Former Inverness Caley Thistle, Aberdeen and Celtic star Jonny Hayes calls for long term plan at Caley Thistle from whoever buys club out of administration
Former Inverness Caledonian Thistle star Jonny Hayes says whoever buys the club out of administration needs to be in it for the long haul.
The ex-Ireland international, who made 100 appearances for the Caley Jags and helped them get promoted back into the Scottish Premiership in 2010, has commented on the plight his former club currently find themselves in.
After years of heavy financial losses, Caley Thistle were finally sent over the edge this summer and appointed administrators on October 22.
That meant an immediate 15-point deduction, which had sent ICT to the bottom of the League One table before Dumbarton followed suit earlier this week.
Hayes said he could see the issues coming a long time ago, telling Gambling.com: “I've seen this coming now for a few years to be honest. Inverness are a fantastic club, they gave me a brilliant platform to come and play in Scotland, and a lot of good people worked there when I was there.
"I know how close-knit that city is as well, and how tied in the support is with the football club.
“It's been severely disappointing to see how mismanaged they've been – maybe not by all of the individuals involved, as there's still some good people working there right now.
"The way people have come in and mismanaged the club, probably for their own benefit, is just really disappointing to see. Not just in Scottish football, but in a club that I obviously care about."
As for what the future holds for Caley Thistle, Hayes said: “I suppose investment is going to be key [to turn around Inverness’ fortunes], isn't it? It's going to be clearing the decks to then give them a platform to then go and challenge.
“First they'll need to stay afloat and survive in League One. That will be their biggest task and probably the biggest challenge they've ever faced.
"After that you're looking at building blocks. If they can build a sustainable future for the football club rather than the new owners coming in, and if it doesn't work out after a year or two, then abandoning ship almost. We've seen it happen all too often across the world.
"Sustainability is going to be key because they're not a club with a huge fan base or budget.
“I know Alan Savage is working hard behind the scenes. I think he's a great person to have involved because I know how much he cares about the football club, so if he can get more people in that care and they can point the new owners in the right direction, I think that's key for them."
