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Sunday, 19 May 2013, 12:45

Scots Prem

Adams admits change of approach

Ross County manager Derek Adams admits he reverted to a more solid approach after realising his players were not suited to an expansive game.

Last Updated: 22/02/13 at 17:20 Post Comment

Derek Adams: Has reverted to a more solid approach

Derek Adams: Has reverted to a more solid approach

County have reaped the rewards for their change in tactics, keeping three clean sheets in four games, and are unbeaten in seven matches to go into Saturday's SPL clash with Motherwell just five points off the second-placed visitors.

County kept five clean sheets in their first six matches but Adams felt they opened up too much in the middle part of the season.

Their games with Saturday's opponents further highlight the trend - County held Motherwell to a goalless draw on their SPL debut and lost 3-2 at Fir Park in December.

Given Adams' current approach, Saturday's encounter looks more likely to replicate the first one.

"Probably midway through the season we went to try to win a few matches and opened up a bit, and it didn't really suit us," Adams said.

"We have got back to what we are good at - being solid, playing on the counter-attack and keeping good possession in the middle of the park.

"We looked at it and looked at the players we have got, and they are suited to a system.

"I think the signings over the transfer window have helped us as well."

County will move from ninth place into the top six if they beat Motherwell and put themselves right in contention for a European place.

With five points separating eight teams below leaders Celtic, Adams has argued that the competitive nature of the race for Europe shows that plans to reform the league structure are misguided.

SPL and Scottish Football League clubs are set to vote on plans to split the top two divisions into three groups of eight after 22 games.

Adams said: "We wouldn't be in this situation if it was the new structure that they are looking to take into place.

"We would be playing in the bottom half with First Division sides.

"I think it's great that the structure we have in the SPL at this stage of the season where the 11th team can look to try to get into Europe. St Mirren are only eight points off Hibs.

"I think they are wrong to change the structure of the game for a few clubs.

"The fans were very adamant that they wanted the league to be competitive and they have certainly had that.

"We don't know who is going to finish in the top six or finish in the European places. We have only got 11 games to go.

"That's something the fans wanted at the start of the season and they are going to get it all changed probably for next season."

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