"We have to cherish the day" - Ross County manager Adams
DEREK Adams is keen for his Ross County players and the sell out crowd at Victoria Park to savour every moment of today’s promotion celebrations.
The Staggies manager, who has been shortlisted for the Scottish PFA manager of the year award, is keen for his men to extend their unbeaten league run to 33 games when they host Hamilton Accies in their final home game of their championship winning First Division campaign.
After securing the coveted slot in the Scottish Premier League earlier this month, the league trophy will be presented to the Dingwall club following the game.
“I think the weather will need to pick up, but the players are looking forward to it and I’m sure the fans will have a good day,” said Adams, who plans to start talks with out-of-contract players next week.
“We have to cherish the day and clubs don’t win championships very often and this is the first time in our history that the club has won a place in the SPL we all have to remember the day, take it all in and buy the merchandise.
“This was a difficult league to get out and the players have performed very well this season.
“They will still have to try and win the match against a weakened Hamilton side but we’ll look to try and add to our points total.
“We will have a good day regardless, but want to keep that unbeaten run going.”
Supporters, who were offered discounted tickets in recognition of their support this season, will have an opportunity to donate to the club’s fundraising ambitions.
It is hoped £400,000 will be raised, through £20 donations, to help cover £1.4million costs of upgrading Victoria Park to an all-seater stadium with undersoil heating to meet SPL criteria.
“This is a way to help move the club forward in the future,” commented Adams, who is without Marc Fitzpatrick and David McNamee for today’s game.
Folk band Torridon, who released the single “We’re On Our Way” to mark the club reaching the Scottish Cup final in 2010, will perform live at the ground as players celebrate after the game.
League sponsors Irn Bru have provided an open top bus for a post-match tour allowing players to show the trophy to everyone in the town. Led by Sutherland Schools Pipe Band, it will travel along the High Street at around 6pm, travelling the full length from the junction with Burn Place where the pedestrian zone starts back to the Railway Bridge which leads back to Victoria Park.
Pipers will lead a parade of past players around the pitch before the match, with stadium gates opening at 1.45pm.
Inverness-based fans can use the special D&E Coaches service today.
Departing Young Street at 1.25pm, service S23 will stop at Strothers Lane at 1.30pm and Tore Roundabout at 1.43pm before arriving at the Royal Hotel in Dingwall at 1.55pm.
It will return from the hotel at 7.15pm, giving fans plenty of time to make the most of the occasion.
Adult fares are £3.35 single or £5 return from Inverness or £3.20/£4.80 from Tore. Concessionary fares are also available.
• Ross County are 8/11 to win tomorrow with McBookie.com. Hamilton Accies are 13/5 and the draw is 11/4.
> See Tuesday's Courier for photos of the celebrations.
