Sammy Wilson was the surprise appointment as manager when Chairman Gordon Macrae made the announcement of Bill Cassidy’s replacement in July 1979. This time Wilson would, of course, simply be the manager as his playing days were over. Much was expected of “Shuffling Sam” whose own skills were bound to influence the County team. He had been responsible for Roddy MacDonald getting his chance with Celtic and he was hoping to further develop the youth talent in the area. Wilson started his job on the 9th July “with a free hand with no strings attached”.
Wilson started with a couple of attractive friendlies, opening with a goalless draw with St Johnstone in front of a crowd of 500. A week later West Ham United came to Dingwall and thrashed County 8-1 in front of 2000 fans. Trevor Brooking was amongst the goalscorers. County opened the league season with a 2-1 win at Keith. The team was Morrison, Allison, Moir, Dingwall, Giles, Corbett, Wilson, Stuart, MacDonald, Kenney, Maclaren. Brett and Macrae were the subs. Keith scored in the 1st minute but goals from Kenney and a Mackay OG sealed the points. County would finish the season in 4th place and with the INverness Cup after a 5-4 win over Caley after extra time. During the season County paid a club record £4000 transfer fee for ray MacKintosh.
Season 1980/81 saw County drop to 11th place despite winning 13 of 30 games. A semi final Inverness Cup appearance was their only time past the 2nd round of a Cup competition. 1981/2 saw County finish 6th (one less win, for only 12 victories!) and a losing Inverness Cup final.
In total Wilson managed 90 league games, 39 wins and 21 draws. Scoring 177 goals conceding 168.
After three years, in 1982, results were not going well and it took until the end of March to record the team’s first home win of the year, beating Forres Mechanics 3-2 with goals from Duff. Taylor and MacQueen.
Having decided to bow out as manager due to pressure of business Wilson’s final game in charge was a 1-1 away draw with Clach in the middle of April, as County became the first club to finish their fixtures for the season. The game was watched by the former Clach and County player Robbie Giles who had already been appointed to take over the club.
Sammy will be best known for his playing time with St Mirren, Celtic (scored in a League Cup final versus Rangers) and Millwall. 123 senior appearances and 47 goals. He finished his playing career in the Highland League playing with both County and Brora.
thehighlandbullpen groundhoppers 