Scottish Cup-winning boss John Hughes is keen to help new Caley Thistle head coach Scott Kellacher.
The duo worked together when Inverness lifted the national silverware nine years ago.
Hughes is “extremely sorry” to see the Highlanders go through administration in their fight for survival.
Kellacher, 43, was handed the job last week after administrators showed Duncan Ferguson the door, alongside assistant Gary Bollan and keeper coach Stuart Garden.
Hit by a 15-point SPFL punishment, long-time first-team coach Kellacher’s debut game at the helm ended in a bold display but a 3-1 defeat at Dumbarton on Saturday.
It leaves basement side ICT 15 points behind second bottom Dumbarton 11 games into the season.
This weekend, they are home to Kelty Hearts, and wins are needed without delay to haul their rivals in.
Defenders Wallace Duffy and Flynn Duffy and strikers Adam Brooks and Cameron Ferguson were released as part of cost-cutting measures by administrators BDO. Loanee goalkeeper Jack Newman has also returned to Dundee United.
Kellacher was ‘destined to land job’
Hughes believes Kellacher has more than earned the chance to lead the club as they look to avoid demotion to League Two.
He said: “Just because Kell is a born and raised Invernessian, he’s not an easy target.
“He was always destined to get the job one day.
“He’s got it now because the club is in administration, but he maybe could have had it before now.
“Just because he’s not a big-name manager doesn’t give anyone the right to say he’s not the man for Inverness. He deserves this shot.
“He’s won the Scottish Cup and helped take us into the Europa League.
“I think big Duncan and his staff would probably say if anyone deserved the job it would be Kell. He’s the best man.
“I am going to be going along to an Inverness game in the coming weeks and if I can do anything to help Scott, I’ll do it. I think so highly of him.
“He’s a good mate of mine, and I have already spoken to him. I told him if I can help him or the club in any way at all, I’ll be there.
“His hands are tied, but I think they’ve still got a sneaky chance of staying up.”
Hughes insists Kellacher has earned his way to head coach role
Former Celtic defender Hughes, 60, has bossed Falkirk, Hibs, ICT and Ross County amid others in his long career.
He believes Kellacher stands beside anyone he’s worked with over the decades.
He said: “Trust me, there is no better man to take on this job than Scott.
“He’s been there a long time, and he knows what the club is all about.
“He played a massive part in us winning the Scottish Cup. As soon as I arrived at the club, I could see how good he was.
“His people skills are second to none. He’s always got a smile on his face and he’s always enthusiastic.
“He’s honestly one of the best coaches I have worked with in all my years.
“If he doesn’t know the answers, he’ll ask, because he always wants to learn. He wants to understand it, so come Saturday, he knows what he’s looking for.
“He has been alongside a lot of managers and will know the do’s and don’ts.”
Kellacher must be own man
Hughes reckons Kellacher should have belief in what he’s capable of in his own right as the blueprint for success.
He added: “My advice to him would be to be his own man.
“Yes, he is positive, and he could laugh at himself at times.
“He’s also no one’s mug. He knows what the game’s all about. He can kick backsides when needed.
“At times, because his training sessions are spot-on, I’d take a back seat and let him take some sessions.
“Players came off afterwards, but they wanted to stay on and get more from him.
“He’s a top-quality coach and a great communicator.
“And if he’s got something to say, he’ll say it. He won’t let things fester for two or three weeks. Get it said, deal with it and move on. He never holds a grudge.”
Kellacher needs full backing of Caley Jags support
Hughes had a message for the Inverness fans following a difficult period for the club off the pitch.
He said: “This is now a call to arms for everyone at Inverness. It’s all for one and one for all.
“If you’re a supporter of this football club, this is where you stand up and be counted.
“I urge every Inverness supporter to get right behind Scott and his team.
“It’s all right to support your team when they win every week, but when your club needs you, like now for Inverness, that’s when fans should grab their mate and get them along to back this team now.
“We want big numbers to come out and back the team, starting against Kelty this weekend.
“I was so desperate for Scott and his team to get a result on Saturday.
“I read reports saying they were the better team and that’s something to build on.
“He might want to play total football, but he needs to get results.
“It doesn’t matter how they do it.”
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