Being led by the best

ICT: Former boss Paterson salutes Caley Jags management team

Inverness Caley Thistle legend Steve Paterson believes the club is facing one of its most challenging periods but says they have the perfect man at the helm in John Robertson.

The Caley Jags have faced up to financial difficulties in recent years following their relegation from the Premiership in 2017.

Budgets have had to be cut with losses of almost £900,000 for the year ending May 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic has further impacted the club’s finances.

When next season’s Championship begins on October 17 Inverness will be aiming to earn promotion to the top flight.

With both Dundee and Hearts in the division it won’t be easy for the side from the Highland capital and manager Robertson is also faced with the task of replacing established first-team players like Jordan White, Charlie Trafford, Tom Walsh, Shaun Rooney and Carl Tremarco that have left this summer.

Former Caley Thistle boss Paterson, pictured, led the club to the Second and Third Division titles during seven-and-a-half years in charge.

After joining Aberdeen in December 2002 Paterson was replaced by Robertson who guided Inverness into Scotland’s top flight for the first time in 2004.

Paterson believes the former Hearts striker is the perfect man to be leading Inverness right now. The 62-year-old said: “I think without a doubt this is one of the most challenging times Inverness have faced.

“Even before the coronavirus the club had been struggling financially. “The good thing for Inverness is they couldn’t have better people at the helm when it comes to the management team.

“Barry Wilson is there as a coach, he was a great player for me, he’s a great coach and he’s Inverness through and through.

“John Robertson’s in his second spell and took over from me first time round and he’s a great manager. He’s 100% committed and he’s got a great eye for a player and being able to pick up players that do well that other clubs might not look at.

“It’s a pretty thankless task because if players are doing well at Inverness then they might move on pretty quickly.

“But with the management team Inverness have they’ve been able to keep finding good players and I’m sure that can continue.”

Paterson believes if Robertson could lead Inverness up it would be one of the finest achievements in the club’s history.

The former Manchester United player added: “Given the circumstances it would be one of the best achievements in the club’s history if they could get promoted next season.”