George Oakley says the opportunity to renew his link with new Hamilton Accies head coach Brian Rice proved too strong resist after leaving Caley Thistle in a late deadline day move last night.
Forward Oakley last night joined Accies on an 18-month deal, with Inverness receiving an undisclosed fee for the Englishman, whose contract was due to expire this summer.
The 23-year-old previously worked under former Caley Jags assistant Rice, who was only yesterday appointed as Martin Canning’s successor at New Douglas Park following a six-month stint on the coaching staff at St Mirren.
Oakley, who netted 17 goals in 63 appearances after joining Inverness from AFC Wimbledon in 2017, hopes to hit the ground running under Rice.
He said: “One of the big things that made me come here was the manager. “He’s a very passionate guy who loves football and loves to win.
“He’s a good guy who gets you going. On the field he’s a serious guy but sometimes you need that – he wants everything perfect. He will help this club.
“I’m looking forward to it – it’s another step in my career that I’ve been wanting. I needed another push in my career and he’s going to help me towards that. In myself I know I have the ability, so it’s now about going out there to prove I can do it in the top league in Scotland.”
