Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran believes he has the experience necessary to ensure the club returns to Scotland’s top flight at the first time of asking.
Foran’s side was relegated on Saturday, despite ending the season with a 3-2 victory against Motherwell, and will be playing Championship football next season.
The Irishman was part of the Caley Jags team that was demoted from the top flight in 2009 but won promotion the following season under manager Terry Butcher.
Aberdeen players Adam Rooney and Jonny Hayes were members of that Inverness side that bounced back immediately, finishing 12 points above runners-up Dundee, and Foran wants to be given the opportunity to emulate that achievement.
He said: “There was a real togetherness in 2009. I was part of that. I could have jumped ship as my contract was up and I had two teams in the Premiership who wanted to take me but I would have regretted it. I felt guilty – I was part of the problem back then in getting us relegated and I wanted to be part of the solution.
“I was able to help out. I want to do the same again next season.
“You need a togetherness and a smaller squad. You need everyone fighting for the same cause.”
Foran’s future is expected to be resolved by tomorrow but the Dubliner hopes he is given the chance to make amends after a disappointing first season in management.
He said: “I want to be here and build new foundations.
“I want to build a squad around me that I trust.
“It is so important having that trust and not gambling on players. I probably gambled on too many this season.”
A large section of the Inverness support directed anger towards chairman Kenny Cameron and his board during Saturday’s match against Motherwell at Caledonian Stadium.
Foran was sympathetic towards the supporters and their show of dissent during the final game of the season but insisted the board was not to blame for the team’s poor campaign.
He added: “It’s understandable – I want to thank the supporters who were very patient. They could have turned a long time ago. They mentioned the board but it’s nothing to do with them.
“It’s all about me and the players. We got the club relegated and we’ll get the club promoted next season.”
