At the start of the season everyone said that Ross County would probably be the favourites to go and win the title. They had stability and finances, two very rare positives in this division. It has transpired that this is still very much the case but they have hit a tough spell and have lost a couple of vital matches, allowing rivals to tighten the gap.
Most would agree that the title race will probably boil down to Ayr, County and Dundee United but it should, in theory, be between the Dingwall side and United. This means that we have two more fixtures between the sides that could decide the eventual winner.
County don’t need to get promoted in the same way that United do but they are still a side with ambitions of regular Premiership football and most Scottish supporters would probably now see County as a fairly well established top-flight side.
January Wishlist – One or two quality additions to a team can make such a big difference in this league and I think that County should be looking at the creative side of their midfield. They have also been hit by defensive injuries and suspensions that have highlighted a possible weakness in that area. They have a strong squad, they just need to make sure they are all available.
Player of the season (so far) – Although it pains me to say this given how poor he was for United I must say that County have massively benefitted from a rejuvenated Billy McKay. With 12 league goals he sits behind Scobbie and Shankland.
Predicted Finish – 2nd
Manager Grade – B. The management team in Dingwall are, at the moment, doing a fine, if unspectacular, job at Ross County. They both know the club inside out and have the advantage over other managers in the league of having a very stable team behind them. This run of poor form will be the true test of their ability.
Overall Grade – County are doing just about enough at the moment and they will still be in the top two come May. Whether or not they become champions is possibly more about the teams around them and the ability for them to become stronger. County have a strong backer and they will spend in this window but they probably won’t go wild and they will trust the strong squad that they have. It is however the case that they have very much hit a sticky spell and this league is unforgiving once that rot sets in.