Which Ross County players are under contract next season?

This summer will signal another big squad shake-up at Ross County, with more exits than arrivals expected following their relegation outcome.

Apr 30, 2026 - 08:21

Which Ross County players are under contract next season?

Ross County are battling to stay in the Championship. Image: SNS Group.

Whether Ross County kick off next season in the Championship or League One, they will operate with a much reduced squad of 20 players.

The Dingwall club, who face a make or break must-win final fixture at Raith Rovers on Friday to avoid automatic relegation, have at one point or another used more than 40 players in 2025-26, with 36 taking part in competitive action at some stage.

After losing the Premiership play-off against Livingston last May, Don Cowie brought in 12 players with 13 contracted players and seven loanees leaving.

When Cowie was replaced by Tony Docherty in September, six players were brought in on loan, with current boss Stuart Kettlewell adding four more when he replaced Docherty in late December.

Change of direction in recruitment

County chief executive Steven Ferguson told fans at last week’s question and answer session, they are planning to run with a squad of 20 players, with a revamp of the recruitment department.

He said: “We’ve been discussing a change of strategy for a number of months now, and we’ve included eight to 10 external people in that covering data analysis, recruitment, AI, investment, everything that we’re doing through the club including our operating model.”

Ross County midfielder Noah Chilvers scores in his team's 4-0 SPFL Championship win against Morton at the Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall, on April 25, 2026. — Ross County midfield star Noah Chilvers, scoring here against Morton last weekend, is under contract for another year. Image: SNS Group.

Invergordon, the North Caledonian League champions, have won promotion to the Highland League and under-18s from County will for a second successive season gain competitive action for Gary Campbell’s team.

So, it all adds up to plenty of comings and goings at the Global Energy Stadium this summer, with the Kettlewell “open to a conversation” about extending his contract after this season concludes – even if that means relegation on Friday night.

Here is who is under contract at County next season and who will be free agents:

Under contract until summer 2027

Goalkeeper Brad Foster, defenders Ben Crompton, Len O’Sullivan, Akil Wright and Oliver Lamont (academy player), defender/midfielder Rio Hastings (academy player), midfielders Noah Chilvers, Jamie Lindsay, Dean Cornelius, Ross Docherty, Arron Lyall (on loan at Morton), Lewis Mackay (academy player), Greg Ferguson (academy player), Copeland Thain (academy player), Eoin Munro (academy player), winger Jay Henderson, attackers Kieran Phillips, Uche Ikpeazu, Adam Emslie (on loan at Cove Rangers), Torran Lambie (academy player) and Joe Coyle (academy player).

Contracts expiring this summer

Goalkeepers Ross Laidlaw and Jayden Reid, defender Josh Reid, Declan Gallagher, Alex Iacovitti and Dylan Smith, defender/midfielder Connor Randall, midfielders Andrew MacLeod and Jamie Williamson, strikers Jordan White and Calum Brown (academy player).

Loans ending this summer

Goalkeeper Trevor Carson (Dundee), defenders Sean Mackie (Falkirk) and Levis (Piast Gliwice), midfielder Ryan Duncan (Aberdeen), forwards James Scott (St Mirren), Jayden Carbon (Middlesbrough) and Kaedyn Kamara (Preston North End).

[Source: Press and Journal]