Ross County Database

1971-1976 Ian McNeill

lan McNeill returned to County in 1971/72 as manager and he was to stay for a further five seasons. His first sight of the new County side came in the last game of season 70/1 when County lost 2-0 at home to Peterhead. Ian was joined by Jim Savage, formerly of Hearts and Wigan, whom County were looking to find a job and a home. A strong wind spoiled the game but Willie Watt and Colin Brett both showed up well. McNeill also had an early sight of the reserve team as they won the MacNicoll Cup 5-2 versus Golspie.

His opening game in County’s travels of the 71/2 season was a 1-0 away win over Buckie Thistle. Pre season’s friendlies included a 2-2 draw with Ayr United. County finished sixth in Ian’s first season back in Dingwall and the following season almost emulated the County team of 1967 but lost the League Championship in a play off with Inverness Thistle. In today’s era of no play offs Thistle would have won the league comfortably on goal difference (and also goal average for those interested).

County won the North of Scotland Cup (1972) and Qualifying Cup (1973) under McNeill’s charge.

McNeill had a five year contract with County that the Board were considering renewing in Spring 1976 when he announced he was resigning from the post. It was early April and the season still had a few games left however McNeill offered to remain in charge until the end of the season. County then finished the season with three defeats, to Inverness Thistle, Caley and Peterhead conceding twelve and scoring only three goals. County finished the season 8th of sixteen teams.

County finished in the top half of the league each season with the runner up position being the highlight. 151 League games, 72 wins and 33 draws with 345 goals scored and 255 conceded, 2.28 v 1.69 per game.