Experiences have taught Malky and Jim what you need up against the Old Firm
Malky Mackay’s memories of facing Rangers can be crystallized into 11 short days of heaven and hell.
The former Celtic defender, now priming Ross County for battle against his one-time arch-rivals, once played in the Hoops with the likes of Jorge Cadete, Paolo di Canio and Paul Mcstay in his corner.
Brian Laudrup, Jorg Albertz and Ally Mccoist were in the blue corner.
On March 6 1997, Mackay – 50/1 to score that day – headed an early opener in the 2-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final win over their ancient foes, with Di Canio’s penalty soon after sealing Celtic’s first Old Firm win for 22 months.
Ten days later, however, fortunes were reversed, with Walter Smith’s side winning 1-0, and Mackay sent off 10 minutes from time for a second yellow card.
Now the Staggies manager, he recalled: “I had my best and worst Old Firm memories in the space of a few days. Such are life’s great highs and lows.
“It was a privilege, though, to play in an Old Firm game, surrounded by really-talented players. Both teams were packed with world-class performers.
“To experience the noise when you score – or are sent-off – are experiences that never leave you.”
Tackling Rangers today with a club light years behind in terms of budget is an altogether different proposition, and County’s current status is one of transition and upheaval.
Some 14 players have left since last season, with 10 recruited, and most still to bed in.
Add in a huge Covid outbreak in July and it hasn’t been easy for Mackay and his players.
He said: “We know it’s a tough start, but you want to play against the best.
“Some of the players are more experienced than others, but whether
players or management, you want to face that test against top clubs.”
Jim Mcintyre had similar experiences on his way to becoming the mostsuccessful manager in County’s history. He led them to victory over Hibs in the 2016 League Cup final – beating Celtic in the semis – and the following season oversaw a share of the points against Rangers in Dingwall, sandwiched between two draws at Ibrox.
That latter achievement might not sound too dramatic, but it’s a fact that the Staggies have lost all 12 of their other meetings with the Light Blues. Mcintyre, though, still mourns the one that got away, blaming referee Andrew Dallas for costing his time a historic Highlands victory.
“You get guys in football who remember every game and every goal – but I’m the complete opposite of that,” he shrugged. “However, I’ll never forget a decision by Andrew Dallas, which cost us a home win. “It was 1-1 when James Tavernier passed the ball back to Wes Foderingham and, as Liam Boyce pressed him, he picked the ball up – two yards off his line!
“But Dallas did nothing. I went searching for him after the game to get an explanation, but couldn’t find him.
“These are the decisions you expect to go your way, and you don’t expect the officials to miss them.
“I don’t normally slaughter referees because it’s a difficult job – but let’s do it anyway!
“On reflection, going to Ibrox twice and playing them once at home that season and remaining unbeaten was a big achievement for County.
“We’d go there, keep it tight and wait for the fans to get on their backs.
“I’d speak to each player individually, and make it all about one-to-one stuff, and stress how important it was for him to come out on top against his direct opponent.
“It’s difficult to hold your shape against the Old Firm because their movement is so fluid.
“To do well, you need to be compact, your keeper has to be on his game and they need to have a bit of an off day – plus the referee has to do his job..
“I remember another incident at Dingwall against Celtic, when Scott Brown smashed Liam Boyce, and was shown a straight red.
“To be fair to Broony, Boycie had done him a minute earlier and Broony was chasing him to get him back.
“He appealed the red card, and I was astounded when he had it rescinded.
“But that’s what happens when you’re dealing with the big two. It’s mental.”
The 49-year-old hasn’t worked in football since being sacked by relegated Dundee in May 2019, and is now a personal trainer.
“Dundee was a car crash, and I didn’t get the job done. End of story,” he admitted.
“There were mitigating circumstances, but nobody wants to know about that.
“The bottom line is I didn’t get the results.
“I had two years of interviews, but missed out on a couple of jobs.
“I’m happy doing what I do, but if the right job came up at a part-time club, I’d be interested.”