I reckon we will ship some really silly goals.

Bertie: We’ll be full of confidence after the play-off win, Cowie to guide us to top-six, in Don we trust.

Graham C: With Nightingale back and Cowie at the helm, we will be right in the fight next season. Cowie is pulling together a great squad and has the noose to get the best out of the Staggies.

Callum: We really need to defend well if we want a top-six finish and Europe, we need to do so much better and score more.

Image source, SNS

Will Nightingale has returned to Ross County for a second season-long loan spell from AFC Wimbledon.

The 28-year-old made 28 appearances for the Dingwall club last term as they survived in the relegation play-off with victory over Championship runners-up Raith Rovers.

After becoming a fixture at the heart of the defence last term, Nightingale thanked Staggies supporters for making him feel welcome in his first spell away from his boyhood club.

Don Cowie says the centre-back's ability to lead will bolster their options next term.

"We are really pleased to have Will back on board," the manager said.

"He was a big part in keeping the club in the league last season and his experience and leadership qualities were a massive boost to the club throughout his first spell."