Morris impressed by Staggies’ ambition

First impressions last and Callum Morris took little time to set his heart on a move to Ross County once he saw the Dingwall club’s impressive set-up.

Morris joined County last week on a two-year deal after opting to end his second stint with Championship rivals Dunfermline.

The 28-year-old defender has experience of both ends of the scale having come through the youth ranks with hometown club Newcastle United before dropping down to non-league football with Blyth Spartans.

Morris spent two years with Dunfermline after joining in 2012 before moving to Dundee United.

He also had a six-month stint with Aberdeen in 2016 but failed to make an appearance before returning to the Pars.

Morris reckons the Victoria Park facilities would be the envy of the Dons along with many of the other clubs he has played for.

He said: “I believe you get a feel for things and it’s a big part of any decision you make.

“When I came up, especially after speaking to the chairman and the managers and hearing what their vision was with the squad and what they want to do next season, I wanted to be a part of it.

“Facilities are a huge part of football. Regardless of what people say, it’s massive.

“It’s just little things like having a proper ice bath in the changing room that make a massive difference – especially over a season.

“When the weather is bad we’ve got the indoor training pitches.

“A lot of clubs don’t have that. I’ve been at some bigger clubs, Aberdeen for example, where you’ve got to travel to the training ground.”

Despite County’s relegation to the Championship, Morris believes the standard of player being kept on shows the intent of co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson.

He said: “Without them even opening their mouths, you just have to look at the players they have retained.

“I have played with a few of them, such as Billy McKay and Michael Gardyne, as well as Ryan Dow.

“Keeping people like that shows you their intent straight away, and what they want to do next season.”