SPL Report Card - Ross County

The SPL newcomers surprised everyone with a terrific debut season

MARKS OUT OF 10: 9

LEAGUE: 5th, 53pts (2011-12 - 1st in the first division)

SCOTTISH CUP: Fourth round
LEAGUE CUP: Second round

MOST USED FIRST XI: Michael Fraser, Mihael Kovacevic, Grant Munro, Scott Boyd, Marc Fitzpatrick, Rocco Quinn, Richard Brittain, Stuart Kettlewell, Paul Lawson, Iain Vigurs, Sam Morrow

OVERVIEW: Aren't newly promoted teams supposed to struggle?  From day one, the Staggies looked like a difficult opponent for anyone in the SPL and were never in the slightest danger of a relegation battle.  Their mid-table spot at New Year looked like a decent feat; their explosion in form at the start of 2013, boosted by inspirational signings such as Ivan Sproule, Evangelos Ikonomou and Steffen Wohlfarth, vaulted them into a top six place and they finished only three points adrift of a Europa League spot.  It pains me to give them a higher mark than ICT, but they certainly merit it.

HIGH POINTS: For the fan of any diddy SPL team, does it get any better than coming back from two down to beat Celtic on your own patch, with a last minute winner thrown into the bargain?  The answer for County fans is probably a yes - defeating Inverness on the last day of the season to stop them getting into Europe was at least as enjoyable for them.

LOW POINTS: Whilst the league campaign was a resounding success, County didn't win a single cup game this season, sending out a shadow side to get thumped at home by Raith Rovers in the League Cup, and then losing a Highland derby Scottish Cup tie in a replay.

STAR MAN: I don't like Iain Vigurs, mainly because of the way he always raises his game in El Kessocko clashes, but his technique and skill are not typical of young Scottish midfield players at all.  Once vilified for his attitude as a young player at Inverness, he's matured considerably...though he sill can't resist winding up ICT fans at derby games.

ONE FOR THE FUTURE: A winning goal in a league game against Aberdeen would normally enhance your prospects; instead, young forward Stephen Ross saw less and less action as the season progressed.  He's still only 19 though, and has plenty of potential.

WASTE OF SPACE: Martin Scott's only accomplishment during 18 months at Hibs was to break a teammates cheekbone in a pre-season punch up.  That's rather more impact than he's made during his second spell at Dingwall, where injury and poor performances made him a bit of a non-entity.  I'd be surprised if his loan deal was made permanent.

THE BOSS: Derek Adams has the tactical nous and the ability to get the best from his players; if he could improve his public image (he's so ungracious in interviews, and always looks like he's just sucked a lemon) then he might have a chance of being as likeable as he is admirable.  For me, he's probably the most talented manager in the SPL, and certainly the one most likely to go on to great things.  I still think he's a whingy git, though.

PROSPECTS FOR NEXT SEASON: The likely loss of Vigurs and Richard Brittain (if he honours his pre-contract at St. Johnstone) will be a blow, but County still have Adams, and he in turn has decent backing from Chairman Roy McGregor.  A strong defence will probably still be intact, and expect Ross County to once more be difficult to beat.  If they find that elusive 20-goal-a-season striker, then emulating this season is not beyond them.

FIRST TEAMERS DEFINITELY LEAVING: Paul Gallacher, Paul Lawson (signed for Motherwell), Sam Morrow, Martin Scott (end of loan)

NOT IN THE MANAGER'S PLANS: none

UNLIKELY TO SIGN NEW DEALS: Richard Brittain (unless he can wheedle out of his St. Johnstone deal), Iain Vigurs

L.