John Hughes ‘disappointed’ not to speak to United

Inverness manager John Hughes admits he was disappointed not to be allowed to speak to Dundee United – but he is happy to keep realising his ambitions in the Highlands.

Inverness CT manager John Hughes. Picture: SNS Group

Caley Thistle rebuffed United’s official approach in October and quickly set about new contract talks with Hughes, which came to fruition on Tuesday when he signed a two-year extension beyond the summer.

Hughes said: “I was always happy here. There were one or two things that I think could have been handled a little bit better, and they might have had a little more trust. I can look after myself.

“I am always intrigued to see what other people are doing and what other clubs are doing. And I have always been taught in the classroom to listen to what people have got to say.

“So I was a wee bit disappointed that they never let me go to speak to Dundee United. That doesn’t mean to say I was going to go. It’s never been about money for me, it’s about coaching, getting the best out of people and creating an environment where people like to be.”

Hughes, who has led Inverness to two top-four finishes and the William Hill Scottish Cup in two years, said: “This has been a remarkable story and I don’t know if you can get any better than what we have done.

“I’m asking myself if we can keep moving it forward and I think 100 per cent [we can]. I’m staying here for two more years and I want to keep proving people wrong. That’s always been my fuel, that fear of failure.

“If someone is determined to keep you, sometimes you need to know where your bread is buttered. You are better with the devil you know sometimes.”

Hughes now turns his attention to Saturday’s game against Hearts at Tynecastle.