James Vincent says the euphoria created by his 2015 Scottish Cup final winner has made him hungry for more success in his second spell with Caley Thistle.
Vincent yesterday rejoined Inverness on a two-year deal, three years after the Englishman departed Caledonian Stadium to join Dundee.
The Englishman went down in Caley Jags’ folklore when he came off the bench to net the decisive late goal in Inverness’ 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Hampden Park four years ago, securing the club’s first major silverware.
Vincent reflects on his first spell at Caley Jags as being the happiest days of his playing career, making it an easy decision for the 29-year-old to return.
Vincent said: “The best football I’ve played in my career was at Inverness and it was the happiest I’ve been, on and off the field.
“I’m delighted to come back and hopefully we can achieve some success again.
“The Scottish Cup final was great for the club. It is one of those moments that is always mentioned.
“You don’t forget it, but whenever it is brought up and you see clips of it, it was such a special day, especially given how many fans we took down there.
“It was remarkable for everyone and myself, my family, the fans. It is going to be one of those days we always remember.
“For myself, it created an emotional attachment with the club that never leaves you. Sometimes you play for clubs and they are just a club.
“But I have that attachment here. My daughters were born in the city, so it is fantastic. I’ve friends here already and lots of good people I know.
“It’s good for me coming to a place I enjoy and, hopefully, it will bring out the best in me again.”
Vincent was initially brought to Inverness from Kidderminster Harriers by Terry Butcher in 2013, netting five goals in 69 appearances while the club were in the Premiership.
Vincent is determined to help John Robertson’s men reclaim their top-flight status, adding: “Sometimes teams take knocks in football, but with the infrastructure here and the way the management are doing their business, they’ve improved every year.
“The aim this year is to improve again and hopefully win promotion – and take the club back to where we want it to be.”
Despite being frozen out by previous Dundee boss Neil McCann, spending the last 18 months on loan with Dunfermline, Vincent has no regrets about the move to Tayside.
He added: “Dundee was a strange one for me. I was happy at the time – it was a good move – but Paul Hartley left and the new manager wanted his own team.
“Sometimes, that just happens in football, like any walk of life. He shipped out a lot of us.
“I went out and played football at Dunfermline and got back to enjoying it again. I’m coming back with the same mindset to do as well as we can.”
