Fresh from winning the League and (Challenge) Cup double. Caley Thistle have won yet another one with John Robertson being named the Bell's Manager of the Year, and Paul Ritchie winning the Bell's Player of the Year trophies. Caley Thistle win another Double

Fresh from winning the League and (Challenge) Cup double. Caley Thistle have won yet another one with John Robertson being named the Bell's Manager of the Year, and Paul Ritchie winning the Bell's Player of the Year trophies.

RobboRobbo, faced a tough task when he came to the club in December 2002. Many thought he had no chance of emulating the success of Steve Paterson who had steered the club to the top of the league and overcome Celtic at Parkhead on that famous night in February 2000.

The first few months under Robbo saw the club slip from pole position in the league, but also saw us overcome Celtic again, this time at Caledonian stadium, enroute to a semi-final showdown with Dundee at Hampden. Still yet some supporters said he was only riding on the coat-tails of a squad and team spirit that Steve Paterson had built.

Season 2003/04 has put paid to the doubters with John Robertson not only emulating Steve Paterson's success but also exceeding the expectations of all but the most optomistic fans. Losing quality players such as Dennis Wyness and Barry Robson was never going to make the job easy but he began to mould his squad by bringing in quality players such as David Bingham and Barry Wilson.

The season couldnt have worked out better ... Bell's Challenge Cup Winners, Scottish Cup semi-finalists again, and finally Division One Champions on the brink of an SPL membership. Does anyone now doubt that John and his equally important assistant Donald Park have what it takes ?

Now for the adventure that is the SPL .... we are sure .... Robbo is Ready !!!

Paul Ritchie

Paul Ritchie took a long time to win over the fans at Caledonian Stadium, and was maybe overshadowed in previous seasons by the scoring exploits of Dennis Wyness. This partnership produced a bucketload of goals as Caley Thistle outscored every other team in the SFL ... but it was Dennis who got the plaudits, and Paul was perhaps 'the forgotten man' with some supporters. His knowledge of the game, and understanding with Dennis ensured that he was responsible for a large number of Dennis' goals.

With the departure of Denzil, many looked to his replacement, Steven Hislop, to be the main striker this season. However, injury has plagued Hissy and it was Paul who made the massive contribution to taking Caley Thistle to the SPL with a total of 24 goals for the season.

As we celebrate the achievement of raising our game to the next level in the SPL, Paul will instead be heading in the other direction with a part-time playing role at Brechin City that enables him to work in his 'After Football' chosen profession of Accountancy.

It however, doesnt take an accountant to add everything up and know that Paul is the Player of the Year for the Bells First Division. Well Done Paul, and GOOD LUCK.