ROSS COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB

Player Profiles And Interviews From The 2000-2001 Season

PAGE INDEX

1. ROSS COUNTY'S SQUAD PROFILES SEASON 2000-2001

The Vital Stats Of This Season's Squad

2. NEALE COOPER

22/8: Is The Man Delivering The Dream?

3. Season 1997-98 Player Profiles

4. Season 1998-99 Player Profiles

5. Season 1999-2000 Player Profiles

e-mail Lorsports

Return to Lorsports' Home Page

LEANER AND MEANER

Alasdair Fraser runs the rule over the Ross County reduced First Team Squad for 2000-2001. This article appeared in a Ross-shire Journal supplement entitled Ross County - It's This Time Again.

The players are listed in order of Squad Numbers. Numbers 10 (John McGlashan) and 20 (Derek Ferguson) have been omitted since their release from the club. There is no number 13.

1. Ian Maxwell Age: 26

Position: Defence Previous Club: Queen's Park

Maxie is already a favourite at Victoria Park but seems to grow in stature by the month. Aberdeen and others have watched him and scouts are sure to be taking a keen interest again this season. Tactically astute, and as commanding in the air as he is sure of touch on the ground with the ball at both feet. An immense asset for manager neale Cooper and should thrive at the higher level.

2. David MacKay Age: 25

Position: Defence Previous Club: Ross County Boys Club

A full-time contract has brought an added onus on MacKay to prove his worth and he has responded in style. Worked hard on his distribution, a weakness to his gane, and many feel improved passing ability would see this accomplished young defender snapped up by a bigger club. Superb attitude and enough versatility to play anywhere in the back line or in front of the defence.

3. Edward Cunnington Age: 30

Position: Defence/Midfield Previous Club: Hamilton Accies

Cooper's craving for a naturally left-sided player set him on Cunnington's trail and the experienced campaigner was snatched from Accies under the Bosman ruling. He should prove to be a steal. He has only missed two games in the past two seasons. He is street-wise, battle-hardened and this will be vital in the difficult months ahead.

4. Steve Ferguson Age: 24

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Dunfermline Athletic

Given his current status as one of Ross County's longest serving players, it is often overlooked that Ferguson is still a relatively young, developing player. His versatility and ability to grab vital goals has kept him firmly in Cooper's plans, while his attitude and determination are second to none. Competition for places will be tough, but if he can stay free from injury this season, Fergie has a dream chance to make the grade in Division One.

5. Brian Irvine Age: 35

Position: Defence Previous Club: Dundee

The Club Captain who needs no introduction. He is serious and soft-spoken off the field but ruthless on it. Irvine is not one for the players' big nights out but he has earned the respect of his colleagues through his actions on the pitch. He has been capped by Scotland and he has a tremendous Premier Division pedigree. He always leads by example - last season's remarkable come-back from head injury is a case in point - and he forms a formidable defensive pairing with Ian Maxwell.

6. Kenny Gilbert Age: 26

Position: Defence/Midfield Previous Club: Hull City

He overcame loss of sight in one eye to regain a first team place last season. He prefers to avoid talking about his handicap and concentrate on his football. He is a fearless, ferocious tackler who has earned a reputation as being the manager's "favourite" after receiving inspiring, rave reviews from Cooper in after-match interviews. Vision impairment has meant a switch from central midfield to a new role as full back but he has adapted fully and shows no sign that he is ready to give up his place in the starting line-up.

7. Craig Taggart Age: 27

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Stirling Albion

He is still a relatively new face to County fans after arriving during the final phase of last season's league campaign. It is no coincidence that County's performances were seriously enhanced thereafter. Taggart is an inspiring on-the-field leader and he is a powerful force who has helped his team mates rediscover their winning ways and forge a much stronger team spirit.

8. Frank Escalon Age: 27

Position: Midfield Previous Club: Berwick Rangers

He is a gifted, if injury/illness-prone, Parisien who must make an impact in the opening months of the season in order to secure a long-term future at Victoria Park. When he was at the peak of his powers at the time of the Hearts' game two seasons ago he was attracting keen attention from bigger clubs. He has the ability and he is on a short-term contract, but he has started this season in good health and spirits.

9. Alex Bone Age: 29

Position: Striker Previous Club: Ayr United

He could prove to be the canniest and shrewdest signing of Cooper's reign. He has an unerring belief in his own ability and an incredible scoring prowess when at the top of his game. County played it cool with Ayr United - they had paid Ł100,000 for Bone - and persuaded the Honest Men to part with him at a knock-down price over the summer. He provides what County have lacked since the departure of Derek Adams and Neil Tarrant - a real poacher's instinct. He scored several goals when on-loan at County at the end of last season.

11. Paul Kinnaird Age: 33

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Stranraer

He has been a target for fans' abuse in previous seasons since he arrived after a summer playing football in Iceland but he is one of the finest crossers of the ball in Scottish football - only do not tell him that. He is not short of self confidence and he cheekily compares himself to David Beckham when he describes his dead-ball endeavours. He may not have the pace he used to have, but First Division might offer a better scope for his undoubted skills. He is an important influence in the squad and always chief suspect in any dressing room prank.

12. David Ross Age: 30

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Inverness CT

He is not blessed with Kinnaird's natural ability, but Daisy has nevertheless forged an important role within the squad and has quickly won over the respect of the County fans', suspicious of his previous Caley Thistle leanings. He is one of football's truly nice guys and the Kinlochbervie-bred utility player is a tireless and willing worker - although probably fed up of having other attributes overlooked. He is determined to shake off the "squad man" tagand prove that Inverness were wrong to discard him. He has won Division Three Championship medals on both sides of the firth.

14. George Shaw Age: 31

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Dunfermline Athletic

Geordie faced a heavy burden of responsibility in attack last season with County lacking an out-and-out goalscorer for much of the campaign. He is fast and creative and he accumulated a healthy amount of goals. He looks certain to thrive in partnership with Alex Bone or in a wider role. He has a wealth of experience and he has scored more than 50 goals at Premier League level. Shaw is made for First Division football and his hard working style has made him a firm favourite with the County fans.

15. Derek Holmes Age: 22

Position: Striker Previous Club: Hearts

Derek is the club's record signing costing Ł50,000 so it was inevitable that his arrival would excite the masses - and perhaps the inevitable burden would prove to be too great. He is still a young, developing player with great potential and he may well perform better this season with less expectation and more support in attack. His build and lumbering style convinced some supporters, unfairly, that his heart was not with County after the disappointment of leavibg Tynecastle, but there were signs of improvement towards the end of last season. There is undoubted talent there and he has been amongst the goals in pre-season matches.

16. John Fraser Age: 22

Position: Midfield Previous Club: Dunfermline Athletic

He is another who has been hampered by injury and yet to show his full potential. He is a good user of the ball and physically he is strong over the ball. Fraser is capable of intelligent runs and high-quality distribution, but he was thwarted by too many absences last season. He can play a valuable central, holding role. The new campaign should see him start on the sidelines but he will be anxious to grab his chance when it beckons.

17. Martin Canning Age: 19

Position: Defence Previous Club: Clydebank

He showed maturity beyond his years when injuries gave him first team opportunities last season. He has immense potential but he may have to wait patiently for injuries to allow him more first team matches. At 6ft 2ins, Canning is adept at aerial duties, but he also has a deceptively subtle touch fro such a tall player. He is learning all the time and is tipped to go far.

18. John McQuade Age: 30

Position: Midfield Previous Club: Stirling Albion

This was the third of Cooper's signings this close season. He offers not only width as a right winger but also a great wealth of experience having played with Stirling Albion and Raith Rovers. He has excellent all-round ability and scored 16 goals last season.

19. Darren Henderson Age: 33

Position: Midfield/Attack Previous Club: Hamilton Academicals

Darren completes the "set" of new signings. He was one of three players in line for "Player of the Year" in Division Two last season. He can perform wide on the left or in attack. He is strong and powerful in the air and he adds a "harder edge" to County's squad in preparation for Division One as he has a wealth of experience at this level.

21. Nicky Walker Age: 37

Position: Goalkeeper Previous Club: Aberdeen

Nicky's decision to delay retirement plans was a massive boost to Cooper and County. He is a commanding, inspirational figure who is not only a major calming influence on team mates but he also carries a great deal of respect in the dressing room. He played a big part in gelling the squad as a unit at the vital closing spell last season.

22. Gary Hamilton Age: 19

Position: Goalkeeper Previous Club: St Mirren

He is a former Scotland Under-17 star who slipped seamlessly into First Team action last season when Walker suffered an injury. Undoubtedly he has benefitted from being Walker's understudy and Cooper was ready to rely on the youngster had Walker stepped aside - and that says enough about the promise and the ability of the youngster.

Return to the Page Index

Return to Lorsports' Home Page

1. Ian Maxwell		Age:	26
Position:	Defence	Previous Club:	Queen's Park
Maxie is already a favourite at Victoria Park but seems to grow in stature by the month. Aberdeen and others have watched him and scouts are sure to be taking a keen interest again this season. Tactically astute, and as commanding in the air as he is sure of touch on the ground with the ball at both feet. An immense asset for manager neale Cooper and should thrive at the higher level.

2. David MacKay		Age:	25
Position:	Defence	Previous Club:	Ross County Boys Club
A full-time contract has brought an added onus on MacKay to prove his worth and he has responded in style. Worked hard on his distribution, a weakness to his gane, and many feel improved passing ability would see this accomplished young defender snapped up by a bigger club. Superb attitude and enough versatility to play anywhere in the back line or in front of the defence.

3. Edward Cunnington		Age:	30
Position:	Defence/Midfield	Previous Club:	Hamilton Accies
Cooper's craving for a naturally left-sided player set him on Cunnington's trail and the experienced campaigner was snatched from Accies under the Bosman ruling. He should prove to be a steal. He has only missed two games in the past two seasons. He is street-wise, battle-hardened and this will be vital in the difficult months ahead.

4. Steve Ferguson		Age:	24
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Dunfermline Athletic
Given his current status as one of Ross County's longest serving players, it is often overlooked that Ferguson is still a relatively young, developing player. His versatility and ability to grab vital goals has kept him firmly in Cooper's plans, while his attitude and determination are second to none. Competition for places will be tough, but if he can stay free from injury this season, Fergie has a dream chance to make the grade in Division One.

5. Brian Irvine		Age:	35
Position:	Defence	Previous Club:	Dundee
The Club Captain who needs no introduction. He is serious and soft-spoken off the field but ruthless on it. Irvine is not one for the players' big nights out but he has earned the respect of his colleagues through his actions on the pitch. He has been capped by Scotland and he has a tremendous Premier Division pedigree. He always leads by example - last season's remarkable come-back from head injury is a case in point - and he forms a formidable defensive pairing with Ian Maxwell.

6. Kenny Gilbert		Age:	26
Position:	Defence/Midfield	Previous Club:	Hull City
He overcame loss of sight in one eye to regain a first team place last season. He prefers to avoid talking about his handicap and concentrate on his football. He is a fearless, ferocious tackler who has earned a reputation as being the manager's "favourite" after receiving inspiring, rave reviews from Cooper in after-match interviews. Vision impairment has meant a switch from central midfield to a new role as full back but he has adapted fully and shows no sign that he is ready to give up his place in the starting line-up.

7. Craig Taggart		Age:	27
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Stirling Albion
He is still a relatively new face to County fans after arriving during the final phase of last season's league campaign. It is no coincidence that County's performances were seriously enhanced thereafter. Taggart is an inspiring on-the-field leader and he is a powerful force who has helped his team mates rediscover their winning ways and forge a much stronger team spirit.

8. Frank Escalon		Age:	27
Position:	Midfield	Previous Club:	Berwick Rangers
He is a gifted, if injury/illness-prone, Parisien who must make an impact in the opening months of the season in order to secure a long-term future at Victoria Park. When he was at the peak of his powers at the time of the Hearts' game two seasons ago he was attracting keen attention from bigger clubs. He has the ability and he is on a short-term contract, but he has started this season in good health and spirits.

9. Alex Bone		Age:	29
Position:	Striker	Previous Club:	Ayr United
He could prove to be the canniest and shrewdest signing of Cooper's reign. He has an unerring belief in his own ability and an incredible scoring prowess when at the top of his game. County played it cool with Ayr United - they had paid Ł100,000 for Bone - and persuaded the Honest Men to part with him at a knock-down price over the summer. He provides what County have lacked since the departure of Derek Adams and Neil Tarrant - a real poacher's instinct. He scored several goals when on-loan at County at the end of last season.

11. Paul Kinnaird		Age:	33
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Stranraer
He has been a target for fans' abuse in previous seasons since he arrived after a summer playing football in Iceland but he is one of the finest crossers of the ball in Scottish football - only do not tell him that. He is not short of self confidence and he cheekily compares himself to David Beckham when he describes his dead-ball endeavours. He may not have the pace he used to have, but First Division might offer a better scope for his undoubted skills. He is an important influence in the squad and always chief suspect in any dressing room prank.

12. David Ross		Age:	30
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Inverness CT
He is not blessed with Kinnaird's natural ability, but Daisy has nevertheless forged an important role within the squad and has quickly won over the respect of the County fans', suspicious of his previous Caley Thistle leanings. He is one of football's truly nice guys and the Kinlochbervie-bred utility player is a tireless and willing worker - although probably fed up of having other attributes overlooked. He is determined to shake off the "squad man" tagand prove that Inverness were wrong to discard him. He has won Division Three Championship medals on both sides of the firth.

14. George Shaw		Age:	31
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Dunfermline Athletic
Geordie faced a heavy burden of responsibility in attack last season with County lacking an out-and-out goalscorer for much of the campaign. He is fast and creative and he accumulated a healthy amount of goals. He looks certain to thrive in partnership with Alex Bone or in a wider role. He has a wealth of experience and he has scored more than 50 goals at Premier League level. Shaw is made for First Division football and his hard working style has made him a firm favourite with the County fans.

15. Derek Holmes		Age:	22
Position:	Striker	Previous Club:	Hearts
Derek is the club's record signing costing Ł50,000 so it was inevitable that his arrival would excite the masses - and perhaps the inevitable burden would prove to be too great. He is still a young, developing player with great potential and he may well perform better this season with less expectation and more support in attack. His build and lumbering style convinced some supporters, unfairly, that his heart was not with County after the disappointment of leavibg Tynecastle, but there were signs of improvement towards the end of last season. There is undoubted talent there and he has been amongst the goals in pre-season matches.

16. John Fraser		Age:	22
Position:	Midfield	Previous Club:	Dunfermline Athletic
He is another who has been hampered by injury and yet to show his full potential. He is a good user of the ball and physically he is strong over the ball. Fraser is capable of intelligent runs and high-quality distribution, but he was thwarted by too many absences last season. He can play a valuable central, holding role. The new campaign should see him start on the sidelines but he will be anxious to grab his chance when it beckons.

17. Martin Canning		Age:	19
Position:	Defence	Previous Club:	Clydebank
He showed maturity beyond his years when injuries gave him first team opportunities last season. He has immense potential but he may have to wait patiently for injuries to allow him more first team matches. At 6ft 2ins, Canning is adept at aerial duties, but he also has a deceptively subtle touch fro such a tall player. He is learning all the time and is tipped to go far.

18. John McQuade		Age:	30
Position:	Midfield	Previous Club:	Stirling Albion
This was the third of Cooper's signings this close season. He offers not only width as a right winger but also a great wealth of experience having played with Stirling Albion and Raith Rovers. He has excellent all-round ability and scored 16 goals last season.

19. Darren Henderson		Age:	33
Position:	Midfield/Attack	Previous Club:	Hamilton Academicals
Darren completes the "set" of new signings. He was one of three players in line for "Player of the Year" in Division Two last season. He can perform wide on the left or in attack. He is strong and powerful in the air and he adds a "harder edge" to County's squad in preparation for Division One as he has a wealth of experience at this level.

21. Nicky Walker		Age:	37
Position:	Goalkeeper	Previous Club:	Aberdeen
Nicky's decision to delay retirement plans was a massive boost to Cooper and County. He is a commanding, inspirational figure who is not only a major calming influence on team mates but he also carries a great deal of respect in the dressing room. He played a big part in gelling the squad as a unit at the vital closing spell last season.

22. Gary Hamilton		Age:	19
Position:	Goalkeeper	Previous Club:	St Mirren
He is a former Scotland Under-17 star who slipped seamlessly into First Team action last season when Walker suffered an injury. Undoubtedly he has benefitted from being Walker's understudy and Cooper was ready to rely on the youngster had Walker stepped aside - and that says enough about the promise and the ability of the youngster.