The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Premiership:
Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox believes his new contract with the Staggies has come at the perfect time as he prepares for fatherhood.
Fox extended his contract for another year earlier this week and will remain at Victoria Park until summer 2019.
The 29-year-old moved north from Partick Thistle two years ago, but only now will he be joined in the Highlands by his wife Charlotte, who is expecting the couple’s first baby in September.
Bellshill-born Fox was eager to relocate his family base and he is delighted the club responded quickly to his request for an extended contract.
Fox said: “With the baby being on the way in September a lot of things are changing.
“I stay up here in a flat but my family is moving up now, so it’s more of a commitment. That gives us the base, so it’s not a three-hour drive down the road for us to be together.
“I had a year left anyway, so it was more for the security of my family, I can bring the wife up and I’ve got two years up here now.
“That’s why we needed the extra year and the club did well and we’ve come to an agreement.”
Fox won the supporters’ player of the year award, which was presented to him after County’s 3-2 win against Hamilton Accies on Tuesday, and he has been pleased with how his first two years at the club have gone.
Fox, who was called into Scotland manager Gordon Strachan’s squad at the tail end of last season, added: “It has been a good move. I’ve enjoyed every minute and that’s why it was an easy decision to make to stay.
“I’ve enjoyed it, and the main reason players enjoy football is that if they are playing well and the team is doing well.
“I’ve enjoyed everything about the place, from training to playing in the games. The supporters have been great as well, they gave me their player of the year award on Tuesday which was very much appreciated, especially when Liam Boyce has scored so many goals.”
County end the campaign at Kilmarnock today, with a draw enough to secure seventh place and finish the season with an eight-game unbeaten run.
Fox believes his side has underachieved, but is encouraged by the end to the campaign, and added: “We’re frustrated. In the last seven games we’ve dug deep, got together and been able to grind out results when we’ve needed to.
“We’ve produced very good performances as well, so hopefully we can continue this form into the start of next season and build on that when we are back playing again.”
“Baby being on the way in September a lot of things are changing”