Neale Cooper said yesterday that he was concerned about the amount of interest that Scottish and English clubs were showing in the young talent on display at Victoria Park. In particular he cited Derek Adams and Roy McBain as provoking the biggest interest.
Derek Adams has scored thirteen goals already this season which compares favourably with last season's 23. Cooper said, "Clubs have expressed an interest in Derek and his recent form is bound to attract even more attention."
"He is not just scoring, but he brings others into play and his workrate is excellent. There is no doubt that he can perform at a higher level."
Former Don Adams is delighted with his own form and he has told Cooper that he wants to stay with the club. Adams said, "I feel that i could compete at a higher level with the form I am showing at the moment. I hope to be doing just that with Ross County next season."
Cooper described McBain as "outstanding" after his performance against Montrose. "He is one of the best players in the division. He has had his ups and downs, but most wingers tend to have that problem"
DRM 25 November 1997
Ross County lost their First Round match in the Inverness Cup by three goals to two away to Brora Rangers. The Dudgeon Park side fielded several ex-County men in their line-up and won the encounter comfortably. New signing Tarrant brought the score back to 1-1 and Golabek did likewise to even the score at 2-2. County had plenty of chances to seal victory but it was former County man Houston who scored Brora's winner in the 84th minute.
DRM 21 November 1997
Ross County have completed the double signing of Mark Holmes and Neil Tarrant. The players have signed deals until the end of the season.
Manager Neale Cooper said, "I am pleased to have both players and I am sure that they will do well."
Holmes, 22 has just returned from his second spell in Australia where he played for Brisbane Premier Division club Wynnum. The winger, from Inverness has had spells at Clach, Brisbane Strikers and Newmarket. He had a short time at Falkirk but that fell through.
Tarrant, 18, is a tall striker who is currently with Darlington. He has had trials at Bradford, Auxerre and Shamrock Rovers.
Tarrant said, I signed an S-form with Darlington and had a YTS place for the last two years. They were unable to offer me a full-time contract so I had a trial with Auxerre. They were brilliant, with world class players, but things did not work out there.
"I needed a full-time contract so I can continue learning. I didn't realise that Dingwall was so far north, but I do know a bit about the area.Hopefully, I can fulfil my potential at County."
DRM 19 November 1997
Ross County have extended the loan period for goalkeeper Nicky Walker for another month. Neale Cooper hopes to sign the 'keeper permanently.
In the draw for the Inverness cup, Ross County have an away tie against Brora Rangers. This tie will be played on the 17 or 18 November. If they win this match then they will play the winners of the Nairn County vs Clachnacuddin tie on the 1 or 2 December at Victoria Park.
DRM 7 November 1997
Connor Campbell had a splendid game for Ross County against Queens Park last weekend. Manager Neale Cooper is convinced that a new teenage star has been unearthed. Seventeen-year-old Campbell hit his first goal for Ross County in only his second appearance for the first team.
"Connor has got real potential," said Cooper. "He's extremely confident in his own ability. He won't be rushed through and the boys around him will provide a lot of support."
The youngster rounded off a fine County performance which saw them remain four points clear at the top of the table after this away win aginst the Spiders.
DRM 4 November 1997
In the draw for the Tennent's Scottish Cup, Ross County were given a bye in the First Round and were drawn to play Brechin City (from Division 2) in the second round. This home tie is due to be played on 3rd January 1998.
DRM 2 November 1997