Malky Mackay: Ross County must ‘punch above our weight’ to stay up
Malky Mackay knows Ross County face another tough season in the Scottish Premiership; they secured their top-flight status with a dramatic play-off win over Partick Thistle; they kick-off the new season away to champions Celtic, live on Sky Sports on August 5
Monday 24 July 2023 20:13, UK
Ross County manager Malky Mackay believes they will continue to "punch above our weight" to remain in the Scottish Premiership.
The Staggies secured their top flight status with a dramatic turnaround against Partick Thistle in the play-off final before winning the two-legged tie on penalties.
The match was live on Sky Sports and Mackay insists the game has helped attract players to the club this summer.
- Ross County's 2023/24 fixtures
- Scottish Premiership summer transfers: Club by club
- Scottish Premiership kits for 2023/24
"There really was a feel good factor around the day that's kicked into the fans, the team and players coming that have watched the game," he told Sky Sports News.
"It was the only live game on in Britain that day and even the conversations we've had with clubs, agents and players has meant that we've been able to get our business done really early.
"There are still six weeks to go in the transfer window, but the fact we can get them bedded into the team and into a competitive game will certainly help.
"We have got a bit turnaround of players here most years so it's helped this year as far as that's concerned."
In terms of numbers, Ross County have replaced the players who left at the end of the season but Mackay is still hopeful of strengthening as he looks to make this season a bit more comfortable.
"Probably we were looking for maybe one or two more. We lost seven players again this year so to replace that is always a tough task, but I've had great backing from the board and we're delighted to get the players in that we have," the former Wigan manager added.
"It's not as easy in the North of Scotland despite the surroundings but once you get them up here and they realise what a good football club it is and the fact you're going into a Scottish Premiership club where we've been in the division 10 of the last 11 years.
"Dingwall is a very small town, we've probably got the smallest budget in the league and we've got to punch above our weight to stay in this league and the club have for a number of years, even this year when one of the big city clubs (Dundee United) went down."
"Everyone is looking for that point and for survival."
Ross County: Scottish Premiership 2023/24 fixtures and schedule
Ross County face a tricky trip to Celtic Park to face reigning Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on the first day of the 2023/24 season, live on Sky Sports.
Malky Mackay's side then welcome St Johnstone and Rangers to the Global Energy Stadium.
The Staggies face Celtic for the second time on November 4 and Rangers just after Christmas on December 27. They close 2023 with a trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts.
Key dates for the 2023/24 season
The Scottish Premiership season begins on the weekend of August 5/6, with the winter break starting from January 3 until January 19, 2024.
The first round of post-split fixtures takes place on April 13/14, while the regular season ends on May 18/19.
The Premiership play-off final, played over two legs live on Sky Sports, will bring the campaign to an end on May 23 and 26.
The Championship, League One and League Two seasons also begin on August 5, with those campaigns ending across the weekend of May 3/4.
The Viaplay League Cup final will be held on December 17 while the date for the Scottish Cup final is yet to be confirmed.
The Europa League final will be played on May 22 in Dublin, the Europa Conference League final will be on May 29 in Athens and the Champions League final is scheduled for June 1 at Wembley.
Scottish Premiership and SWPL on Sky Sports
Sky Sports - Next season up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches. From 2024/25, up to 60 cinch Premiership will be live on Sky Sports, in addition to the SWPL.
Sky Sports News - Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News' (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.
Sky Sports Digital - Follow all the latest from Scottish football across SkySports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.
Sky Sports Social - Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports' main social media channels, the bespoke Twitter channel @ScotlandSky will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.
Highlights show - Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.
To download the Sky Sports app click here, to visit Sky Sports website click here.
Sky Sports is the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, with more than 400 games per season across the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Women's Premier League, Premier League, WSL, and EFL.
