Ross County Football Club: Introduction
Ross County Football Club is a professional football team based in Dingwall, Scotland. Known for their resilience, determination, and the unique community they represent, Ross County has risen through the ranks of Scottish football despite being based in one of the country’s smaller towns.
Currently, Ross County plays its football in the Scottish Premiership. Staff at the Fanbase here with the club and supporters, every success in the future. So, here’s our in-depth look at the club:
Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.
Ross County Football Club: Overview
- Full Name: Ross County Football Club
- Nickname: The Staggies
- Founded: 1929, this is a lot later than other professional football clubs in the UK, of course.
- Location: Dingwall, Ross-shire, Scotland
- Stadium: Victoria Park (also known as the Global Energy Stadium), with a capacity of approximately 6,541.
- Colours: Their traditional home kit features dark blue, while their away kits have varied over the years.
History
Ross County FC has a unique story compared to many other Scottish clubs. Formed in 1929, the club originally competed in the Highland League, a regional football competition in northern Scotland. For many decades, Ross County remained a semi-professional team, but in the mid-1990s, they began their ascent into the professional leagues.
- Formation and Early Years: The club was formed following the merger of Dingwall Victoria United and Dingwall Thistle, taking the name “County” due to the Ross-shire connection.
- Highland League Success: Before joining the Scottish Football League, Ross County enjoyed success in the Highland League, winning multiple league titles.
- Joining the Scottish Football League: In 1994, they joined the Scottish Football League (SFL) Third Division after the league’s expansion, marking the beginning of their rise through the ranks of Scottish football.
Promotion to the Scottish Premier League (SPL)
- Promotion to Top Flight: The club’s rise to the Scottish Premier League (now known as the Scottish Premiership) was a historic moment. They gained promotion to the top tier for the first time in 2012 after winning the Scottish First Division.
- First Season in the Premiership: In their debut Premiership season (2012–13), Ross County performed admirably, finishing in the top half of the table, a remarkable achievement for a club from such a small community.
Ross County Football Club: Notable Achievements
- Scottish League Cup Victory (2015-2016): One of Ross County’s biggest achievements came in 2016 when they won the Scottish League Cup, defeating Hibernian 2-1 in the final. This was the club’s first major national trophy and a historic moment for the team.
- Scottish Cup Runners-up (2009-2010): Another milestone in the club’s history was their run to the Scottish Cup Final in 2010. Although they lost to Dundee United 3-0 in the final, they earned significant praise for defeating Celtic 2-0 in the semi-final, a giant-killing feat that drew national attention.
- Championship Titles: Ross County has won the Scottish Championship (the second tier of Scottish football) twice, first in the 2011–12 season and again in the 2018–19 season.
Apart from winning the Scottish League Cup, their honours are mainly minor ones. However, Ross County supporters are noisy and very loyal and deserve to have a little more success.
Rivalry
Ross County’s main rival is Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with whom they contest the Highland Derby. This rivalry is unique due to the geographic proximity of the two clubs, being based in the Scottish Highlands, which adds to the intensity of their matches. The Highland Derby is well-regarded in Scottish football for its passionate atmosphere.
Ross County Football Club: Stadium
- Victoria Park (Global Energy Stadium) is located in Dingwall and has been the home of Ross County since its inception. It is relatively small compared to other Premiership venues, reflecting the club’s community roots. The stadium underwent redevelopment to meet the standards of the top-tier Scottish Premiership.
- Each fan is just as passionate about their club as the next supporter, and they create a decent atmosphere at times.
Recent Seasons
Ross County has faced challenges in maintaining its status in the Scottish Premiership, with relegation battles a frequent occurrence. Despite this, the club has often defied the odds and managed to stay competitive. After a brief relegation to the Championship, they bounced back to the Premiership in 2019 by winning the Scottish Championship again.
Ownership and Management
- Chairman: Roy MacGregor has been a significant figure in the modern history of Ross County. His investment and support have been crucial in the club’s rise from the Highland League to the top tier of Scottish football.
- Manager: Over the years, Ross County has had several managers, but in recent times, Malky Mackay (appointed in 2021) has been tasked with stabilizing the club in the Premiership.
Club Culture and Community
Ross County is known for its strong connection to the local community. The club serves as a source of pride for the town of Dingwall and the wider Ross-shire area. Despite its small size, the club enjoys passionate local support. The fans, known as “The Staggies,” play a big part in creating a vibrant matchday atmosphere at Victoria Park.
Youth Development
Ross County has invested in youth development with the aim of producing homegrown talent capable of playing at the highest levels of Scottish football. This focus on nurturing young talent reflects the club’s long-term ambition of sustaining success at the top level.
Ross County Football Club: In Conclusion
Ross County FC is an inspiring story of a small community club making a significant impact in Scottish football. From their origins in the Highland League to lifting the Scottish League Cup and competing against the country’s biggest teams, Ross County has become a respected name in Scottish football.
Their passionate supporters, strong leadership, and determination to defy the odds make them a fascinating and proud part of Scotland’s football landscape.
Promote Ross County Football Club
The Football Fan Base allows all supporters in the UK to have their say. We have the biggest platforms with which to promote your football team as well.
For example, we have huge soccer blogs where you can comment on articles. But you can also create your very own posts. If you think we need to adjust the Ross County Info Page here, then drop us a line. If your submitted facts and figures are correct, then we will adjust accordingly.
Ross County Fans Forum
Apart from the massive blogs here at the Football Fan Base, we also have the biggest soccer forums on the internet. Indeed, our message boards now include the Ross County Fans Forum too.
Now there are no excuses for Ross County supporters to hide. This is because we provide you with the platforms in which to brag about your team. After all, Ross County is the best team on earth, isn’t it?
**Information updated on September 10, 2024.
