Unhappy Landi fails to land top Caley post

Jan 29 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

Unhappy Landi fails to land top Caley post

ROBERTO Landi has revealed his disappointment at the appointment of Terry Butcher as new Inverness Caley Thistle boss this week.

The Italian, who was sacked by Livingston in December, doesn’t have anything against Butcher, he just wanted the job.

Landi exclusively revealed to the Courier that his agent had been in touch with the Inverness board as he sought a quickfire return to the Scottish game.

However, despite Caley opting for the experience of the ex-Motherwell boss, missing out on the job hasn’t put Landi off seeking a move back to a dugout in this country

He said: “I don’t want to stay at home and I’m very keen to get back to work.

“My agent spoke to Inverness about their vacancy but they chose Terry Butcher instead. But I also have some interest from the Championship in England and it is something I will look at as I want to remain in the UK.”

Landi took the First Division by storm when he swept into the Livingston hot-seat as he steered the Lions to seven wins in their first nine league matches.

The West Lothian club were on top of the pile at the end of the first round of matches before a loss of form and shock Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Third Division East Stirling brought the axe on his time in Scotland.

And Landi admits he is still gutted at seeing his time in the country cut short.

He continued: “I was very disappointed to leave the club as I know they have the power to go on and win the league.

“I hope they still do as the team is competitive and strong.

“I would also like to wish my best regards to the fans as I have received many calls and emails since I left the club offering me support and that was fantastic.

“I follow the results every week and I’m sorry to see the results haven't been so good lately. I loved my time in Livingston and I had a good rapport with the fans and players. In fact I remain in touch with two or three of them.

“I spent six months of my career in Livingston and I always look out for their scores.”

And Landi has revealed he may be back at Almondvale soon but not as boss. Instead he could be back with his chequebook as he admits he would be keen on raiding his former club should he get back into management.

He added: “There are two or three players at the club who are very, very important for my style of football.

“If I got a job somewhere else there then I would try and sign them. I hope next season if I have a new job I can call the chairman and do a deal as their are players there who have a big future in the game.”