Ross County Database

1985-1987 John Buchanan

John Buchanan was one of the finest players to have played for County and he was given his chance to manage the club when he took over in December 1985. His first job was to look for early answers from those County players who were out of contract at the end of the season. One of his players, Alan Duff, soon played his last game for the club for several seasons as he signed for Caley for free, such was his disappointment with Sandy Wallace’s sacking.

Buchanan’s first game in charge was a 2-1 loss at Boriough Briggs to Elgin City. The team was Morrison, MacKay, Steven, Hercher, Christie, Cowie, Ferries, Robertson, Jackson, Duff, Albert Allan, subs Ronald Murray and Robert Allan.

There was no money available for Buchanan to build a side and he had to look around locally for players where he made several signings, including Hercher, Dave Bellshaw, Albert Allan, Cammy Robertson and Jimmy Steven. Michael Ure also returned as County’s keeper. Early season friendlies in 1986/87 against Dundee and Hibs were designed to give the players a chance to gel however County lost both of them 7-0 which would not have inspired confidence for the players. Check the names and pen pics of the players who graced Victoria Park for those two teams.

The highlight of Johnny’s managerial spell with County was guiding the inexperienced side to the League Cup Final. The final however proved too much for the team as they lost 5-0 to Buckie at Telford Street. In previous rounds they had knocked out Clach, Brora and Peterhead. County finished bottom of the Highland League in 1987.

Bobby Wilson was appointed to take over County in June 1987, however the announcement was made in the spring which was not an ideal situation for Buchanan. In fact Michael Ure left the club shortly after Bobby Wilson had been appointed.

John was sent off in a league tie at Kingsmills Park and showed his frustration at his position by throwing his jersey off as he left the pitch. This was his final game in the County hot seat.

Whilst his playing career was short at Victoria Park his abilities and reputation in the English leagues will make Johnny be remembered as a great ambassador for the club. His main club was Cardiff City for whom he appeared in Europe and scored almost 70 goals in over 250 games.

County won only five of thirty league games under Buchanan in 86/7, with one draw. 28 goals were scored, less than one a game, as 85 were conceded!

In 1985/6 Buchanan recorded 4 wins and 1 draw with 28 scored 35 conceded.

His total league record was 9 wins, 2 draws, 56 goals scored and 120 conceded in what was a tough time for the club financially and in the wake of Sandy Wallace departure which appeared to cause some dressing room issues.