JOHN ROBERTSON has returned to Inverness Caledonian Thistle as manager, 13 years after guiding the Highland club to their first top-flight promotion.

The Hearts legend joined Caley in 2002 in what was his first senior management role, leading them to the Scottish Premier League before departing for a return to Tynecastle as head coach in November 2004.

Inverness were relegated under Richie Foran last season, finishing bottom of the pile after a disappointing campaign. 

The club announced on Wednesday that Robertson has signed a two-year deal ahead of next season's Ladbrokes Championship campaign as the Highlanders target an immediate return to the top tier. 

Foran left the club at the end of 2016/17, giving Robertson the opportunity to return to management five years on from his last job as East Fife boss.

The 52-year-old will leave Hearts to take up the post, where he has been working as Head of Coach Education along with ambassadorial duties.