KEV: GAFFER IS A TYNIE BIT UNDERRATED
KEVIN McHATTIE was surprised to see boss John Robertson overlooked for the Hearts job – but happy all the same.
The former Tynecastle left-back believes the scale of Robbo’s achievements on a shoestring budget in the Highlands have been underestimated.
But with all eyes on the 2020 vision of promotion to the Premiership, McHattie is content for his mentor to keep operating under the radar.
He said: “Caley Thistle is a small club compared to others in Scotland, in terms of resources.
“Being situated up north doesn’t help so the gaffer’s done a great job bringing quality players in on the budget available – and that’s a huge credit to him.
“Hopefully, he’s here a long time. Given what he’s achieved he could’ve been in the frame at Hearts.
“Here he has a small budget but he’s brought in good players who have bonded together and become a good team.
“We like to pass the ball out and do things our way and it’s shown this season.
“He has brought in people who can play a bit. I’d like to see him stay here as long as possible.”
McHattie’s had to fill in for injuries across the backline, midfield and flanks although last week’s strong display at left-back in the Dunfermline win could see him keep his place today against Arbroath.
He added: “The boys have been doing well and I’ve just had to be ready to step in and do a job. It’s tough but good to be in the kind of environment where everyone’s pushing to play.”
Arbroath beat Robertson’s side 3-0 in November and Dick Campbell said: “We need to play at that level again as they’ve hit a bit of consistency recently.
“All week Robbo will have drummed into his players there’s no way they’ll lose to Arbroath again so we expect a tough challenge.”