Barry Wilson is convinced Hearts legend John Robertson should resist the temptation of a Premiership return with Livingston – unless financial trouble looms at Inverness.
The Caley Thistle manager is believed to be on Livi’s radar after David Hopkin’s end-of-season resignation.
Celtic greats Henrik Larsson and John Hartson, currently an Almondvale coach, have also been strongly linked with the vacancy, although the Swede has reportedly knocked back the opportunity.
Robbo, who rebuilt the Caley Thistle squad after relegation to the Championship under Richie Foran, suffered a terrible start to his first managerial job in six years.
But after steadying the ship, the 53-year-old eventually guided the resurgent Highlanders to within a whisker of the Premiership play-offs while winning the IRN-BRU Cup.
Wilson, a past player of both clubs and good friend of his former manager, knows Robertson would have a massive decision to make if the West Lothian club asked him to take charge for a second time.
But he stressed: “I was surprised when I saw the link as I thought John would be firmly settled – and I think he is. If I was in his position, I would stay.
“But I don’t know what is going on behind the scenes at Inverness. It always tends to be two steps forward, one step back. There are always struggles of some sort, whether financial or political.
“As I see it, the only way he would be tempted to leave was if he felt matters, behind the scenes, were so wrong he couldn’t manage.”
Caley Thistle deny there has been any approach for the man who first guided them into the top league in 2004.
Wilson said: “I spoke to John and he thought it was just talk. He has heard John Hartson is hot favourite.
“I can’t say how he is thinking but I’d be surprised if he took it. He is pretty settled.
“Caley Thistle gave him a job when, yes, he had a football role at Hearts but he wasn’t in management. At the time, it was a total surprise.
“I hope for Caley Thistle’s sake he stays because I think he has done a really good job in very trying circumstances.
“He was flung in mid-break and had to try to put together 13 new signings and get them functioning within a short number of weeks.
“Only someone like Robbo, with his extensive contacts, could have done it, reaching the levels they did on that kind of budget.
“Friendship aside, I really thought he did a remarkable job winning the Challenge Cup and going within a goal of the play-offs.
“He seems to be building something good. A bit of the old team spirit is back.
“Obviously, losing Iain Vigurs to Ross County is going to be a massive blow, but it is a chance for someone like Liam Polworth to show he is top dog.”
