Ross County manager says recruitment will be test for Inverness Caley Thistle boss
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MALKY Mackay is warning new Caley Thistle boss Duncan Ferguson that player recruitment will be one of his toughest challenges in the Highlands.
The Ross County manager sent good wishes to the Everton legend and admits he will be intrigued to see how the move pans out for a relative managerial novice with a big reputation and rich coaching experience.
There are huge differences in Mackay and Ferguson’s respective footballing backgrounds, but also parallels – and crossed paths.
“Duncan’s appointment certainly came out of the blue. It wasn’t one I was expecting, but I wish him the very best of luck,” the Staggies manager said.
“Duncan cut his teeth at Everton with great managers and did his pro-license up here, too. He dipped his toe in at Forest Green, which I believe was difficult for him, and he’s now in the Highlands with us. I’ll see him pretty soon – we have another bounce game with them soon.
“Logistically, trying to get players to the Highlands isn’t going to be easy – that’s something I have come across and he’s a division below.
“There’s the travel element and there’s how much you know about the league, your own players, the players you’re going up against. He’s got Gary Bollan there and you need someone on the ground. While you’re trying to get to grips with a league 10 or 12 games can slip by.”
Mackay recalls marking Ferguson, then a young Dundee United prospect at youth level, in Old Firm action and in England.
“I played against him for Norwich against Everton. We’ve probably both still got the scars!” Mackay joked.
“It was in the FA Cup, and it was Duncan and a young pup named Wayne Rooney – who I stayed well away from!
“We actually played against each other in his first game for Rangers, a reserve game against Celtic at Ibrox, and after his big-money move an amazing 20,000 people turned up. We both got booked, and I think it was a draw.”
