Ross County chief executive Steven Ferguson has pleaded for the trust of dissenting voices among the Staggies’ support following the controversial appointment of new manager Malky Mackay.
Mackay’s arrival has been met by a backlash from a significant section of County’s support, after the Dingwall club selected him as John Hughes’ successor.
The response is a result of his involvement in text messages containing discriminatory language during his time at Cardiff City, which ended in 2013.
County’s supporter liaison officer Kenny MacLennan yesterday tweeted to say he had “expressed the concerns of the supporters directly to the club.”
As Supporter Liaison Officer for @RossCounty I represent the concerns and views of the supporters.
Regarding the rumoured imminent appointment of a new manager, I have expressed the concerns of the supporters directly to the club.
Kenny
— ROSS COUNTY FC – SLO (@RCFC_SLO) May 26, 2021
Ferguson says he is aware of unease among the County fanbase, but insists the club are comfortable with Mackay’s suitability for the role.
Ferguson said: “We understand there are some frustrations and some questions being asked.
“We know everything about Malky and what went on in the past. There are no skeletons in his cupboard on that one.
“We are not underestimating anything – we understand people can find it sensitive.
“We are comfortable with how Malky has rehabilitated himself as a person, and so many other people have realised and trusted that is the case.
“Having 24 hours with him it’s really clear to see where Malky is as an individual. I would ask the fans to be patient and trust us.
“We have a vision for the club. Malky’s skillset, experience, contacts and networks all fit into what we need to do to move forward. Together we feel we can do that, but we will not do it if the fans don’t get behind us and don’t appreciate the direction of travel for us.
“I’m sure in time they will get back on board, and get right behind Malky and Ross County like they have done for a number of years.”
County secured their Premiership status for a third successive season, after clinching survival with a final day victory over Motherwell.
Ferguson, who was previously County’s co-manager alongside Stuart Kettlewell, is hopeful Mackay can build on the platform already laid down at Victoria Park.
He added: “It’s been a frantic 24 hours and we almost went to the last kick of the ball to find out our future status.
“Thanks to John Hughes and the boys we secured our Premiership status, which was fantastic, so we learn from the experience and we know where we need to improve in terms of the structure and processes of the club and where the gaps are.
“We’ve been clear on where we want to develop and Malky’s past and capabilities was very exciting to join those parts together.
“We appreciate where we are but we need a direction of travel – we believe we’ll get there with Malky driving the bus.”
