The imminent departure of Caley Thistle manager John Hughes could pave the way for club captain Richie Foran to step into a player-manager role with the Highlanders.
Hughes is on the verge of leaving Inverness after a fallout with chairman Kenny Cameron, with the Caley Jags board working on a severance package to end his contract which expires in 2018.
The pair are believed to no longer be on speaking terms after a dispute about the playing budget for next season which has lasted several weeks and Hughes’ departure could be confirmed later today.
Cameron will be tasked with finding a replacement for Hughes, who only 12 months ago led Caley Thistle to their most successful season as they lifted the Scottish Cup and finished third in the Premiership to secure European football for the first time.
Veteran midfielder Foran is certain to be a frontrunner for the job, despite the 35-year-old still having a year left on his playing contract.
Foran has previously spoken of his desire to move into management, although he remains determined to play his part on the field, and recently indicated he would actively seek a loan move away from Caledonian Stadium if he were not given assurances he would get more game time, having made just 11 appearances this term.
The Irishman spent more than a year on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in a 2-1 defeat by Dundee United in March 2014, but helped out with coaching duties during his rehabilitation and began work on his Uefa A licence towards the end of last year.
Should Foran be handed the job there could be fresh hope of a new deal for defender David Raven, who was not been offered a new contract by Hughes. News of Raven’s release was met by dismay from Caley Jags supporters, who named the right back as their player of the year
despite not starting since February. Speaking after Inverness’ 4-0 win against Dundee on Saturday, Foran paid tribute to the 31-year-old, who famously netted the winning goal against Celtic to take the Highlanders to the Scottish Cup final.
Foran said: “He’s been a stalwart – a great ambassador for the club, on and off the park. Obviously, it doesn’t look like he’s staying, which is disappointing, but it is all part of football. Players come and go.
“I’ve been there myself. I’ve been let go by clubs and it’s nothing personal. It’s business at the end of the day.
“The club will move on and, hopefully, David will move on to better things as well.”
