Ross County Database

1982-1983 Robbie Giles

The former Clach and County player Robbie Giles was appointed to take over the club as Sammy Wilson left. Robbie had only recently hung up his boots after 4 seasons with County preceded by 10 years with Clach where he earned his reputation as one of the finest centre halves in the Highland League.

One of Robbie’s first jobs was advising the fans that Donnie Stuart was to be upgraded to assistant manager and that the club had decided to release 1st team coach Jockie Clark. Jack Lornie was, however, to be retained as the club trainer.

Robbie Giles stated early on that he was to continue the policy of signing local players, an action designed to help County’s financial situation but also encourage local youngsters. He made his first signing in May 1982 when he signed the teenage left winger, Keith Macleod, from Caley after his contract had expired. An early pre-season friendly was arranged versus Hibs where the County youngsters got a taste of Premier League opponents. They also played Aberdeen which turned out to be one of their first games in a season that would see European glory.

Robbie’s second season, 1983/4, quickly failed to deliver the results hoped for and with only one win in eight games and a quarter final Qualifying Cup defeat from Fraserburgh Robbie Giles left the club following “mutual agreement” in October. His last couple of league games had seen a 4-1 defeat from Huntly and a 4- 2 defeat home to Clach, after being 2-1 up with only 19 minutes of the game left. Club Chairman, Gordon Macrae, pointed out that Robbie had always given 100% and it was unfortunate that the team performance did not match the background effort.

The 82/3 season saw 12 wins and 4 draws, with 68 goals scored and conceded. In 83/4 he took charge of 8 league games, just one win (over Caley I’m pleased to say) and 2 draws. 23 goals conceded and 16 goals scored.

So Robbie’s full League record was 38 games, 13 wins and 6 draws, scoring 84 and conceding 91.