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Cowdenbeath -V- Inverness CT - LC - Report

New Inverness manager Richie Foran did something that Brendan Rodgers would have liked to have done. He started his new managerial career with a win. Albeit over Cowdenbeath, but the Premiership side had to battle hard for victory in the Betfred League Cup group qualifying stages.
It was all square at the break with Ross Draper opening the scoring in thirteen minutes only for Cowdenbeath to level the game through Dean Brett ten minutes later. Inverness held the upper hand for most of the game but found that scoring was not going to be easy. It took a disputed header from Gary Warren to win the match after seventy-five minutes. The ball came crashing down off the bar and over the line according to the officials.
David Raven missed out through suspension and Josh Meekings and Aaron Doran are reportedly injured. Owain Fon Williams is still partying with his Welsh teammates and Ryan Esson was between the sticks 
Full report to follow..............
 
Date: 16/07/16  Venue: Central Park, Cowdenbeath Attendance: 487 Referee: Stephen Finnie
 Cowdenbeath: 1
Lineup:  McGurn, Brett, Mullen, Moore, O'Brien (Johnston 82), Glen (Miller 55), Turner, Ross, Renton, Rutherford, McLaughlan Subs (not used): Sneddon (GK), Robertson, Swann, Creany, Muirhead. Scorers: Brett (23) Booked: none Brett (53), Rutherford (63), Turner (69) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2
Lineup: Esson (Mackay 85), Tremarco, McNaughton, Warren, Polworth (Mulraney 46), Draper, Vigurs, Tansey, Horner, Boden, King Subs (not used): Brown, Fisher, Sutherland Scorers: Draper (13), Warren (75) Booked: Warren (68) none Sent Off: nonea  
 
 
By tm4tj in Reports 2016-17 ·

Cowdenbeath -V- Inverness CT - LC - Preview

The Dawn of a New Era
 
Our season kicks off at Central Park, Cowdenbeath in the revamped version of the League Cup. Inverness have been paired with Cowdenbeath, Arbroath, Dunfermline and Dundee United in the group stages.
This will be new gaffer Richie Foran's first competitive game in his managerial career. It's all change at Inverness with new players in to replace those that left in the summer. Notable defectors are Miles Storey (Aberdeen), Danny Williams and James Vincent (Dundee), Jordan Roberts (Crawley Town), Andrea Mutombo (somewhere on the internet beside a £180,000 Lamborghini) and the much maligned Danny Devine (Partick Thistle). We have been busy in the transfer market though and in comes defender Kevin McNaughton, striker Scott Boden, speedy winger Jake Mulraney and Billy King (loan).
It's anyone's guess how Inverness will line up tomorrow, but one man could well find himself starting after we all thought he was leaving. David Raven outlasted Yogi in an unprecedented turnaround and remains at the club while Yogi is on the dole. Owain Fon Williams has been at the Euro's with the successful Welsh squad and it may be Ryan Esson that gets the nod for this game.
Pre-season was limited to highland league opposition and Elgin City. Josh Meekings and Aaron Doran have been posted missing. Other than that, a good blend of youth and first team players have been given a run out and it's now time for Richie Foran to select who he thinks will be good enough to progress in the Betfred League Cup.
Former Inverness player Liam Fox is the man in charge of Cowdenbeath after the sacking of Colin Nish. A former Caley Jags Nemesis, he was dismissed after the Blue Brazil were relegated from League one following the play off defeat by Queens Park. Gary Glenn is one familiar name in their squad and he is the former Hearts and Ross County striker.
Our last visit to Central Park ended in defeat in season 96/97 in front of 282 fans. Craig Sinclair and Martin Scott had Cowdenbeath 2-0 up at the interval, but despite plenty of pressure, we only managed to score one through Paul Cherry. We went on to win the third division that season whilst Cowdenbeath finished seventh.
tm4tj prediction:- First game is always a leap into the unknown. Moreso this time with a new manager as well as some new faces on the park. Nothing to gauge either side against, but one would imagine a club from the top division will be good enough to win; fingers crossed.
By tm4tj in Previews 2016-17 ·

Richie Foran ~ New Manager

Teaser Paragraph:

Richie Foran has been appointed the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC on a four year contract.

Richie Foran has been appointed the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC on a four year contract.
Club Chairman Kenny Cameron said: “We are delighted to have Richie on board as the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and we believe the length of contract demonstrates commitment on both sides.”
“The board received and reviewed a high number of applications for the vacant position and Richie quickly became our preferred candidate. This was cemented further during several meetings to discuss the role, his approach and view for the future. Our decision that he is the right man to lead the club was unanimous and we look forward to working closely with him on the next stage of what has been a remarkable journey.”
“Richie has been a great asset to the club, both on and off the park, since joining us in 2009. He particularly understands the blend of spirit, values and togetherness that makes the club what it is.  The influence and passion he exhibited as a player, combined with his clear determination and knowledge will all serve him well when it comes to building on and enhancing the club’s qualities."
“It was only a matter of time before Richie stepped up into a management role and that time has come."
Richie Foran commented: “This is a great opportunity and one I am going to relish. My intention will be to preserve continuity at the club while bringing a new freshness and playing style.”
“Joining Caley Thistle seven years ago has proved a marvellous decision. Thanks to coming to the Highlands I now have a lovely wife, two lovely children and have had the most enjoyable part of my playing career.”
“But I will now give up playing to fully focus on making a success of my new job. I want to push to bring further success to Caley Thistle, a special club in a special community.”
Richie added: “I want to play exciting, attacking football which entertains the supporters.”
“I’ve identified areas in our play that I think I can improve, and I’ve identified what kind of players we need to bring in to improve our team.”
“My target is to further strengthen the unity between supporters, directors, management and players – when we signal that we’re all on the same wavelength, that makes a huge difference.”
“I’ve been fortunate, as club captain, to have an excellent relationship with the fans and I hope  we can all move on with a scenario where everyone is focused on helping the team go forward.”
He added: “I would like to most sincerely thank the chairman and his fellow directors, for showing such faith in giving me this opportunity.”
“My aim going forward is to justify their choice and give the supporters something to cheer about.”
Richie concluded: “There will be no wild predictions from me, I’ll now be getting on with the job quietly.  I’m working on recruitment so that we’re ready to work hard when the squad returns for pre-season training.”
Richie has been instrumental in the success the club have had over the past few years.  He has worn the captain’s armband with great pride during his 209 appearances, contributing 45 goals along the way…and we look forward to him writing the next chapter in the clubs short, but already memorable history.
Due to the already short window ahead of the new season, Richie wishes to concentrate on squad preparations and it’s his intention to meet with the press later in June.  He has also asked that we follow this (on the same day) with a ‘Fans Evening’ for season ticket holders so they too have an opportunity to put questions to him, members of the board and a selection of players.  This will be held at the stadium and further details will be provided in due course.
By Scotty in News 2015-16 ·

John Hughes has left the building

A statement from the Board of Inverness Caledonian Thistle has confirmed that John Hughes is no longer the manager at Inverness. Or to be more correct, it would appear that he will be leaving and we hope he is successful, just not at Inverness. Yogi, on the other hand enjoyed everything about the club and the people over the last two and a half years, but he wishes the club well, without him. 
All a bit of a hanging statement by both parties, but it's all over now, or is he on gardening leave?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Statement on behalf of the Board of Directors at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC
"All of us at ICTFC would like to take this opportunity to thank John for his contribution since joining us in December 2013 and specifically his coaching skills and commitment, which helped deliver our successes, and in particular lifting the Scottish Cup for the first time in the Club’s history as well as our first foray into European Club Football. John will be remembered here at ICTFC as a member of a great winning team and we wish him every success going forward."
 
Statement on behalf of John Hughes
"I will look back on my time at ICTFC and in the Highlands with a genuine fondness and warm affection for the Club, the area and the Community."
"The welcome I received from the fans and the response I got from the players throughout my two and a half years there will live long in the memory as will everything else we shared in some of the ground-breaking successes we all enjoyed together during that period."
"I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute of my time at the Club and I would like to sincerely thank the Inverness Directors for affording me the privilege of managing what is, a fine Football Club. My gratitude goes out to every member of staff who also offered me so much personal support in my time there!"
"I can readily assure my successor that they will inherit an excellent group of players and to each and every one of them could I also say a huge thanks for making my time with them so successful and so memorable - I wish them and the Club every success in the future."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
So, there you have it. We are left to read between the lines somewhat, but it would appear that we are now looking for a new manager. It's not been the best kept secret, but it's out in the open now.
It looks as though things have come to a head and there has been a parting of the ways. The club and Yogi have not been best of friends since he was denied time to talk to Dundee United. I wonder if that was the accelerant that started his downfall, as a war of words broke out over budgets since then and the David Raven affair soured his affinity with the fans, There was a definite atmosphere at the final game of the season and Yogi's silence was deafening as Raven won the fans vote for player of the year. Yogi had signed his own resignation in his handling of that as the fans showed they valued Raven above the manager. Time to go after that humiliation. 
I'm sure there will be reasons on both sides as to why he will no longer manage Inverness, but for now, their lips are sealed.
We all have tremendous memories of our Cup win over Falkirk, nobody can take that away from John Hughes, but it's now time to move on.
Thanks Yogi for that chapter in our history. 
 
As Mick Jagger used to say, It's all over now.................
 
 
 
By tm4tj in News 2015-16 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dundee - Report

Raven signs off on a high. 
 
Inverness recorded their biggest win of the season defeating Dundee 4-0 to round off the campaign on a high and confirm seventh place, after a torrid season. All goals came in a lively second half following a pedestrian first forty-five.
Miles Storey started the ball rolling by scoring from an acute angle just after the hour, and defender Danny Devine bundled home the second eight minutes later, closely followed by Ross Draper. Richie Foran completed the rout from the penalty spot after great work by Liam Polworth. That was despite the fans protestations looking for David Raven to have a go.
Big send off for Raven at the end as he went to the fans to say cheerio in the sun, and he also picked up the fans player of the year vote at the stadium, with Ross Draper getting the players player of the year award.
Twas a pleasant afternoon as the game kicked off with John Hughes continuing to irk the home fans with his persistence to keep David Raven on the bench. And just to rub salt into the wound, the Dundee departing Danny Williams started the game. Why, you may ask. There's nothing wrong with Danny by the way, but he has chosen to go elsewhere so why was he playing when others were kept on the bench.
It all smacks of a rift within, and one that will get worse before it gets better.
Anyway, to the game, and Inverness looked to be getting a stranglehold early on but as we were attacking without intent Scott Bain was left mainly untroubled early doors. Iain Vigurs and Greg Tansey failed to fluster the Dundee keeper with long range efforts and Dundee grew more into the battle and a couple of breakaways threatened Owain Fon Williams goal.
A swift counter between Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings had them combine brilliantly before Stewart saw his curling effort deflect off the corner of the bar with Fon Williams stranded. A let off for Inverness.
They never heeded this though and Hemmings should have done better from twelve yards, but he lifted his shot well over the bar from prime position.
Ten minutes before the break John McGinn saw a shot saved well by Fon Williams as Dundee took the more direct approach as Inverness' more pedantic approach kept possession but lacked penetration.
A Tansey shot five minutes before half time was easily plucked out of the air by Bain as Inverness looked to make the breakthrough, but the whistle ended the first forty-five with the score level.
Half Time 0-0
The home fans were looking for more urgency and they were treated to a much better second period.
It still took until around the hour before we opened the scoring and a cracking goal it was too. Inverness pressure saw Ross Draper slip the ball to Liam Polworth who in turn slipped a great ball into the box where Miles Storey ran onto it and rounded the keeper, and as he went wide he drilled the ball home from an acute angle for a smart finish and his thirteenth goal of the season.
After sixty-seven minutes club captain Richie Foran was introduced for Storey, the reason for that would become apparent over the next few days.
 The Inverness pressure had been building since the goal and when Iain Vigurs sent in a decent ball from a corner it looked as though Foran nudged it on and Danny Devine bundled it in at the back post, his second goal in the last two games.
It was raining goals now and two minutes later Ross Draper capitalised on a bad mistake by the Dundee defence from none other than Nick Ross, who was mugged outside the box. Drapes then bore down on goal before slotting the ball neatly behind the keeper to leave the Dark Blues shell shocked.
Huge cheers all round when David Raven entered the game and he almost had the perfect send off. He stopped the ball with his foot from a throw in, his second touch was a deep curling cross which was met full on by Carl Tremarco. Unfortunately he was denied by a tremendous point blank save by Bain as he met the cross and crashed a header towards the goal. The fans were now loving this and every touch by Raven was greeted with a cheer.
Dundee signing Danny Williams left the field to polite applause, Ryan Williams replacing him.
The goal rush was not finished yet though and when Liam Polworth bamboozled Andrew Black inside the box he was uncerimoniuosly dumped on the turf. Richie Foran was quick to grab the ball and despite the fans chanting for Raven to take the spot kick, it was Foran that sent Bain the wrong way to round off the scoring.
Raven almost signed off with a goal but he headed over from six yards, much to the chagrin of the home fans. But we were in fine spirit now although Fon Williams had to look lively to deny Dundee a late consolation.
Full Time 4-0
All in, it turned out to be a great afternoon especially in the second half as we went on a goal spree. Great send off for Raven who spent a long time amongst the fans getting selfies and autographs. John Hughes kept a low profile throughout all this, but the fans were left chanting David Raven's name, a fine tribute to an excellent servant to this club, and one that is leaving before his time.

Ross Draper was my MotM and Aberdeen target Miles Storey did well in the second half although it looks as though he has scored his last goal for this club. Marvelous memories of David Raven's last stand and the silence from Yogi was deafening. 
 
 
 
Date: 14/05/16  Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 3794 Referee: Barry Cook
 Inverness CT: 4
Lineup:  Fon Williams; Meekings (Raven 74), Devine, Warren, Tremarco, Draper, Tansey, Polworth, Vigurs, D. Williams (R. Williams 76), Storey (Foran 67) Subs (not used): Esson, Roberts, Horner, Mbuyi-Mutombo Scorers: Storey (61), Devine (69), Draper (71), Foran (pen.84) Booked: none Sent Off: none Dundee: 0
Lineup: Bain; McGinn (Black 78), Etxabeguren, O'Dea, Holt, Colquhoun (Perez-Reverte 67), Ross, Wighton, Stewart (Curran 77), Loy, Hemmings Subs (not used): Mitchell, Meggatt, Gazhalov Scorers: none Booked: Black (84) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2015-16 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dundee - Preview

Annus horribilis comes to an end. 
 
Last game of the season at Home to Dundee with a 12:30 kick off at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, a game which will decide the final pecking order for this campaign.
The two sides battle it out to see who will be the best of the rest. A draw will be enough to ensure that Inverness finish in seventh place, whereas a win for Dundee would see them jump ahead of us, and more importantly get the extra cash that goes with every League position gained. 
It's been a difficult season for Inverness after the euphoria of last term when we finished third and won the Scottish Cup. This season has been blighted by injuries and failure to hold onto our top players whilst not replacing them with the required quality. It's also been a reality check for Yogi and the fans. Maybe winning the cup went to his head, but we have been playing some real mind-numbingly boring football of late. Maybe his hands are tied in terms of what he can and can't do, but one major issue has been gnawing away at the fans for a couple of months now. David Raven is presumably fit, but why oh why does he not get a start as one of our recognised and experienced right backs with Yogi keeping him benched while employing central defender Josh Meekings in that spot. It's a mystery to everyone and it looks like the end of the road for Raven as an Inverness player given the way he has been treated.
Tactical genius he is not and the fans were also left wondering why our most creative talent in Jordan Roberts was left out of the starting eleven at Hamilton as well as Andrea Mutombo. Two players that are capable of changing a game, but not if they are left on the bench. It's all getting a little confusing down at the stadium. The fans have been looking for some entertainment recently, well that's not been in abundance of late with dour anti-football on show. 
Richie Foran is another who is seeking talks over his future at the club. He reckons he could do a turn for another year, but that won't happen sitting on the bench. Are we coming apart at the seams or can we stitch ourselves together and get a quality squad to the Caledonian Stadium in time for a new season.
The sides have drawn all three games this season so far. Inverness have won four of their last six games, but Dundee  have only two wins over the same period. As you would expect, there's little between the sides and another close encounter is on the cards.
Inverness will say farewell to one or two this weekend, but the big talking point is will he or won't he let Dave the Rave take to the pitch. I imagine we will be on recent familiar team lines as most of the squad are back to fitness. Your call Yogi.
Dundee might be without top scorer Kane Hemmings who has strained a hamstring. Missing will be Paul McGowan, Gary Harkins, Nicky Low, Thomas Konrad, Cammy Kerr and Jake McPake.
tm4tj prediction:- Can we finish with a flourish. I'm no holding my breath on that one either. We might be capable of seeing off Dundee, but our lack of creation ensures that we make life difficult for ourselves and leaves the fans looking for something extra. When was the last time we put another team to the sword and threw in a bit of swashbuckle? Partick recently, but other than that it's been a stop start season and one to forget. I know, I know, injuries etc, but that wore thin a while ago. Anyway, let's get this one out of the way and then look forward to next season. No scoring draw, but it will be as tight as a ducks posterior. However, it will net us another £53K if we can do it.
By tm4tj in Previews 2015-16 ·

Hamilton -V- Inverness CT - Report

Devine nets winner
 
Inverness ground out a result at Hamilton thanks to a Danny Devine goal before the break. It was a rather dour encounter and one where Darian Mackinnon earned himself two yellow cards in ten seconds..............is that a record. 
The least said about this game the better with fans less than impressed by the quality of play on display. 
John Hughes left out Jordan Roberts and Andrea Mutombo, with Iain Vigurs and Danny Williams starting. It may just be me, but I find it odd that a player not wanting to stay at Inverness gets a start ahead of guys who would give an arm and a leg to play. David Raven was of course left on the bench. No surprise there.
 
RIG was at this game and here's his report.
Really poor end of season affair lightened up by MacKinnon being a colossal ned and scrapping with his coaching staff as he was bundled off the pitch and one of the ICT fans charging across the stand to celebrate the Williams 'goal' before realising it had been chalked off 
For some reason, after turning in a wonderful performance against Partick, we seem to have returned to our timid, non threatening, slow passing game. Whereas Draper and others had been snapping at the heels of Partick players winning the ball and providing great support further forward for the likes of Storey we seemed significantly less inclined to attack with anyone other than Storey, Williams and Polworth. Draper and Tansey were lined up exceptionally deep with Meekings and Tremarco seldom supporting on the flanks. It was like we had put the brakes on for this one despite 7th place and some potentially important prize money up for grabs.
The best move of the game for us came when Storey scampered free on the left flank and crossed for Williams who finished well but had apparently just drifted offside. Hard to tell from where we were. A quick free kick from Vigurs released Devine and he tackled the ball into the net. Decent finish for a defender. Hamilton had largely been restricted to shots from range with a couple looking like they flew pretty close to OFW goal.
Half Time 0-1
Second half was sadly a very timid affair from us in attacking sense best exemplified when Williams had the ball on the right flank and the ICT players alongside him stood completely still. There was little movement off the ball to create space for either a pass or for the player who had the ball. We seemed happy to knock the ball around and protect the one goal lead. Draper (I think) did find Polworth with a superb through ball but he shot right at McGovern.
MacKinnon, perhaps the biggest ned in Scottish football, was sent off for clashing with Vigurs. Looked like he threw an elbow in the direction of Vigurs after a challenge which strangely brought only a yellow card before he then mouthed off at the ref and was shown a second yellow. As he went off he clashed with the Accies coaching staff and was restrained before appearing to launch himself at whoever was holding him back. Bizarre.
For most of the latter part of the second half we were defending deeper and deeper as we clung on to the lead. Hamiltons best chance came when a clever and quick free kick nearly caught us out but somehow the final shot from an Accies player, from about 3 yards out, was ballooned into the retail park.
Full Time 0-1
Not going to complain too much about a win but having seen what the team can do when it is set up correctly it seems bizarre to put the brakes on and reign the side back.
 
Date: 11/05/16  Venue: New Douglas Park, Hamilton Attendance: 1516 Referee: Stephen Finnie
 
Hamilton Ac: 0
Lineup:  McGovern, Gordon, Kurakins, Devlin, Gillespie, Kurtaj (Docherty 56), Morris, MacKinnon, Brophy, Garcia Tena (Redmond 63), Boyd (Hughes 78) Subs (not used): Martin, D'Acol, Tierney, Cunningham Scorers: none Booked: MacKinnon (74), Gillespie (82) Sent Off: MacKinnon (74) Inverness CT: 1
Lineup: Fon-Williams, Tremarco, Warren, Meekings, Draper, Devine, Tansey, D.Williams (Foran 92), Polworth, Vigurs, Storey (Roberts 87) Subs (not used): Esson, Raven, R Williams, Horner, Mbuyi-Mutombo Scorers: Devine (41) Booked: Warren (57), Polworth (85) Sent Off: none a
By tm4tj in Reports 2015-16 ·

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