Ross County Database

1987 Chic Ogilvie

County legend Chic Ogilvie stood in as the club’s manager late in the-season following John Buchanan’s departure.

Chic had done almost everything else for the club and was an ideal choice to act as interim manager until Wilson arrived on 1st June. Chic’s first game in charge saw County gain a respectable home point in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Clach. It was, however, probably County’s last chance to avoid finishing bottom, as Chic would only have four games to manage the team.

Most work at the club in that time was building for the season ahead with May proving a busy month on the signing front. Chris Somerville and John Suttar both signed from Brora Rangers, goalkeeper Suttar turning down an offer from Montrose to stay in the Highland League. Other signings included Derek Dewar, formerly of Caley and Clach and Rikki McCaffery, another Brora player. Two big signing targets were “Nero” MacDonald and Billy Ferries, both of whom County would eventually capture.

Not surprisingly the season continued in the way it had been since August with County picking up only one more point (a 0-0 draw away to Peterhead, with two 3-1 defeats from Buckie and Fraserburgh) in their last three games, to finish the season bottom with only 18 points. It was the first time since 1937 County had finished bottom of the table. Little consolation could be found in County not having the worst defensive record of the league, as they still managed to concede 92 goals in their 34 games.

Chic played in every position, except goalkeeper, for Ross County and also had spells as masseur, trainer and coach. His natural position was inside forward or wing half, however it was obvious Chic would play anywhere to be with County. His short spell as manager really just completed a full house for perhaps the biggest name in the club’s history.