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Ross County's ambitious chairman, Roy McGregor, has announced a £140,000 stadium improvement to be completed before the Victoria Park club makes its Second Division debut in August.
With the Third Division championship champagne still fizzing, County are set to build new terracing for home fans in the corner of the ground between the West Stand and the Jail End.
And the area of land between the stadium and the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh railway line is to be turned into parking to improve access to County's growing stadium.
"The money is sitting in the bank and the work will be completed before the start of next season," said McGregor.
Still savouring County's 1-0 win at Brechin, which secured the Third Division title, McGregor insisted he had taken some convincing of his club's long-awaited success after the final whistle at Glebe Park. He admitted: "After having promotion whipped away in the two previous seasons by narrow margins, I just wasn't prepared to start celebrating prematurely.
"Until I'd actually seen news of Stenhousemuir's defeat on the TV in the Brechin board, I wasn't prepared to believe we'd finally done it."
Now, McGregor is drawing up plans for a memorable title party on Saturday week (April 17), when the Dingwall men tackle Queen's Park on home soil.
McGregor said: "We hope the SFL will present the trophy to us that afternoon in front of our own supporters instead of waiting until we play Albion Rovers in Dingwall on Saturday, May 1."
McGregor is already looking beyond the summer to the start of next season with real optimism and confidence.
He said: "Neale Cooper signed an extended contract last September and money will be made available to him to strengthen the squad. We will be increasing our full-time first-team contingent from eight to 12 full-time players over the summer and we will be employing a full-time player-coach next season.
"We're ready for the step up now and our target is to go through the Second Division in one season."
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Third Division champions Ross County have major goalkeeping problems prior to Saturday's game at promotion-seeking Stenhousemuir.
Former Aberdeen and Scotland 'keeper Nicky Walker injured his knee on Saturday and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
With the signing deadline past, County last night made a special presentation to the Scottish League to allow them to field a trialist between the sticks at Ochilview.
Walker damaged his medial ligament during the title-winning clash with Brechin City and has been told to rest.
County's Cromdale-based youth keeper Gary Stuart has been out for the last month with a back injury and their only other registered goalie is a 14-year-old S-form signing.
Boss Neale Cooper said: "It's disappointing to lose Nicky but at least it's come after we've won the championship. Our problem now is firstly to convince the Scottish League that this is a special case and, if we get their permission, set about finding a keeper for Saturday's game.
Meanwhile, Cooper revealed that Kenny Gilbert, who has been at the heart of much of County's success this season, has played through the pain barrier during recent matches.
Cooper said: "Kenny's done really well to play on for so long with his groin injury but, more especially, he has had an eye problem that meant he could only see out of one eye during some games."
Gilbert's visual problem can be helped by using contact lenses and is not thought to be a threat to his playing career.
The midfielder revealed that other members of his family suffer from the same complaint.
Gilbert said last night: "The boss has been great about the problems I've had with both my groin and my eye over the last few months.
"I've known for quite some time that I've had this cone-shaped cornea and I've worn a lens to help the condition. Unfortunately, it's ruled me out of some games although I've managed to play in others with impaired vision on one side.
"In the last couple of weeks it's been very sore and I picked up an infection in my eye to add to my troubles."
Few, if any, County supporters will have been aware of Gilbert's sight problem as his ball-winning skills and determined attitude to the game have played a major part in the Dingwall side's success story this term.
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Meanwhile, Ross County manager Neale Cooper refused to blame makeshift goalkeeper Davie Ross as the Third Division champions lost to Stenhousemuir on Saturday.
The right-winger took over from Nicky Walker in goal after an injury crisis at Victoria Park last week and looked at fault for the Warriors first two goals.
However, Cooper said: "I wouldn't blame Davie for the goals. It was always going to be a difficult situation coming in like he did and I felt our defending was a bit suspect at a couple of goals.
"We know we didn't play too well, but we were missing a lot of players and that was probably part of it, but we'll want an improvement between now and the end of the season."
Paul Kinnaird opened the scoring for County, but Gibson equalised. Gary Wood restored County's advantage, but late strikes from Banks and Watters won it for the Warriors.
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Ross County manager Neale Cooper will appeal again this week to the Scottish League in a bid to solve his goalkeeping crisis.
The Third Division champions were forced to field winger Davie Ross in goal in the 3-2 defeat by Stenhousemuir on Saturday as injuries have left them without a recognised keeper.
Regular number one Nicky Walker picked up an injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, while reserve Gary Stuart is ruled out with a back injury and looks as if he will also be out for the remainder of the season.
Cooper refused to put any blame on winger Davie Ross following the weekend reverse, but the Dingwall men clearly require an established goalkeeper if they are to avoid further embarrassment.
Cooper did appeal to the Scottish League last week to allow him to sign Dunfermline's David Hay on loan, but the request was turned down because it was after the Scottish transfer deadline.
However, the County boss will make another appeal to the league this week, but Cooper is resigned to the fact that it will be rejected.
He said: "We will try again this week, but they have already given us their decision last week and they told us to go with what we have got. Both our keepers could be out for the remaining games and it is a farce. It is not fair to the other teams still competing for promotion."
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Ross County manager Neale Cooper has started his preparations for next season by scouting for new players.
Chairman Roy MacGregor has given Cooper money to strengthen his Third Division championship squad, although any new signings will be ineligible until next season.
Cooper said: "It has been very interesting. We have spent the last couple of days looking at players for next season, but obviously nothing can happen for this season. Fortunately, we can look ahead to next season after winning the league."
County lost to Stenhousemuir last Saturday, having been forced to play winger Davie Ross in goal after the Scottish League refused to allow them to replace their injured goalkeeping duo of Nicky Walker and Gary Stewart.
"People have mentioned record points totals to us, but without a goalkeeper it is impossible," he said.
"On Saturday we lost to two wild hits, but we will still try to win every game and try to play exciting football."
Meanwhile, Cooper may use the remainder of the season to introduce a number of promising young players. Brian MacLeod, 17, came on for the last five minutes on Saturday and Cooper will give him and others a opportunity to impress.
He said: "We've taken on a number of YTS youngsters and one of them got 15 minutes the other week and another got his chance against Dumbarton.
"It is an opportunity for them to work hard and show us what they can do for next season."
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Newly-crowned Third Division champions Ross County look set to lose prolific striker Neil Tarrant to English Premiership side Aston Villa.
The fee is believed to top the £170,000 the Dingwall club received from Motherwell for Derek Adams earlier this season.
County boss Neale Cooper admitted last night that now the league has been won, he would not want to stand in the 19-year-old Englishman's way. Cooper said: "Neil has already been at Villa for a week and by all reports he did very well and they were impressed. He's going back to Villa Park for final talks on Monday and Tuesday and should the deal go through, it should top the six-figure sum we got for Derek Adams.
Villa boss John Gregory said last night: "He is one for the future but I think he may become a good squad player for us. He has got tremendous potential and has a chance of one day making the Premiership side."
Tarrant has had a meteoric rise to fame since joining County on a free from Darlington at the start of the season and his 28-goal haul should put him in pole position for the Third Division player-of-the-year award.
Meanwhile, County fans are expected to turn out in force for tomorrow's home game against Queen's Park to see their heroes lift the Third Division trophy.
Ian McNeill, manager of County's Highland League winning side from 1966, will be a welcome guest and will take part in a penalty shoot-out.
County general manager Alistair Kennedy is delighted to welcome back one of the club's oldest friends. He said: "Ian is currently Norwich City's chief scout, having previously worked with manager Bruce Rioch at Bolton.
"He has always maintained a close relationship with Ross County since those early days and we are delighted he will be taking part in the penalty shoot-out against former keeper Mike Ure. It should be a fun-packed afternoon."
After the final whistle, Partick Thistle's Jim Oliver, president of the Scottish League, will present the championship trophy to Ross County. At 6pm an open-topped bus will leave Victoria Park with the players on board to tour the town and give the locals their first glimpse of the coveted trophy. To finish off a memorable day, the squad will retire to the social club for the Dingwall Supporters' Club player-of-the-year awards.
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Ross County aim to turn on the style against Queen's Park in Dingwall this afternoon and make it a real gala day for their fans.
The Third Division champions will be presented with the championship trophy at the end of today's match at Victoria Park and victory would set the seal on what should be a memorable day.
Although former Aberdeen and Scotland star Nicky Walker could wear a special protective strapping on his injured medial ligament, Ross County's 17-year-old youth team keeper Gary Stewart looks likely to be play in goal against Queen's Park.
The Cromdale-based youngster has been out of action for the last couple of months with a bad back but managed a couple of training sessions this week and is favourite to take over the gloves from winger Davie Ross, who turned out in goal in last week's 3-2 defeat at Stenhousemuir.
County manager Neale Cooper has no qualms about giving the youngster a taste of the big time.
He said: "It's a good game to give young Gary a chance and he looks likely to start."
In typical Cooper fashion, he added: "I just hope that if big Davie Ross comes back to defend a corner he doesn't reach up and catch the ball.
"We'll also have Roy McBain back from suspension for what we hope will be a showpiece for our fans who have supported us so brilliantly throughout the season."
County star striker Neil Tarrant is expected to sign for Aston Villa at the start of the week and he revealed that if his dream move to the English Premiership does take place he will miss his adopted Dingwall home.
Tarrant said: "I'll always look on Ross County as my first football club as I've enjoyed myself so much here. I love to play football and even on my days off I help Danny MacDonald with coaching the youngsters.
"Ross County gave me the chance to make a name for myself. They're a great club and I'd love to score another hat-trick for them before the end of the season."
Queen's Park manager John McCormack said: "Ross County are clearly the best team in the Third Division but we are hoping to spoil the party at Dingwall by taking three points."
Queens defender David Alexander is struggling with flu and is ruled out of the big game.
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Hundreds of people thronged the streets of Dingwall on Saturday to celebrate Ross County FC's lifting football's Division Three championship.
Though the newly-crowned champions suffered a setback in the form of a 2-1 home defeat to Queens Park, the players shrugged off the loss to tour the town in an open-top bus - and perform a lap of honour.
Former Don Neale Cooper, the Ross County manager, was given the man of the match award in recognition of his efforts in securing the title.
He said of the title win yesterday: "I am delighted with the way the players have gone about their business. It is also good news for the board, who are ambitious. This is fantastic for the area and is a fantastic feeling personally."
Neale Cooper said of the defeat: "We did not play well but that does not take away anything from what the players have done."
A crowd of almost 4,000 were at Victoria Park to cheer on their heroes in Saturday's game.
Roy MacGregor, the club's chairman, said the spin-offs from winning the championship were substantial.
He added: "This filters back down through the community. It affects local businesses and education.
"The benefits to the Highlands from both Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle having gained promotion are enormous."
The British Legion Pipe Band piped the players through the streets of Dingwall.
Local councillor Margaret Paterson said: "There were hundreds of people on the High Street. You could not count them as there were so many.
"There were many excited fans who turned out to see Ross County with the trophy.
"It is fantastic and it was not just Ross County football club who won but the whole of Ross-shire.
"I was with the players on the open-top bus and they did a lap of honour so that everyone had the chance to see the cup.
"It was a very special moment."
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Ross County's Neil Tarrant will pull on the Third Division champions' colours against Montrose at Links Park on Saturday even if he does agree to a £200,000 end-of-season move to English Premiership Aston Villa today.
Tarrant, 19, who collected the Scottish players' union's Third Division player-of-the-year award in Glasgow on Sunday, is due back at Victoria Park this afternoon after spending yesterday in signing talks with Villa manager John Gregory.
But, with the transfer deadline on both sides of the border gone, the Darlington youngster looks certain to finish the season with the Dingwall club before he joins Villa.
"Neil will be back in Dingwall tomorrow and he will definitely play against Montrose on Saturday," said County chairman Roy McGregor, who is on the verge of piloting the club through a second successive big-money departure.
Derek Adams's £175,000 move to Motherwell in September established a new outgoing transfer record for the Third Division, but Tarrant's impending switch to Villa Park would top that by around £25,000, earning County a total of £375,000 in seven months.
The County chairman, who made money from Adams's sale available to manager Neale Cooper to sign midfield man John McGlashan, defender Craig Tully and striker Paul Kinnaird, has already promised Cooper hard cash to expand County's full-time contingent over the summer as they prepare for Division 2 football.
A Villa spokesman confirmed that the deal was as good as complete last night, saying: "We've agreed a fee with Ross County and we'll be talking to the lad tomorrow morning to iron out the last few details with him before he flies north."
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Ross County's 24-goal striker Neil Tarrant will complete his £220,000 move to Villa Park on Monday, but the 19-year-old hitman is keen to pull on the newly crowned Third Division champions' colours for a farewell appearance against Montrose at Links Park tomorrow.
Tarrant flew back into Inverness yesterday evening after four days in the Midlands and Villa manager John Gregory, who will determine the length of the Darlington-born teenager's contract in discussions with his agent today, has decided not to wait until the end of this season to snap up the Third Division player of the year.
Still coming to terms with what he described as the chance of a lifetime after his flight touched down at Dalcross last night, a delighted Tarrant said: "When I was released by Darlington a couple of years ago, I was so low for a while that I thought a dream move like this would never happen for me.
"But I never lost sight of the fact that something like this was what I wanted. It hasn't really sunk in yet but I'm about to sign for a big club playing in the best league in the world and I'll always be grateful to Ross County and to Neale Cooper for the faith they've showed in me over the last couple of seasons.
"And, if Villa don't insist I can't and Neale asks me to, I'd love to play one last time for County against Montrose just to say thanks to the lads I've been playing with at Victoria Park and to the fans who have been great to me ever since I signed on with County."
County chairman Roy McGregor confirmed: "Neil will fly back down to sign for Aston Villa on Monday and it will be up to Neale Cooper whether Neil plays against Montrose on Saturday or not, but we're all thrilled for the lad.
"His move, following on from Derek Adams' transfer to Motherwell earlier this season, is great news for any youngsters from the Highlands with ambitions to play the game at the highest level. Both Derek and Neil have proved that it is possible to make your mark with a club like County and attract the attention of senior clubs on both sides of the border.
"And that's a big compliment to the superb work being done with young players by our coaching staff at Victoria Park."
The Dingwall club, which has been promised a Victoria Park friendly against a full Villa first team, stands to earn further cash bonuses from Tarrant's already lucrative move, with the County chairman confirming that follow-on payments will be triggered when their record export passess agreed first team milestones, wins any international caps or is sold on.
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Ross County striker Neil Tarrant will play his final game for the Dingwall club today before he sets off for pastures new in the English Premiership with Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old will play his final game against Montrose at Links Park in the Third Division before completing a dream £220,000 move to the Birmingham club on Monday.
County boss Neale Cooper said: "I phoned Aston Villa up and asked if we could play him, and they said they had no problems with that. The player wants to play."
County were presented with the Third Division championship trophy last week in front of a packed Victoria Park crowd, but they hope to get back on the rails having lost their last two games, to Stenhousemuir and Queen's Park respectively.
However, Cooper is faced with another goalkeeping dilemma as reserve keeper Gary Stewart is injured with regular Nicky Walker out for the season. Winger Dave Ross wore the keeper's jersey against Stenhousemuir and is a candidate, although Cooper might prefer defender Craig Tully, who is back available after suspension.
Cooper said: "Gary isn't fit and is unable to kick the ball. Craig has played in goal at training and looks the part."
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Neale Cooper, the Ross County manager, issued a stark challenge to his promotion-winning troops: "Prove you are good enough to stay."
Cooper is refusing to bask too long in the glory of a league championship success and wants the County players to rally together and end the season in style.
The County manager made it clear that some of his squad were fighting for renewed contracts, while the remainder had to prove they were worthy of a prime place in his plans for next season.
He said, "It has been a hard season, but I am looking for the boys to finish on a bright note.
"They've done very well, but I have to make my plans based on what I see in the park.
"There are quite a few playing for new contracts in the summer and the best way of proving themselves is to turn it on in our remaining games.
"I can only bring players in and give them their chance. It is up to individuals who get the chance to show what they are made of.
"At times I feel I am almost directing play from the sidelines and I would like that to end. Every player has to take responsibility.
"I don't want to dwell too long on the 1-2 defeat by Queen's Park, but, really, there was virtually no-one with pass marks. The players are tired but we need one final push."
Striker Neil Tarrant looks certain to clinch a £220,000 move to Aston Villa this week, leaving a hole for Cooper to plug. This is an ideal opportunity for players like Gary Wood and Paul Kinnaird who still have it all to prove.
Wood has real talent, but has failed to fulfil his potential. Kinnaird may have proved his worth at a host of league clubs but has still to show the Dingwall fans what he is capable of.
Meanwhile, Cooper has received a couple of enquiries about the new role of player-coach. But he admitted: "It is a process which could take all summer to conclude.
"We are looking for a player at the tail of his career who has coaching potential, but also to offer a lot on the field.
"It is also a tricky issue to deal with as some potential candidates may be awaiting clarification of their own contract situation."
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Ross County striker Neil Tarrant last night completed a £250,000 move to Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old, who has scored 24 goals this season to help County to the Scottish Third Division title, agreed a three-year deal after two trial spells at Villa Park.
County manager Neale Cooper is continuing his scouting mission for next season and will use the Tarrant money to scour the country in search of new players for the Second Division next season.
He said: "We will be on the look-out for players who are available. It is no secret that we are after four or five quality players.
"But if we want to continue to try and get in Division 1 then you need quality players."
County also raked in £170,000 earlier this season when striker Derek Adams move to Wotherwell.
Goalkeeper Nicky Walker could make a surprise comeback in time for Saturday's home match with Albion Rovers.
With Walker and reserve Gary Stewart both missing through injury, Cooper has been forced to play winger Davie Ross and defender Craig Tully between the sticks. Both have performed admirably, but Walker has indicated that he may take his usual position on Saturday.
County will hold an open day on Sunday (1pm) for the launch of their third strip. The day will also include a police dog display, cheerleaders and raffles.
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Third Division champions Ross County received a massive boost last night when former Scotland keeper Nicky Walker, French midfielder Franck Escalon and striker Gary Wood all signed new contracts tying them to the Victoria Park club for another season.
County manager Neale Cooper was delighted that all three had committed their immediate future to the Dingwall outfit.
Cooper said: "It's a massive incentive to keeper Nicky. He's been so helpful to me and he is a leader for the other players. His authority on the pitch and in the dressing-room is very important.
"With all his business commitments we are absolutely delighted to keep him at Victoria Park."
Cooper feels the other two signings are also important to his side. He said: "Franck and Gary are both skilful young players. Gary is very versatile and has the ability to progress further in the game whereas Franck's already shown what he can do this season, although, like Gary, he's been out injured too often.
"I've told them both they'll have to progress further for me."
Walker's decision to re-sign looks set to prove invaluable as County step into the uncharted waters of Division Two.
The Aberlour-based keeper has a wealth of senior experience having played for Leicester City, Motherwell, Rangers, Hearts, Partick Thistle and Aberdeen and he is looking forward to the challenge of Division Two football with characteristic enthusiasm.
Walker said: "I'm very pleased to help out the club for another season. I've enjoyed playing for Ross County although at this stage in my career I'm very aware of the importance of giving youth a chance.
"I would rate my chances of making a return to action against Albion Rovers on Saturday as maybe 60%, although I wouldn't want to come back too soon and land up out of the game for the start of the new season."
Escalon played a starring role in County's League Cup run earlier in the season, turning in sparkling performances in the 2-0 home win over Dundee United and at Tynecastle (he was Lorsports Man of the Match in this game, where County only lost out to Hearts on penalty kicks.
Against the Maroons, Escalon hit a 25-yard drive off the crossbar with Gilles Rousset well beaten. Had that one gone in, it would have given County a 1-0 leadat a vital time in the match. With McBain scoring soon after it may have been enough to win the tie.
Wood has had an up-and-down season, but the former Cowdenbeath striker has shown enough form to merit another contract.
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