Inverness to appoint new manager next week

Alloa manager Paul Hartley has been linked to the Inverness manager's johb. Picture: SNS

Caley Thistle confirmed their recruitment process would move into a fourth week after reports claimed they were set to open talks with Alloa manager Paul Hartley.

Former Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels has also been strongly linked with the role of replacing Terry Butcher.

Duncan Shearer is currently managing the club in a caretaker capacity.

Chairman Kenny Cameron said in a statement: “The candidates we have interviewed have been of high calibre in their presentations, which is most encouraging.

“Others had club commitments which meant they could not meet us until later in the week.

“Over the weekend we will be reducing the list to two people who will then meet the board to close off the process. The appointment will thus be made by the middle of next week.

“This means that Duncan Shearer and Scott Kellacher will continue in charge of the team for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie with Morton at Inverness.”

Alloa chairman Mike Mulraney had earlier refused to comment on speculation regarding Hartley but made clear he would not stand in the former Celtic, Hearts and Scotland midfielder’s way.

Mulraney said: “We never comment on any speculation concerning the future of manager.

“What we will confirm is the long-held stance that should an appropriate club request permission to speak to our manager, we would give consent.”

Hartley led Alloa to promotion in each of his two full seasons in charge and they now sit fifth in the Scottish Championship.