‘Business as usual’ for Caley after Killie boost

Inverness Caley Thistle head coach Billy Dodds will relish going toe-totoe with Derek Mcinnes at Kilmarnock – but is backing his players to come out on top in the Championship.

The former Aberdeen manager was named as Tommy Wright’s successor this week, as Killie seek to find the spark to match their favourites tag after relegation last May.

The Ayrshire side are two points and two spots below second-placed Inverness and five points worse off than leaders Arbroath.

Dodds, who played alongside Mcinnes at Dundee United from 2003-06, isn’t surprised to see him back in the hotseat.

However, having defeated Killie home and away this season, he is confident his side can stand up to a renewed threat from one of their main title rivals.

He said: “I know Derek and (assistant boss) Tony Docherty and I know the way they operate.

“They will be well organised, not that they weren’t under Tommy.

“It’s a boost for them, there is no doubt about that and it will give the players a lift getting someone in who is a topnotch manager.

“It’s good timing from Kilmarnock, but we still have a good squad and we can match, if not, get the better of Kilmarnock as we have done already this season.

“They have to still go and get results, but everyone will be glad to get the managerial situation sorted.

“We can’t worry about them, we know we are capable and it is business as usual.”

One common goal Mcinnes and the Inverness Caley gaffer share is to not be Championship managers next season and Dodds is determined to be the one who has the final say come the final kick of the campaign.

He said: “Derek was talking about him not wanting to stay in the Championship too long – neither do I.

“That is my first job. I have only been here six months, but I want out of here as quick as possible.”