Gilfeather turns around Ross County football book in double-quick time

A NEW book by Scots journalist, Frank Gilfeather – who covers sport for The Times. The Herald, The Sunday Herald and reports for Sky’s Gillette Soccer Saturday programme – is scheduled for release next week.

‘Ross County: From Highland League to Hampden’ charts the history and rise of Scottish football’s most northerly league club who took the Scottish game by storm last season and battled their way to the Scottish Cup final against Dundee United at the national stadium last month.

But Gilfeather – whose previous book, ‘Confessions of a Highland Hero’, the critically-acclaimed story of former football manager Steve Paterson’s addiction to gambling and alcohol, was launched last November – admitted to being exhausted by his latest project.

“[Publishers] Birlinn were keen to do something on Ross County’s fairytale story,” he said, “particularly after they had beaten Celtic in the semi-final of the competition. They approached me with the idea of doing something for the Christmas market, but I insisted that it should be produced as quickly after the final as possible and they agreed, as long as the final manuscript was with them within a week of the game against Dundee United.

“So, after many long days and writing into the wee small hours, I did it and I’m told it will be ready early next week.

“It’s been a tough project but extremely enjoyable, thanks in the main to the help and co-operation I had from the football club.”