The notion you should never return to an old club is one Caley Thistle manager John Robertson is well placed to dismiss.
Robertson will today come up against Partick Thistle counterpart Ian McCall, who earlier this week opted to leave Ayr United in order to return for a second spell in charge of the Jags.
Robertson himself is in his second stint at Caledonian Stadium, having returned in 2017 after guiding Caley Jags to top-flight promotion whilst first in charge 13 years previously.
The Caley Jags boss knows McCall has a similar affinity with the Firhill club, and reckons he will make a quick impact following the dismissal of Gary Caldwell.
Robertson said: “People say you should never go back – but I don’t get that.
“I knew what I was coming to here, and Ian knows what he’s going to at Partick.
“He’s from the area – he knows the club, the people and the staff, as well as the ins and outs of what is happening behind the scenes.
“It will be a very easy fit for Thistle and a very quick one. There is absolutely no doubt he will hit the ground running.
“It’s a shame for Ayr because he has done such a stellar job, but that tends to be what happens.
“It probably shows what Ian feels in his mind the potential of Partick Thistle is.
“I’m sure he will have his lads fired up and ready to try and start climbing the table. We have just got to make sure it doesn’t happen this weekend.”
McCall took charge of Thistle for Wednesday’s 5-0 Betfred Cup quarter-final defeat to Celtic, however Robertson reckons the former Dundee United boss will view today’s Caledonian Stadium encounter as more significant.
He added: “Ian has already said that this weekend’s game is far more important than the cup-tie. I totally believe that.
“I think he will freshen it up. I think he had that in mind on Wednesday. He left three or four lads out, and I’m pretty sure he will bring them back to freshen his team.
“It gives him a good look at what he has got, although I think he will know that anyway.
“We all know the squads that others work with in this division, but I’m sure he will bring a fresh approach and impetus to Thistle.
“He will come with an attacking intent, that’s the way he plays. He was very successful with Ayr, and I’m sure he will be with Partick.”
