Don Cowie's thoughts ahead of Saturday's league opener

For a man who's only recently inherited the manager's role on a permanent basis - the third to do so in under a year - Don Cowie is remarkably upbeat about the challenge he faces in ensuring The Staggies retain their premiership status in the season ahead.

While he could be forgiven for displaying a hint of apprehension after taking charge of a team who've put their fans well and truly through the wringer over the last two seasons, Cowie is positively beaming with anticipation and enthusiasm for the battle ahead.

In previous years he's played a fairly active role in the close season comings and goings in his assistant manager role, but he's only too well aware that the buck now stops firmly with him.

"As assistant manager I was obviously involved in things, but nothing like to the extent I have been over the last few weeks as we attempt to strengthen the squad. It's been me who makes the final decision on who comes and who goes and it's me who has to speak directly to everyone involved - but that's a process I'm really enjoying although it's all been new to me," he said.

When asked about avoiding those play-offs that have tested the fingernails of Staggies' fans, and whether a Top Ten or higher place is realistic, Cowie is crystal clear about his top priority.

"Making sure we are still in the Premiership this time next year is what I'm focusing on - but that doesn't mean we won't be trying to push as far up the table as we can.

"I was pleased with how we tackled the challenge of staying up last season - particularly our form at home. But I'm realistic enough to know that everyone here knows that we have to improve - and we have to improve how we play away from home in particular."

Picking up points away from Dingwall is the difference between staying in the relegation zone and climbing up the table - and that can be through draws as well as wins, he said.

Losing key players like Simon Murray, Yan Dhanda, Josh Sims and club captain Jack Baldwin was never going to be easy but the County gaffer believes the club have acted well in accepting that some of those who left had challenges outwith football that made their departure more likely.

"You're always going to have to deal with good players leaving, and having to find replacements, but I'm very pleased with the signings we've made so far, even although it means we'll probably play in a slightly different way now."

Getting Will Nightingale back for the season ahead he sees as a major achievement while bringing in Akil Wright, Ricki Lamie and keeper Jack Hamilton should give him plenty of options in defence.

In midfield, loanees Jack Grieves and Aidan Denholm along with permanent signing Noah Chilvers are seen as players who can support the attack with their pace while in form-striker Ronan Hale has already got fans in a froth with his early goals.

Further signings are possible in the month ahead before the transfer window slams shut, with Cowie keen on securing a wide attacking player and another defender if he can.

He's also handed the captain's armband to Connor Randall on a permanent basis, backed by Jordan White as vice-captain, both senior players Cowie believes are role models for the rest of the squad.

"Connor's now been here five season which shows his commitment to the club and he's a guy who always gives you 100%. He's maybe not the loudest guy in the dressing room but he conducts himself really well in everything he does, day in day out, and both him and Jordan are guys that everyone else looks up to," said Cowie.

As he prepares to start the league campaign away at Motherwell, Cowie has the air of a man who knows what he wants and has the support of his players in achieving that.

He won't be afraid, however, to change his team on a week by week basis, believing that it's horses for courses in every game they play.

Not opting for a settled team he thinks will improve competition for places, so long as the players know that this is his strategy and won't mean players spend week after week on the subs bench.

He'll also put some of the younger players out on loans to give them game time rather than have them come along to first team matches to sit in the stand.

"I'm really excited about the season ahead," he concluded.

"I believe in the players and I think they believe in me so we approach the challenge ahead knowing that it's going to be incredibly tough, but I really think we're up to the challenge,"