Returning Thurso boss Ross Sutherland hails ‘inspirational’ Ross County CEO Steven Ferguson as he aims to create ‘positive vibe’ at Vikings
There’s a fresh sense of optimism at Thurso Football Club as the club ushers in a new managerial era led by former player and manager Ross Sutherland – returning to the hot seat nearly two decades after his first spell in charge.
Sutherland, 49, is joined in the dugout by a newly assembled coaching team that includes last season’s team boss Tom McKenna, and players Sean Campbell and Luke Manson.
RELATED:
Thurso boss intends to ‘see the season out and take it from there’
Thurso manager sees ‘massive improvement’ ahead of Caithness derby
New boss McKenna aims to get Thurso ‘moving in right direction’
The Vikings confirmed the appointments this week, as they look to rebuild following a difficult period on the park.
Thurso have endured a torrid run in recent seasons, finishing 11th (second bottom) in the North Caledonian League for two consecutive years and collecting just 10 points last term – the club’s lowest season tally since their 1998 formation.
The new manager is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge, but insists that a change in mentality is the first step.
“For far too long there hasn’t been a positive narrative around Thurso FC,” Sutherland said. “There are no quick fixes, but there is a need to develop a positive vibe around the club. After discussions with Tom, Sean and Luke we are looking to change that.”
Sutherland is no stranger to football across the north.
A long-time stalwart for both Thurso and Wick Academy during his 18-year playing career, he also spent time with Brora Rangers and Halkirk United as a youngster.
He has also remained very active in summer football, having played for and more recently co-managed Pentland United in the Caithness AFA.
This will be his second spell managing Thurso, having previously held the reins in 2006.
Despite a break from the winter scene, Sutherland says the time is now right to return – and he has drawn particular inspiration from the youth development environment at SPFL Championship side Ross County, where his sons have been involved at youth academy level.
“I had intentions of being involved with a winter football club after I hung up my boots, but family commitments led me down a different path,” he explained. “That included working with Caithness United and gaining insight from coaches with different, yet positive, philosophies.
“My youngest is still with Ross County and I’ve had the chance to observe their academy setup. What stood out for me was that Steven Ferguson, despite being CEO, would regularly take sessions with the youth teams.
“What stood out for me, is that with all the pressures of the role as CEO, he would still regularly take a coaching session or a team on match day, and do so with such a passion that there was only going to be a positive outcome from the youths.
“Once these sessions were finished, the lads, although exhausted, were still buzzing and willing to go that extra mile. If we can replicate even a small percentage of that vibe and passion at Thurso, it would go a long way in helping the squad develop.”
Sutherland’s vision is straight forward: attract the best available senior talent in the county, while building a long-term pathway for youth players.
“I see the job as a two-fold position – attracting a core of the best talent available within the county, and creating a pathway for younger players coming through the amateurs and the under-18s,” he said. “Tom, Sean, Luke and myself are in continual dialogue in order to be best prepared for the season ahead and are thoroughly looking forward to the challenge.”
Tom McKenna, who took over as manager in July 2024 and helped guide the team through a testing campaign, remains part of the new setup as assistant.
He will continue to juggle commitments with Caithness Ladies and county league side Castletown.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Thurso FC secretary Iain Grant said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ross back for his second stint as manager.
“He knows the technical aspects of the game very well and always has a good rapport with his players.
“We are obviously hoping Ross and his team can help Thurso improve and get back to the level we were competing at not so long ago.”
