Alloa manager Paul Hartley last night moved to the top of the Caley Thistle hitlist as the club stepped up their efforts to appoint a manager.
Former Hibs, Hearts, Celtic, Aberdeen and Scotland midfielder Hartley is at the head of the Caley Jags shortlist after guiding Alloa to consecutive promotions. Inverness have been given permission to speak to the 37-year-old by the Championship club and Hartley could be in pole position to take the Caledonian Stadium helm.
Alloa chairman Mike Mulraney would not confirm the approach but said: “We never comment on any speculation concerning the future of the manager.
“What we will confirm is the long held stance that should an appropriate club request permission to speak to our manager, we would give consent.”
Inverness have taken their time in searching for the right man to replace Butcher and aim to have a manager in place for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Morton.
A plethora of candidates have been linked with the job, some realistic and some ridiculous, but Hartley certainly has the credentials to move up to the SPFL Premiership with Inverness.
While ex-Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels and former Hibs manager John Hughes submitted their CVs to Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron, Inverness appear to favour a younger candidate for the manager’s position.
Hartley won 25 caps for Scotland and five major trophies in a glittering career with Hibs, Hearts and Celtic as a player.
He took charge at Alloa in May 2011 and immediately won the Third Division title, going on to lead the Recreation Park club to Scotland’s second tier through the play-offs last season. Alloa’s brand of attractive, passing football would suit an Inverness side which has gained plaudits for moving up to second in the league and to the League Cup semi-finals.
Caley Thistle would not comment when asked about Hartley but remain focused on appointing a new manager before this weekend’s cup tie.
Hartley celebrated his 100th game in charge of the club on Saturday. He boasts a record of 53 wins, 20 draws and 27 losses in his first managerial position.