New Peterhead manager David Robertson felt the challenge of managing the Blue Toon was one he could not turn down.
The former Aberdeen and Rangers defender was announced as the replacement for Jim McInally on Tuesday, signing a deal until the summer of 2025.
Robertson had spent five years managing in India with Real Kashmir, taking a newly-formed club into the top-flight for the first time.
These accomplishments were achieved amid numerous off-field challenges, given Kashmir’s place in a disputed region in the north of India.
He finished there in May and returned to his native Aberdeen. While it was a surprise to see the Peterhead job become available, he jumped at the chance to go for it.
“I love a challenge – I’m not someone to shy away from a hard task,” said Robertson.
“It’s a fantastic club and a very loyal club. Jim (McInally) was here for 11 years and rightly so.
“I’ve been here many times; my son used to play here, my family are from here. But the main thing is you’re back involved in Scottish football.
“It’s very close to where I live and I’m very fortunate that my full focus will be on the team. I don’t have another job and will be as prepared as much as I can.
‘Football is a drug’
“Football is a drug. When you’re out of it, it’s great for a while but there’s something missing. That’s why I’ve been all over the world.
“When I go into something, I’m 120 per cent into it and will give everything I’ve got. The experiences I’ve got will really help me.”
Robertson’s son Mason played for the Blue Toon during the 2017-18 season and followed him out to India.
His only previous experience managing in Scottish football came more than 15 years ago, with Elgin City and a brief stint at Montrose.
He takes on the job with Peterhead bottom of League One but with time on his side to get the team heading in the right direction.
“When you come into a job, it’s not often you come in when they’re flying high,” said Robertson. “We’re in a position that’s a challenge and it’s one I want to take on.
“I’ve watched a number of games – I’m well-versed with what I’m taking on but I see a lot of good things here.
“There’s reasons I’ve got why I think the club is where it is. There’s been a lot of injuries, players have come in late and there was no continuity in the team.
“There were injuries in the line-up you could have done without.
“It’s a case of instilling a bit of confidence in the team. I came to the Dunfermline game and there was nothing between the two teams.
“It’s not so much a case of turning it around. We’re not even half-way through the season yet, so there’s a lot of points to play for and teams will take points off each other.
“The main focus is Saturday. It’s the old cliché, one game at a time, and I’m sure the players know that whenever you step on the field, it’s going to be a challenge.
“We need a lot of players with mental toughness, because things have gone against them this season. But from what I’ve seen there is fight and it’s a pretty good squad when everyone is fit.”
