I’m a better gaffer now than last time I took Caley Jags up

Robbo’s the man to seal promotion

JOHN ROBERTSON insists he’s a better manager now than he was during his first spell in charge of Inverness almost 13 years ago.

The Hearts legend – who has been out of management since leaving East Fife in 2012 – has signed a two-year deal with Caley after leaving his head of coach education role at the Jambos.

Robertson revealed he was headhunted by his old club to lead a promotion charge following their relegation to the Championship under Richie Foran.

The 52-year-old reckons he is calmer manager who is better equipped to lead their top-flight bid than the firebrand who won the old First Division and made history by taking the Highlanders up for the first time in 2004.

Asked if he was a better boss now Robertson said: “I think so but that will come down to results.

“Since leaving Inverness I’ve been to cup semi-finals with Hearts, coached in the Europa League group stages and the Champions League qualifying rounds.

“All of this has been massive for my experience and learning. What you see now is a more experienced and rounded individual – and a more mature manager.

“I was a bit of a wild card in my early days. I’m calmer now but don’t perceive that calmness for a lack of passion. That’s still there burning.

“It’s a huge challenge. It’s going to be formidable but I’m ready for it and passionate about it.

“This time last week it wasn’t even on the radar but suddenly things changed very quickly.

“Once I got deeper into the negotiations the old managerial juices came flowing back. There will be people saying he’s not managed for a few years but I’ve had several chances I’ve turned down.

“The projects I did at Hearts were huge on and off the pitch. I learned lots about the social media and commercial aspects of it.

“That makes you a more rounded manager because you realise what happens in a football club.

“There was always something in the back of my mind I might manage again but it had to be special to drag me away from Hearts.

“This club and challenge is something special so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Inverness No.2 Brian Rice and firstteam coach Scott Kellacher are to be kept on by Robertson, who began the hard work on recruitment for his decimated squad before he’d even been confirmed in the hotseat.

He said: “You subtly start contacting agents, friends and contacts and disguising everything.

“A lot of my pals thought it was strange or I was becoming an agent all of a sudden!

“It’s not as if I’ve lost touch or been on a different planet. I’m still very connected in football.

“Now I want to bring all that knowledge, expertise and my connections to work here.”