Ayr Pressure

 

With our Premiership aspirations hanging by a thread, we entertain Ayr United on Saturday with our winless run having been extended to eight games after the 3-3 draw with Partick Thistle, albeit an improved performance, but the end result all too familiar recently. The game is scheduled for 3:00pm on Saturday, weather permitting, with storms due in midweek. Dudley seems to have bypassed Inverness, but Eunice is coming, so fingers crossed it misses us as well, however, snow is forecast so beware. Storm Ayr are coming North fresh from retaining the bragging rights after their excellent derby win over Killie; no pressure then.

MATCH/TICKET/STREAMING INFO

Venue - Head2Head

Pld

Won

Drn

Lst

For

Agst

+ / -

Home	21	10	10	1	35	20	+15
Away	22	10	5	7	42	28	+14
Neutral	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total	43	20	15	8	77	48	+29

Last 10 Competitive Meetings

2 - 2 (A)

1 - 0 (H)

2 - 2 (H)

2 - 0 (A)

1 - 1 (H)

0 - 1 (A)

2 - 0 (H)

2 - 0 (A)

1 - 1 (H)

3 - 1 (A)

Loaded heavily in our favour, the stats don't lie, or do they? Only one defeat to Ayr at home on all competitions would seem to make Inverness odds on favourites to win this one. Unfortunately, we, the fans, know better. Our recent form has been poor and we are winless in eight.

The previous encounters this season show a 1-0 win towards the end of August during our opening gambit of the season.

CTO summary: Walsh nicks it: A slightly damp morning opening out into a muggy but calm afternoon in the Highlands made for near perfect conditions for this game. However, the football did not match the weather in a dour first half and it was goalless at the interval. Ayr rattled the top of the stand at the start of the second half as the game came to life. Tom Walsh looked to have opened the scoring when he bundled an inviting cross from Manny Duku behind the keeper after 54 minutes with Sean McGinty in close proximity trying to clear the ball. Joe Chalmers put a shot across the face of the Inverness goal that went narrowly wide. Walsh missed a glorious chance to double the lead moments later but pulled his shot across the face of the goal as well. Robbie Deas also missed an opportunity for a second goal, firing the ball over the bar from a great position inside the box. The game was more open but Inverness held on for their third 1-0 win of the season and top the league jointly with Killie.

In the return fixture at Somerset Park we threw away an early advantage to draw 2-2, the slump was well and trully on. 

Another opportunity missed! At a windy Somerset Park, Inverness took the lead early on when Sean Welsh met a Tom Walsh cross at the back post unchallenged to head into the net. The lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Joe Chalmers scored after a corner with a couple of defenders being grappled to the ground as Chalmers slotted home. Gardyne was causing all sorts of problems and his next angled cross into the box was missed by Mckay but it bounced through and into the goal to give the visitors the advantage at the break. Reading levelled with a low shot eight minutes into the second half, Ridgers not covering his near post sufficiently. No more scoring partly due to Aidan McAdams in the home goal and another great opportunity to get back on top went abegging with Partick winning 1-0 at Rugby Park.

Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Dunfermline v Partick Thistle postponed 1. Arbroath 24 12 9 3 38 18 45 2. Kilmarnock 25 13 4 8 31 19 43 3. Inverness CT 25 10 9 6 33 23 39 4. Raith Rovers 25 9 11 5 34 27 38 5. Partick Thistle 22 10 7 5 37 22 37 6. Morton 24 6 9 9 29 34 27 7. Hamilton Ac. 25 6 9 10 27 40 27 8. Ayr United 25 6 8 11 23 38 26 9. Dunfermline 25 4 11 10 24 40 23 10. Q.O.S. 24 4 7 13 25 40 19

FRIDAY 18th FEBRUARY

Dunfermline P v P Partick Thistle

SATURDAY 19TH FEBRUARY

Hamilton v Morton   

Caley Jags v Ayr United

    Kilmarnock v Raith Rovers

Queen Sth v Arbroath

Last time out

Inverness came from behind three times to secure a point against an impressive Partick Thistle. Brian Graham was a thorn in our side again, claiming a hat-trick although the first one appeared to come off the shins of Wallace Duffy. We hit back through Billy Mckay, Shane Sutherland and a last gasp header from the enterprising Kirk.

Ayr United won the Ayrshire derby as they came from behind to beat Kilmarnock 2-1 at Rugby Park to stun title favourites Killie. Fraser Murray had opened the scoring early in the first half but Ayr levelled soon after through Sean McGinty and he scored the winner with ten minutes left to stun their hosts.

Latest Team News

Billy Dodds will definitely be without Scott Allardice and Danny Devine. Somehow, Roddy MacGregor has disappeared from earth, possibly been abducted by a Chinese tennis player. If anyone spots him, can they call MacGregors Bar to let us know that he's safe and well. Thanks in advance. Aaron Doran has missed the last month but is back in training and Tom Walsh has thrown his hat into the injured squad over the last couple of weeks. Thankfully we are covered up front with Sam Pearson looking good last week, but for some unknown reason we never looked at bringing in defensive cover from the start of the season, we'll soon be going with one at the back.

New Ayr manager Lee Bullen will be looking for more of the same attitude displayed in the derby win over Killie. Here's his starting XI from the Killie game played in front of 7,560 fans. Adeloye and Rowe came on as second half subs, with Ayr playing a 4-4-1-1 formation.

1McAdams

2Houston4Muirhead5McGinty3Reading

22McKenzie6Murdoch8McInroy14Maxwell

18Dempsey

19Ashford

There's been a lot of changes at Somerset Park since we last played Ayr. Our own Eric has been busy checking out their latest coming and goings. So, basically, a new look Ayr United will be here looking to improve their poor record at Inverness.

Departures

Cameron Salkeld - forward -has left the club due to long term injury

Nick McAllister - back - on loan to Clyde FC until end of season

Michael Miller - midfield - on loan to Stenhousemuir FC until end of season

Joe Chalmers - midfield - Transferred to Dunfermline FC.

Jonathon Afolabi - forward - was on loan from Celtic recalled and now at Airdrieonians Fc

Steven Bradley - forward - was on loan from Hibs recalled and now at Dundalk FC

 

Arrivals

Blaine Rowe - right back - on loan from Coventry FC U23 until end of season.

Kerr McInroy - defensive midfield - on loan from Celtic FC until end of season

Ben Dempsey - attacking midfield - on loan from Charlton FC U23 until end of season

Ryan Gondoh - left wing - the Ghanaian has signed from Wealdstone FC until May 2023

Paul Smith - centre forward - has returned after loan spell at Cumnock Juniors FC ( that should have toughened him up a bit )

Sam Ashworth - centre forward - signed from Crawley Town FC until May 2023

Fraser Brydon - centre forward - has been promoted to first team from Ayr U18s

 

Manager

Lee Bullen has had several spells as Caretaker manager of Sheffield Wednesday FC and was recently manager or their U23 side

Age: 50 Years 
Appointed: Jan 7, 2022
Contract expires: May 31, 2024

 

 

 

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Surely the club must be concerned with what's happening? Attendances have fallen dramatically, the football is boring to watch, and results are dire. Feels like we're in freefall!

Yesterday on entering the ground I even witnessed one fan being stopped by a steward and asked to open his jacket for a security check. This wasn't a youngster but a senior fan, and in freezing cold weather! Wtf is going on at the club. They'll have no fans left at this rate!🤬

2 minutes ago, RednBlackComeback said:

Surely the club must be concerned with what's happening? Attendances have fallen dramatically, the football is boring to watch, and results are dire. Feels like we're in freefall!

Yesterday on entering the ground I even witnessed one fan being stopped by a steward and asked to open his jacket for a security check. This wasn't a youngster but a senior fan, and in freezing cold weather! Wtf is going on at the club. They'll have no fans left at this rate!🤬

I'm a 41 year old guy walking in holding my 8 year old daughter's hand and was asked to do the same. I asked them why as I've never been asked to do this in my life and was told they were looking for flares 🤷‍♂️😂

25 minutes ago, Kingsmills said:

Just out of curiosity, is there anyone on this site who still wishes BD to continue as head coach?

It is certainly the time for a new direction, but I just can't see the club being able to afford to get rid of him. Football is a very strange place, where you can be hopeless at your job and will usually get a hefty pay off, while in the real world, if you are found to be incompetent at your job, you get shown the door, with just your P45, and then walk into another job. Think of all the managers that have been given the sack, it doesn't seem to put other clubs off hiring them. For me, we should hire within, I like the idea of Christie and Tokely, we need to get some passion into the club again, and Dodds might be a nice guy, but I want to see him get angry, shout at the players, but I just don't think he's got that inspirational streak in him.

3 minutes ago, Fraz said:

I'm a 41 year old guy walking in holding my 8 year old daughter's hand and was asked to do the same. I asked them why as I've never been asked to do this in my life and was told they were looking for flares 🤷‍♂️😂

That's unbelievable!!! 🤬

The stadium is barely a quarter full.Could you imagine Hearts or Aberdeen playing to 5000 home fans and the board burying their head in the sand thinking all is ok.

For to long the supporters have been taken for granted, ***** catering ,flooded carparks, terrible stewarding, non existent communications, the list is endless.

The place is just soul destroying at the moment.

Things have to change or more fans will just drift away.

48 minutes ago, RednBlackComeback said:

Surely the club must be concerned with what's happening? Attendances have fallen dramatically, the football is boring to watch, and results are dire. Feels like we're in freefall!

Yesterday on entering the ground I even witnessed one fan being stopped by a steward and asked to open his jacket for a security check. This wasn't a youngster but a senior fan, and in freezing cold weather! Wtf is going on at the club. They'll have no fans left at this rate!🤬

Good grief!! 

36 minutes ago, forresjags said:

The stadium is barely a quarter full.Could you imagine Hearts or Aberdeen playing to 5000 home fans and the board burying their head in the sand thinking all is ok.

For to long the supporters have been taken for granted, ***** catering ,flooded carparks, terrible stewarding, non existent communications, the list is endless.

The place is just soul destroying at the moment.

Things have to change or more fans will just drift away.

Well said. I think fans put up with most of the other stuff no matter how bad if the product on the park is good. However I agree if nothing done soon there will be very few folk left! I can't remember crowds ever being this poor even in dark times in the past? 

good to read the stewarding is not as good as it was in my day mind next time he asks any of you to  open  his or her  jacket ask to see there SIA badge first before you open it 

Just now, scottishhighlands said:

good to read the stewarding is not as good as it was in my day mind next time he asks any of you to  open  his or her  jacket ask to see there SIA badge first before you open it 

Apparently not required at our level? Also we found out in Arbroath there is no requirement for them to pass on their SIA details when requested! 

Given the current level of mutiny apathy whatever, is there still a bus going down on Friday night?

35 minutes ago, TheMantis said:

Given the current level of mutiny apathy whatever, is there still a bus going down on Friday night?

Yes there is. Unless there are a lot of cancellations.

1 hour ago, TheMantis said:

Given the current level of mutiny apathy whatever, is there still a bus going down on Friday night?

Mind and take slip on shoes with you Mantis!!!

3 hours ago, RednBlackComeback said:

Surely the club must be concerned with what's happening? Attendances have fallen dramatically, the football is boring to watch, and results are dire. Feels like we're in freefall!

Yesterday on entering the ground I even witnessed one fan being stopped by a steward and asked to open his jacket for a security check. This wasn't a youngster but a senior fan, and in freezing cold weather! Wtf is going on at the club. They'll have no fans left at this rate!🤬

Could have been me, came in with Caley 100, thankfulky never searched me I was the successful decoy, he had a load of booze,  fireworks and a tank up his jumper.

Just now, Ronaldo said:

Could have been me, came in with Caley 100, thankfulky never searched me I was the successful decoy, he had a load of booze,  fireworks and a tank up his jumper.

Never searched him even....

4 hours ago, Fraz said:

I'm a 41 year old guy walking in holding my 8 year old daughter's hand and was asked to do the same. I asked them why as I've never been asked to do this in my life and was told they were looking for flares 🤷‍♂️😂

I used to smuggle flares into Kingsmills every second week for at least three seasons in the 70s

8 minutes ago, Ronaldo said:

Could have been me, came in with Caley 100, thankfulky never searched me I was the successful decoy, he had a load of booze,  fireworks and a tank up his jumper.

I saw a few rockets going off in the north stand near the end of the game.

They seemed to have evaded security countermeasures. 

6 hours ago, Fraz said:

I'm a 41 year old guy walking in holding my 8 year old daughter's hand and was asked to do the same. I asked them why as I've never been asked to do this in my life and was told they were looking for flares 🤷‍♂️😂

I have been asked to do that for the last few games now, never really knew why, I never take a bag with me and thought it was a bit over the top.

Why does the Chairman not come out,highlight that he is listening to the valuable supporters and then propose a plan to deal with the doom and gloom hanging over Caley stadium. Tell us why the communication which he started his tenure triumphing, has dropped to next to zero. Tell us why there are not proper parking facilities around the club and why the catering is a bit of a 'hit or a miss' and then tell us why he thinks the team have imploded. Is there a reason that we, the loyal fans know nothing about. Is there a reason why some of the players don't have desire and drive to play and maybe tell us what goes on at training,because whatever they are doing makes no difference week in and week out. Finally, can he no tell us if he is concerned that as a club we are all disconnected and not looking or acting professionally and explain why we should have to put up wth much more of this.

20 hours ago, Satan said:

I saw a few rockets going off in the north stand near the end of the game.

They seemed to have evaded security countermeasures. 

Sounds like a few rockets directed up some rear ends is needed - all in all some very depressing reading and I really don't think BD has the capability to light the necessary touch paper.

2 hours ago, Douglas Mackenzie said:

Why does the Chairman not come out,highlight that he is listening to the valuable supporters and then propose a plan to deal with the doom and gloom hanging over Caley stadium. Tell us why the communication which he started his tenure triumphing, has dropped to next to zero. Tell us why there are not proper parking facilities around the club and why the catering is a bit of a 'hit or a miss' and then tell us why he thinks the team have imploded. Is there a reason that we, the loyal fans know nothing about. Is there a reason why some of the players don't have desire and drive to play and maybe tell us what goes on at training,because whatever they are doing makes no difference week in and week out. Finally, can he no tell us if he is concerned that as a club we are all disconnected and not looking or acting professionally and explain why we should have to put up wth much more of this.

We have a board member who has a wealth of media experience and was going to be dealing with communication on behalf of the club but I think he must be hiding in the old Raigmore bunker!

5 minutes ago, IBM said:

We have a board member who has a wealth of media experience and was going to be dealing with communication on behalf of the club but I think he must be hiding in the old Raigmore bunker!

That will be the one that has the SLO role? Hmmmmm

59 minutes ago, IBM said:

We have a board member who has a wealth of media experience and was going to be dealing with communication on behalf of the club but I think he must be hiding in the old Raigmore bunker!

No media experience should be required just a willingness no keep the promise to communicate regularly and honestly with the fans which has been utterly lacking for months.

On 2/19/2022 at 5:42 PM, SteveA said:

Dodds must go. He doesn't have a clue what he is doing, the players aren't playing for him and the supporters are against him. The sooner he goes and takes Barry Wilson with him the better. The lack of fight, commitment, desire and quality today was an absolute disgrace. We don't have any kind of gameplan. Dodds is so far out of his depth it's unreal. 

and take Kellacher also unless its the entire coaching staff clear out nothing will change

 

Partick play Morton tomorrow evening, so it’s likely we will drop to fourth.

If we lose to Hamilton on Friday they will only be 6 points behind us, so we could soon find ourselves in the bottom half of the table if our poor form continues. 

A lot of venom here. I must point out however that we are a very small percentage of the support. Significant amounts appear to have voted with their feet on the other hand and the bean counters must be concerned.  It is inconceivable to me that the club havent issued a rallying call coupled with promises of action on  and off the park.....even some incentives to encourage attendance. To do and say nothing is shameful.