Manager will ‘relish’ challenge of new job

Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson insists new Dundee boss Jim McIntyre will forever be remembered for leading the Staggies to League Cup glory.

McIntyre steered County to their first major trophy in March 2016 courtesy of a final victory over Hibernian.

However, he was sacked by Staggies chairman Roy MacGregor 18 months later following a difficult start to the 2017-18 season.

Ferguson, who headed County’s academy during McIntyre’s tenure, says the achievement of guiding the Staggies to silverware will never be lost on the Dingwall club, and he said: “I’m glad to see Jim back in work.

“I’m sure it has been a long year or 13 months for him.

“Jim did really well in his spell at our club.

“The League Cup final win will never be taken away – it was a fantastic achievement for him and the group of players he had at the time.

“It is great to see him back in the game and, with Dundee, back in the Premiership as well. From a personal point of view I wish him all the very best.”

McIntyre has inherited a Dundee side sitting bottom of the Premiership after eight games, which prompted the dismissal of Neil McCann.

McIntyre faced early struggles during his time at Victoria Park, with County six points adrift at the foot of the table with 14 games remaining in 2015 before an outstanding run of 10 victories from that sequence secured their safety in stunning fashion.

Ferguson believes McIntyre is capable of replicating the feat at Dens Park, adding: “He’ll relish that challenge.

“I’ve no doubt that Jim will go in there and put his own stamp on it.

“He’ll want to do things his way and he has a track record in being successful, not only in winning promotion and a cup, but also in turning around a team that was flagging at the bottom of the table and managing to keep them in the league.

“I’m sure that’s why Dundee have given him the job – they’ll well understand that.

“Hopefully he can get Dundee firing again.”