The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Faith in Robertson’s top-tier mission
a top-flight force after John Robertson guided them to promotion during his first stint in charge in 2004.
Relegation to the Championship came on the final day of the 20162017 season but Bennett hopes Robertson can repeat the promotion feat.
He said: “It has been a fantastic achievement – ups and downs. It isn’t so great at the moment, but six or seven years ago we were a stable club in the SPL.
“That’s what we’re aspiring to get to now. Hopefully John Robertson can do that in coming seasons, although it is going to be difficult this season.
“We’ve just got to try to build and achieve a bit of momentum and try to get back into the Premiership.”
Caley Jags have spent 13 of their 25 years of existence in the top tier, but Bennett says the cost of relegation in 2017 has hit the club hard.
He added: “It was unfortunate we did get relegated and, just like other clubs, it is very difficult to get back up. Ross County did very well last year, but they have a great benefactor which, unfortunately, we don’t have. In 2004, when we were promoted, we didn’t really have a big benefactor then. We had a good team spirit and we just got on with it.”
Caley Thistle have high hopes for a number of young players but Bennett is aware of the difficulties faced by the Highlanders in developing talent.
He added: “The cost of the travelling for the youths is just outrageous. Celtic and Rangers just have to go along the road but Charlie Christie has to ferry teams of 11, 12, 13 and 14 down the road.”