Defender Lewis Strapp discusses his decision to join Ross County as boss Stuart Kettlewell hails signing

Ross County’s first signing of the summer is predicted by head coach Stuart Kettlewell to add stability and energy.

Lewis Strapp, most recently with Airdrieonians in the Championship, has agreed to join Kettlewell’s team, who were relegated to League One quickly followed by the left-back’s former club.

The 26-year-old adds experience to the ranks, having played for Championship side Morton from the youth ranks where he made 150 appearances for the Ton.

In June 2024, he moved to Finnish side SJK Akatemia before returning to Scotland to sign for Airdrie in January 2025 where he played 54 times, scoring three goals.

Strapp, who netted in Airdrie’s 4-0 league win at Dingwall last month, will join the Staggies when his contract expires with Airdrie at the end of May.

Kettlewell detailed what attributes Strapp will offer his side.

He said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Lewis to the club.

“Lewis is very well-versed in Scottish football and will add stability as well as lots of energy to our side.

“He is a player we know well as a club, having faced up against him on a few occasions last season, and personally, he is someone I’ve enjoyed watching from afar in the past, so I look forward to working with him here.

“He brings a first-class attitude both on and off the pitch, and importantly has shown a real willingness to come to the football club and be part of the next chapter here.”

Strapp had a ‘positive conversation’ with manager Stuart Kettlewell

And speaking to Ross County media, Strapp explained how his chats with Kettlewell persuaded him that Dingwall was the best place to further his career.

He said: “When I spoke to the gaffer, it was a positive conversation and that was one of the big parts about coming up here.

“I spoke to other people (as well), but the phone call I had with the gaffer was one of the big reasons why I decided to come here.

“You look at where this club has been, and where it is now, you can see where it can be. That was also another big part in my decision.

“That journey, of where we can get to, is where I want to be.”

‘I wear my heart on my sleeve’

And Strapp outlined what supporters can expect of him when he pulls on County colours.

He added: “Everywhere I’ve been, fans would say I give 100%. I wear my heart on my sleeve.

“That’s what I want to do when I come up here. I don’t want to anyone second guessing how hard I’m trying or my commitment to the club.

“This season, I’m hoping for a few goals and assists. That would be brilliant.”

[Source: Press and Journal]