'Pretty overwhelming' - Inverness CT chief Scot Gardiner on support for Hearts legend John Robertson

Inverness CT chief executive Scot Gardiner has said the support for the club’s manager John Robertson has been “pretty overwhelming”.

Inverness manager and Hearts legend John Robertson and ICT's CEO Scot Gardiner at Tynecastle. Picture: Ross Parker / SNS Group

It was confirmed on Monday the Hearts legend had been given compassionate leave following a recent family bereavement.

Robertson has been given as much time as required and can return when he feels ready.

Inverness CT, who play one of their many games in hand this evening, are being managed by first-team coach Barry Wilson and goalkeeping coach Ryan Esson with assistant manager Scott Kellacher also having been given leave due to illness.

“We've had messages from many people who know John but a lot more from people that don’t," Gardiner told the BBC.

"From club chairmen in the Championship and beyond. It’s been pretty overwhelming.

I spoke to John’s wife this morning and spoke to John this afternoon and he’s completely aware of it and very thankful.

"It shows when it really matters everyone can behave appropriately and they’ve gone above and beyond, everyone who has contacted us and it's much appreciated.

“The right thing is the right thing, no matter what and the various boards of Inverness over the years have had a reputation for doing the right thing and it’s no different now.

He added: “With regards to John, he's not done anything wrong, Scott Kellachar didn't do anything wrong, so we have to stand by them.

"Both are amazing people, they are both well loved and highly regarded throughout the game other than to do what we’re doing. It's nice to be credited for it but really it’s the right thing.”