Paul Lawson believes Ross County will continue to thrive in the Premiership because of the family feeling at Victoria Park.
In their first full season in charge co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson guided the Staggies to the Championship title.
County went on to succeed in their goal of securing Premiership safety, finishing 10th in the table after the season was ended on a points-per-game basis due to coronavirus.
Lawson, who played for the club from 2007 to 2013, believes one of the reasons for that success is that so many of the people in important positions are steeped in Ross County.
During his time in Dingwall Lawson played alongside Kettlewell, reserve boss Richard Brittain, and current players Michael Gardyne and Iain Vigurs as well as being coached by Ferguson.
The Staggies yesterday secured defender Callum Morris on a new deal, and Lawson feels continuity is key.
He said: “There’s lots of guys there who know what it’s about. Michael Gardyne has been back three or four times, certain people suit certain clubs and that’s clearly the case with Michael because he’s thrived at Ross County.
“Iain Vigurs is another one who’s come back to the club. The managers Stuart and Steven are steeped in the club as are the likes of Richard Brittain.
“It’s a cliche, but Ross County is a family club and that’s why a lot of former players continue to be involved in the club because they know what it’s all about.
“And that comes right from the top with the chairman Roy MacGregor. I think when he appointed Stuart and Steven as managers, he made it clear the direction he wanted to go, he wanted Ross County people in and it’s paid dividends.
“It’s pleasing to see Ross County established as a top-flight club.”
Lawson, who helped the Staggies gain promotion to the top flight for first time in 2012, believes finishing 10th represents a good campaign for the Dingwall side. However, he knows joint bosses Kettlewell and Ferguson will be determined to improve on it when next season starts.
The Formartine United manager added: “You always want to finish as high as you can – but it’s Ross County’s first season back in the Premiership so I’m sure staying up would have been the first aim and then trying to build on that.
“Finishing 10th I’m sure will be good for them and I know Stuart and Steven as people will be driven to improve on that.
“For County first and foremost they wanted to stay in the division and they can build on that going forward.”