John Hughes and Paul Hartley turn focus on summer recruitment

John Hughes wants to get new signings on board quickly. Picture: SNS Group

Caley Thistle have just eight players signed up for next season, with contracts on offer to Danny Devine, Owain Fon Williams, Aaron Doran, Lewis Horner and Iain Vigurs.

They also pulled out of moves for Partick Thistle trio Stewart Bannigan, Abdul Osman and Steven Lawless, citing a lack of finance.

Dundee, meanwhile, face a fight to keep hold of Paul McGinn, Kane Hemmings and Greg Stewart.

The Dark Blues have also been linked with a move for Hamilton’s departing full-back Ziggy Gordon.

The top six was the target for both sides this season, an aim they missed out on, despite accumulating more points than sixth-placed Ross County.

And, after an impressive 4-0 win which rounded off Inverness’ campaign, Hughes wants to kick on and get his summer business done quickly.

“We want to keep what we’ve got and attract players who can just fit right into that style of play,” said the Caley Thistle boss.

“Recruitment is important. Polworth, Vigurs, Fon Williams will be better for it having had that year under their belt, knowing what’s required.

“So hopefully we can get all the business done and see what’s going about in the summer. It’s a nice way to finish.”

Dundee manager Hartley, meanwhile, says progress is being made on adding to the Dens Park squad. “We created great chances and have just not finished teams off, so it’s something we will look to address next season,” he said.

“We’ve been good in spells this season, really good. At other times we’ve been indifferent and a wee bit inconsistent in terms of a lot of draws.

“We have to look at that and try to strengthen the squad also.

“Hopefully we’re in the process of doing that.”