Mark Ridgers has set his sights on helping Caley Thistle become an established Premiership club again following his move back to the Highlands.
Ridgers has signed a three-year deal with the Highlanders after leaving Partick Thistle and joins attacker George Oakley in committing his future to the club.
Caley Jags supporter Ridgers, whose brother Ally also played for the club, is determined to make an impact at Caledonian Stadium.
The former Hearts goalkeeper will challenge Owain Fon Williams and Ryan Esson for the number one position in the Championship this season.
He said: “Being in Inverness is a bit special, because I know all about the club. I’ve seen Caley Thistle have their glory days as well as their bad days. To help them push back up through the leagues is a big thing for me.
“The whole feeling of enjoying football is being back. There were times when I didn’t know where I was going to go. Yes you want to continue playing but I’m 26 now and I need to look at my family. Hopefully, my performances in the team, given the opportunity, can help the club progress.
“To be able to move here on a three-year deal is massive. It gives me the opportunity to focus fully on football.
“My wife (Emma) is going full time at her work (at Ross County) – she’s settled being around friends and family again. I’ve got that satisfaction of coming home from training and not being on my own; being able to go see my mum, my brothers, my friends. Just doing those things that you enjoy.
“It’s tough being away from home and yes, earning a lot of money does make it a bit easier, but these last two years have been very difficult for me. This stability is huge and allows me to focus on getting Caley Thistle back into the top division.”
Ridgers joins a club which has changed a lot since he used to watch them as a youngster but he is confident promotion is a realistic goal for his side this season.
He said: “The city itself has changed massively and the club has had great success. You can see from top to bottom, the club has been reshaped to get back to the top of Scottish football.
“It’s not going to be easy and I think people need to realise that. It’s the first time in a few years where the team that’s been relegated is not favourites to win the league.
“Dundee United have strengthened, Falkirk were unlucky last year and St Mirren will be up there, hopefully with ourselves.”
