Ross County chief executive Steven Ferguson described how patience paid off before they acted with speed to sign defender Ricki Lamie.
The 31-year-old, with 350 games in Scotland to his name, looked set to join Dundee on a permanent contract this summer when his loan move from Motherwell ended.
The left-sided centre back made 21 appearances for Tony Docherty’s Dundee last season and looked to be heading back to Dens Park.
However, a pre-contract agreement between the player and Dundee was cancelled – for the second time – and County boss Don Cowie has swooped to secure his services on a two-year deal.
Ferguson explained that his club acted with speed to land Lamie, who showed a willingness to head north.
He said: “Ricki had been on our radar for a while. He’s a player we’ve long admired and feel can bring experience and know-how to our squad.
“We didn’t think he’d become available, but when that (situation) changed, we acted really quickly to secure his services, which we’re delighted about.
“We were aware of Ricki’s situation and as soon as we were able to move at our end, we did so. He was really keen to come up, sign for Ross County and work for Don and his staff.”
Building solid foundations in defence
And Ferguson feels, on the back of Will Nightingale returning on loan from AFC Wimbledon, County have laid solid foundations for the team’s back-line.
He added: “We’re trying to get that solid base and foundation.
“In the Premiership, we defend a lot, whether people like it or not. It’s a big part of how we move forward.
“We have experience, know-how and mobility and presence with Will and Ricki. It strengthens our hand for the season ahead.”
With captain Jack Baldwin and Ryan Leak still in place, County are well served overall at the heart of their defence.
Boss Cowie, meanwhile, was thrilled to land Lamie.
He said: “We are delighted Ricki has joined the club.
“Ricki has a wealth of experience in Scottish football and has leadership qualities that will be a great addition to our football club.”
Lamie’s career kicked off with Airdrieonians, and he had loan spells with Clyde, Queen’s Park and East Stirlingshire, before moving to Morton, then Livingston before joining Motherwell in 2020.
Cowie reshapes ahead of kick-off
Cowie, who kept the club in the top-flight via their convincing relegation play-off win over Raith Rovers, has already handed out new deals to some of his squad during the break.
Nightingale’s return on a season-long loan from English League Two side Wimbledon was a massive boost last week.
Left-back George Harmon also pledged his immediate future to the club by penning a two-year deal, while ex-Grimbsy Town right-back Michee Efete also agreed a contract until 2026.
Max Sheaf had his contract for 2024-2025 updated.
Ross Callachan has left for Motherwell, but the Dingwall club have also been liked to Ipswich Town’s Scotland under-21 international Cieran Slicker, while ex-Airdrie midfielder Charlie Telfer trained with the Staggies last week.
There has been speculation growing around the future of County’s main striker Simon Murray, with Hibernian reportedly keen to try to sign him, although the 31-year-old – who scored 23 goals last term – is under contract for another year.
Other clubs are also keen on Murray, including Dundee, although their boss Tony Docherty said it was just “speculation” last week.
County’s pre-season starts at Brora
County, whose competitive season starts on July 13 with a Premier Sports Cup group stage tie at League Two Stranraer, kick off their pre-season this Saturday with a friendly at Highland League hosts Brora Rangers.
Cowie’s men will also play the following Group H cup ties: Saturday July 20 – Raith Rovers (home), Tuesday, July 23 – Hamilton (away), and Saturday, July 27 – Stirling Albion (home).
County’s Premiership sixth successive Premiership campaign – their 12th in 13 years – starts on August 3 with a trip to Motherwell.
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