Few players, if any, contributed more to the Ross County cause over the years than Richard Brittain.
The central midfielder made 267 appearances and scored 50 goals during his seven years at the club after arriving in the Highlands from Livingston.
He captained Ross County through a post-war Scottish record of 40 league games undefeated, scored the club’s first goal in Scotland’s top flight and lead the side to a famous 2-0 win against Celtic in the 2010 Scottish Cup semi-final.
His time with the Staggies was a resounding success, but failing to bring the Scottish Cup back to Dingwall six years ago remains the one outstanding regret.
Brittain, now player-manager of Highland League champions Brora Rangers, said: “The semi-final and the final were polar opposites.
“Everyone wrote us off for the Celtic game. We did so well that day to beat Celtic 2-0.
“I don’t think anyone could have begrudged us winning that game given the way we played.
“There was a lot of emotion, knowing that we had reached a major cup final.
“But the cup final was the biggest disappointment of my career.
“It was incredibly relaxed before the game.
“We were feeling confident because we had been on the big stage for the semi-final and performed.
“We knew we were capable of winning the match and we had done our homework on Dundee United.
“We felt as though we prepared as best we could.
“I can remember one or two players who had been in major cup finals telling us to make sure we didn’t let it pass us by because before we knew it the game would be over.
“Unfortunately that was what happened.
“We didn’t play anywhere near our capabilities. They seemed to want it more on the day and deserved the win.
“I never watched the game back and I don’t think I ever will.
“The most disappointing thing, and I think I speak for the whole squad, was we didn’t put compete.
“We didn’t get close to our level and Dundee United were the far better team that day.”
Brittain hopes the class of 2016 enjoy a better experience at Hampden when they face Hibernian in the League Cup final this weekend.
And the 32-year-old believes there is one man in particular who deserves to see the Staggies lift the trophy.
He added: “Ross County wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the backing of the chairman Roy MacGregor.
“I have a lot to thank him for during my seven years at the club. He is Mr Ross County and if there is one person who deserves to pick up silverware it is definitely him.
“I think they will be the favourites as they are in the top division.
“But if you go in terms of the size of the club then Hibernian are streets ahead.
“It will be about who handles the situation better on the day.
“They both have fantastic squads, it will be a very tight encounter and it will be determined by who wants it more and who manages the occasion best.”