Ross County vs Raith Rovers: Scottish Premiership play-off final – BBC Sport

Whether they were in the Premiership or Championship, a wind of change was likely to sweep through both sides this summer.

For County, it looked almost certain – win or lose – that Don Cowie would be confirmed as manager full-time after an improvement in performances and results since taking over from Derek Adams in February.

They had squandered a couple of chances to avoid second bottom spot in the final weeks of the season before finishing below St Johnstone on goal difference, but they proved to be a class above Sunday’s visitors.

With classy midfielder Dhanda heading for Hearts and Murray likely to attract suitors thanks to his end-of-season goalscoring, Cowie could be looking to replace some of his top performers in his first transfer window in charge.

Raith counterpart Ian Murray will no doubt also face a tough task keeping together a squad that surprised many by keeping pace with eventual champions Dundee United for so long.

Losing Thursday’s first leg in Kirkcaldy to a side who had not won at away from home since September showed the gulf that exists between the top two divisions.

However, amassing a points total that would have won the Championship in the previous two seasons gives Murray something to build on for another title tilt.