Ross County Database

1929-1930 Tom Pirie

When Ross County were first formed in 1929 there was no suggestion of a manager or coach for the side. The club did, however, recruit Tom Pirie, formerly of Queens Park and Aberdeen on the playing side. Whilst as captain his experience and guidance was an asset meaning he was seen as the leader on the park. Contemporary newspaper reports were quoting him as “mainstay of the side” “showing real leadership” being “the general”. The team were variously referred to as “Pirie’s men”.

However the club were actually managed by a “committee of Management”. For the record the committee were noted in August 1929 as President James MacKenzie, Vice President TH Burns, Secretary D G Elder, Treasurer R Sutherland, Committee Hugh Ross, A Matheson, R Rennie, D Maclean, J F Hunter, Alex. Nicol, G Graham, H Morrison, M MacGregor, J Dodds, PA Marshall, J Wilson

The management committee met every Monday during the season and in addition to running the team also dealt with other executive business that included, signing players, appointing grounds men and the erection of an enclosure. This committee also chose the clubs initial colours of red and blue broad horizontal stripes (the old and new colours of Victoria United combined). Importantly this group were also responsible for fundraising in addition to Provost Murray’s fund for the club.

The committee started off “more or less experimentally, searching in the dark”, but justified themselves by producing a team that won the North of Scotland Cup. They had produced “a clean living team, a clean playing team with control of its temper”. The team played for no financial reward but for the joy of the game, the committee “did try to make things more pleasant for the team” what this means we know not!!!

One of the pleasant duties for the management group was to present G Johnstone, left back, with a gold watch to remind him of Ross County 1929 – 1930, as he was leaving the country, much to County’s loss. Marshall presented the watch.

County finished their first season in the Highland League seventh out of twelve teams.

Marshall had been elevated to treasurer by time of end of season’s annual meeting and had succeeded in producing an income of £498 against expenditure of £446. Whether for this feat or not Marshall was then elevated to Vice President.

Whilst Pirie had no formal role at the management end of the club when, in July 1930, it was reported that he was likely to leave as “he is working in the wilds of Glencoe as a road engineer” it resulted in the proposed engagement of player coach. A newly formed Supporters club started a fund raising scheme with the sole purpose to guarantee wages of a player coach to take Pirie’s place. J F Hunter was chairman of this group and the committee agreed to consult with County’s committee! The two committees them met and agreed to jointly advertise for a player coach.