Laidlaw opens up on ‘bizarre’ Adams snub

Ross Laidlaw has revealed he never received an explanation from previous manager Derek Adams after being dropped from Ross County’s team.

Goalkeeper Laidlaw, who had long been established as the Staggies’ first choice, was surprisingly omitted from the side after the winter break in favour of January signing George Wickens.

Shortly before Adams’ return for a third stint as boss at the Global Energy Stadium in November, predecessor Malky Mackay talked up Laidlaw’s prospects of earning Scotland recognition.

Laidlaw insists his conversations with Adams drew him no closer to clarity on why he had been dropped.

Adams’ tenure proved short-lived as he departed in February after just 79 days in the post.

Although Wickens largely impressed in 14 matches in the side, Laidlaw was recalled by interim boss Don Cowie for the stunning 3-2 victory over Rangers earlier this month.

Laidlaw says his withdrawal from the side came as a shock, but he is now aiming to make the most of his fresh chance.

Ahead of today’s Premiership trip to Livingston, Laidlaw said: “It has been frustrating. I wasn’t injured at the start when I got taken out of the team under Derek.

“He never spoke to me about it, so I didn’t know why I got taken out.

“I did question what was going on, and I didn’t really get any answers from the manager.

“It was bizarre. He brought his own players in, and I understand that, but I thought I was performing well at the time.

“That’s the thing that was surprising to me, the goalkeeping coach (Scott Thomson), and everyone who was taken aback.

“Sometimes you get a sense you haven’t been playing well, but under Derek we had three clean sheets in seven games, so I never saw it coming.

“It was mind-boggling but it’s one of these things that happens in football.

“Sometimes you don’t get back in, but I’m grateful the manager has shown trust in me now.”

Laidlaw accepts Adams was entitled to make changes to the Staggies squad, but the 31-year-old is pleased to be back in the fold under Cowie having at one stage doubted his own future with the Dingwall club.

Laidlaw – who is under contract until 2026 – added: “Sometimes managers want to bring their own players in.

“He obviously didn’t rate the squad that was here, so he wanted to get us out and get as many of his own players in.

“It was a frustrating time, and the club wouldn’t let me leave in January if I did try to go.

“It was a strange time for me, but I just had to keep my head down and work hard, and hopefully I would get a chance.

“With George (Wickens) having a good run, the manager spoke to me and told me he likes me, so I knew deep down that I had a future with him as manager. I just had to bide my time.”

Ross Laidlaw is happy to be back in goal for County.