Former Caley Thistle midfielder Barry Wilson believes an experienced assistant will be crucial if Richie Foran is named Inverness’ next manager.
Foran is the favourite to succeed John Hughes, who left the Highlanders on Friday following a dispute with chairman Kenny Cameron.
Midfielder Foran assisted with coaching duties during an absence of more than a year with a knee injury, and recently gained his Uefa A licence required to manage a professional club.
Wilson, who made nearly 300 appearances in two spells with Caley Jags, reckons Foran’s lack of experience could be offset by the appointment of an experienced number two.
He said: “Caley Thistle could go for somebody such as Richie with an experienced assistant manager, which would make sense financially.
“He would come off the playing wage bill and create a budget for himself.
“They could go for someone who’s got more experience.
“Inexperience could count against Richie, but if he got the right man in as his assistant, somebody with experience such as Donald Park or Maurice Malpas, he could guide him through the tough parts of the job and it might work.
“The board will know the respect the players have got for Richie. It was similar when Charlie Christie took the job. He had been injured for about a season, but when he took over he got a response from the players.
“It’s a crucial time for the club, and they have got to get this one right.
“The club has a fantastic record in appointing good managers.
“Apart from Craig Brewster going back the second time there have not really been any mistakes.
“Other than that they have a great record in picking managers, so it’s going to be an interesting one.”
Hughes’ departure comes after several weeks of dispute with chairman Cameron about next season’s budget.
Wilson feels it is important Hughes’ time in charge is remembered for the right reasons and said: “He did a fantastic job. I know he took over and they were already in the semi-final of the League Cup, so he was contributing to Terry Butcher’s reign.
“But he still got them to the final, and they finished the season well.
“They had a fantastic season last year in winning the cup, a lot of Inverness supporters would never have thought that was possible, and he also finished third in the league as well.
“It has certainly been no disaster, but maybe it’s a good time for fresh ideas.”
