The habit of measuring the distance between Ross County and other clubs in the SPFL Premiership by distance has now become so tiresome that a new medium is being tried out.
When Derek Adams considered the gulf which exists between the Dingwall side and Hibernian, the County manager noted the money which the Edinburgh club has seen fit to spend this summer compared to his own impoverished dealings.
While Hibs opened their wallet to bring in such as James Collins from Swindon Town for £200,000, Michael Nelson from Bradford City for a nominal fee and, yesterday, agreeing a deal to sign Paul Heffernan from Kilmarnock on a two-year contract, Adams has been left rooting around in the bargain bins for new recruits. He has also sought to benefit from a sense of ingenuity by turning his attention to the murkier corners of Dutch football.
The County manager had intended to append one of two more names to his squad before the transfer window closes tonight, although that pursuit will likely come to an unsuccessful end. His ambition to finish the season above Hibs in the Premiership table might still come good, though.
"They have changed personnel and they even took in a £200,000 signing," said Adams. "They are looking to strengthen and move up the league. We're trying to get above them. We have good players in the squad. We finished above Hibernian in the league table last season and we'd like to try and win on Saturday and go above them this weekend. We just want to stay in the SPL. Last season we did well to get to fifth position.
"It is not surprising Hibs can make a signing like [Collins]. They get good crowds - 8000 to 10,000 every week. They generate a lot of money and they are a big club."
Those are likely the points Hibs impressed upon Abdellah Zoubir before completing the terms of a loan move for the FC Istres winger. The Frenchman will remain at Easter Road until the end of the season, but he may be denied a debut against County as he awaits international clearance. His arrival is timely since Alex Harris and Paul Cairney have both been ruled out long-term, while it is understood that Hibs retain an interest in bringing in Ipswich Town winger Josh Carson.
Their desire to bring in Heffernan was channelled through the striker's former Kilmarnock team-mates - Nelson and Tim Clancy - and it was on their recommendation that he chose to leave Rugby Park for Leith. "I'm excited about starting the next chapter of my career at Hibernian," said Heffernan. "I spoke to both Michael and Tim about coming here and they both encouraged me to join.
"It's a good club with big support. I saw that at the [Scottish] Cup tie at Rugby Park last season and I'm looking forward to playing for Hibs. It's strange. I played against Hibs last weekend and this Saturday I could be playing for the club. But everything can change very quickly in football."
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