Close friend of Marius Niculae, Steve Cairns, has been inundated with requests and e.mails from fans asking him to pass on best wishes to the ICT forward whilst he is representing Romania in Euro 2008. CaleyThistleOnline.com is pleased to announce that after getting our heads together with Steve and Marius we've managed to come up with a solution which will allow fans to get a message direct to the man himself.
Not many fans get the chance to e.mail players directly, but for the duration of Euro 2008 we've put in place the e.mail address [email protected] - we can't promise you'll get a personal response, but you never know!!!
Marius Niculae is pictured here wearing the captains armband during their recently friendly against Montenegro in preperation for Euro 2008.
Many of you will have noticed the recent change in the sites banner. This is because CaleyThistleOnline.com would like to be among the first to congratulate Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC striker Marius Niculae on his inclusion in the 23 man squad who will be representing Romania in the UEFA Euro 2008 campaign.
Marius is one of the few players currently playing in the SPL that will be taking part in this competition so whilst he is over there flying the flag for Caley Thistle, we thought it only right that the fans here at home (and around the globe) fly the flag for him and Romania and extend our support throughout the tournament.
Marius Niculae joined Inverness CT in July 2007. However, at one stage it looked like the man who's CV boasts past teams such as Dinamo Bucarest, Sporting, Standard Liege and FSV Mainz may not have been allowed to playi n Scotland when his initial application for a Work Permit had been refused. The Caley Jags have never been a team to give up that easy though and the fans through their weight behind the appeal which saw his application accepted at the second hearing.
Straight off the plane and with no real pre-season under his belt Marius was called into immediate action and made his first appearance for the club on 11th August 2007 at Fir Park against Motherwell FC. He never scored in that game, but we wouldn't have to wait too long to see him finding the back of the net when he slotted away 2 goals in our 3-1 League Cup win at home to Arbroath.
Scoring 2 at a time seemed to become his party piece and he repeated the feat against Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Gretna....leading us to victory on each occassion.
His professional attitude and obvious class quickly lead him to become a favourite among the fans, and he cemented that relationship during our home match agains Kilmarnock on the 19th April 2008 when, after scoring, he proceeded to leap the barrier and kiss the Romanian Flag of a fan which contained the words "Marius is Magic".
When Marius came to Inverness he stated that one of his ambitions was to refind his form and make a return to the National Team...with 29 caps and 13 goals under your belt for Romania, we hope this is the first in still many more to come.
Everyone here at CaleyThisleOnline.com hopes to see some more of the Marius Magic during the Euro 2008 Tournament, and we'll all be glued to our TV's when Romania kick off their first match against France on 9th June.
Join in the Euro 2008 Chat on the Fans Forum
Don Cowie has now been confirmed as the CaleyThistleOnline.com Internet Supporters' Player of the Year for season 2007/08.
The voting came right down to the wire this year with second placed Ian Black chasing until the end and Marius Niculae chasing him for his second spot.
Late arrival Dougie Imrie also seems to be impressing fans and finished an admirable 6th place - a top achievement for someone who only played their first game for us in February!!!
No player has ever won this award more than once, so Don Cowie becomes the 8th individual to lay claim in the 8 seasons it has been running. He can now place his name up there alonside Bobby Mann, Barry Robson, Stuart Golabek, Liam Keogh, Ross Tokely, Craig Dargo and Barry Wilson.
Confirmation of this award has also completed Don's clean sweep of all of the recognised Player of the Year awards for 2007/08. The other Awards were....
Flybe Supporters’ Player of the Year
Players’ Player of the Year
Supporters’ Club Player of the Year
Matchday Programme Player of the Year
This is only the second time that someone has taken a clean sweep of all the awards, the other player was Ross Tokely who took them all in our first SPL season in 2004/05.
Congratulations Don, and we'll get your trophy to you as soon as we can so you can add it to the collection.
Below is a summary of how the scoring finished for the season as well as a list of the Monthly and Past Winners....
PLAYER
POY Pts
Don Cowie
72
Ian Black
63
Marius Niculae
51
Michael Fraser
47
Ross Tokely
39
Dougie Imrie
35
Barry Wilson
17
Grant Munro
14
Dennis Wyness
13
Roy McBain
11
Russel Duncan
10
John Rankin
7
David Proctor
6
Craig Brewster
5
Phil McGuire
3
Steven Watt
3
Graham Bayne
3
Richie Hart
3
Stuart McCaffery
0
Alan Morgan
0
Rory McAllister
0
Richard Hastings
0
Markus Paatelainen
0
Dean McDonald
0
Zbigniew Malkowski
0
ICT Player of the Month 2007/08
Month
Player
Aug '07
Marius Niculae
Sept '07
Don Cowie
Oct '07
Don Cowie
Nov '07
Don Cowie/Marius Niculae
Dec '07
Michael Fraser
Jan '08
Ian Black
Feb '08
Dougie Imrie
Mar '08
Ross Tokely
Apl '08
Dougie Imrie
May '08
Dougie Imrie
Past Winners
Year
Player
2000/01
Bobby Mann
2001/02
Barry Robson
2002/03
Stuart Golabek
2003/04
Liam Keogh
2004/05
Ross Tokely
2005/06
Craig Dargo
2006/07
Barry Wilson
{mosimage}CALEY THISTLE TRAIN WITH MEMBERS OF JJB SPORTS
Members of the JJB Sports Fitness Club on Inverness Retail Park are in for a bit of excitement when they work out, as Inverness Caledonian Thistle (ICT) Football Club will now be using the facilities as part of the team’s training regime.
The new partnership will see the first team use the facilities for
both team and individual training sessions. In addition to utilising
the gym equipment for stamina training, the group exercise studios will
also be used for bespoke teamwork activities.
The
state-of-the-art facilities attracted ICT to JJB Sports and its members
and staff are all very excited about the prospect of rubbing shoulders
with local celebrities, as fitness club manager David Buchanan
explains: “We’re delighted ICT has chosen to work with JJB Sports. The
players are extremely professional when they visit the club and the
team interacts very well with both the members and staff.”
Craig
Brewster, Manager at ICT, added: “JJB Sports is the ideal training
facility for us; the equipment on the gym floor provides a strenuous
workout, whilst the studio spaces also allow us to concentrate on team
building exercises. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful
and some of the instructors have helped us put together bespoke workout
programmes for the team. We looked at all the local gyms and JJB Sports
was the obvious choice, we cannot fault it.”
{mosimage}
The new fitness
club offers members exceptional facilities including a 10,000 square
foot air conditioned gym, which is kitted out with the latest
technology. The highlight is most certainly the stunning pool area that
incorporates a swimming pool with 20 foot movie screen, two bubbling
hot spas and a fibre optic lit steam room. Whilst those looking for a
more relaxing workout can take advantage of the two group exercise
rooms, one of which is a stylish, oriental 'Ki' mind and body studio
for Yoga and Pilates.
There is also a new JJB Sports store now
open above the fitness club, which is the first new-era store to open
in Scotland. The new-look retail experience offers an extended footwear
department, dedicated golf, bike and fitness equipment sections and a
vast array of childrenswear lines such as the iconic Hello Kitty, as
well as the existing popular football and menswear ranges.
For further information on JJB Sports log onto www.jjbsports.com.
Despite the 0-0 scoreline this was a relatively entertaining game.
Dennis Wyness who will be playing for St Mirren next season could not score in his final game for ICT despite having a chance from two yards out and neither could Marius Niculae who - if speculation is to be believed - may also be moving on.
17/05/08
Tulloch Caledonian Stadium
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
0
Team: Fraser, Tokely, Proctor, Hastings, McBain, Wilson (Hart 79), Duncan, Cowie, Imrie, Niculae (Bayne 72), Wyness (Black 57)
SUBS: McAllister, Vigurs, Kerr, Malkowski
ST MIRREN
0
Team: Howard, Barron, Haining, Potter, McCay, Dorman, Mason (Hamilton 72), Murray, O'Donnell (McGinn 90), Mehmet, Dargo
SUBS: Burns, Crighton, Docherty, McAusland, Smith
Referee
Eddie Smith
Attendance
378
I think ICT will have been unhappy not have been ahead before being reduced to ten men as we had the better of the chances before Proctors dismissal. After that, while we still had opportunities to go in front, St. Mirren had us on the back foot at times and in the end a draw was about right.
Straight from the kick off we put ourselves under pressure when a slack Tokely pass across the centre of defence was seized upon by Dargo who picked the ball up and drove towards goal. Proctor was keeping close attention and eventually, when attempting to put in a challenge, only succeeded in bring down the former Inverness man resulting in a free kick to the Saints. Had Hastings not been tracking back with the ICT defender it could have been worse for Proctor but he was only awarded a yellow card. From the resultant free kick, taken twice after Niculae broke early from the wall, Home keeper Fraser easily held McCays shot.
ICT retaliated when a surging Imrie run down the left side resulted in a cross being fired across goal which found ICTs Player of the Season Don Cowie at the back post but he was unable to steer the ball into the net instead firing over much to the relief of Howard in the Buddies goal. Inverness were on the attack again when a McBain cross was knocked down by Paisley bound Wyness to Niculae but the Romanian was unable to dig the ball out from under his feet as he was surrounded by Saint Mirren defenders who cleared the danger. An Imrie free kick was the next attempt on goal but the former Bully Wee star sent the ball wide of the post. Imrie threatened again as more direct running down the left saw him cut infield and send in a shot high towards goal which Howard was able to deal with.
Saint Mirren threatened in spells in the first half as well. A superb cross field pass found right back Barron in acres of space. McBain was slow to close him down and gave the Saints man the time to send in a wicked ball right across the six yard box which left Fraser scrambling as Dargo closed in. Luckily for Inverness Dargo was unable to connect with the ball and it trickled out of play and away from danger. Yet again Dargo was involved as Saints built upon their good spell of possession. A Mehmet through ball found Dargo who headed towards goal but was shackled all the way by a determined Imrie who eventually won the ball off him continuing his strong start to the game.
Barry Wilson, fresh from signing a new 6 month deal at Inverness sent in a cross which Wyness attacked but he was unable to put Inverness in front. Wilson was next to threaten as he sent in a testing drive which Howard palmed to safety. A wonderful passing move down the right involving Wilson, Tokely and Cowie set Wyness up again but yet again he failed to find the target. Even more staggering was the miss from Wyness minutes later. The ball ricocheted in the box before dropping to the feet of Wyness who somehow contrived to miss from inches out. Marius Niculae had been having a quiet game so far. He was next to test Saints keeper Howard with a drive the just flew over. This was to be the final action of the first 45 minutes in which Inverness had had by far the better chances but Saints still looked threatening on occasions too.
Half Time: 0-0
Into the 2nd half and ICT nearly shot themselves in the foot again with another defensive mix up. Shoddy play at the back allowed Billy Mehmet the chance to put Saints in front but he was unable to take advantage as he blazed over. Inverness retaliated with a Niculae header which had Howard scrambling to save. A powerful effort from Saint Mirren's 22 was gathered by Fraser as the game started to open up a little. A Cowie half volley from a Wilson cross squirmed wide of the goal before Inverness were reduced to 10 men after another collision between Proctor and Dargo. With the ball on the far side touchline, a clever through ball sent Dargo scampering away towards goal with Proctor in hot pursuit. The players tangled and Proctor was shown a straight red for a professional foul leaving Inverness to play the remainder of the game with 10 men. Dorman tried his luck from the subsequent free kick but the ball flew over.
Imrie was causing problems down the left hand side and drew Barron into a crude foul which set up another chance for Inverness. The free kick found its way to Niculae who had his header cleared by the Buddies rearguard. Brewster shuffled his pack by withdrawing the misfiring Wyness and tightened up the midfield with Black coming on. Wyness was given a standing ovation by the Home crowd in what is likely to be his last game for ICT before joining Saint Mirren in the summer. With the withdrawal of Wyness, Niculae was left to plough a lone furrow up front and he was next to threaten when a darting run saw him squeezed off the ball by three Saint Mirren players. Roy McBain cut in from the left and drove towards goal before unleashing a thundering shot. Unfortunately the shot was hit with his right foot and the ball ended up heading towards the Moray Firth! Saint Mirren then nearly took the lead through an unlikely source as Tokely came close to sending the ball into his own net as Saint Mirren upped the stakes as the clock wound down. A cross to Dargo found the goal shy striker in space but his low shot was saved by Fraser.
There was a contentious moment when Bayne looked to have handled in the area with a cross cum shot that was drive at him. It was debateable whether he could have done anything about it but it might not have been too surprising if Eddie Smith had given a spot kick. Bayne, with plenty of time, inexplicably thumped the ball out for another corner under no pressure which prompted a verbal spat with Hastings over the needless pressure put under the ICT defence because of Baynes hurried clearance. Dargo threatened again with a shot that crept wide of the left hand post and Jim Hamilton was the man on the end of another Saint Mirren counter attack but he too was unable to put St. Mirren ahead as he shot at Fraser.
Despite a good start to the game ICT were clinging on at the end with only 10 men after Proctors dismissal. They should really have been ahead before then but were unable to take their chances with Wyness guilty of some awful misses. However Saints had some chances of their own and will have been disappointed not to have taken at least one of them.
It would seem that is Wyness's last game for ICT so best of luck to him wherever he might turn up next season. He's been a great player for ICT and I'm sorry to see him go.
He used to be shite, but now he's alright, walking in a Wyness wonderland.
Under 8s to get free season tickets
Caley Thistle have unveiled season ticket prices for the 2008/09 season today (Wed May 14th). All price levels have increased by £10 for the whole season but there is one major initiative included in the press release from the club, and that is the introduction of free tickets for children under 8 years old who accompany an adult season ticket holder.....
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY ICTFC : Wed 14th May 2008, 10:00AM
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are poised to be the first SPL club to
offer free season tickets to children under eight years of age.
For next season, there will be an option for an adult season ticket
holder to take a child of that age free of charge to all games
excluding those with the Old Firm.
Chief Executive Mike Smith said: "We're making this commitment because
we feel that bringing more children to our games gives a launch pad for
our future fan base.
We believe we're the first in the SPL to do this. We are a community club and we want more young families to experience games.
We already have a healthy family section containing more than 30% of
our total season ticket holders. The Under 16’s in that section can
get to see all of our SPL home games for about £3.50 per match.
Hopefully, the boys and girls who benefit from this new offer will become regular supporters as the years pass.
We believe these offers should mean that expense shouldn’t be a
deterrent to children who are interested in watching Caley Thistle and
SPL football.”
Team manager Craig Brewster said: "I've been at a few clubs and this is
the most innovative scheme I've seen to attract younger children. The
board's decision is welcomed by the players and it all should add to
the family atmosphere at the stadium next season."
After freezing the majority of general season ticket prices for the
past two seasons, there will be a small increase of £10 in all existing
categories of season tickets for the 2008/09 season.
Season tickets for the club's fifth SPL campaign can be acquired by
phoning or calling at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium and go on sale from
10am on Thursday morning (15th).
Main
Stand
North
Stand
Family
Enclosure
Under 8's
(with Adult)
Adult
£340.00
£290.00
£210.00
£210.00
OAP/Student
£215.00
£160.00
£110.00
£210.00
Child
£140.00
£90.00
£70.00
£FREE
Centenary Child
£110.00
£80.00
£55.00
£N/A
Under 8’s Offer
An Under 8 is a child who is born on or after 9th August
2000.
One Free Under 8’s Season Ticket holder per Adult Season Ticket
holder in special section of the North Stand
Adults Season Ticket is valid for all home SPL games. Under 8’s
Season Ticket is valid for all home SPL games excluding Old Firm
fixtures. Priority given to Under
8’s Season Ticket holders to purchase their own seats for Old Firm
games. If not purchased the seat
will be made available for general sale.
MAKE A BRIEF STOP FOR YOUR BRIEFS
Tickets for Barry Wilson's Testimonial match against a Liverpool XI on August 18th went on sale yesterday to priority categories (season ticket holders, shareholders and members of the Supporters' Trust, the Supporters' Club and the Centenary Club) and sold extremely rapidly all day.
Barry's Testimonial Committee are particularly concerned that people in
these categories do not lose out on this opportunity to purchase
tickets and are now urging them to claim their tickets as soon as
possible.
"People in priority categories are entitled to tickets over and above
for their own use and during the day their has been a large uptake for
extra tickets," said Testimonial Committee member Les Kidger. "I'm most
definitely not being complacent and saying that this game is going to
sell out, but if season ticket holders and priority groups, are looking
for extra tickets we are definitely suggesting that they get down to
the Caledonian Stadium or call the ticket office, as soon as possible
to purchase them, especially if they want a number of seats together."
Single tickets for season ticket holders are guaranteed until close of
business on Saturday and all remaining tickets will then go on sale to
the general public on Monday 19th.
The match organisers have been overwhelmed by interest in the fixture ever since it was launched last Wednesday.
"We are especially grateful to the staff at the Stadium who have been
been of huge assistance to us in connection with this game which is
clearly going to be a major occasion for football in Inverness ," said
Les.
Tickets are priced at £15, £7 for children and £40 for a group of two adults and two children.
