Inverness Athletic are delighted to confirm the appointment of Mike Hall and Niall Stott as the club’s new first team management team.
The pair take the roles on a permanent basis having been in interim charge for the past four matches, overseeing four victories and maintaining a 100% record during that period.
For both Mike and Stotty, the appointment is a continuation of a long association with Athletic rather than the beginning of a new one.
Both have been involved in coaching roles at the club for a number of years and already know the players, the club and the standards expected within it.
Mike has been part of a successful management team throughout his time with Athletic, initially working with the club’s now defunct Under 20 side before moving on to the amateur team. That group enjoyed plenty of success together, winning both league and cup trophies before Mike later became involved with the first team setup.
Stotty is now into his sixth year with Athletic and has become a hugely important figure around the club during that time. His contribution has gone well beyond the training pitch, with his commitment and willingness to help wherever required making him a vital cog in the Athletic machine as the club has continued to grow.
When the first team position became vacant, Mike and Stotty were asked to take responsibility for the squad while the committee considered the longer term direction of the team.
Four games and four wins later, the pair have made an impressive start. More importantly, they have provided stability and continuity for the squad during a period of change and have now been given the opportunity to build on that start.
Chairman Sandy Stephen said:
“We are delighted that Mike and Stotty have agreed to take charge of the first team.
“We asked them to look after things for the last four games and they have done a fantastic job in steadying things, which allowed the committee the time to make sure that our next appointment was the correct one.
“In that time the guys have overseen four wins and have done a fantastic job. They thoroughly deserve the opportunity to continue the great foundations they have already laid.
“Both of them know Inverness Athletic inside out. They understand the club, the players and what we are trying to build here, and that was hugely important to us.
“We are delighted that they have accepted the roles and we look forward to seeing where the guys can take the squad this season and beyond.”
Mike and Stotty said:
“We are delighted to be appointed as the new management team of Inverness Athletic.
“We know the club extremely well, we know the expectations here and it is an exciting time to be part of everything that is happening at Athletic.
“We were initially asked to look after the team for four games while the committee decided on the best way forward, which we were more than happy to do. But we both wanted the opportunity to take the job on permanently, so we are delighted that the committee has put its trust in us.
“The start has obviously been positive with four wins, but we know there is a lot of football still to be played and plenty of work ahead of us. We have a good group of players here and we are looking forward to getting to work and seeing what we can achieve together.”
Mike and Stotty will now lead the first team into the next stage of the season, beginning with Wednesday night’s North of Scotland Cup tie against holders Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park.
Congratulations, Mike and Stotty.
