Inverness unveil Christie as boss

Charlie Christie has led the team to three straight wins

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have appointed their former player and lottery manager, Charlie Christie, as their new head coach.

The 39-year-old former midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half year contract and will take former Caley Thistle assistant Donald Park as number two.

Chairman David Sutherland said: "Together, they bring commitment and continuity to the club.

"And we hope they can continue progress made under previous incumbents."

Christie succeeds Craig Brewster, who moved to Dundee United earlier this month.

Former Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist turned down a late approach and ex-Plymouth boss Bobby Williamson was also on the shortlist.

And Christie insists the attempt to bring McCoist to the Caledonian Stadium has not undermined his position.

It's a milestone for the city and the supporters Caley Thistle chairman David Sutherland

"Anything that raises the profile of this football club is a huge positive and certainly Ally McCoist coming here would have done that.

"It would have been a case of working alongside Ally which I would have been delighted to do and I certainly wasn't being cast aside for him.

"I have met the man and he is an absolute gentleman and a legend in Scottish football, but because of his commitments including his family, Ally decided it wasn't to be."

Christie enhanced his chances by by guiding the team to wins over Livingston, Ayr and Falkirk as caretaker manager.

And Sutherland believes he has found the right man to take the club on.

"We had a very robust spate of applications for the job, which is a sign of how far we have come," said Sutherland.

"We're delighted to have Charlie, with Donald at his side. This is the blend approach I flagged up from the start - enthusiasm and an old head.

"It's a milestone for the city and the supporters that an Inverness lad who came through the Highland League and has been connected with Caley Thistle as player and coach since its formation has now risen to command the top footballing position at the club."