Caley Thistle captain Gary Warren wants to quickly forget the worst season of his career following the Highlanders’ relegation to the Championship.
Inverness finished bottom of the Premiership last season, which led to the dismissal of manager Richie Foran, who has been replaced by John Robertson.
With Caley Jags now preparing for life in Scotland’s second tier, and in friendly action today against Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park, defender Warren is eager to show a strong response to his side’s demotion.
Warren said: “It is the worst season in my career. It’s not a season I want to look back on.
“It is a season I want to forget and everyone involved in the club wants to forget.
“That’s in the past now, we look forward and whatever the future may bring.
“Hopefully, it’s a lot more positive, it will be because I don’t think we can get any lower than last year. We’re looking on the up now and hopefully we have a good start to the season.”
Robertson has returned for his second managerial spell at Caledonian Stadium, having left to join Hearts 13 years previously, and Warren has already been impressed with his impact.
The 32-year-old added: “The manager has been really positive, really bright and involved with everything.
“He’s getting to know the lads and we’ve got a new influx of players again, while people have left.
“He’s come straight in and really got to know everyone on a personal level. He’s been bright and enthusiastic and he’s brought that already to the start of pre-season.
“It’s seemed like a bit of a smooth transition.
“He’s been here before and he’s been promoted before, so he knows how to do it. He knows how to get us out of this league.
“It’s up to us to stick together and go and try to do that. That’s our aim. He’s been fantastic since he’s come in. It’s now all about pulling together in the right direction and moving the club up.”
Ahead of today’s friendly, Forres Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley said: “We don’t play against opposition of this quality very often throughout the season but these type of games are all about preparing for the opening day of the Highland League on July 29.
“We will probably give a debut to forwards Robbie Duncanson and Alan MacPhee and we may also field a new right back tomorrow.”