Ross County's fixture against their local rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Inverness Cup Final was postponed because of its proximity to the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Caley chairman Doug McGilvray was furious but County Chief Executive Roy MacGregor held firm over his club's decision. County boss Neale Cooper said, "We are stunned by Caley's response. My board decided it would have been insensitive to play so close to Saturday and both I and the players agreed. There is no way that we are running scared of playing the game."
It is understood that the final has been re-arranged for a date in October still to be confirmed.
DRM 10 September 1997
Andy MacLeod has left Ross County and signed for Brora Rangers. The former Aberdeen and Fortuna Sittard striker has signed a two year contract with the Dudgeon Park side. MacLeod has found it difficult to break into the Ross County side this season but he has made a sterling contribution to the side's success since returning from the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, talk of a breakaway league in Scotland has been given the thumbs up by Ross County director Ian Dingwall. He said, "County are an ambitious club and we have taken steps already for the future. We have improving facilities and they are as good as anyone in the land." I presume with the exception of Premiership sides, Ian!
He continued, "It is a bit early to know what the full implications will be, but I think that there are exciting times ahead for Scottish football and Ross County."
DRM 9 September 1997.
Ross County's powerful defender Robbie Williamson could be out of the game for a year following his horrific leg injury sustained during last Saturday's victory over Albion Rovers.
Williamson underwent surgery in Inverness' Raigmore Hospital but Ross boss Cooper faced up to the bleak prospect of Williamson's lengthy lay off by saying, "It could be that we are talking as much as twelve months out. It is a real shame because Robbie has done well for us so far this season."
"Naturally he is a bit down and there is his work to think about as well as the football."
Injured trio Johnston Bellshaw, Billy Herd and Jamie McPherson are also receiving treatment but should be fit to face Arbroath a week on Saturday.
DRM 3 September 1997.