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John Robertson returns as manager

Welcome home Robbo!
 
Inverness Caledonian Thistle have announced that their new manager will be a familiar face. It's thirteen years since he last managed at the Caledonian Stadium but he's back.
It's Robbo who has emerged from the silence of the boardroom to be named as the man given the task of getting Inverness back into the Premiership, something he achieved thirteen years ago.

John Robertson has been here before and was in charge when we were promoted to the top league in 2004, but not before some ammendments to the rules that saw stadium criteria altered in favour of smaller clubs, much to the annoyance of Partick Thistle at the time who were set to benefit from these archaic rules.
Robertson began his full managerial career at Inverness in 2002 before returning to Tynecastle two years later having got Inverness promoted to the Scottish Premier League in season 2003/2004, when we pipped Clyde on the final day to send the helicopter flying North to Inverness with the silverware. What a day that was! 
He was lured to Tynecastle in November 2005, but when the new regime arrived, Robbo was deemed surplus to requirements. After leaving Hearts in 2005 amid the management takeover, Robertson had short spells at Ross County, Livingston and Derry City.
Robbo took over at Bayview in 2010. The highlight of his tenure at Methil saw East Fife knock Aberdeen out of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties.
Robertson was an enthusiastic coach first time round, but his lack of managerial positions in recent years has some fans reserving judgement. However, I'm sure we all wish him the best of luck in this appointment as he will need to get back up to speed pretty quickly given that the season kicks off with a League Cup game at home to Brechin City on Saturday 15th July.
Early statement from the Board at Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are  today delighted to announce John Robertson as their new Manager.
Chairman Willie Finlayson commented "we had an excellent interview process with some strong candidates but John emerged as our unanimous choice. We were hugely impressed with his tremendous drive, determination, communication and motivational skills.
He clearly has a great knowledge of the game in Scotland and is both well respected and connected. We firmly believe he is the right man to lead us back into the Premier League.
We would also like to thank Hearts for their very professional approach. John was doing a great job for them but they recognised his desire to get back into the dug out." 
More to follow as this breaking news unfolds....................
The repercussions of relegation don't come alone and staff reductions are becoming apparent as the new regime begins to shape the way forward. u20 coach Duncan Shearer has been removed from the payroll with Inverness not continuing with a development squad whilst in the championship division. Varying reports that this has become rather messy are clouding the issue, but Duncan Shearer has told the P&J that he is no longer required by the club. From P&J Shearer Leaving. Statement from ICTFC Shearer Leaving.
It appears that Brian Rice will remain as assistant with Scott Kellagher as another coach.
 
By tm4tj in News 2017-18 ·

Richie Foran leaves the club.

New Manager Required, apply within.
 
Richie Foran has left his position as Inverness manager after a disastrous season which has seen the club relegated. We almost escaped automatic relegation but missed out on the play-off position by just one point. We looked doomed around Xmas time, but a lack of activity from the board led to Foran remaining in his job until it was too late to avoid relegation. 
It was almost a year to the day that Foran was appointed in a blaze of optimism that a playing legend would be able to carry his winning style into the managers chair. It was a mainly popular appointment with most willing him to succeed and the rest wary of the pitfalls of handing a four year contract to an untried candidate.
The season saw Inverness slump badly with only seven wins, three of them coming in the last four games. Many fans felt our squad was good enough to remain in the Premiership, but results speak for themselves and we enter the Championship for next season.
Sadly, it has ended in this statement from the board today.
The Board of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC announces, today, that Richie Foran has left his position as Manager of the Club.
Willie Finlayson, Chairman, commented: “Richie has been a great servant to ICTFC and put 100% into his job as Manager; and previously as a player.  We all thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
 
More to follow as this story unfolds.
By tm4tj in News 2016-17 ·

Fresh faces in the Boardroom

The Board of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club wish to announce the appointment, with immediate effect, of Willie Finlayson as the new Chairman of the Club’s Board of Directors. Willie, an Invernessian by birth, has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2010 and succeeds Kenny Cameron who recently announced his intention to step down and retire.

Willie said “I’m delighted and very honoured to accept this position as proposed to me by my fellow Directors. I will not however be taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer as the Board has decided to separate these two differing roles and will, in the near future, appoint a new General Manager. I look forward to working with my fellow Directors, the Team Management and all the Staff at ICTFC. We have a tremendously loyal support and an equally supportive group of stakeholders. Collectively we can work together to meet the aspirations of all, specifically our ambition to make a swift return to the Premier League”.
Willie was educated at Inverness Royal Academy and at the University of Aberdeen where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Psychology. He is a Founder and Director at FW Park Brown, a leading executive search company based in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Houston. 
The Board also announces the appointment, with immediate effect, of Graham Rae and Allan Mackenzie to the Board of Directors.
Graham was born in Inverness and recently retired as a Senior Executive with a Fortune 500 international oil and gas company. His experience and expertise covers a range of operational and management activities that integrate strategic and tactical planning systems to improve business performance. Graham is an Engineer and holds a MSc from Robert Gordon University.
Allan, an Invernessian by birth, is a recently retired lawyer with over 35 years experience as a partner in a leading Scottish commercial Law Firm in Edinburgh and Glasgow. He is a graduate of Edinburgh and Aberdeen Universities. He specialised in commercial contracts, banking law, commercial property and development. Allan has never lost his ties with the Club of which he is a founding shareholder, having started his long association, aged 8, selling the stand tickets at Telford Street.
Willie Finlayson, the recently appointed Chairman of ICTFC said “I am delighted to welcome both Graham and Allan to the Board. Both bring a wealth of experiences and skills that can be harnessed by the Club, as we strive to bring future successes to ICTFC”.
 
By Scotty in News 2017-18 ·

Inverness CT -V- Motherwell - Report

Annus Horribilis Endum Relegationus
 
Our Annus has at last ended in relegation after we defeated Motherwell 3-2, but Hamilton thumped Dundee to ensure they live to fight another day. The inevitable happened, albeit later than most of us expected, but after getting some false hope in midweek, the great escape was called off before half-time with Accies 2-0 up at the interval.
So, the worst team in the league got their just reward, automatic relegation. A lot of unhappy bunnies at full-time with many fans turning their anger to the board, or more specifically the lack of action from the board and a rookie manager who will be made the scapegoat in all of this. Foran was given the role by a board which we all hoped would work out. When it never happened the board did nothing. When it all went tits up the board did nothing. The silence from the board is deafening and the stench of relegation will linger around for a long time. Anyway, congratulations to Accies who took the pressure and went about their business the right way. For us, it's championship football next season with no guarantee that we will bounce back. Bigger clubs than us have found it's tough to get out of this league and float around the championship for several years. However, that's the position we find ourselves in and we just have to get on with it.
Foran fielded the same side that started against Dundee and a big crowd turned out to see if the impossible would happen. Motherwell were without the departing Scott McDonald, but Louis Moult made the starting XI.
It was a cagey opening half for us and we looked nervous, afraid to make the errors that would see us relegated. It took 23 minutes for us to feel uneasy as news filtered through that Accies had taken the lead. The frustration doubled two minutes later as Accies bagged a second and we all knew it was game over. It looked as though the players knew something was wrong as the first half was poor, and heads were dropping, but in all honesty it was the same fare we have been treated to all season, so nothing new there.
Despite the poor first half, we did create the best opportunities and Laing fired a long range effort that worked the keeper. Polworth skewed wide and Draper opened his body too much when he should have found the top corner. However, Motherwell did look slicker than us for the most part which in itself was a tad worrying.
Half-Time 0-0
We needed goals and upped the pace after the break but had Raven to thank for clearing what looked like a netbound effort away from goal.
Dougie Imrie sealed our fate when he scored a third for Accies from the spot in the 56th minute. Relegation assured, and Just when it looked as though we had run out of ideas, we hit Well with a triple whammy. Greg Tansey punched the air in delight as his parting gift was a goal rifled across the keeper in the 64th minute. Three minutes later and Alex Fisher had us 3-0 ahead. It mattered not a jot though although the goals were pleasing.
Motherwell beavered away and were rewarded with a couple of goals, one from sub James McFadden and a late penalty from Bowman.
Full Time 3-2
Many fans had seen enough long before the end and may have missed Well's mini revival, but they fell just short of utterly ruining our day completely although relegation was punishment enough for a season of dross.
I'll stick to comments regarding the game for now and my MotM goes to Iain Vigurs who looked assured on the ball, the one player who looked to have class in abundance on a dark day for the club. Greg Tansey also impressed in his final game before joining Aberdeen. However, it's not just about this one game, the whole season has been littered with failures, from top to bottom and that is why we are going down.
It has taken twenty-two years to build this club into a force to be reckoned with. It's only taken one year to demolish it and set us back fifteen years.
ICT v Motherwell
Foran Interview on BBC Sport
I'm not sure about bad apples, but something is rotten to the core. As someone commented somewhere, "Budapest to Brechin in just two years...............
See you all next season in the Championship 
 
Date: 20/05/2017  Venue: Caledonian Stadium, Inverness Attendance: 5351 Referee: Craig Thomson
 
Inverness CT: 3
Lineup:  Esson, Brad Mckay, Warren, Laing, Raven, Polworth (Mulraney 77), Tansey, Draper, Vigurs (McNaughton 83), Fisher, Billy Mckay. Subs (not used): Hoban, Cole, Anier, Boden, McCart. Scorers: Tansey (64), Fisher (66,67) Booked: none Sent Off: none Motherwell: 2
Lineup:  Griffiths, Cadden, Heneghan, McHugh, Hammell, Clay, Campbell, Ainsworth (Livingstone 56), Moult (McFadden 73), Frear, Gordon (Bowman 67) Subs (not used): Turnbull, Lasley, Jules, Pain, Scorers: McFadden (73), Bowman (pen 93) Booked: none Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2016-17 ·

Inverness CT -V- Motherwell - Preview

Survival Saturday
 
It's squeaky bum time as Motherwell visit the Caledonian Stadium for game 38 in the Premiership. Who knew we would still have a chance to remain in this division after the season we have suffered. 
Thanks to a stirring performance on Wednesday night, we defeated Dundee, and that result brings us to squeaky bum Saturday. Hold on to your seats folks.
Yes, it's still possible to make the play off final. That in itself would be a major feat, but it will be an extremely difficult opponent that will await the second bottom side with Dundee United or perennial challengers Falkirk waiting to ambush the unlucky side.
***Latest News*** United defeat Falkirk 2-1 (agg 3-4) after coming from behind to book their place in the Play-Off Final.
With Accies losing a late goal to County on Tuesday night, that gave Inverness the impetus to go out and have a go at Dens Park. We did this with some authority and scored two goals inside ten minutes to create this phenomenon.
Motherwell made their season safe with an excellent 3-1 win over Kilmarnock and justified their decision to remove Mark McGhee from his position. 
Caley Jags fans were gobsmacked by the fighting qualities and confidence displayed against Dundee. The defence won everything in their own box and we looked confident and assured. The mystery is why has it taken a whole season to come out with a result and performance like this. This was only our third clean sheet of the season in the League. What a time to do it.
Motherwell away was one of our clean sheet games when we smacked them 3-0 back in October. Tremarco, Doumbouya and Polworth were the scorers that day. Only Polworth will be available for selection this time around. The other two games against Well have ended in defeat, 4-2 at Fir Park and a disappointing 2-1 reverse at the Caledonian Stadium, despite dominating most of the game. Motherwell have two wins since the split, that's the same as us. Well have won on their last three visits to Inverness. We have not kept a clean sheet at home in our last seven games.
So, it's come down to this. It's all or nothing. Only a win will benefit us as long as Hamilton do not win against Dundee. If we can show the same confidence that was on display at Dens Park then we will give ourselves a chance, something that looked a long way off a month or two ago.
Richie Foran said we have no fresh injuries ahead of this crucial game and Scott Boden will be fit enough to be included in the squad. Josh Meekings, Aaron Doran and Owain Fon Williams are all long term casualties.
Stephen Robinson had an extra day to rest his players after beating Killie. However he does have some problems ahead of this clash. Scott McDonald is leaving Motherwell at the end of the season and will not feature at Inverness. Fellow striker Louis Moult is also reported to be struggling with an injury. Craig Samson, Stephen Pearson, Stephen McManus, Richard Tait, Jacob Blyth, Jack McMillan, Lee Lucas and Ross MacLean are all out. If we can believe that all of these are out then it's like one of our injury lists.
tm4tj prediction:- You won't get a prediction out of me for this one. Suffice to say I am bricking it. However, after that confident, assured and clinical display against Dundee, more of the same would not go amiss. I'll say no more, it's time for the talking to stop and let the action on the park speak for all of us.
Mon the Caley Jags. 
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2016-17 ·

Dundee -V- Inverness CT - Report

Not over yet. 
 
Inverness came out of the blocks flying with a hint of intent, and after only two minutes Billy Mckay opened the scoring from close range. Things got even better when Alex Fisher knocked in number two after ten minutes. Inverness could have stretched their lead in the first period but Ryan Esson came to the rescue just before half-time to keep it 0-2 at the break. 
The second half offered less opportunities and the Inverness defence coped well with Dundee's attacks. This was a massive result and one which left the fans wondering where has this result been all season. A clean sheet to boot, well done Richie and the guys.
Richie Foran talked to BBC Sport after the final whistle. He said we were magnificent defensively, won almost every ball into the box. Same again for Saturday. Great win, especially for the supporters. The players had a great attitude all week, confidence was high and we look forward to a massive game on Saturday. Pressure is now on Hamilton.
The side were met with an enthusiastic and larger than normal vocal backing as we took to the park. Foran put the much maligned Iain Vigurs into the middle of the system to add some much needed creativity, and it worked well with Vigurs supplying some teasing balls forward.
Billy Mckay almost scored in the first minute when he shut down Scott Bain but his block on the delayed clearance bounced just wide. He would not be denied moments later when he pounced on a lay-off from Liam Polworth to drill the ball low past the keeper from 12 yards. The perfect start for the Caley Jags in their quest to remain in the Premiership.
The evening got even better for the visitors in the 10th minute when Iain Vigurs chipped a wonderful ball into the box from central midfield. There was plenty to do and I'm sure the Dundee defenders thought that as well. Undaunted, Alex Fisher controlled the ball on his head and as it fell he swivelled and volleyed a spectacular shot behind a stunned keeper. What a goal. It would not have looked out of place in the Nou Camp.
Fisher passed up on an easier chance when he directed a header wide form a good cross by Brad Mckay. He should have made the keeper work at least but he will be forgiven after his stunning goal earlier.
Paul McGowan fired one wide as Dundee woke up and Liam Polworth went close at the other end. Darren O'Dea headed over as Dundee picked up the pace but Inverness were playing with a new found confidence and looked composed all over the park, dealing with the Dark Blues comfortably.
Cammy Kerr broke into the box but slashed his shot wide under pressure and the game went into overdrive with opportunities coming at both ends. In truth, Dundee could have had no complaints if they had found themselves four down before the interval, although Ryan Esson made a tremendous block close to the break after Nick Ross did well to slip in Haber.
Half Time 0-2
After the interval we kept control of the game without being so prominent in our opponents half. At the back we were first to every ball and restricted Dundee to half chances.
Mark O'Hara could have done better with a header but he nodded it straight at Esson who scooped it up comfortably. At the opposite end Brad Mckay directed a header to the top corner but Bain had enough time to pluck it out of the air.
As the game wore on, Foran went for safety and replaced attacking options with defenders with Dundee desperate to take something from the game. However we were equally determined to hold onto our clean sheet, only our third of the season and the decision to hold what we had proved to be the right one as the home side were kept at arms length as the game came to a close.
Full Time 0-2
What a shot in the arm this was. It was as welcome as it was unexpected, but thoroughly deserved. We did most of our productive work early which left Dundee chasing the game and they never fully recovered from our opening blitz.
Tremendous shift from everyone with Iain Vigurs being the pick of the bunch. Great work by Esson and the defence to keep the clean sheet and two fantastic goals to set up this lifeline. 
Superb backing from the visiting fans who backed the team to the hilt. All to do again on Saturday in another must win game. Can we do it, yes we can, there is life in the team after all.
 
Date: 17/05/2017  Venue: Dens Park, Dundee Attendance: 5574 Referee: Kevin Clancy
 
Dundee: 0
Lineup:  Bain, Kerr, Gomis (Higgins 45), O'Dea, Holt, Vincent, Ross, O'Hara, McGowan, El Bakhtaoui (Wighton 72), Haber (Ojamaa 55). Subs (not used): Williams, Dryden, Ferie, Smith. Scorers: none Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2
Lineup:  Esson, Brad Mckay, Warren, Laing, Raven, Polworth, Tansey, Draper, Vigurs (McCart 89), Fisher(McNaughton 85), Billy Mckay (Anier 66) Subs (not used): Hoban, Mulraney, Cole, Ebbe. Scorers: Billy Mckay (2) Alex Fisher (10) Booked: Vigurs, Anier Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2016-17 ·

Dundee -V- Inverness CT - Preview

Last throw of the last throw of the last dice in the last chance saloon.
 
Yes, it's win or bust. The time has now come for the must win games. Anything else and it's relegation for us automatically as the worst team in the Scottish Premiership. With Hamilton losing to Ross County last night thanks to a last minute winner, we can close the gap to just one point, but to do that we have to win at Dens Park, not something that we are too familiar with at the moment.
Defeat on Saturday at Kilmarnock has put us at the point of no return. With Motherwell beating Accies, that keeps them away from bottom spot. Our only hope now is that Accies hit the bottom to deny us outright relegation. However, the situation is clear cut now. Only Inverness and Hamilton can go down from the Premiership. What has to be decided is who goes down automatically.
Dundee continued unbeaten under Neil McCann after coming from behind to earn a draw at home to Ross County. It looks as though the removal of Paul Hartley has given the Dee renewed confidence and belief. The Dark Blues sit nine points above Inverness in the table and have all but secured their status in the top flight for another season.
Jake McPake and Julen Extabeguren are out, but Neil McCann reckons the rest of his squad will be fit for this encounter.
Richie's possible last throw of the dice will be without Owain Fon Williams, Josh Meekings and Aaron Doran. Story of the season really, injuries at crucial times have crippled us in more ways than one. Alex Fisher is hopeful of recovery after a head knock.
tm4tj prediction:- We have not won in our last three visits to Dens Park and we lost our last one, which was the first defeat against Dundee in eighteen games. It's been typical of our season, setting new standards since Richie Foran took over. Unfortunately that standards are at the bottom end of the scale and will not be remembered fondly. I see nothing in our recent displays to suggest that we can beat Dundee in this critical game. We have players capable of giving so much more, but they have been let down higher up the ladder. Only a win is much use to us. I can't see that happening, sadly. However, whilst we still have a glimmer of hope, I wonder if we can dig ourselves out of this hole we have got ourselves into. Fingers crossed.
 
 
 
 
 
By tm4tj in Previews 2016-17 ·

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