Poor start won't worry Adams
Ross County manager Derek Adams is naturally aiming for a better start to the Scottish Premiership campaign than usual - but recent experience has shown him there is no need to panic if it fails to materialise.
County open their season against St Johnstone in Dingwall on Sunday, with Adams again having reshaped his squad with 10 new signings, including the likes of former Cliftonville striker Liam Boyce and former Dunfermline winger Joe Cardle.
County have generally struggled in the opening halves of their two seasons in the top flight before some January reinforcements helped them finish strongly to secure fifth and seventh places.
And Adams is relaxed enough about the coming campaign to know there is no need for snap judgements.
Adams said: "Players took a wee bit of time to adjust last season and some who had been here didn't start the season very well. That combined meant we didn't start that well.
"Whoever starts well gets confidence and that puts them on a good run. You always want to do that.
"Partick Thistle got 20 points on board very early last season but they finished in 10th place. It doesn't mean that if you start well you also finish well.
"It's over the course of the season that you are judged, not the start, not the middle, it's throughout the 36 games."
County continued building their squad this week with more new arrivals, as well as the re-signing of Cardiff midfielder Filip Kiss on loan and the return of Graham Carey.
Adams said: "We have always been able to put teams on the park that are exciting.
"We have obviously changed the teams several times and we have had to do that. We have recruited exceptionally well over a period of time.
"There are ones that do well and ones that are good squad players but that's just the nature of the business, not everybody can play.
"You need a good squad and we have got that."
Stuart Kettlewell is missing after a hip operation with his future uncertain until he proves his fitness.
New St Johnstone signing Adam Morgan admits the club's William Hill Scottish Cup triumph was a factor in him joining the club.
The 20-year-old striker joined on loan from Yeovil ahead of Saints' Scottish Premiership opener against Ross County in Dingwall.
Former Liverpool forward Morgan told the club's official website: "The manager was a big influence in me joining the club, and I also watched the Scottish Cup Final, it looked a great day for the club."
Saints have qualified for Europe for two seasons running and Morgan is confident he can contribute to a good season.
Morgan, who played against Hearts for Liverpool in the Europa League, said: "Football is football, if you do things right in any league good things will happen. The SPFL is a strong league this year.
"I hope to do my best for the fans and the team, and ultimately have a successful time here and score some goals".
Murray Davidson (knee) remains on the sidelines for Saints but Steven Anderson could feature after staying on the bench in Slovakia against Spartak Trnava following a hamstring problem.
Source: PA
