He knew about the grit and determination of the Caley Thistle players. Now John Hughes also knows all about their quality.
The manager took his squad for training for the first time yesterday in testing and difficult conditions at Fort George. It was quickly clear he has come to the right place.
He said: “I’ve talked a lot about spirit, enthusiasm and togetherness with players, but this morning I was watching the players at work and the talent was there in abundance.
“It was four seasons in the space of 20 minutes at training but you know what? I couldn’t take the smile off my face.
“I turned around and saw the goalkeepers rolling about covered in mud and I saw the players putting in a great shift and I realised it was fantastic to be back.
“The training said to me no matter what the weather we roll our sleeves up and get stuck in. Fort George was better than what most clubs have and I won’t knock it.
“There are clubs today who didn’t train due to the weather but we were out there working hard and it tells me everything about this group of players.”
Hughes, who has decided to take a watching brief from the stands at St Mirren tomorrow, reiterated his belief tinkering with a successful approach is not required as he prepares for his managerial debut.
He knows exactly what he is going to get from his team against Danny Lennon’s side and the more pressing task was learning names.
Hughes said: “My biggest challenge right now is trying to pick up the names and get myself up to speed with who everybody is and what job they do.
“My whole mindset between now and Saturday is putting the players out in a positive frame of mind and ensuring they go out and play.”