Ross County have received an improved bid for Ronan Hale from English League Two outfit Gillingham. The Northern Ireland international has been the subject of plenty of speculation, both last summer and this month.
Last week, in an open fan meeting, Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor and chief executive Steven Ferguson confirmed that two bids had been received and rejected from Gillingham. However, Hale had informed County of his wish to move south of the border.
The 27-year-old forward has been impressive since signing for the Staggies, scoring 30 times in 67 appearances across all competitions.
He missed some minutes over the festive period due to illness, but has returned to Stuart Kettlewell’s matchday squad over the last couple of weeks. Hale appeared off the bench against Motherwell in the Scottish Cup and then against Airdrieonians in league action last Saturday.
Ronan Hale is a forward with a proven eye for goal, and the numbers behind his recent seasons suggest he would offer exactly the kind of penalty‑box presence the side has been missing. His return of 12 goals in 26 appearances in this campaign highlights a striker who converts at a reliable rate, even in a league where chances are often at a premium.
The League Two outfit would be adding a forward whose numbers point to a genuinely repeatable threat. His non‑penalty xG per 90 sits well above the league average, showing he consistently gets on the end of high‑value chances rather than relying on low‑percentage shots.
The jump from his xG to xGOT highlights a striker who improves the quality of his attempts once they’re on target. He also ranks strongly for penalty‑area touches and runs into the box, giving Gillingham a more aggressive, space‑attacking option than they currently have.
Add in double‑digit pressures per 90 in the final third, and you get a forward who not only finishes but also drives the team’s press from the front.
