article: A statement of intent from the recently appointed Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Richie Foran as he faced the media on Wednesday for the first time since being appointed a month ago. It also hinted at a change in approach from his predecessor John Hughes. "Yes, you want to play attractive football, play the ball out from the back, but when you get into the opposition half I want to go and attack," said Foran. "Our style is going to change a little bit. I want crosses in the box, shots on goal, the crowd up and down off their seats. You want exciting football but it's all about the three points." At 36, Foran is young and untested as a manager but has an impressive air of authority about him; a seriousness that suggests he's determined to succeed. "One message I got from an ex-manager was 'welcome to the asylum' which put a smile on my face," laughed Foran. There weren't too many laughs after that. He was extremely business-like. "I'm sure it's not as bad as that. I'm sure we'll have challenging times. With the squad, the chairman, the board, right behind me I'm sure we can have a good season." Dubliner Foran, who has been at the club since 2009, has a lot to live up to. Hughes won a Scottish Cup in 2015, finished third in the Premiership the same season and got the club into Europe for the first time. Things deteriorated slightly last term, a harsh injury list not helping as Caley finished seventh. The budget available ultimately led to divorce between the previous manager and the club. "There's been a lot of talk about the budget. I'm delighted with the budget," states Foran, kicking that delicate subject into touch. Two further areas stick out. The club appointed Foran on a four-year contract, a tremendous show of faith in a first-time manager. "It was only right of the board to match Richie's commitment to the area and to the club," said Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron. "Since he came in, he's been a tremendous acquisition for this club. It was right the club showed faith in Richie and gave him four years." Foran duly expressed his passion for everything Inverness. It's something he frequently shares and is genuine. "I'm dedicated to the club. It's always been about the club for me, not about Richie Foran. I'm dedicated to the city. I've no interest in leaving the city; my family is born and bred here. "I'm going to spend the rest of my life living here because I'm so dedicated to the place. That probably reflects the four-year deal." A month into the job, one obvious problem might have been how he makes the transition from the dressing room to manager. Without hesitation, Foran states it is not an issue. "You just have to distance yourself, but I've been doing that for the last few years. I haven't played a lot of football with them so you can nearly say I've been retired for a couple of years now.
summary: "My philosophy is win at all costs, simple as that."