Ross Tokely feels Caley Thistle have sent out the right message by tying manager John Robertson down on a new contract.
Robertson earlier this week agreed a deal which keeps him at the Caledonian Stadium until 2023, having only had 12 months remaining on his previous contract.
The 55-year-old has enjoyed a successful second stint at Caley Jags since returning in 2017, leading the Highlanders to second in the Championship before last season was cut short.
Other clubs have been credited with an interest in Robertson, with his former club Hearts linked with a move should they part with manager Daniel Stendel following their relegation to the second-tier.
Former Inverness defender Tokely believes the Highlanders have made a shrewd move by agreeing a new deal with Robertson.
Tokely said: “It gives them a bit of stability. If your manager is tied up that sets up the platform for the club.
“It shows a good bit of faith in John because I think he has done well in a difficult period after taking over from Richie Foran.
“If Hearts are maybe taking a bit of interest it also backs that away and gives the club and players a bit of respite knowing the manager is tied up for the next three years.
“It’s a good message to the supporters.”
The collapse of league reconstruction talks to expand the Premiership means Inverness will now be planning for a fourth successive Championship campaign, with a shortened 27-game season scheduled to start in October.
Tokely feels a strong start will be key to Caley Jags’ promotion hopes, adding: “The championship is going to be a difficult league with the likes of Dundee, who will spend a bit more, while Hearts are down, so it will be a tougher test to get out of it.
“With the league being shorter, it’s important to get off to a very good start and get out of the blocks nice and sharp.”
