Jim McIntyre: Consistency has been the key to Ross County success

Ross County’s best ever finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership is fifth, a position they achieved in 2012-13. After a few seasons spent fending off relegation however, the Staggies are ready for a sustained effort at becoming a regular top-half outfit.

County are currently on a four-game unbeaten run in the Premiership, and their only defeats this term have come against Hearts and Celtic.

After taking over in September last year, this season represents boss Jim McIntyre’s first full campaign at the helm in Dingwall.

Speaking to Ladbrokes News, the Scot told how a steady transfer window has been a key factor to the Staggies’ strong start.

McIntyre explained: “We retained most of the players, the only player who we never retained was Paul Quinn who has left for Aberdeen and we made key additions to the squad.”

County’s fine start can trace it’s foundations to a sensational run at at end of the previous campaign.

Bottom of the table with just 12 points after 24 games, McIntyre led County on an incredible run which saw them claim 10 wins and two draws from their final 14 games to fend off relegation by a comfortable eight points at the end of the season.

Former Queen of the South boss McIntyre has been keen to keep that form ticking over into this season:

“Consistency has been the biggest thing. What we’ve done in the last three months of last season was show real consistency and we wanted to make sure we were starting the season in that consistent theme and we’ve managed to do it.”

Launching a sustained and recurring bid for the top six however is where the Scot is targeting the hard work to really kick in.

“The three seasons the club has been in the Premiership we’ve been fighting relegation so for us we wanted to try and get into the top six which is going to be very difficult. We’re there just now and the hard part is going to be staying there.”

With winter fast approaching, bans, injuries and fatigue can all take their toll on squads up and down the leagues but that’s something McIntyre is prepared for.

“We’re happy with the squad size that we’ve got, but you never know what’s going to hit you injury wise. We’ve got two out just now, Craig Curran has been missing with concussion, hopefully that won’t be too much longer and Rocco Quinn has a hamstring tear.

“We’ve also had Martin Woods and Andrew Davies out but they’re not long termers. So you just don’t know but I’m pleased with the squad size that we’ve got.”

The Staggies visit Dundee this weekend and are 9/5 to win the match.

The hosts are 7/5 to win at Dens Park while the draw on Saturday is 23/10.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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