Jack Baldwin is convinced Ross County are well placed to put the toils of last season behind them.
The defender has been a mainstay of Malky Mackay’s backline since joining from Bristol Rovers in 2021, having racked up 72 appearances for the Staggies.
Baldwin enjoyed success in his first season in Scotland, as he helped County to secure a top-six finish.
Last season proved to be more challenging, with the Staggies having to come through a nerve-shredding play-off against Partick Thistle to secure Premiership safety.
Baldwin is determined to kick on again this term, which made him eager to commit his future to the club.
He said: “I love being here and love playing my football here.
“The opportunity came to extend that, and it was a no-brainer for myself.
“When you have that continuity and you feel comfortable, hopefully it reflects on the pitch as well.
“When I initially came up, it was that clean break and fresh start – I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
“We finished in the top-six that first year so it was a great introduction for me into Scottish football.
“Last year was slightly different, with different challenges, but ultimately one we managed to come out of in the end.
“This year, it is a case of regrouping and moving the club on to better than last season and better things this year.
“It is a good time to be here.”
Staggies must keep back door shut
County make the trip to Kilmarnock today, in their final fixture before the forthcoming international break.
Last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Rangers was the first game in which the Staggies have failed to score, having netted at least twice in each of the previous seven matches in all competitions.
Although County are showing greater firepower, Baldwin insists the defence has its part to play as well.
The 30-year-old added: “We still need to be better defensively to shut the door and give the lads up there the chance to freely attack.
“They need to have the confidence that, if they do miss a chance or two, it is not going to be a game-changing miss or chance.
“The more we can shut the back door, it is a domino effect between the two to be honest.
“We’ve been creating loads of chances and scoring loads of goals which is a big positive.”
Kilmarnock pose big threat in Ayrshire
Killie have also made a bright start to the campaign, having defeated Rangers on the opening day of the league season before knocking Celtic out of the Viaplay Cup.
Having lost on both trips to Rugby Park last season, albeit winning both home matches against Derek McInnes’ side, Baldwin is well aware of the threat his side faces.
The Englishman added: “They’ve had a great start to the season. A large bulk of the group we have here understand the challenge of going down there.
“We know exactly what the game will be like, what threats they possess, but it is going down there and embracing the game, putting our own stamp on it as well.
“At any point in the season, to go down to Kilmarnock and get a result would be positive, but especially with the way they have started.
“We’ve got our own targets and goals we want to achieve this year and a result down there would help that.”
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