Sutherland returning to Inverness Caledonian Thistle leaner and fitter after lockdown running regime
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Shane Sutherland is returning to Caley Thistle in the shape of his life after spending the summer pounding out the road miles before passing yesterday’s club fitness test.
The Bosman pre-contract signing completed the medical formalities with the Championship club before putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with options to extend his stay.
The moment marked the end of striker Sutherland’s determined seven-year quest to return to full-time football following his release in 2013 by former ICT manager Terry Butcher.
The then 22-year-old played for Inverness in the top flight, with 90 appearances but only 27 starts and three goals in his three seasons.
Sutherland never gave up on the dream of returning to the full professional game while plundering a plethora of goals in three spells at Elgin City and two at Peterhead, which caught the attention of John Robertson and earned Sutherland his second chance.
Knowing it will be a step up, Sutherland has put in a power of extra fitness work in free time during the Covid-19 lockdown.
He pounded out 10k runs on a daily basis, losing seven kilos – over a stone – during the spring and summer.
“I’ve worked really hard over the break, knowing I was going full-time,” Sutherland said.
“I had to get my fitness as high as I could to try and match the level the boys will be at. I did five and 10ks at least five days a week, as well as a lot of core work.
“I’m feeling good and really looking forward to it now.”
Wick-born Sutherland returns “a different person and a different player” – and insists he has no point to prove.
“I’m buzzing to get going, I always said I wanted to play full-time football,” he said.
“When I spoke to the manager in January, I didn’t have a second thought, I couldn’t turn it down. People I’ve spoken to, even my own family, have said I go back with a point to prove, but it’s nothing to do with that.
“I enjoyed my years at Inverness under Terry Butcher.
“In 2013, I didn’t get my contract renewed. I obviously didn’t show Terry enough, but I’m going back a different person and a different player. I’ve played a lot of games and I’m used to playing every Saturday.
“I’ve over 200 starts in my career and over 100 goals. I’m looking forward to a fresh start.”
Sutherland will have to earn a longer stay, but added: “It’s no problem to me. If I do what I think I can do and show my worth, buy into what the manager wants, I’m sure it will be extended.”
Read the full edition of today's Inverness Courier here.
