David Raven’s Caley Thistle career has been rescued after the defender yesterday signed a new contract which keeps him at the club until 2018.
Raven was on the way out after former manager John Hughes said there would be no new contract for the right back.
The decision was met by dismay from supporters, who named the Liverpudlian as their player of the year, despite him making just 25 appearances in the last campaign.
And following Hughes’ departure on Friday, Caley Jags chairman Kenny Cameron moved swiftly to secure Raven on a two-year contract, with the 31-year-old former Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers player holding the option on the second year.
Although Inverness are on the lookout for a new manager, Raven, who has played more than 100 games for the Highlanders since signing in 2012, had little hesitation in re-signing.
He said: “The support I’ve had over the last few weeks has been amazing and I am extremely pleased to sign again.
“I hope to repay that loyalty with the performances it deserves and I’m now looking forward to the new season with its new challenges.
“If we all stick together – supporters, players and staff – I’ve no doubt we’ll continue to be successful.”
Chairman Cameron was pleased to keep Raven, and said: “The club felt it was important to make David, who is well respected at the club and held in high regard by the supporters, an offer to continue his time in Inverness. We’re delighted he has agreed to stay.”
One player who is not staying on at Caledonian Stadium next season is goalkeeper Dean Brill, who has been released at the end of his contract.
Brill has not played a first team game since suffering a dislocated knee in a 1-1 draw against Celtic last April, which kept him out for 10 months. Although Brill has regained fitness in recent weeks he has been unable to dislodge Wales international Owain Fon Williams, who agreed a three-year contract extension on Monday. Goalkeeper coach Ryan Esson is already under contract, meaning there was no place at the club for Brill who said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Caley Thistle for the past three seasons, two of which were some of my best times on and off the field.
“Last season was tough not being able to play, but I have a huge debt to the club for getting me back fit and ready to play next season, wherever that may be.”
