Ross County manager Jim McIntyre’s trusted on-field controller has returned to the fold after midfielder Martin Woods rejoined the club on a long-term contract yesterday.
The 29-year-old, who became McIntyre’s first signing at the club when he moved to Victoria Park in October 2014 after being released by Barnsley, has signed a two-year contract with the option for a third year.
His surprise return comes just two months after he returned to England with League 1 side Shrewsbury Town.
Woods’ contract with the Shrews was cancelled by mutual consent yesterday, prompting McIntyre to move swiftly to bring the player back to the Highlands.
McIntyre’s desire to have Woods back in the fold is understandable as he was an integral figure in the club’s remarkable relegation escape act in the second half of last season.
A delighted McIntyre said: “Martin was instrumental in the great run of form the club enjoyed in the second half of last season, so we know what he is capable of and it is great news to have been able to get him back on a long-term contract.
“When we learned Martin would be open to a move back to Scotland we didn’t hesitate in putting a deal in place for him.
“Martin will add more quality and bring competition for places to the squad and I know he is looking forward to coming back to Dingwall on a permanent deal.
“I’m sure the supporters will also be looking forward to seeing him in action again.”
Woods is unlikely to be the last bit of transfer business before the window closes at midnight as McIntyre faces a deadline day chase to sign another goalkeeper following Daniel Bachmann’s departure yesterday.
The 21-year-old has returned to parent club Stoke City after his six-month loan to the Staggies was terminated by mutual agreement.
The loss of the goalkeeper so near to the close of the window will be disappointing to County manager Jim McIntyre, who brought Bachmann in to challenge Scott Fox.
Bachmann’s failure to settle at Victoria Park will come as a blow to the player who had stated his intention to become first choice at the club when he arrived in July.
Bachmann has been with Stoke since joining from Austria Vienna in 2011, but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Potters, spending last season on loan with English Conference side Wrexham.
While Bachmann returns to England, County manager McIntyre has agreed to extend Kyle MacLeod’s loan agreement with Elgin City.
The attacker has impressed on his month-long loan at Borough Briggs, scoring twice in six appearances for the Black and Whites, prompting the Staggies to extend his loan at the League 2 club until January.
MacLeod will continue to train full time at County while with Jim Weir’s side.