Ross County have positioned themselves well for life without Noah Chilvers after a busy summer transfer window, according to manager Stuart Kettlewell. The Staggies have made eight permanent signings as they prepare for another season in the Scottish Championship, currently sitting 10th with 34 points from 36 games (8W-10D-18L), including a recent 3-2 loss to Raith Rovers on May 1, 2026.
What happened with Chilvers' departure?
Noah Chilvers officially left Ross County this week to join Oldham Athletic on a two-year deal, ending his two-year stay in Dingwall. The creative midfielder's exit was expected after back-to-back relegations, but Kettlewell insists the club has already planned for this scenario. "The player doesn't want to be here and play in the league," Kettlewell explained. "That's simple, and was made abundantly clear to us, which is fine - there was no animosity with Noah."
Why it matters for Ross County
The Staggies have shifted their transfer strategy this summer, focusing on permanent deals rather than loans. Kettlewell believes this approach will benefit both the team's on-field performance and the club's long-term business model. "We've made eight signings, every single one of them on a permanent deal," he said. "That's not to say we wouldn't find our way to having any loan players, but if we have permanent deals we start to get more of a buy-in."
What comes next for the Staggies?
With Chilvers gone, Ross County will look to their new signings to help improve their current league standing. The team has scored 36 goals and conceded 57 this season, leaving them with a -21 goal difference. They are 43 points behind leaders St Johnstone and have lost their last two matches. Kettlewell remains focused on developing young talent and building a sustainable model for the club's future.
"Clubs like Ross County have to be selling clubs," he added. "If we can find gems, allow them to work here, grow and develop, then it becomes a business model. We can't always go out and buy the finished article. Sometimes you have to see raw qualities and get to work with it."
