Show new ICT boss Richie Foran respect, warns Robbo
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JOHN Robertson has urged Caley Thistle fans to get right behind new manager Richie Foran – and has hit out at those who say he was a "cheap option".
The 35-year-old Dubliner hung up his boots at the end of last month to replace John Hughes, who left the Ladbrokes Premiership club after a dispute about budgets being the tipping point for both parties.
Robertson, who along with Donald Park bossed Inverness CT into the top-flight in 2004, has praised the board’s four-year deal for Foran and said those who see the move as a money-saver are simply wrong.
He told the HN: "This should be seen as an exciting time for the club. I know some people have called this a cheap option for the club and I think that’s completely disrespectful to the man himself who has been given a four-year deal by the board because they believe in him. It’s all about results now and Richie will know that.
"I was fortunate that I learned initially about management under David Hay at Livingston, whereas Richie is straight in there, but that won’t faze him at all. He will relish the challenges that comes his way.
"Richie’s appointment was a natural progression from club captain and I think everyone could see that happening. I was shocked at the way things ended with John given what happened last year, winning the Scottish Cup and finishing third. However, now that the dust has settled, I think this could be seen as a great move. Richie is a natural leader, who is a very capable and intelligent footballer and a strong character."
Robbo, who these days combines daily commercial work at Hearts with coaching coaches, praised Foran for boldly give up on the playing side to focus solely on managing the players as they aim to get back into the top six next season.
He stressed: "I would say that he’s made a very courageous decision to say he wants to stop playing to focus totally on management, but it’s a decision that is 100 per cent correct. I know that from the time when I was a player/coach initially at Livingston and it’s very difficult to train and play with the players then give out instructions and manage.
*** Reports this week have linked ICT to striker Scott Boden.
The 26-year-old free agent was signed by former Caley Jags boss Terry Butcher at English League Two side Newport County and he bagged 13 goals in 45 appearances for the club last season.
