Ross County midfielder Michael Gardyne claims the Dingwall club has been transformed since he first signed for the Staggies nine years ago.
The 29-year-old joined the Staggies on loan from Celtic in 2006, a move he made permanent two years later, before his performances caught the eye of hometown club Dundee United in 2012.
Gardyne’s move to Tannadice did not work out however, and he returned to Victoria Park on loan last season, before re-signing on a free transfer this summer.
Gardyne believes the facilities are a huge benefit in attracting new players to Dingwall.
Gardyne said: “I was speaking to the chairman last week about it. In my first season up on loan from Celtic, there was nothing wrong with the place, but it was a club in progression.
“Year-on-year, every time I’ve come back, it’s just got better and better.
“Every time I speak to a new player who comes here, especially the English players, they say they can’t believe the facilities. We’ve got training pitches and an indoor hall.
“Most players and teams don’t know it’s like that. There’s been a bit of a revamp at the reception area, and we’re in new changing rooms now as well.
“It all just makes the club feel a bit bigger and it definitely rubs off on the players. There’s a new atmosphere and it makes us feel good.”
The Highlanders are now in their fourth successive season in the top flight, and Gardyne is intent on making sure they consolidate their position. Although County finished ninth last season they only secured survival on the penultimate day with a 2-1 win against Saturday’s opponents Hamilton Accies.
Gardyne wants to better that finish, and believes a top-six finish can be achieved.
He added: “We’re a Premiership club again and want to be for years to come.
“I’ve been here before in the Second Division and the First Division.
“But we’re in the Premiership now so we’ve needed other players to come in.
“With the strength in depth of having two players in near enough every position, it shows what the manager wants to do this season.
“This season there will probably be 11 teams thinking they can finish in the top six.
“We are no different. We want to go out and win as many games as possible, and see where it takes us.”