Coyle has got plans ahead of January

NEW Ross County manager Owen Coyle may be tempted to look to the free agent market in an effort to beef up his squad.

Coyle took charge at Dingwall on Thursday after the surprise departure of Jim McIntyre and got his reign off to a dream start with a 2-0 win at Kilmarnock that ultimately resulted in Lee McCulloch’s departure from the Rugby Park outfit.

However, the former Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers manager has admitted he is keen to add to his current squad and will look to strengthen before the January window opens.

“Everyone has their own flavour of player, and my flavour is probably different from other managers in what we like in a team,” said Coyle, who is being assisted by long-time lieutenant Sandy Stewart in Dingwall.

“So if we can look to add even between now and the window, with some free agents that I think can help us, then the chairman has intimated that he will certainly try and help me do that.

“But, in the meantime, it’s only fair that I give this group the chance in the coming month or so to see what they’re all about.”

The current group made a fine start to Coyle’s tenure, with Craig Curran and Kenny van der Weg on the scoresheet as the Staggies recorded their first win since the opening day of the season.

The 51-year-old will now have two weeks to work with the players as the Ladbrokes Premiership takes a break for international fixtures, and he is looking forward to getting to know his squad.

He said: “Had we won, drawn or lost the game it doesn’t change the programme I have got, because the international break is important to us.

“It’s valuable time to work with the players on a daily basis and get to know them as characters.”