Caley Thistle chairman Graham Rae is thrilled to cap an upbeat period for the club by announcing manager John Robertson has extended his contract until 2021.
Inverness yesterday confirmed Robertson signed a new 12-month deal with the club in the summer, which will keep him at Caledonian Stadium for a further two-and-a-half years.
Robertson has enjoyed success since returning to Inverness for a second spell in charge in summer 2017 following the club’s relegation from the Premiership, notably guiding the club to the IRN-BRU Cup with a victory over Dumbarton at McDiarmid Park in March.
In his previous spell with Inverness between 2002 and 2004, Robertson led Caley Jags to promotion to the top-flight for the first time courtesy of winning the First Division title, before leaving to join Hearts.
Although the deal had been agreed prior to yesterday’s announcement, Rae feels the on-field progress led by Robertson made it an easy decision to extend the 54-year-old’s stay with the Highlanders.
Rae said: “He’s a first class football manager and a top professional, so it’s an important thing for the football club.
“He’s an experienced manager who has assembled a great team of people. We have some exciting players and we have been playing good football.
“We are very upbeat about it.”
Following a strong finish to last season, which saw Inverness fall two points short of a promotion play-off place, Caley Jags have continued to perform well in the Championship this term, with Robertson’s undefeated side sitting third after eight games – five points adrift of leaders Ayr United.
Rae is also encouraged by Robertson’s strong connection with the club’s supporters, adding: “The club has not lost a game in the Championship since winning the IRN-BRU Cup in March with an unbeaten run extending to 19 games.
“John is doing a great job for the club. He is an excellent spokesman and ambassador for the club, enjoying a frequent and engaging rapport with our supporters.”
Inverness have announced a number of plans to mark their 25th anniversary next year, including the introduction of a museum at Caledonian Stadium, the launch of a book and a celebratory friendly fixture.
Rae hopes the club’s on-field success can continue during the events, adding: “It’s an exciting time. There are many clubs out there older than ours, but 25 years is a silver anniversary. We have put a team together, led by our director Liam Dalgarno.
“We are looking at quite a number of things to commemorate the event and engage with the wider community. We are quite excited by the opportunities it will bring.
“No matter how well we do we need both things – the club has to do well and the football team has to do well.”
