Ross County

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Don Cowie says he is "very confident" he has the full backing of the Ross County board despite the club's perilous Premiership position.

County suffered a fifth successive defeat last weekend, losing 2-0 at Kilmarnock, to drop into the relegation play-off spot with four games remaining.

Cowie, whose side host managerless Hearts on Saturday, told BBC Scotland: "We are in a poor run of form, but we're the same group of players, managers, staff that five weeks ago were in a healthy position. And it's only us who can change the position we are in now.

"We've got plenty of evidence from this year to show what we are capable of. When we perform at a high level we've won football matches, we've gone on good runs at different stages of the season.

"And that gives us belief, it gives me belief. I've got a lot of trust in the players we've got at this football club. But, myself included, we need to do a bit more going into these four games.

"I know the scrutiny and pressure that comes with it - you've got to embrace it, you've got to accept it. Just like when things are going well you don't get too high, and when you are in a challenging period you don't get too low.

"You are the figurehead that the players look to, the staff look to. It's up to me to keep them together, united and get ready for this game."

On Saturday Hearts return to the Highlands with Liam Fox in interim charge following the departure of head coach Neil Critchley after just six months in charge.

"I know the demands and expectations," said former Tynecastle midfielder Cowie. "They are a club that will see themselves as a top-six team and at any club they've got their right to make a change and do what's necessary."

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It will come as little surprise to anyone that the latest attempt at reconstruction of the Scottish Premiership has failed to get off the ground.

A change from the current 12-team set-up to one of 10, 14 or 16 were the options being discussed but the SPFL said "there was no reasonable prospect of achieving consensus".

Maintaining the status quo is a consequence of there being "no perfect option" for change, according to The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, McGowan said: "If you look at the options for expanding the Premiership, for 14 you would have to have probably a top six and a bottom eight and a different number of fixtures. So that's less than ideal.

"Look at the 16, which is the one that supporters really want. But Neil Doncaster has been saying consistently that you would then have to find a way to still preserve your four Celtic v Rangers games because Sky sports are not a charity. They're a subscription network who want to get the biggest numbers for games. So they want more Celtic and Rangers games.

"So it's how you square that circle with the 16 that's the problem. So it's not so much I don't think there's no great desire for expansions. There's no such thing as a perfect option and one that they can all vote for. That's the problem basically."

Former Scotland defender Maurice Ross, meanwhile, has accused Premiership clubs of "self-preservation".

"If they're going to remain the same, okay, let's put two clubs [automatically] down then and have a third-place play-off," said Ross.

"And we'll see what the reaction is of the clubs in four or five years' time. Then they'll want reconstruction."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Ross County manager Don Cowie has been speaking to BBC Scotland before the home game against Hearts in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Cowie is "very confident" he still has the board's backing after the 2-0 loss at Kilmarnock left County in the relegation play-off spot.

• He adds: "We understand where we are as a football club and the challenges. We are in a poor run of form but we're the same group of players, managers, staff that five weeks ago were in a healthy position."

• Cowie says it is time to "stick together" and stand up to the challenge as he looks for a "better, more complete performance" on Saturday after five straight defeats.

• It will be the second time County have faced Hearts off the back of a manager departure and with Liam Fox in interim charge. Cowie says: "The challenge or problem it poses for us is that there could be a change in system, change in personnel, people that have maybe not been playing could come back into the reckoning."

• Former Hearts midfielder Cowie knows the "demands and expectations" at Tynecastle and reckons they will see the trip as "an opportunity to come up here, win a football match and distance themselves from any issue at the bottom of the table".

• With four games left, the Dingwall boss insists his side must focus on themselves to get out of relegation danger.

• Midfielder Scott Allardice is a doubt after coming injured at Rugby Park, while goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw is struggling with illness.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

In their biggest match of the season so far, Ross County's performance was completely lacklustre as they failed to lay a glove on Kilmarnock.

The damaging defeat leaves Don Cowie's side in the Premiership play-off spot with four matches remaining.

In the first half, the Staggies completed 186 passes, which was more than double the hosts' amount. However, once the ball was moved into dangerous areas in the final third, the players looked totally devoid of confidence and ideas on how to test Kilmarnock's backline.

They would then give possession away so cheaply or choose to recycle the ball back into midfield or defence which killed any momentum – it was hugely frustrating to watch.

The second-half performance was even worse. The difference in determination levels between the two sides was glaringly obvious the longer the match went on.

Kilmarnock were first to every second ball, snapped into tackles and took a real grip of the game by showing the type of character required to try to avoid any scraps at the bottom of the table.

On the other hand, County retreated into their shells and failed to impact the second half whatsoever. They registered their one and only shot on target in the 82nd minute.

Ultimately, the fans who made the 400-mile round trip from the Highlands to Rugby Park and back deserve better than the unacceptable performance they witnessed.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Watch highlights as Kilmarnock pick up a vital win against Ross County.

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We asked for your views on Ross County's 2-0 defeat against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Alistair: Don Cowie is single-handedly driving that gutless, useless and hopeless group of players straight down into the Championship. He hasn't a clue. Does the chairman still have Stuart Kettlewell's number on his contacts list? Got to be worth a try.

Jamie: Another really poor performance where we never look like scoring. It was blatantly obvious this team lacks pace and creativity but this wasn't addressed in January for whatever reason. Like Yan Dhanda last season, we have totally relied on Noah Chilvers to come up with something, but with him out injured it's hard to see who can provide our strikers with a bit of service they so desperately need. We must now be heavy favourites for another 11th-placed finish, but still wouldn't rule out finishing 12th.

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• Ross County have lost their last five games in the Premiership, their last longer losing streak was from 7 May 2022 to 13 August 2022, a run of six games.

• Kilmarnock have scored in each of their last five games in the Premiership, scoring seven goals in that run.

• Ross County have failed to score in 15 of their 34 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Daniel Armstrong has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (one goal, two assists).

Kilmarnock earned a potentially vital three points in their bid to remain in the Scottish Premiership as Bruce Anderson's first-half header and Liam Donnelly's fine finish saw off relegation rivals Ross County.

County fans, give us your thoughts on the game here.

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Ross County manager Don Cowie: "Overall, probably, yeah [a fair result].

"I don't think there was much in the first half at all. One moment of quality from Danny Armstrong puts in a great ball into the box, and they score from it, and that was the difference.

"In these games, that's really important, getting that first goal then allows Kilmarnock to play with that bit of confidence, bit of freedom.

"We chased the game to try and get back into it, and it gives them spaces to exploit, so they then win the game 2-0.

"So, really disappointed because we spoke all week about how important it was to try and get that first goal.

"Well, we won't hide away from it. We're disappointed with the run of form that we're in. So we know where we are. We've got four games left, it's a case of not feeling sorry for ourselves.

"It'll hurt right now, you tonight. Long journey up the road, a lot of time to reflect on the game, which I'll do, and then it's making sure that on Monday that we are ready for a massive game against Hearts.

"We're at home, we've got to be ready for it, and it's still in our hands.

"That's the message. It really hurts in terms of losing a game today, a big game, it was important, but we need to recognise [we have] four games to go, 12 points at stake, and it's in our own hands and it's up to us to go and deliver that."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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A four-game losing run coming into this five-game bottom-six scrap was clearly not ideal.

County are used to being in this situation, having been in the play-off two seasons running and survived.

But you don't want to dance with the devil too often, and this outcome leaves them in the play-off spot with a lot of work to do.

If they are to avoid third time unlucky in terms of overall survival, they'll need to find an effective way to trouble their opponents more consistently.

They couldn't pose many problems for Kilmarnock and there's little to be gained from being competitive but not making it count. That's what is happening and at a bad time.

In truth, the Dingwall side rarely looked likely to take anything after falling behind and with a bruised Hearts side next at home, they need to quickly arrest this form.

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Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell has had a setback with an ankle injury, but Rory McKenzie is available after recovering from a thigh injury and Matty Kennedy is back training. Kyle Magennis (knee) remains out.

Ross County's Andrew Macleod will see a specialist to ascertain the seriousness of a groin injury. Noah Chilvers (knee) and Ryan Leak (Achilles) remain out.

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Defender Zac Ashworth says the pressures of the Scottish Premiership and honesty of Ross County manager Don Cowie have been a welcome "reality check".

The 22-year-old left-back has made seven appearances in an injury-disrupted spell since joining on loan from Blackpool in January.

"I've wanted to play more, but I had a little injury that set me back," he told BBC Scotland.

"But it's just about embracing all those challenges and playing against different teams, in different stadiums, in different conditions and using that to become a better player in the long term."

Football is in the Ashworth blood – his father Dan is the former sporting director at Newcastle and Manchester United and younger brother Finn turned professional with Wolves last year.

But he believes he has learned already from his stint under the leadership of Cowie.

"He sort of pushed me in a different way to get more out of me and I respect the honesty he's given me at times," he added.

"I think that's sort of been a bit of a reality check sometimes for me, because some managers will tell you you're doing everything well even though maybe you're not.

"The gaffer here has been good with me and has helped me a lot and made me understand what is expected and what my standards should be every single day. That will make me better player in the long run."

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• Along with Celtic, Ross County are one of two sides to win all three of their Scottish Premiership games against Kilmarnock this season; the last team to beat Killie four times in a single top-fight campaign were Rangers in 2010-11.

• In their top-fight history, Ross County have never beaten a particular opponent four times within the same campaign.

• Kilmarnock have only won one of their past seven league games (D1 L5), although that was their last at home, beating Motherwell 2-0. Indeed, a league-high 74% of their points in the Scottish Premiership this season have come at home (26/35).

• Ross County have lost their past four league games – the longest ongoing losing run in the Scottish Premiership this season. The Staggies last lost more in a row in August 2022 (six), and last did so within a single season in December 2020 (six).

• Ronan Hale has scored nine league goals this season and could become only the sixth player to score 10+ in a top-fight campaign for Ross County, after Liam Boyce (three times), Alex Schalk (2017-18), Regan Charles-Cook (2021-22), Jordan White (2022-23), and Simon Murray (2023-24).

Ross County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw fears missing his friend's wedding should the Staggies end up in the Scottish Premiership play-off final. (Sun), external

Laidlaw, 32, is putting talks about his future on hold as he tries to help County retain their Scottish Premiership status. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Don Cowie believes "having a clear mind" is key for Ross County as they bid to secure survival in the post-split Premiership run.

County are a point above second-bottom Dundee and six clear of St Johnstone with five matches remaining.

The Staggies head to Kilmarnock on Saturday seeking to end a four-match losing streak.

"We've had two weeks since the last game and we've been really frustrated with the results we've had. We've got to recognise that," Cowie told BBC Scotland.

"As I always say there's so much effort in those games that the boys have put in and to get no reward for it is disappointing.

"But it's about being consistent, making sure you stay with that intent you are playing with and you want to come out and get the rewards from it."

Having survived via the play-offs in the past two seasons, Cowie is not avoiding the dreaded 'R' word this term in favour of being honest with his squad.

"It's about being open and recognising where we are in the league and that's the challenge for us as a group," he added.

"We've been in it before, we know what's at stake in these situations and you've got to draw on those experiences that we've had in the past and use it to our advantage.

"I've always said we've got a great group of players here and I demand a lot of them so what they deserve in return is for me to be open and honest with them.

"If I want more, or they are doing well, I'll certainly try and relay that message to them and it means we've got a healthy, really good group who enjoy being with each other."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Ross County manager Don Cowie has been speaking to BBC Scotland before his side's first post-split fixture, a trip to Kilmarnock in the Premiership this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• The Staggies boss felt they should have come away with at least a point from the 3-2 defeat at St Mirren, but while disappointed still believes his side "performed well at a difficult venue".

• As they head into the final five games with just 11 points separating the six sides, Cowie says: "Every team in the bottom half now knows what's at stake. It's very tight, very competitive."

• Despite County having won all three meetings this season, Cowie says anyone who witnessed the "competitive" fixtures would "know they could have gone either way" so Kilmarnock will "see it as an opportunity" on Saturday.

• He predicts Derek McInnes' side - who sit level on points with 10th-place County - will force the Staggies to defend and adds: "They've got players back who have been out with long-term injuries so they'll be looking strong."

• Cowie is determined to halt County's four-game losing run and says: "At this stage of the season it doesn't really matter how that victory comes, it's just about rolling the sleeves up and doing whatever is necessary to get those points."

• Noah Chilvers and Ryan Leak remain on the long-term injured list, with the squad otherwise feeling good after a fortnight without a competitive game.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County have been involved in plenty of post-split drama in recent seasons.

The Staggies have had their destiny in their own hands going into the final day in three of the past four campaigns. All they needed to do was pick up three points to secure their Premiership status for another season – simple, right?

In 2020-21, everything went to plan as a 2-1 victory at Fir Park against Motherwell earned a 10th-place finish at the expense of Kilmarnock, who occupied the dreaded play-off spot.

Two years later, Kilmarnock got their revenge as County lost 3-1 at Rugby Park and were consigned to the Premiership play-off for the first time.

Last term, a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen alongside a 2-1 victory for St Johnstone against Motherwell allowed the Perth side to move up to 10th at the expense of Don Cowie's side, who fell into 11th for the second successive season.

With only six points separating seventh and 11th, it looks like the battle to avoid the play-off spot will go down to the wire once again.

Cowie will be desperate to see his side end their streak of four consecutive defeats as soon as possible because every side in the bottom six will know a poor run of form at this stage could be disastrous.

Going into the final five fixtures, Cowie can take a lot of encouragement from County's results against the other bottom-six teams this season, which includes 100% records against Dundee and Kilmarnock.

If the Staggies can maintain that in the post-split fixtures, they might be able to avoid final-day drama and hopefully experience a much calmer end to the season.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

How many times have you heard a relegation-threatened manager talk about the need to hit the coveted 40-point mark?

Well, the truth is, no Scottish Premiership team has ever required that total to avoid the bottom two since the play-offs were brought back more than a decade ago.

However, that is projected to change this season.

Based on current points-per-game averages, 11th-placed Dundee are set to end on a total of 39, meaning 40 could be the magic number to guarantee safety.

If that is the case, that would mark the highest tally required to ensure survival in Scotland's top tier since 38-game seasons were reintroduced in the 2000-01 campaign.

That would also mean Hearts are effectively safe, given they are already on 40 points and four teams would need to make up ground on them, while eighth-placed Motherwell would need just a single point from five post-split games.

With Kilmarnock in ninth and Ross County in tenth both currently on 35, which is just one more than Dundee's 34, the fight to avoid 11th is clearly likelier to be between those three.

But that is not set in stone. The nature of the split means each team in the bottom half will face the other before the end of the campaign, so there is scope for points-per-game averages to fluctuate.

And what does all of this mean for St Johnstone? Well, the 33 points Simo Valakari's side are projected to finish on would be the highest for a bottom-placed team in the Premiership since 2017.

That would be no consolation for the Perth club if they go down, but that is certainly not guaranteed to happen just yet.

However, they have a real fight on their hands to make up a five-point gap while improving their inferior goal difference.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County's list of painful experiences in Paisley continued last weekend as they fell to a 3-2 defeat against St Mirren.

The Staggies have a woeful recent record in Paisley with their last victory there coming in April 2015 courtesy of a Liam Boyce hat-trick.

The fans who made the journey down the A9 started to dream that record was about to end when Ronan Hale capitalised on a scramble in the St Mirren box and fired the ball into the back of the net for his first goal since 15 February.

St Mirren, who were chasing the final top-six place, fought back and got themselves ahead through goals from Caolan Boyd-Munce and Jonah Ayunga either side of half-time.

When Jordan White's equaliser dragged County level just after the hour mark, the momentum was fully with the away side. Don Cowie altered his side's shape to a 3-4-3 and for long spells in the second half, the Staggies looked the more likely side to get the next goal as they applied pressure on the St Mirren defence.

But the home side stood strong and punished County late on as Roland Idowu's stunning strike from distance four minutes from time earned St Mirren the three points and a place in the top six.

On another day, County's performance would have earned at least a point. It was a much-improved performance from Don Cowie's side compared to recent weeks, especially in the attacking areas, which he'll need more of as they fight to maintain their Premiership status for another season.

Ross Morren can be found on The County Corner podcast., external

• Kilmarnock v Ross County - Saturday, 26 April 2025

• Ross County v Hearts - Saturday, 3 May 2025

• St Johnstone v Ross County - Saturday, 10 May 2025

• Dundee v Ross County - Wednesday, 14 May 2025

• Ross County v Motherwell - Sunday, 18 May 2025

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