Ross County forward Billy Mckay says the swift appointment of Owen Coyle as manager has allowed the Staggies to get down to business ahead of today’s Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.
Staggies chairman Roy MacGregor took the decision to sack Jim McIntyre in the wake of last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Hibernian, which was County’s fifth loss in their last six league games.
MacGregor acted quickly by appointing Coyle, most recently with Blackburn Rovers before his departure in February, as McIntyre’s successor on Thursday.
Former Caley Thistle attacker Mckay feels a speedy end to the uncertainty and speculation surrounding the club has allowed the players to concentrate on their crucial match against bottom-of-the-table Killie, who are only a point behind the Dingwall men.
Mckay said: “It’s probably better for us that it has happened so quickly.
“Everything was up in the air for a couple of days but the manager has come in and has had a couple of days to get to know us.
“It has allowed us to put all the speculation behind us and really focus on the game. We have to be professional, we have a game to prepare for and a job to do.”
Northern Ireland international Mckay has been impressed by Coyle, who previously had spells in the English top-flight with Burnley and Bolton Wanderers.
Mckay added: “We have had a couple of sessions with him now.
“Training has been a really good standard, and everyone is trying to impress, which is a good thing as it shows everyone is competing for their place.
“He has managed some really big teams at the top level in the English Premier League.
“That experience is going to be great for us and I hope I can learn off him.”
County have failed to record a victory since the opening day of the season when they defeated Dundee 2-1 at Dens Park on August 5.
With today’s match followed by a two-week international break, Mckay is eager to rediscover the winning feeling and get Coyle off to a flying start.
The 28-year-old said: “Hopefully we can start picking up points.
“Every game in this league is tough but we’ve got to go down there with a positive mindset thinking we can beat them.
“It would be the perfect start, with the international break it would give us a couple of weeks to work on things and it would also take us a few more points away from the bottom, which is always important.
“I reckon that, once we get a win or two, we can go on a good run.”