NO BIG GUNS GIVES US BIG HOPE
Ross insists title is up for grabs
JACK ROSS reckons every side will fancy their chances of lifting the Championship title this season because there is no real heavyweight in the division.
In the last four campaigns Hearts, Rangers and Hibs have all ploughed a furrow in Scottish football’s second tier.
But the St Mirren boss believes the unpredictable nature of results so far show the race for the flag is going to be an exciting one.
Ross said: “I’ve been vocal and frank about my own ambitions for this club and that piles more pressure on me but I don’t mind that.
“We have ambitions to challenge for the title and be promoted. It’s all very different from where we were not so long ago.
“St Mirren are not alone in having those thoughts and every club senses an opportunity this season.
“In the last few years Hearts, Rangers and Hibs have been in this league and there had been a clear favourite to win.
“There is a more level playing field now. That increases competition and the league really is up for grabs.
“The Championship is so tight because it is so competitive and there a lot of similarities between the clubs in terms of size and resources.
“It is so difficult to predict Championship results on a weekly basis.”
Ross’s men were dislodged from top spot by Allan Johnston’s high-flying Dunfermline last week after they were beaten 3-0 at East End Park.
Now the Buddies are looking to bounce back against Queen of the South in Paisley tomorrow afternoon in a match that is being screened live by Alba. And Ross said: “It has been a good start for us in terms of the league.
“What we have done this season so far is to respond well to any defeats that we have suffered.
“Our home form this calendar year has also been very good so I don’t have too many concerns.
“Queens will be a tricky game for us as they have some real quality in their ranks.
“Chris Kane, Stephen Dobbie’s record throughout his career speaks for itself and Derek Lyle is a proven goalscorer and they have added James McFadden. It will be a tough game for us.”
Meanwhile Queens manager Gary Naysmith is adamant this season’s Championship winners could still clinch the trophy even if they lose more than just a few games.
Naysmith said: “I believe the team that wins the Championship this season could also suffer seven or eight defeats just because of the competitive nature of the league.
“That is almost a quarter of their games and I can see that happening. I just don’t see any team running away with this.
“I did think Dundee United would but I have changed my mind on that due to the results from the first six games of the campaign. It is there for the taking for anybody.
“The game against St Mirren will be a difficult match for us as both of us have had a disappointing result in our last game – and we will want to put that right in this one.”