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Swans Defender on Loan at ICT

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ICTFC today announced that Steven Watt of Swansea City FC will join Caley Thistle on a season long loan deal. The 22 year old defender is already training with the team and they are hopeful that the paperwork will go through in time for him to make an appearance against Motherwell in tonight's reserve fixture. Originally hailing from Banff, Watt is a product of the Chelsea Youth System. He signed his first professional contract with the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2004 and made his first appearance for them in January 2005 in an FA Cup match against Scunthorpe. He made a further sub appearance against Newcastle and earned himself a call-up to the Scotland U21 squad before moving to Swansea City FC in January 2006.
His time at Liberty Stadium has been plagued by injury meaning the young defender has only made 7 appearances in 19 months. A dislocated shoulder led to the need for two operations but is now back to full fitness and eager for first team action. "Steve is young player with fantastic potential who has been unfortunate with injuries in his time at Swansea," said Roberto. "Waiting for an opportunity with us is no good for him right now. He needs to go and get games to progress and become the player we think he can be.
"We gave him another contract because we think he can be an asset to Swansea, and going on loan to a very good league like the SPL will help him achieve that."
Although the deal with Caley Thistle has been penned for 12 months, Swansea City do have the option to recall him in the New Year transfer window should the need arise.
Information on the player can be found at the Swansea City Website
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By Guest in News 2007-08 ·

Motherwell 2-1 Inverness CT - SPL

Marius Niculae made his long awaited debut for Inverness and although he had a good game, there was to be no fairytale debut goal. Instead, ICT opened the scoring in the 82nd minute through veteran Ross Tokely but a Phil O'Donnell goal 5 minutes from time and a Ross McCormack penalty right at the death denied Inverness what would have been a deserved victory.
11/08/07 Fir Park, Motherwell MOTHERWELL 2 (O'Donnell 85, McCormack 90pen) Team: Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Fitzpatrick, Paterson, Lasley, O'Donnell, McGarry, Clarkson, Porter (McCormack 76)
Subs: Molloy, Smith, Mensing, Corrigan, McLean, Meldrum
INVERNESS CT 1 (Tokely 82) Team: Fraser, Tokely, McCaffrey, Munro, Hastings, Duncan, Cowie, Black, McBain, Wyness (Bayne 63), Niculae (D. McDonald 78)
Subs: A. McDonald, Rankin, Sutherland, Wilson, Ridgers
Referee Alan Freeland Attendance 4259 Charlie Christie, who was rumoured to have signed a new two year deal before the game, made three changes to the side that lost the previous week to Rangers
Out of the squad through injury went Rory McAllister and Barry Wilson and John Rankin were on the bench in favour of Don Cowie and Russell Duncan who started. Marius Niculae, with his work permit situation now resolved replaced Rory up front.
Motherwell were the first to attack when David Clarkson went close with a volley from 12 yards out in the first minute. Things settled down a little after that but it was Clarkson again who had the next chance in the game in 16 minutes when he got on the end of a Keith Lasley cross from only six yards out. Fortunately, Mike Fraser was alert and saved with ease.
At the other end, Inverness were making chances and Marius Niculae was putting himself about a fair bit but nothing was coming of it. Don Cowie took a succession of free-kicks between the 20th and 30th minute but although he put the Well defence under a little pressure, again they came to nothing even though one did end up at the feet of Niculae who attempted a shot at goal from nearly 30 yards out.
On the half hour mark, Caley Thistle had their best chance of the match so far. A Roy McBain corner was met by Ross Tokely but he headed narrowly wide under pressure from the Well defence.
5 minutes from half time, Caley Thistle had numerous chances after a flurry of corner kicks, First Cowie took one that was cleared by Fitzpatrick, then McBain took one which ended with a Cowie shot and a Smith save, then a minute later, after a tipping a Roy McBain effort round the post, Smith saved the resultant corner.
Half Time: 0-0
This was a game between two evenly matched sides and the second half had a similar feel to it. However, it was noticeable that Motherwell seemed to have picked up the pace a little and the Caley Jags were not getting as many chances as they had had in the first.
Having said that, it was Don Cowie who had the first real chance of the second half .... In 58 minutes, a Ross Tokely through ball fooled Mark Reynolds and Cowie got on the end of it and 20 yards from goal he decided to try and chip the keeper. It went agonisingly close, landing on the roof of the net !
In 62 minutes, Mike Fraser had to look lively to save a Keith Lasley effort. The ICT defence had been split wide open by some good Motherwell passing which resulted in Clarkson releasing Lasley but Mike Fraser saved the effort with his foot. [editors note: one of these quirky little things to keep an eye on !! for two weeks in a row now, Mike has saved a number of shots with his legs/feet as well as his hands]
A minute later, Wyness was replaced by Bayne up front and a minute after that, Motherwell again came close from David Clarkson. A Russell Duncan foul on Clarkson resulted in a free kick which Clarkson took himself. He passed it to McGarry who then crossed it back into the box. Clarkson got on the end of it but headed wide from 12 yards.
In 70 minutes, Chris Porter came close for the Steelmen. A Mark Reynolds near-post corner was headed just wide from six yards out. It was more or less Porter's last act in the game as he was replaced by Ross McCormack a few minutes later. Marius Niculae was also replaced before the end. Despite working hard throughout this game, it was clear he was not match fit and absolutely knackered so in 79 minutes the chance of a debut goal ended when he was replaced by Dean McDonald.
A couple of minutes later and that elusive goal arrived and it couldn't have been more of a contrast than the fans had hoped for or expected. Hoping for a strikers goal from a man making his club debut the fans instead got a defenders goal from a man who holds the club appearance record ... did the fans care ? of course not. it made it 0-1 !!!
The goal came from a free kick after Phil O'Donnell had fouled Graham Bayne. Don Cowie - who deserves praise for the effort and level of play he showed in what was also his debut for the club - stepped up to take the free kick and sent it to the far end of the box. Rossco was there to fire it home sweetly into the bottom corner of the net. not a classic goal, but one, so late on, that could and should have been the game winner.
The Motherwell of last season may have crumbled at losing a goal so late on, but instead, Mark McGhee's men went looking for an equaliser and it was Inverness who did the crumbling ! In 85 minutes, O'Donnell equalised for Well after he got his head to a Steve McGarry cross and sent it looping past Mike Fraser from close range.
If the game had ended there, none of the fans could really have complained at the result, two evenly matched teams sharing the spoils of a game where both had chances to win it. However, the game did not end there and it was heartbreak for Inverness right at the death when Well were awarded a penalty.
Skipper Grant Munro was adjudged to have pulled down David Clarkson in the box and referee Alan Freeland awarded a spot kick and booked Grant. Grant has vehemently denied pulling down the player and suggested that the Well man dived but even boss Charlie Christie admitted after the game that it looked like a penalty from where he was. Ross McCormack stepped up to take the kick and made it 2-1 for Well and that is how it finished.
Full Time: 2-1
For Caley Thistle, it was very frustrating and in addition to Cowie who was booked early in the game, a flurry of yellows in the last few minutes saw Duncan, Munro and Black also go into the referee' book.
With Gretna shipping 4 goals again this week despite leading 2-0 at Hibs, they still lurk in bottom spot on goal difference but both Inverness and St Mirren (our next opponents) have yet to put any points on the board in what is a disappointing start to the season.
 
Guest
By Guest in Reports 2007-08 ·

Permit Granted

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After weeks of waiting, Caley Thistle's new signing Marius Niculae has been told he can now play for the club after a work permit was granted "with immediate effect". An SFA appeals tribunal with members including Ray Stewart, Pat Nevin, Peter Cormack and Fraser Wishart as well as two officials from the Home Office decided after hearing from the club and the player himself that he would be allowed to play.
This is great news for the club and its fans and a victory for common sense.
[picture © Trevor Martin]
The tribunal, which took about an hour, was held at the National Stadium, Hampden Park, in Glasgow and the player himself was there to answer questions about his reasons for coming to Scotland. According to the Official website, the main answer to this question was that he is here to win back his international place. After the tribunal, the Chairman, manager and player could do nothing but sit and wait on a decision which was expected within an hour or two. fortunately, for Caley Thistle and their fans, the decision was positive and the Chairman commented that "all our efforts have been worthwhile and Marius can be available for the Motherwell game on Saturday if selected".
He went on to say "Manager Charlie Christie spoke very well as we outlined the club's case that this was a player of proven quality who we could not source in Scotland. I felt Marius made a favourable impression, with his good command of English and his emphasis that he did not see Inverness as a short-term destination but one in which he could play well enough to wear Romania's colours again."
The player himself was obviously delighted and said "I'm thrilled to get the green light. I can now concentrate on doing my best for the club. I'm very grateful to all the supporters who have backed me. I hope to repay them with goals for Caley Thistle."
Guest
By Guest in News 2007-08 ·

Inverness CT 0-3 Rangers - SPL

Caley Thistle took seven points out of a possible nine from Rangers last season but from the very start it didn't look like this would be repeated.
A Barry Ferguson double and a Nacho Novo goal gave Rangers an easy victory in front of a record 7711 crowd.
 
04/08/07 Tulloch Caledonian Stadium INVERNESS CT 0 Team: Fraser, Tokely, McCaffrey, Munro, Hastings, McBain (Hart 70), Wilson, Black, Rankin (McDonald 77), McAllister (Cowie 62), Wyness
Subs: Sutherland, Duncan, Morgan, Ridgers
RANGERS 3 Ferguson (16,90) Novo (64) Team: McGregor, Hutton, Cuellar, Weir, Papac, Thomson, Ferguson, Hemdani, McCulloch, Beasley, Boyd (Novo 49)
Subs: Darcheville, Kinniburgh, Lennon, McMillan, Broadfoot, Carroll
Referee Kenny Clarke Attendance 7711 Man of the Match Barry Ferguson  
Caley Thistle took seven points out of a possible nine from Rangers last season but from the very start it didn't look like this would be repeated. A Barry Ferguson double and a Nacho Novo goal gave Rangers an easy victory in front of a new record crowd at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium of 7711. With three potential first choice strikers out - Graham Bayne (broken toe), Marius Niculae (work permit problems) and Dean McDonald (ankle) - Charlie Christie started with a pairing of Dennis Wyness and Rory McAllister up front. There was no place for Russell Duncan in the opening line-up as McBain, Wilson, Black and Rankin formed the midfield line and only the defence was no surprise as the four most senior defenders - Tokely, Munro, McCaffrey and Hastings - took their normal slots. Walter Smith's Rangers are a different prospect than the side were under Paul Le Guen and much of that seems to be associated with the contribution of Rangers captain Barry Ferguson with whom PLG had a very public fallout. Ferguson was at the heart of everything in this game with a goal in each half and an overall performance that meant Rangers never really felt under much pressure.
The first attack of the game came in only three minutes when Beasley was put through by Barry Ferguson but he could only smash the ball of Mike Fraser's legs after the keeper came off his line to block the American. In the 11th minute there was a test of temper for Ian Black when he was fouled badly by Kris Boyd. The midfielder who is often criticised for his short fuse and quick temper, reacted well and the result was that it was only Kris Boyd who made it into the ref's book at this stage. Black, to his credit came through the game without any sanction from the ref. In the 16th minute, Barry Ferguson opened the scoring with a move that went from goalie to goalie in about 4 touches. McGregor hit a long ball which was passed into the path of Ferguson by Lee McCulloch and the Rangers skipper hit it from 20 yards where it went into the net off the post. Touch 4 was Mike Fraser picking it out of the net. Ferguson, at the centre of everything, almost assisted with another goal when he put Boyd clear on the half hour mark but once again Mike Fraser was there and managed to get a foot in the way of the ball which then bounced off the ground, struck the underside of the crossbar and somehow spun wide of the post. A Carlos Cuellar snap shot just before half-time was heading in if it had not been for a good low save by Fraser who turned it round the post.
Half Time: 0-1
The second half started slowly and the only action in the early portion of it was Boyd hobbling off in the 49th minute to be replaced by Nacho Novo and a tactical change where Charlie Christie replaced the ineffective Rory McAllister with Don Cowie and put Barry Wilson up front. A minute later and it was 2-0 to Rangers. Defensive lapses allowed Lee McCulloch to setup Nacho Novo and he made no mistake from 16 yards Five minutes after this Richie Hart came on and then and only then did Caley Thistle look like something might happen. Richie put in a sterling effort in the final 20 minutes and had two or three efforts that unfortunately came to nothing. 13 minutes from the end, new signing Dean McDonald came on for John Rankin but he couldn't get ICT back into it either. Ross Tokely will probably hope that this game had ended after 84 minutes as the last five minutes were not his best. After managing to escape bookings on at least two other occasions during the match he was finally booked in the 85th and then as the game drew to a close it was his error on a backpass that allowed Ferguson to nip in, lob the keeper and finish the game off.
Full time: 0-3
After the game Charlie Christie blasted the side: "Rangers played longer than they have ever done against us and it was very effective. The annoying thing for me is how much of a problem that was for us." "It showed just how important Graham Bayne is to us. There was no passion and not the requisite desire to win. Make no mistake, there will be changes next week."
 
Guest
By Guest in Reports 2007-08 ·

ICT Profits Rise

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Caley Thistle have announced an almost 28% jump in yearly profits from £218,197 in 2006 to £279,099 for the year ended May 31 2007.
Chairman Alan Savage said "I'm pleased at such a good financial out-turn."
 
The full text of the Press Release is as follows:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC will report to shareholders a profit of £279,099 on the year to May 31, 2007. This is an increase on last year's profit of £218,197. The club announced that its AGM will be held at the stadium on August 30 and copies of the accounts are being distributed to shareholders. These show turnover increased to £3,435,370 from last year's £3,262,813. Chairman Alan Savage, whose first year in charge is reflected in the accounts, said:"I was particularly focused on carrying on the good stewardship of former chairman David Sutherland at the club and I'm pleased at such a good financial out-turn. "But I never forget this is a football club which is why I was very pleased to see our players gaining international recognition -- Rory McAllister and Zander Sutherland at Scotland under 20, Ian Vigurs at Scotland under 19s and Richard Hastings back in the full Canada side. "The manager's desire to play attractive football was reflected in Charlie Christie winning the SPL manager of the month award last October plus home and away victories over Rangers." Mr Savage added:"We want to make progress on and off the pitch and as well as making funds available to develop the team, I'd like to give supporters a better experience by improving the infrastructure in the coming seasons."  
Guest
By Guest in News 2007-08 ·

Niculae Permit Denied

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If there was any doubt whether Marius Niculae would play in Saturday's league opener against Rangers, it seems to have been removed. The doubt is now whether he will play for ICT at all after the Home Office rejected his application for a work permit.
The application will now go to appeal and we at CaleyThistleOnline.com feel that it is only right that we do everything within our power to support the club and the player. For this reason we are sending this message to all users registered with the site to make you aware that you have the opportunity to do your bit and have your say.
David Stewart, former MP and current MSP for the area and a well known Caley Thistle supporter long before they reached the SPL has reportedly been approached by the club to look into the matter.
Speaking in the Herald, Mr Stewart said "I have looked at the Home Office conditions which have to be met for the granting of a work permit for a footballer in Marius' circumstances. One is that the player's home country must be within the top 70 of FIFA's rankings. Romania's national team's position meets this requirement.
"Another condition is that the player must have played for his country in at least 75% of its competitive full international matches, during the two years preceding the application. Despite his international record as a player Marius, unfortunately, does not meet this requirement.
"However, these are only guidelines for an initial application and I'm aware there have been many precedents of even internationally unknown, non-EU players with no links to the UK being granted work permits.
"The application by Marius will now go to appeal and the important thing now is to gather support for the legal team to use at the hearing. With this in mind I have today launched an e-petition and would encourage all Inverness Caley Thistle fans to not only sign the petition themselves, but to encourage family and friends to do likewise."
The petition can be accessed at
www.ipetitions.com/petition/mariusniculaeappeal/ Please note that after signing the petition you will be presented with a screen asking that you make a donation. This has confused some people and we want to clarify that no donation is required in order for you to sign the petition. Once you see this screen your Signature has already been added. If you wish to make a donation please be aware that you are donating towards the running of the e-petition website and not towards the appeal.
Guest
By Guest in News 2007-08 ·

ICT v Rangers - Preview

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Here we go again, another season is about to begin. And there is no better game to start with than a home match against one of the Old Firm.
Inverness CT host Rangers on Saturday looking continue their current 3 match unbeaten run against the Gers which includes 2 victories and a draw.
Don Cowie could also make his competitive debut for the side.
 
DETAILS 
Inverness CT v Rangers
Saturday 4th August at 12:30pm
Tulloch Caledonian Stadium
SPL
Referee: Kenny Clark


 
FIXTURES
Saturday 4th August:
Inverness CT v Rangers (Setanta, 12:30pm)
Dundee Utd v Aberdeen
Gretna v Falkirk
St Mirren v Motherwell

Sunday 5th August:
Celtic v Kilmarnock (Setanta, 2pm)

Monday 6th August:
Hearts v Hibernian (Setanta, 7:45pm)


 
PAST MEETINGS
The teams have played a total of 10 times (9 League, 1 Cup) with 20 goals (
9 Inverness CT, 13 Rangers) between them. Inverness CT: 2 wins (2 League, 0 Cup)
Draws: 4 (4 League, 0 Cup)
Rangers: 4 wins (3 League, 1 Cup)
 
 
 
 
A GAME TO REMEMBER
For this weeks game to remember we take you back to season 2006/2007 and the first meeting of the teams last season.
 
The match took place at Ibrox on the 14th of October 2006. Paul Le Guen was having a rocky start as gaffer of Rangers but their home form was good. However Inverness CT had other ideas, even though they were still looking for their first ever win against the Govan side. As the line-ups were announced, a lot of supporters from both sides were a bit surprised to see Lionel Letizi start in goals for Rangers (after an injury), especially since Allan McGregor had been playing so well. Would this switch be something that Le Guen would regret?
 
The match took place in glorious sunshine and was evenly contested with Inverness creating a few chances and dealing with everything Rangers threw at them. It wasn’t until the second half the only goal of the game was scored. The goal obviously had to come from a goalkeeper blunder!! In the 71st minute of the game a long range shot from Craig Dargo looked to be saved comfortably by Letizi until he could only parry it leaving an on rushing GRAHAM BAYNE a perfect chance to score and make himself a hero. Great reactions from the ex-Ross County man.
 
Rangers threw everything in the last few minutes just as there supporters threw all the dogs abuse they could at Letizi. It was happy trip back up the A9 (or for me a quick 20 min drive home!) for the Inverness CT players, fans and everyone associated with the club. A first ever victory over the blue side of Glasgow, and a much needed one, as it was to be their last away league victory all season until the last day of the season at St Mirren.

The teams were as follows:
 
INVERNESS CT: Brown, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Hastings, Wilson, Black, McBain, Rankin, Dargo, Bayne.
Subs- Hart (for Wilson ), Duncan (for Dargo), Fraser, McCaffrey, Wyness, Sutherland, McAllister.
 
RANGERS: Letizi, Bardsley, Rodriguez, Papac, Smith, Hemdani, Ferguson , Adam, Buffel, Prso, Sebo.
Subs- Novo (for Rodriguez), Boyd (for Prso), McGregor, Rae, Svensson, Hutton, N-Diaye.

The referee was Iain Brines and there were 4 bookings on the day: Bardsley and Boyd for Rangers and Black and Dargo for Inverness . Three of the Inverness players who started the match have left the club, but all still play in the SPL: Darren Dods going to Dundee Utd, Mark Brown to Celtic and Craig Dargo to St Mirren.
 


 
FACTS BETWEEN THE TEAMS
 

All League meetings between the teams have taken place in the SPL. Inverness CT had never won against Rangers in the first 7 times This will be Walter Smiths first ever game in Inverness since taking over Rangers for the second time. Charlie Christie’s first official game since taking over the manager’s job permanently was at home to Rangers, 18 months ago. The last time these two came face to face it ended 1-1 at Ibrox on the 31st March 2007. Darren Dods was sent off after only 14 mins and Charlie Adam scored from the resultant free kick. However Inverness remarkably came back from a goal down when Craig Dargo scored 15 mins from the end. A great result for Inverness CT considering playing with 10 men for most of the match. Two seasons ago Inverness CT’s first HOME game of the new season was against Rangers as well; however it was their second game of the season after winning 2-0 away to newly promoted Falkirk on the opening day. Inverness CT new signings: Don Cowie, Dean McDonald and Marius Niculae. Only Cowie is likely to feature on Saturday as Dean is injured and Marius has no work permit yet. Rangers new singings: Carlos Cuellar, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Alan Gow, Kirk Broadfoot, Georgios Efrem, Graeme Smith, DaMarcus Beasley, Roy Carroll, Lee McCulloch, Marco Michetschlager, Steven Whittaker. Any of the new eleven signings could feature on Saturday.
 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michael Fraser (Inverness CT): The Inverness born goalkeeper is looking forward to his first full season as no 1. Michael was Inverness ’ back-up goalie for Mark Brown until he left for Celtic in January earlier this year. Michael was considering leaving the club in search of first team football but thankfully he bided his time and it has paid off. The 23 year-old has had a good start to life in the SPL after playing every game since Mark Brown left. Fraser has been brought up well from the youth system thanks to goalkeeping coach Stuart Garden. Garden always held Fraser in high regard and now that his time has come we can see why. Fraser highly respects Stuart for the work he has done in helping Fraser and with his continuing coaching, Michael can only improve in the future. Let’s hope he goes onto to make many more appearances for the club.

Don Cowie (Inverness CT): The new singing is another player to make the short move from our highland neighbours Ross County , to Inverness CT. He was a captain in Dingwall and highly regarded and if John Rankin is anything to go by, Don will come good for the club, even if it doesn’t happen straight away. However Don has had a good pre-season for the club. Good luck Don!!!


 
FUTURE FIXTURES
Sat 3rd November @ Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Sat 19th January @ Tulloch Caledonian Stadium (note, dates may change)
 
Guest
By Guest in Previews 2007-08 ·

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