Possible Ross County Summer Signings

As the dust settles over what most Staggie fans would describe as a pretty miserable season, Ross County look toward a year of fierce competition within the Championship. The 2018/19 Season promises to be a bumpy ride with sides such as Dundee United, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Inverness and Partick Thistle all presumably setting targets for promotion. Respectively, Queen of the south and Morton may also fancy their chances of reaching a playoff place and being what football is, Championship newbys, Ayr Utd & Alloa athletic, might well be some punters dark horse to reach a playoff also.

Uncle Roy stated he has taken the relegation ‘personally’ and is eager to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking by the ‘Ross County way’… (War-chest?) *cough cough.

So transfer time has come and with a number of departures already, as well as signings such as, Iain Vigurs, Jamie Lindsay, Declan McManus and Josh Mullin already confirmed, I thought I’d name a few realistic signings the club could make. Consider the suggestions merely as such. This is my first blog and wanted to see if it would create interest as a few people have said I should voice my views consistently, so here goes.

#1 – Jai Quitongo (20), Scotland. (LW/RW)

The Scotland U21 international winger is a player known for his flare and style for Greenock Morton in the championship. Jai had the likes of Crystal Palace & Swansea interested in his talents as recently reported as last January. It has recently circled online that we are interested in him also, but the internet can be a creative place for rumours. At only 20 years old, Jai has scored 5 goals in 35 Appearances for Morton and under the right management, I believe he has the potential to perform consistently in the top flight should we return. A winger with blistering pace who loves running at defenders is what we’ve cried out for for a while now so I believe Jai would be a great signing.

#2 Eric Cikos (29), Slovakia. (RB)

The Former Staggie, currently playing for SK Slovan Bratislava, was always a player I rated highly. Even on his short second spell with us, he showed real class at Right back. With Regan Tumilty being released and Jason Naismith likely to be away if buyers come calling, Cikos would fill a position we need to look into. Two years ago in our Highland Derby match away to Inverness in which we won 3-2, Cikos was, for me, the man of the match after our beloved Liam Boyce who netted a Hat-trick that day. Unfortunately Cikos’ time with County was cut short by what rumours have you believe, a fall out with Mcintyre. If Eric would be open to a third stint at the Staggies, I think Fergie and Ketts would be crazy not to consider it.

#3 – Alex Cairns (25), England. (GK)

With Aaron McCarey being released, it would be sensible to add a keeper to this list. Fleetwood towns first choice keeper, Cairns, would make a strong backup, or even first choice keeper for county. He will be a free agent when his contract ends in June so that’s one reason I’ve added him to this list. Another reason I believe Cairns would be a good player to have at the club is his performances with his current club. 32 Appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets thanks to his fast reflex’s and acrobatic diving saves, many of which have been included in League 1’s save of the season highlight reel.

#4 – Erik Sorga (18), Estonia. (LW/RW/ST)

A player you’d be forgiven for questioning ‘Where’s he pulled this name from?’ Well believe it or not Sky bet 😂. Hear me out, every betting man has their favourite Saturday team to stick on the accumulator, in my case, this is F.C. Tallinn. A player who regularly provides the goods for this team is none other than young Erik. A small, pacey, tricky and prolific striker who can also play out wide would be a good under the radar capture for the Staggies. The Under 19 Estonian international has Scored 5 goals in 12 Appearances for FC Tallinn’s First team and 22 goals in 34 appearances for F.C. Tallinn’s U21’s and Estonia’s national U19 Squad. A player to look out for in the future that’s for sure.

#5 – Ryan Inniss (23) England, (CB).

A Strong, physical and young centre back with great heading ability is a player Ross county should bring to the club this summer and Ryan Inniss is exactly that type of player.

Inniss is a Crystal Palace academy graduate who has recently been out on loan at Colchester Utd. The Colchester fans seem to have rated him highly and no wonder after his multiple league one team of the week entry’s. Inniss is out of contract with palace and yet to commit to any club. If Palace offer him a new deal, a loan spell at the Staggies would be a very fine swoop. Inniss would bring some great competition to the back line and his physicality would prove valuable in a tough league such as the championship. Inniss is a technically gifted player who has a great range of passing to play out from the back but also has a no nonsense style about him when it comes to tackles.

#6 – Joe Gormley (28), Northern Ireland (ST).

A name mentioned by a few Staggies online is Joe. A former strike partner of our beloved Liam Boyce, has scored 22 goals in 37 appearances for Cliftonville FC this season. After small spells at Peterborough and St Johnstone, Gormley was rumoured to have returned to Belfast because of homesickness. Ross County have a way with making people feel homely once they arrive however, and hopefully the case would be the same for Joe. Gormley is an out and out goal scorer as can be seen clearly by his stats and this is something we lacked last season ever since we lost Boyce. Gormley would be a great addition to the squad.

#7 – Ian McShane (25), Scotland (CM)

As of writing this, McShane, coincidently is being rumour on social media for a return to County. We all know McShane well so not much of an introduction is needed. Winning the league this year with St Mirren shows he can be championship quality and would be a good extra body to help cover in centre midfield. Oh and he can hit a free kick too!

#8 – David Templeton (29), Scotland (LW).

Recently released from Hamilton, Templeton would be available for free as of now. Everyone knows of the promise he had in his younger years and his ability is still standout. David would be a superb signing for county with great dribbling, the ability to run at and take on defenders, as well as his talent of cutting inside and having a shot at goal. Understandably, many clubs will be interested in signing him as he would improve any bottom six side in my opinion. Could County attract him? Possibly with Roys wallet being deeper than what I imagine Hamilton offered last year, although, whether or not he’d drop to the championship is another question.

#9 – Chris McLaughlin (20) Scotland, (LB).

As you can tell, I’m quite keen on certain former players rejoining the club and Boomer is one of them. McLaughlin made 3 appearances for County before heading to Forfar Athletic for a loan spell and permanently signing with Dumbarton the next season. McLaughlin’s departure under jim McIntyre was baffling to me as well as others as he looked a very good player in the 3 appearances made. Chris stood up well to on coming attackers and wasn’t afraid to overlap our wingers to place a cross in the box. A good first touch and composure is what I felt was really strong in Chris’ game when watching him. Having experience under Kettlewell’s development team management, both player and manager will know what each other are about. We are in need of a left back and at a cheap price McLaughlin would be a satisfying signing.

So that concludes my first blog post. congrats If you managed to make it this far without gouging out your eye balls. Hopefully you enjoyed this piece and are willing to read any more blog posts from myself. Cheers!

Mon eh Staggies