Iain Vigurs has revealed a surprise visit from Ross County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell persuaded him to rejoin the Staggies.
The pair were team-mates during Vigurs’s first spell at County and when Kettlewell turned up unannounced at his house, he was persuaded that it was the right move for him.
The midfielder came close to signing on again with Caley Thistle, who had offered him a three-year contract plus a testimonial, but chose to go back over the Kessock Bridge and sign for two years with Staggies as they begin rebuilding for life in the Championship.
His close relationship with Kettlewell – they won the Challenge Cup in 2011 and the First Division title together under manager Derek Adams – made his mind up that he had to represent County again.
Vigurs said: “It was the minute Ketts actually came to my house – that’s when I knew I was going to move over the bridge. Up to that point, I was close to signing on again with Inverness but I just couldn’t turn this down.
“He just showed up out of the blue. He rang my doorbell, no text or anything beforehand. I opened it and said ‘what are you doing here?’
“He is a persuasive guy. County have always been my club and him coming to my door obviously helped a lot in me making up my mind. I chatted a few times with him and then chatted with Roy MacGregor, the chairman. There was only ever really going to be one outcome.”
There is a feeling of County getting the band back together, with Michael Gardyne also re-signing for a year and Richard Brittain now County’s reserve-team manager. Both were also in the cup-winning and promotion teams as the Staggies made their way to the top flight for the first time.
Vigurs added: “I arrived at the same time as Ketts first time around, signing at the same time. Steven Ferguson was coach there. I know them inside out and they know me. They know what kind of player I am and how to handle me – I think – which is handy.
“Once I signed, I said to Ketts ‘does that mean I have to call you gaffer now?’ I don’t know how I’ll do that but I’m delighted for both getting the job. I think they’re the right pair for it.”
