Caley Thistle chairman Graham Rae excited about what John Robertson can deliver
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CALEY Thistle chairman Graham Rae wholeheartedly backs John Robertson as manager and sees him as a big part of the club’s future.
Rae had an hour-long meeting with Robertson yesterday and the feedback was positive, with the chairman adding the only thing discussed was continuing with the current team in place.
Robertson had caused a stir with his comments after the Dumbarton game, indicating that it would be him that would pay the price for the club’s results, not the players.
He added that if he had to be the ‘sacrificial lamb’ to turn the side’s fortunes around, then he could walk away with his head high.
The fact results have been difficult was acknowledged by Rae yesterday, with four points from a possible 21 attained so far in the Championship.
However, Rae said there is ‘no story’ in terms of a managerial change, with the board still excited about what Robertson brings to the table.
“I had an hour with John yesterday and there’s nothing to report. John Robertson is our manager,” said Rae. “He brings so much energy and positivity, his knowledge and experience of football.
“We’ve had a challenging start to the season and we want to see the club get back to winning ways. We’ve observed some exciting stuff, although the results haven’t always gone our way.
“You look at great football teams – when they don’t play well they still win. Manchester United had that and Chelsea have that just now. John, along with Brian and Scott, are reviewing every performance, video, commentary and analysis to understand what we need to do to get better.
“There was no discussion whatsoever, other than going forward with the current setup. We feel the team we have assembled has the best chance to be successful.”
Managerial changes have been happening around the Caley Jags, with neighbours Ross County and Championship rivals Falkirk dispensing with managers in the last week.
Robertson’s remarks came unprompted during his post-match interview following the Dumbarton game and Rae, has no problems with the club’s boss being forthright.
“John has chosen to be open and honest, saying ‘I’m the manager, I pick the team and I recruit the players. If it doesn’t work, it’s me that’s held accountable’. I know he’s asked the players what they’re going to do and they’ve ticked all the boxes saying they’re happy,” said Rae. “The message I’ve tried to portray to everyone at the club, including the supporters, is to get behind our team and our management staff and to show them our loyalty and encouragement.”
Off the park, the financial restructuring of the club is close to being completed. Outside investment has been received to negate the shortfall caused by a delay in receiving the parachute payment, plus the bonus from UEFA for Celtic’s European performances.
The club are also on the lookout for up to five new directors, with specific skill-sets such as public relations and communications, plus finance and business acumen.
“Relegation is a dreadful thing. It affects us hugely and there’s been a lot of change,” he said. “All of that has been done with considerably less money.
“We’re trying to ensure we don’t spend more than we earn. Ideally, to be successful, we need to have a robust business and a football team that excels. One without the other doesn’t work.
“We had some cash-flow challenges because the parachute payment and the UEFA payment from Celtic’s performances comes late in the season. We have the immediate future of the club secured.
“We need to look at further restructuring and new investment. We’re not wildly out gates-wise but we’re at the lower end of our average and the travelling support, which is a good part of our match income, haven’t been big.
“We set a budget and we’re three months in. They have to be continually updated and we’re making some adjustments, as we get the planned case versus the actual case.”
