Football Season Guide

It wasn't a season many Ross County fans will remember as 2016/17 was one that promised so much but ended up delivering so little. Despite being in the hunt for a top six place before the season began, Jim McIntyre's side continuously struggled throughout the campaign with scoring goals. With only Liam Boyce chipping in and ending up the league's top scorer, Ross County were drawing too many games 0-0 in the early part of the season despite seeing a lot of possession. It ultimately led to a bottom six finish. County arguably started to find some serious form in the last couple of months of the season. They went their last eight games of the season having not lost and ended up level on points with 5th placed Hearts - as Boyce in particular was in sensational form. The problem for Ross County now is the fact that Boyce has left and takes all 30-plus of his goals with him. Fortunately for McIntyre, he hasn't had to complete a major summer revamp of his squad but a lack of front-men is a concern. Thomas Mikkelsen has been brought in from Dundee Utd but he wasn't a prolific scorer on Tayside and may struggle unless given the right level or service. This won't be a season of too many changes for County with regards to their style of play or indeed personnel. Retaining the likes of Jim O'Brien is great news for McIntyre as he keeps the core of the squad which did so well towards the end of the campaign. Sean Kelly will add some purpose at right-back, and Jamie Lindsay provides good box-to-box energy. However, County may need to strengthen with one or two more given the lack of strength in depth. The top six will remain their goal after effectively finishing joint-5th last season. Anything less for McIntyre will see him under pressure but he's got a steady squad of players in Dingwall and he should be able to guide them to a more successful season this time around.