Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Robertson says there is no lack of quality from part-time teams in Championship as they prepare to face Alloa Athletic
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Robertson has insisted there is no difference between part-time and full-time clubs in 2021.
The Caley Jags have struggled to consistently beat the two part-timers in the Championship in recent years, winning seven of their 15 matches against Alloa Athletic and Arbroath in all competitions, drawing four and losing four.
With the Wasps due to make the trip north to the Caledonian Stadium tomorrow, Robertson has sent out a reminder that a gulf in infrastructure or investment means nothing when it comes to competing on the pitch.
“They’re not in this league for no reason,” he explained.
“We’ve not won as many as we can, but we can turn around and say that Dundee have spent £3 million more than us this season, yet they’ve not beaten us in the last four games.
“That’s how football works, just because they’re part-time doesn’t mean they’re bad players, or that they’re not fit, or that you’re automatically going to beat them.
“We’ve got to prove we’re a better side with better players on the day.
“There are at least half-a-dozen players in the Alloa and Arbroath teams that are more than good enough ability, age and mentality-wise to be full-time football players, but it doesn’t suit them.”
Robertson knows first-hand exactly what the differences between part time and full time clubs are from his days in charge at East Fife between 2010 and 2012.
As far as he is concerned, the advantages of being full-time are minimal.
“Part-time means nothing these days,” Robertson insisted.
“The amount of work that they do in the Tuesday and Thursday training sessions, they’re probably only missing out on one session.
“I know that sounds daft, but on a Friday full-time you don’t do a lot, you go over your shape and corner kicks and free kicks for match preparation.
“In terms of fitness, it’s not the old days where part-time lads turn up for an hour and go home.
“Part-time teams now are efficient, they’re well-run, well-organised, and most importantly of all they have got very, very good players.”
