Caley Thistle can still mix it with the best - Iain Vigurs
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IAIN Vigurs insists players signing up for Caley Thistle’s future shows there is belief that they can mix it with the best sides in Scotland – even without a boss in place.
Captain Richie Foran is the hot tip to replace John Hughes, who left the Inverness club last Friday night after the thorny issue of budgets led to a dead end for both parties.
However, midfielder Vigurs (28) becomes the latest out-of-contract player to commit to the Caley Jags by yesterday signing a two-year contract handed to him by chairman Kenny Cameron.
With no manager in place yet, Vigurs could have been tempted, alongside Owain Fon Williams, David Raven and Aaron Doran, who have all signed over the past nine days, to have waited to see who would come in. However, the fact the squad is beginning to take shape, he feels, is a sign that there’s a brighter future ahead for Inverness CT.
“A few key players were out of contract this summer, so to get them tied up is good,” said Vigurs. “The squad really is taking shape for next season. It’s always good to see the best players signing on. I am looking forward to having the stability for the next couple of years.
“I felt I had a great season, not so much in terms of my performances. It just felt great to be out on the pitch again because 2015 was a long year. I thoroughly enjoyed last season. We obviously didn’t get into the top six, but we finished the season strongly, especially in the last game. If we maintain most of the squad we can push on again.
“Full credit to the club for doing all they can to keep hold of as many of the players who were here last season.
“Credit to the players also for committing. After what has been achieved here in the past two season they could have perhaps moved elsewhere but they have stayed loyal.”
An injury-plagued end to his Motherwell days, caused by a chronic back injury, saw Vigurs freed last summer and he started the season 15 miles along the road from Inverness – playing as a trialist for Inverurie Locos against Nairn County. However, bumping into Ryan Esson in the gym saw him invited to train with the Caley Jags, with the ex-Ross County man impressing enough to earn a deal.
“After my injury, I was not expecting to have as good a season as I had,” added Vigurs. “I played a couple of games for Inverurie Locos and they offered me facilities to train and a chance to play, which I was very grateful for. That helped me dust off the cobwebs.
“To come away with eight goals in 30 starts was a good return. To be able to repay the team and the management from last season was pleasing.”
Signing the deal will not be the only vital piece of paperwork for Vigurs as he sets off for a break. “I am getting married to my fiancee Kerry this summer, on June 11. I just need to get my speech sorted now!”
Meanwhile, it is understood defender Danny Devine could be a target for English League Two side Colchester United.
Devine has a two-year offer on the table from Inverness but has headed off for the summer without signing it, and the U’s could seek the Belfast-born centre-back as they push towards an immediate return to League One.
“We’re just talking to players at the moment,” said Colchester director of football Tony Humes.
“It’s still early on in the summer and most of the players who are in demand are just listening to what offers are around at the moment.”
- CALEY Thistle and Ross County will find out their League Cup opponents at 7.30pm tonight. The two Highland sides will be drawn in separate groups in the north section, with one of either Dundee United, Falkirk, Raith Rovers or Dumbarton. The rest of the group will be made up of three from: Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Brechin City, Cowdenbeath, Cove Rangers, Dunfermline, East Fife, Elgin City, Forfar Athletic, Montrose, Peterhead or Stirling Albion.
Drawn matches in the group stage will go to a penalty shoot-out, with an extra point awarded to the victors.
