Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has warned the Inverness board must dig deep again in order to avoid another campaign of disappointment.
The club’s performance was this week criticised by chairman Kenny Cameron, who is frustrated at missing out on a top-six finish despite backing Hughes with the club’s biggest playing budget to date.
Hughes has continually spoken of his frustration at the loss of numerous key players such as Graeme Shinnie, Marley Watkins and Ryan Christie who all left in the last 12 months.
Hughes wants to bring in players of a similar standard this summer, but warned he must be given the money.
He said: “The board have certainly backed me this season. Next season, I think we have to move the club on.
“We either stagnate or we go on, and to move forward I think we need to bring in a better quality of player to the club.
“If we get that extra place in the league and get up as high as we can, hopefully that extra bit of finance might come our way to go out and get the quality players.
“After the success of last year, too many good players have left the club. We need to use the success we had last year, because I think the standard of player has dropped a little bit.
“I want to take the standard back up and drive the club on, to keep getting us back into cup finals and the top six.
“For the first time in our history we took the club into Europe, but why do it once and sit back and rest on our laurels?
“We want to do it every year – that’s the standard we set. To do that, we need to bring a better quality of player to the club.”
At the top of Hughes’ list of priorities is a new deal for midfielder Greg Tansey, despite him being under contract until 2017.
The Englishman attracted interest from Premiership rivals Aberdeen in February, with the Dons having a £200,000 bid rejected despite believing the offer triggered a release clause in his contract.
Hughes wants to end interest in his player by securing him on a long-term contract, but says there has been no progress. He added: “I thought Greg would have been well down the line by now. Having spoken to him the other day, I’m really surprised we’ve not spoken to him.
“I said three weeks ago that’s my priority, so let’s get that tied up. I think it’s imperative we keep Greg.”
Hughes yesterday picked up the manager of the month award for April, having guided Caley Jags to three wins from five games.
The manager was relieved the run helped his side avoid being dragged into contention for the relegation play-off spot, which Kilmarnock are now guaranteed, and he added: “That form came at the right time and it was down to consistency in performance and selection.
“The lack of injuries has helped but I still think we’re a bit short.”
