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Inverness CT 1-0 Dundee - Report

F**k you Dundee you'll never win the league
 
It was party Time at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium today and with the championship already secured, all that was left to play for was keeping the unbeaten run going and hoping for a first win over the pre-season title favourites. If that was the aim... it was job done as Adam Rooney scored the only goal of the game in 28 minutes. 
 
1st May 2010 Tulloch Caledonian Stadum, Inverness INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 1 - Rooney (28)  TEAM: Esson, Bulvitus32, Tokely, Munro, Golabek, Cox, Odhiambo (Sanchez 62), Duncan, Ross, Hayes (Morrison 85), Rooney⚽
SUBS: Allison, Eagle, McBain
DUNDEE 0 - TEAM: Soutar, Hart, Forsyth, Benedictus, McKeown, O'Leary, Shinnie, Kerr, McMenamin, Higgins (Hutchinson 67), Harkins (Clarke 67)
SUBS: Geddes, Young, McHale
Referee Stevie Conroy Attendance 6031  
EAGLES GOT A BONER - By "Davie" And I'm glad, I really am. It was chanted at him by several thousand souls in the north stand as he did some weird kind of stretches in front of section G before making a highly satisfactory subbies appearance in the 2nd half. This was a game that was never liable to live up to it's billing, given that ICT were already smoking cigars and Dundee looked like they would rather be on mars.
The match started evenly, sparring between the two sides enlivened only by a world class fingertip deflect on to the post by Ryan Esson from a Richie Hart free kick and a couple of stunning misses by Eric. Terry said that he might be Tanzanian - does "Odhiambo" mean "couldn't hit a coo with a banjo" in swahili?
But where ICT had been profligate, there is always Adam Rooney who buried a sweet clipped shot in 28 minutes for 1-0. The other bright light in an otherwise mediocre first half was a great run from Cox, sweetly passing 4 Dundee players as if they were queuing for the buroo. Given their season, maybe they were.
Half Time 1-0
The second half proceeded in the same fashion, with a spell of increased effort that Dundee's 71 (I counted them) fans must have appreciated. I can't fathom that kind of masochism. As they sat like men at their own hanging, they were treated to the best miss of the day from Nick Ross, who scooped a chance from all of three yards. It seemed as if all of the goalscoring karma had been used last week, when everything hit in the vague direction of the Ayr goal went in.
Jonny Hayes still had that electricity about him (sign that boy up NOW) with several great runs, but today was all about the final whistle and the end of a long hard season.
Full Time 1-0
When the whistle went, the collective relief and joy lit up Inverness and the celebration began but it was a measured celebration, not the pure unbridled joy of last week. It felt just as good though. My wife heard the fireworks from the other side of town.
Man of the match: I thought Cox just shaded it from Rooney. Tireless as usual, combative as usual (I can't wait to see a head to head between him and Ian Black) he displayed no mean skill in a good all round display. Sign up to ICT lads, thanks and have a good wee holiday - we'll see you and maybe some others in August. What a season....................
 
 
 
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT -V- Dundee - Preview

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Party in the Park Celebrate the good times, come on!!!!! That Is what the atmosphere will be like inside the Caledonian stadium when we welcome our final opponents of the season Dundee to take part in the celebrations.
  Party in the Park Celebrate the good times, come on!!!!! That Is what the atmosphere will be like inside the Caledonian stadium when we welcome our final opponents of the season Dundee to take part in the celebrations. It is quite apt that we should be having our celebrations against the team that gloated as they beat us to the challenge cup title and were seemingly out of our reach at Christmas time. This Saturday will be less about the game but more about us as fans to have a good time and party at the achievement of the club.
For Dundee the season is over but Gordon Chisholm will not be coming up to join in the party as he will want his side to show some character to see who is worth a new contract for next seasons title push. For us Terry Butcher will hope that in-between the party his side can put in one last big performance to rub it in more on Dundee, the enjoyment of the fans in the last home game and of course to continue our remarkable unbeaten run which stands at 20 matches so far. So even though it will be a very good party atmosphere expect a good spectacle on the pitch as both teams try to finish the season on a high.
The history this season sees Dundee have the better record over us but that is because of that one victory in the challenge cup final. They were dead and buried at half time after goals from Bulvitis and Rooney had us 2 up. But 3 goals from a Bulvitis own goal, Harkins and a late winner from Craig Forsyth. That was a painful day but if anyone thinks that was impressive then our pursuit of a 15 point lead has to overhaul that. The 3 league meetings have ended draws with the first a 2-2 draw at Dens with us twice coming back from behind. The first game in Inverness went ahead amid all the wintry weather and ended 1-1 with Rooney cancelling a Leigh Griffiths penalty. In the last game at the start of March, with Dundee still ahead in the league at that point, the game ended 2-2 after we led 2-0 thanks to Foran and Odhiambo but yet again Dundee denied us what looked like a certain victory with a Brian Kerr long range effort and a heavily deflected Harkins strike. At the time, it seemed like that may have given Dundee the lift to return to winning ways but it didn’t and they continued to drop points and allowed us to reach this Match as CHAMPIONS AND PROMOTION TO THE SPL.
Team News
Roy McBain and Richie Foran are doubts for this game after picking up knocks last week. Roy won’t worry too much though as he has his testimonial evening later at the Drumossie. Being the last game of the season, Butcher may well introduce some fringe players, but who knows, he might want to get that elusive victory over the Dens men.
Dundee were forced to play 49 year old Bobby Geddes in goals last week as injuries mounted. There’s hope for Jimmy Calder yet. Lauchlan and Malone are suspended. Derek Soutar looks likeliest of the three keepers to start as Bullock and Douglas struggle for fitness. Hiya Leigh, Hiya pal, he will be unavailable as well. A few more Dundee players are listed as injured, so Gordon Chisholm does not have his troubles to seek.
Gingerjaggies Prediction
This is all about the fans this game. The title is won and nothing will change that and so Saturday will all be about putting on a show to the fans that have been loyal and fantastic in backing the club after such a painful summer. There is a lot planned for the party but Butcher will want to deliver another victory for the home support to revel in, and to maintain our unbeaten run to 21 going into next seasons SPL campaign. Dundee will try to show the expected small away crowd that they have some pride and that they are worthy of a new contract which should make the game exciting with both teams under no pressure. I will say we will win 3-1 and that it will round off a wonderful day and season.
Ps, Keep off the pitch until the final whistle and listen to the official instructions please.
Caley Thistle Champions oh ohhhohhooohhhoooo ohhhhh
Guest
By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

New Deal for Management Team

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New deal for management team On the eve of receiving the First Division trophy, Caley Thistle have signed up their management team until 2012. Chairman George Fraser said;"I'm delighted to say that we have concluded negotiations to ensure that Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas stay in charge of our football operation until the end of the 2011-2012 season.

New deal for management team On the eve of receiving the First Division trophy, Caley Thistle have signed up their management team until 2012. Chairman George Fraser said;"I'm delighted to say that we have concluded negotiations to ensure that Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas stay in charge of our football operation until the end of the 2011-2012 season.
"The board took the decision in January to offer Terry and Maurice new one-year deals and they were happy to accept. It would be nice to think that action boosted continuity and confidence in the camp-- it certainly coincided with our superb unbeaten run which has swept us away from our title rivals. "Now that we are planning for life back in the SPL, I have held fresh talks with Terry and Maurice and reached agreement to tear up the one-year and replace it with a two-year contract. It is a well-merited reward for their excellent work here and hopefully provides forward stability for the club." Terry Butcher said:"It is very encouraging that the club have come forward with an extended contract for both of us. Maurice and I are very happy to commit ourselves to Caley Thistle, to which we have become very attached. There's such a superb spirit in the club and community. "This should help us re-sign players -- work on which is continuing -- by letting them know that we're here for the long run."
 
 
 
 
 
Guest
By Guest in News 2009-10 ·

Triple Fantastic

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Terry's Signing Treble!
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC today pulled off a re-signing hat-trick as Terry Butcher began work on assembling his squad for the coming SPL campaign.
 
Terry's Signing Treble!
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC today pulled off a re-signing hat-trick as Terry Butcher began work on assembling his squad for the coming SPL campaign.
Dubliner Richie Foran, who has hit 14 goals in 35 gamesthis season, put pen to paper on a new two-year contract. Midfielder Lee Cox, 19, signed last summer from Leicester City, has also signed a two year deal.after making 31 league starts.
Forward Eric Odhiambo, another recruit from Leicester City who has hit five goals in 22 appearances, has agreed a one-year contract.
Manager Terry Butcher said:"All three lads were out of contract at the end of the season so I'm extremely pleased they have committed themselves for our return to the SPL. It's a flying start to my plans for next season and I'll be speaking to other players very soon.
"It's a highly encouraging way to go in to our final game with Dundee at Inverness on Saturday."
Richie Foran said:"I really enjoy working with Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas and it didn't take a great deal of persuasion to make me accept a new deal. There's such a tremendous spirit in the camp, I'm hopeful everyone will stay. It was such a sickener to be relegated by a single goal on goal difference a year ago, so it's great to be heading back to the top flight."
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By Guest in News 2009-10 ·

Ayr United 0-7 Inverness CT - Report

The day we went to Harry's Bar:
 
Caley Thistle and their fans went out and had fun today... 7 goals from 7 different scorers meant ICT recorded the biggest victory in the SFL for the season as the large travelling support partied in style. 
Apparently, there was a match yesterday that briefly interrupted a day long travelling party. A thousand or so highlanders settled(!) down at 3pm. to be treated to as fluent a display of celebration football as you are ever likely to see, and it was important that they did get there at 3pm, because the game was effectively over by quarter past. Ayr United played their part by providing one of the best playing surfaces that I've seen at this end of a season and leaving their defence somewhere else in Ayrshire. They also gave our fans a huge terracing playground that was utilised to the full.
Harry's Bar, we'll be back!
Wow! as tm4tj recalled the greatest ever day out: That day is right up there with the best of them. What a ball was had by all. We ran rings round Ayr. In fact, you could say that Ayr were not at the races. In between the good natured mayhem there was a football match. The party begun early on the trust bus, yep, trust bus, not truss bus. Harry's pub was stowed out when we breezed into town. The bar staff were rushed off their feet as the the party atmosphere was upped. Chatted to a couple of despondent Ayr fans who said we would gub them. In my diplomacy I thought they might sneak a draw as they would be right up for a relegation battle. Wrong, ten minutes gone and it was all over. Pocket rocket leprechaun and shamrocker little Jonny led the way. What a find he has been. Bumped into two guys wearing the Ireland tops and they turned out to be little Jonny's dad and brother I think it was. The inevitable question sort of stumbled out of my mouth. Will he sign on, his dad seems to think there's a pretty good chance and it was thumbs up all round. Like most, I lost count after four, who cares we simply rolled Ayr over. What a fantastic atmosphere and the fans and stewards were one, all just beaming. Excitement got the better of us and a couple of pitch trips by some was repelled until the final whistle when fandemonium broke out and the away support raced over to the main stand. It was now like a rock concert as the fans waited for the encore. Terry appeared, looking like the pope on a world tour and ingratiated the watching masses. The man is just awesome, spellbound hordes hung on his every word, he had us in the palm of his hands, yes, we were at his mercy and cheered ourselves hoarse. Final stage of the party to come next week and Roy's do at night. This has simply been the best season ever and thanks to all who have made it that way.
Met some nice young men from Dornoch, good to meet you, who's the coolest dude?
zogg has just woken up and he agrees, best day ever.
 
24th April 2010 Somerset park, Ayr AYR UNITED 0 - TEAM: Samson, Mitchell, Easton, Gibson88, Campbell, McGowan, Connolly64, Keenan44(Bowey 78), McManus (Roberts 78), McKay, Lafferty40
SUBS: Grindlay, Mendes, Woodburn
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 7 - Hayes (2), Rooney (9), Foran (12), Odhiambo (42), Sanchez (75), Eagle (85), Morrison (89) TEAM: Esson, Proctor, Tokely, Munro, McBain (Bulvitus 26), Morrison⚽90,
Odhiambo⚽(Eagle 71 ⚽86), Duncan, Foran⚽(Sanchez 64 ⚽), Rooney⚽, Hayes⚽
SUBS: Allison, Stratford
Referee Stephen O'Reilly Attendance 1804  
To the events onfield:
Hayes first, scooting in to finish a rebounded Rooney effort (3 mins.) then a typical quality Jonny cross returned the assist for a Rooney header. By the time Foran ghosted in at the back post for a neat header of yet another beauty of a cross from Hayes, it was time for the referee to declare a mismatch and let the party recommence. He was having nothing of it, even when Eric Odhiambo slotted number 4. You'll never guess who made the goal. By this time, Royster had departed (no luck, just back in the team, playing really well) to be replaced by a happy looking Nauris Bulvitis.
Half Time: 0-4
The second half passed largely unnoted to the hour mark or so, and Ayr had come back into it a bit. Russel Duncan was in the right place to batter one Ayr shot off the line, but that was as close as it ever came to the party being interrupted, never mind spoiled. Dani Sanchez had appeared by this time, and seemed to sense the collective will for him to score, obliging in 69 minutes. Rob Eagle followed and Gavin Morrison prompted minor mayhem on the terracing right at the death with a cheeky wee shot under the wall at a free kick. Cue the final whistle, 7-0 and major mayhem.
 Full Time: 0-7 (seven)
The only person that you couldn't consider for man of the match was Ryan Esson, who could have watched the game from the stand. In the end, I would go for Jonny Hayes. The sheer number of quality crosses that he puts in after another stunning run is remarkable, and prompted yet more industrial challenges yesterday as Ayr got more and more sick of him. Raith did the same, as did County and it's a sore way to have respect tattooed on your legs. Respect is due though, especially when you factor in his finishing. Take a bow, Jonny, you were immense and the SPL will really allow you to play.
Poor Ayr must have dearly wished that they hadn't turned up yesterday. Their fans, who were magnanimous to a man hung around blinking in the sunshine right up to the end. I don't think they quite believed it either.
 
 
 
 
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By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

Ayr Utd -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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Champions off to the seaside New first division Champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle, (how good does that sound), are off to the seaside tomorrow to play struggling Ayr United. Inverness were crowned as official champions during the week when Raith’s Dougie Hill scored the goal that meant Dundee could not catch Inverness at the top of the league.
Champions off to the seaside New first division Champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle, (how good does that sound), are off to the seaside tomorrow to play struggling Ayr United. Inverness were crowned as official champions during the week when Raith’s Dougie Hill scored the goal that meant Dundee could not catch Inverness at the top of the league. Well, that’s it; bouncebackability is on Butcher’s CV. What a turnaround since wilsononourwing reminded everyone that belief would bring the title to the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, and slowly but surely unbelievers were boarding the Believe Bus as it gained momentum culminating in standing room only as the bus brought the trophy home. Inverness will be looking to keep their unbeaten run going and finish the season in style, but Ayr are now desperate for points after suffering a thumping 1-4 defeat to bottom club Airdrie, who are now only two points adrift. For Butcher’s champions, (I love it), another win would make it eight in a row and twenty unbeaten, the form of champions right enuff mun. Squads for Saturday Inverness have no injury worries, but Stuart Golabeck will miss this one through suspension, although Munro and Cox are available after their own cumulative cards tot up. Last weeks deputies did a superb job and Roy McBain who was my MoM last week looks likely to fill Golly’s boots this week which would see Cox return to midfield to continue his reliable partnership with Russelldinho. Ayr have problems in defence as injuries to Kevin James, Andy Aitken, Billy Gibson and Martyn Campbell will cause major reshuffles to the back line. Rocky Visconte is also out and midfielder Ryan Borris is doubtful Tm4tj prediction Although almost the length of the table separates the two teams, Ayr now have more to play for than the newly crowned champions, (still sounds great). The last game produced an exciting 3-3 draw as Inverness scored a dramatic late penalty, much to the annoyance of the Ayr camp. I doubt this will prove to be as easy as the last visit when we put 5 past a hapless Ayr United, but with the pressure off Terry’s all gold team they might have to settle for a draw. Mon the Champs.
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By Guest in Previews 2009-10 ·

Inverness CT 2-0 Dunfermline - Report

Champions in Waiting
 
The Rooney/Foran partnership does it again and pretty much wins the title in the process. Mathematically we cannot be overtaken on points, but we can be equalled by Dundee. However a goal difference of +30 means we are confident we can post this final word on today's game. C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-E-E-E-S !!! 
The unbelievable has almost happened. Sitting twelve points behind Dundee on Boxing Day with the same amount of games played, very few Inverness fans believed the title would be wrapped up with two games to go, in favour of ICT.
 
17th April 2010 Tulloch Caledonian Stadum, Inverness INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE 2 - Rooney (55), Foran (63) TEAM: Esson, Proctor, Tokely, Bulvitus, Golabek, McBain, Odhiambo (Eagle 87), Duncan, Hayes (Sanchez 72),
Foran⚽, Rooney⚽
SUBS: Allison, Djebi-Zadi, Stratford
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC 0 - TEAM: Smith, Woods, McCann58, Bell, Dowie, Higgins, Gibson, Mason (Burke 72), McDougall (Campbell 46),
Phinn27(Holmes 68), Graham
SUBS: Fleming, Ross
Referee Willie Collum Attendance 3728 Eyjafjallajoekull
No, it’s not a new chant from section ‘G’, although it might have been at half time as the first half was a bit of a joke. Not even volcanic ash from Iceland was going to stop Butcher’s boys in the second half as they flew at the Pars from the whistle with a double whammy from the Dubliners. Early second half goals from Rooney and Foran settled the home side and as the fans erupted with news of a second Morton goal was it going to be enough to clinch the title? Not quite was the answer at the final whistle, but it’s almost done and dusted, well once the volcano settles down it will be.
The first good news for Inverness fans came just before kick off with the re-introduction of experienced midfielder Roy McBain. With Munro and Cox having to miss this game this was to be a crucial judgement by boss Butcher who also fitted Nauris Bulvitis into the back four. Eric Odhiambo also kept his place in the starting line up at the expense of Spaniard Dani Sanchez and this was another important decision.
The first half will mainly be remembered for two incidents, both favouring the Highlanders. Steven MacDougall had a goal chalked off for offside. In fairness to Willie Collum, the whistle had gone a couple of seconds before he rolled the ball beyond Esson. The second major talking point was a handball decision given against Nicky Phinn as he lifted the ball over Esson. A sublime finish, but for the hand ball given against him as he tried to control the ball before lobbing the keeper, which resulted in a yellow card for the Pars man, and a sigh of relief from the home fans. For all the possession Inverness were having we had few efforts of note in a drab first half and the Pars almost took advantage just before half time when Andy Dowie, on the stretch could only lift a Gibson cross high and wide at the back post.
HT 0-0…….cue ensuing chaos at the pie stalls.
We started the second half in the knowledge that Morton were ahead of Dundee and this seemed to encourage us to open out the play in search of an opener. A Hayes corner was met full on by Ross Tokely, but the keeper sprawled to block it on the line, the loose ball almost being turned in by Bulvitis. He seems to have a knack of scoring scrappy goals in skirmishes, a good trait to have. ICT were now in full throttle and breaking forward at will. Ten minutes into the second half and Adam Rooney scored what can only be describes as an Iain Stewartesque goal. A long ball floated through the middle from Rossco saw a now familiar event. Rooney out-muscled the defender and as he held him off he lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper from eighteen yards, one bounce and in.
Esson had to look smart to turn a vicious snap shot over the bar as the Pars came out of their half trying to get back into the game. No sooner had we settled down when Eric went on a diagonal run across the face of the Dunfermline defenders. Foran was overlapping perfectly and he never broke stride as he drilled Eric’s inch perfect pass through the keeper’s legs from ten yards to consolidate our lead.
Another eruption, this time from three quarters of the stadium as news filtered through that Dundee were two down to Morton made for a party atmosphere in the ground. The Pars did their best to dampen thing and again Esson had to react to block a close range effort with his legs after the visitors had taken a quick free kick. Save of the match came as Rooney let a ball drop over his shoulder and as it sat up nicely, he hit a venomous dipping volley which Smith did fantastically well to tip over the bar. That was goal of the season stuff had it hit the back of the net. Their was still time for Sanchez to spurn a great opportunity after a square ball left him alone at the edge of the box, but as he went to control the ball he was shut down by the defender and the chance was lost.
Full Time 2-0
Dundee spoiled a great second half by coming back to equalize against Morton but Airdrie put the icing on the cake with a late leveller against County. Still, I’m sure I heard a few corks popping on Saturday night.
A good win for Inverness against a team we have struggled to contain this season and seven wins in a row, now that is the mark of champions, along with this fantastic unbeaten run of nineteen games and the demise of Dundee, then the fat lady is surely about to sing.
MotM for me could have gone to any number of players in blue, but I am giving it to Roy McBain. He has had to wait for so long to get on the park and he showed today why Butcher put him into this crucial game. He may be reaching the veteran stage, but Roy was still full of running after ninety minutes and some of his passing and movement throughout the game were just fantastic. His energy today was vital and he never shirked a tackle. Take a bow Roy, great performance. Of course he was not alone, Bully did a marvellous job replacing Grant at the back and once again he almost scored from close in. Eric probably had his finest hour today, he really warmed to the task and his run and pass for the second goal was superb. Rooney is just a revelation this season. His upper strength seems to know no bounds and his ball retention is now first class. He took his goal like the master himself and that’s now 25 this season. Richie Foran is another who would die for the cause, and he should be league player of the season without any question. He gets everywhere and in the opponents faces all the time. Russell Duncan, without Cox this time has been brilliant the last couple of months and his distribution is now bang on. Hayes, although quieter still had his moments, what a crowd pleaser he is. Tokely put in a great shift as well and I have to say he is thriving at centre back. His Bobby Mann like fifty yard pass for the opener was perfection. Proctor and Golly were quieter but not down to their failings, that’s because we as a team kept the Pars at bay most of the time, and Esson played his part with excellent saves at important stages.
So, barring an eighteen goal turnaround, Inverness are all but champions as it stands. Great achievement from all at the club and after a sticky start to the season a wonderful come back and thoroughly deserved title……….almost, in fact we could win it without playing if Dundee fail to beat Raith on Wednesday.
 
Guest
By Guest in Reports 2009-10 ·

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