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Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Robertson would prefer performances over big transfer fees in upcoming Championship season


By Alasdair Fraser

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John Robertson has noted the big-money manoeuvrings of Championship rivals this summer – but remains undaunted.

The proverbial flapping of cheque books has brought big-name internationals to the second tier, with keeper Craig Gordon joining Hearts from Celtic and ex-Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam paraded at Dundee.

The Caley Thistle boss believes former club Hearts will draw on a budget 10 times bigger than his.

But Robbo, clearly relishing the task of upsetting the applecart, is nothing if not buoyant as his players finally launch into full training.

ICT manager John Robertson is confident that he and assistant Scott Kellacher will find a way to keep the club competitive with their bigger spending rivals at the top of the Championship. Picture: Ken Macpherson
ICT manager John Robertson is confident that he and assistant Scott Kellacher will find a way to keep the club competitive with their bigger spending rivals at the top of the Championship. Picture: Ken Macpherson

The ICT manager said: “I keep hearing Hearts are going to run away with it, but I’m sure the rest of the league will look to make it as competitive as possible. Stories that Hearts will go through the league unbeaten are a wee bit disrespectful.

“It’s not up to Hearts to decide what happens in this league. It’s up to us and every other club to challenge and I’m sure that will be the case.”

The Tynecastle club has also recruited ex-Inverness wide man Jordan Roberts from Ipswich Town among a clutch of signings.

It is clear Dundee’s spending will also dwarf ICT’s, with Adam’s arrival a stunning coup alongside the likes of Lee Ashcroft and Alex Jakubiak.

Ambitious Dunfermline have added ex-Rangers and Scotland defender Steven Whittaker among a host of past top-flight performers.

Even Ayr United, rarely classed as big-spenders, have recruited shrewdly, with ex-Caley Thistle favourites Tom Walsh and Joe Chalmers now on board.

Robertson, though, has a core of proven performers retained from last season while signing striker Shane Sutherland (Elgin), defenders Robbie Deas (Celtic) and Danny Devine (Dunfermline), and midfielder Scott Allardice (Waterford).

He added: “We believe we have proven quality. Looking around the league, Dunfermline have had a big cash injection and will feel they can compete this year. Dundee, as usual, are spending a lot. Hearts will have probably have around 10 times our budget.

“With Ayr and Morton signing experience, it will be a tough league, but performance is all-important.”

Read the full edition of today's Highland News here.


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