veteran midfielder can look to the future after contemplating end of his career with Caley Thistle
Brewster rewards Wilson with a six-month contract
Published:
Caley Thistle midfielder Barry Wilson had resigned himself to leaving the Highland club in January but has convinced manager Craig Brewster to hand him a new six-month deal.
The 36-year-old veteran spent a month on loan at First Division St Johnstone in March after drifting out of the first-team picture at Caledonian Stadium. He returned to Inverness refreshed and eager to win a new contract in his testimonial year.
Brewster immediately put him back into his starting 11 and Wilson has been the side’s best performer in the last five games, scoring twice.
The former Raith Rovers and Livingston player said: “Anything was a bonus. Two months ago I was contemplating the end of my Caley Thistle career, so it was great news to get a new contract. Six months gives the club a chance to look at me and I think it is a good deal for both parties.
“I know people will think a year would be better, but there are scenarios where six months is better for me.
“If I wasn’t playing for example and the team was doing well and I could not get a game you do not want to be sitting watching games. I am hopeful I will come back, do well and come Christmas time we can extend it to the end of the season.
“I had not been playing and I was out on loan and you have to be realistic and say the future certainly wasn’t bright.
“Going on loan gave me a kick-start and when I was away the results here were not great which made it possible for the manager to put me back into the team when I returned.
“I think I have played reasonably well and managed to keep my place and chipped in with a couple of goals.
“It was important to get the deal in my testimonial year and it would have been far from ideal to have been away from the club and to come back for a swansong.”
Brewster confirmed Caley Jags will travel to Denmark for a pre-season training camp from Sunday, July 20, to Sunday, July 27. Inverness will be based near Copenhagen at the home of FC Nordsjaelland and will play two games against Danish league opposition. FC Nordsaelland are managed by former Celtic and Dundee player Morten Wieghorst.
Caley Thistle have arranged pre-season friendlies against Ross County on Tuesday, July 15, in Inverness, and against St Johnstone on Saturday, July 19, also at home.
