Massive Game

 

We have talked about big games before, but this one is absolutely huge in the thirty year history of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Only two games left of the regular season and we still need to ensure we avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs. We face Arbroath at home on Saturday and then make the trip to Montrose the week after and these two games could determine our fate. Musa Dibaga is out for the last couple of games as is Alfie Bavidge. Luis Longstaff returned after injury last week and played half a game.

Prior to the game, and three years on from his passing, a few of us will be raising a glass to remember Big Stew in the Innes Bar from 1:00pm. Pop in to say hello and share some stories with us. 

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Match/Ticket/Bus/Bar94/Info

Hospitality Available

Bring a friend for £5

ICTFC PotY VOTING

Wayne Addicoat RIP

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Sad news released by the club today to announce that former player Wayne Addicoat has passed away at just 45 years of age RIP Wayne 😥 His passing will be acknowledged with a minutes applause ahead of kick off against Arbroath.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are saddened to hear of the recent passing of former player Wayne Addicoat at 45 years-old. 

Wayne played for the club from July 1996 until May 1999, making 54 appearances and scoring 4 goals. 

The club send its condolences to Wayne’s family at this sad time and we will be holding a minute’s applause before this Saturday’s match against Arbroath. 

 

 

Four meetings already this season and we have yet to win one. Closest we came was in the League cup game that ended goalless with Arbroath winning the bonus point after the penalty shoot-out.

2025

Apr 26th	League (League 1)	? - ?	H	-
Feb 8th	League (League 1)	0 - 3	A	1,500

2024

Dec 14th	League (League 1)	0 - 2	H	1,531
Oct 5th	League (League 1)	0 - 1	A	1,381
Jul 23rd	League Cup (Group D)	p 0 - 0	H	754

Final quarter of the season: W L  D L  W L  D ? ? 

Forget the rest of the season; it's what happens over the next two games that will define our season. As well as we have done to give ourselves the chance to stay in this division, we have faltered over the last few games with injuries, suspensions and administration taking it's toll on the squad. Only the two wins in this last phase, but both were emphatic. A 4-1 win in the re-arranged game at home to Stenhousemuir and a brilliant 3-0 win at Cove. A disappointing home defeat to Annan was followed by another disappointing home draw against Alloa. It got worse the week after as QotS battered us 4-1 and following the win at Cove, Kelty dumped us 0-2 in the Highlands, another three points lost. We almost pulled off a good result away to Stenhousemuir last Saturday but a 91st minute own goal left us with just a point after Billy Mckay had scored his first goal for three months earlier in the second half. Thems the breaks, as disappointing as they are. With three minutes to go, we were sitting in 7th place in the table until Montrose equalised against Dumbarton and Stenny levelled with us.

Looks like we will be without big Musa again so I for one won't be holding my breath. I believe we are hopeful of acquiring Marcus Gill again. I also doubt very much that Arbroath will be sending up a second string starting XI this weekend like they did last week at Annan. They would have been as well not turning up instead of the embarrassing 5-1 defeat they were dished out by a team with a goal difference of minus 23, the worst in League1. Scott Kellacher does not want to make anything of this, however, I'm happy to do it for him. Meh!

Kelty are at Cove, Montrose are at Alloa and Annan are at Dumbarton. All tricky away ties at this stage of the season.

Pos	Team	Pld	Gd	Pts
1	Smokies	34	19	63
2😀	Cove	34	16	53
3😀	Queen Sth	34	3	51
4	Stenny	34	4	50
5	Alloa Ath	34	8	48
6🙁	Montrose	34	-6	40
7🙁	Kelty	34	-7	40
8	Caley Jags	34	2	37
9💩	Annan Ath	34	-23	36
10	Sons	34	-16	17

 

Last Six: D D W W W L  

The two draws were both 1-1 against Dumbarton (h) and Kelty (a). Three wins on the bounce v Cove (1-0), Montrose (0-1) and the title winning defeat of Stenhousemuir (4-0). Last week was the embarrassing loss to Annan at Galabank where they made seven changes to their line up and were thrashed 5-1 by Annan. It goes against the grain to be honest especially as they can still influence relegation places by their bringing the game into disrepute tactic. It's certainly not in the spirit of things and unless they field half a team this week then it smacks of dishonesty. When you leave players out with the quality of Fraser Taylor, Scott Stewart, Sam Stanton, Ryan Dow, Tam O'Brien, Aidan McAdams...... yer havin a laff guys.

 

 

Remembering Stewart Anderson who sadly is no longer with us having departed three years ago on 13th April 2022 aged just 52. A few friends of 'Big Stew' will be remembering the Big Man and having a peedie dram in his absence before the Smokies game. Join us if you like as we reminisce about better times ahead of kick-off and fondly get the craic with Big Stew in the Innes Bar from 1:00pm onward. Many a pre-match aperitif was had with Stewart before heading to the game with ample shouting juice absorbed into the body and boarding the taxi at four minutes to three (and still making kick-off).

As you can see, this painting was done by Stewart's brother, Blair. What a fantastic instantly recognisable image that captures the energy and passion, and epitomises this Gentle Giant of a character.

Cheers Stewart, missed by many  Slàinte Mhath

Here's the new barman sampling some of the wares in what could be described as a 'lock in' back in the day. Never one to shirk a challenge Stewart could easily demolish a peedie dram or equally a 31/2 pint tumbler of the black stuff in one go. A gentleman and a scholar who will be forever in our thoughts. I'm not sure what he would have thought about the current situation the club finds itself in, but I bet he would have had a few choice words for those that have contributed to our demise. More pics to follow once preview posted.

Brilliant performance today  fully deserved  let's hope next season will cement  new beginning for the club.   Hopefully new regime will treat  the fans with the respect that they deserve.  I hope that lots of disillusioned former St holders will return to the fold  I for one still waiting for phone call  from SG regarding why I left the fold.😡  thank god he's gone.

1 hour ago, big cherly said:

A great performance from B McKay today. His timing, vision and passing kept the Arbroath defence uneasy throughout the match. Great to see him turn back the clock for one final time. I was at the pie stall so missed his goal (curses)! 

bc 

Me too with grandson and his pall and when we got there there were no hot dogs left only Kit-kat's, cheap day for granda 

It was a crunch match and we certainly 'crunched' them.  Great game, great support, great result and well done to all the team and staff today 

 

4 hours ago, Yngwie said:

Derbies v Peterhead to look forward to!

And Elgin?? The Immortal One would have been waxing lyrical about that albeit maybe remote possibility!

Just in from my celebratory drinks and taken my paracetamol ( not as young as I used to be) What a day! Well done boys - knew that you would do it. Thank you. It reminds me  of when my kids were wee and we were on the way up for the first time.  Lots of wee ones there today - let's hope that the next generation are so lucky.

Hoping to get to Montrose next week for a wee jolly. C'mon Caley

4 hours ago, the cat said:

I hope that lots of disillusioned former St holders will return to the fold. I for one still waiting for phone call  from SG regarding why I left the fold.😡  thank god he's gone.

My sentiments too.

The Arbroath keeper surely should’ve done better at the first goal, he seemed to get his hands to Bray’s header? And he’ll be frustrated that he essentially saved the penalty but let it squirm in. No stopping the 3rd from Billy though. Where’s that finishing ability been all season?!

3 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

The Arbroath keeper surely should’ve done better at the first goal, he seemed to get his hands to Bray’s header? And he’ll be frustrated that he essentially saved the penalty but let it squirm in. No stopping the 3rd from Billy though. Where’s that finishing ability been all season?!

I reckon after last season and Big Duncs tactics, Billy's been short of confidence not helped with the doom and gloom of admin. Hope after scoring last 2 games, he's turned a corner and has a decent haul next season

45 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

The Arbroath keeper surely should’ve done better at the first goal, he seemed to get his hands to Bray’s header? And he’ll be frustrated that he essentially saved the penalty but let it squirm in. No stopping the 3rd from Billy though. Where’s that finishing ability been all season?!

Yep, Couple of howlers after seeing the replay,  However, we were surely due a wee bit of luck!

Allans penalty was very poor, must say I'm not a great fan of placing the ball down the middle,  it really needs a crack high down the middle if that's the target.

But what a great day!   The team looked really up for it which is fantastic for the home fans as we've seen a few dodgy performances. 

Well happy!  Now for Montrose!

Yesterday was epic, we thoroughly deserved the win, Billy's goal was magnificent...the wait at the end for Annan's result just added to the moment

Keeping Bray to see out the season one of many crucial decisions I wish him well for the future [maybe  I will see him at Palace!]

Well done Scott Kellacher, cometh the hour cometh the man

I said elsewhere that ultimately being docked 15points was more significant than we thought, the club has rediscovered itself, team and fans as one

Inverness is such a fab place, the air is so pure, you guys are lucky

It's a privilege to be an ICT fan

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Got home at 2am, and watched the Palace v Villa FA Cup game, I didn't dare even follow it on my phone so only found out the result when I got to Inverness Airport

Ignoring the cash differences (!) there are similarities with the two teams that draw me. Palace fans support is epic, which I see at Caley away games, and the noise from the North stand was great yesterday, we need to build on this

 

What a lovely weekend

Edited April 27Apr 27 by Eagle4Caley

15 hours ago, CaleyCanary said:

Eagle4Caley must be having a very good day 😄

I certainly did! Struggling to keep the tears at bay

Days like yesterday are what football is all about

3 minutes ago, Eagle4Caley said:

Got home at 2am, and watched the Palace v Villa FA Cup game, I didn't dare even follow it on my phone so only found out the result when I got to Inverness Airport

I was just thinking about you, despite having no idea what you look like, when I saw the Palace score Eagle4Caley.

If it was a good day for Caley fans, it was even better for you. Best of luck to CP.

12 hours ago, Charles Bannerman said:

And Elgin?? The Immortal One would have been waxing lyrical about that albeit maybe remote possibility!

Elgin would be good....I fancy a trip to East Fife too!

Here are some stats. With one game to go, ICT have won (as opposed to currently have) 55 points, which represent 1.57 per game and currently correspond to second place.

Under Duncan Ferguson, 10 games yielded 1.20 points per game and under Scott Kellacher, 25 games have yielded 1.72. Scott’s contribution is equivalent to 62 points across the full 36 game programme.

However these numbers don’t give the full picture of Scott’s achievement since from the moment he took over when administration began, he’s had to work with a squad that the Administrator was obliged to weaken considerably and which the club has had very little scope to shore up. I think that’s an important and underestimated factor when it comes to this season’s magnificent achievement.

Edited April 27Apr 27 by Charles Bannerman

Whilst Dumbarton going into administration gave us real hope that we could stay up, at the end of the day their 15 point deduction has actually made no difference to us securing safety.

It will be interesting to see if 'Big Dunc' has the decency to contact the Club and say 'well done....great achievement in the face of adversity. Best wishes for next season.'

12 minutes ago, CELTIC1CALEY3 said:

It will be interesting to see if 'Big Dunc' has the decency to contact the Club and say 'well done....great achievement in the face of adversity. Best wishes for next season.'

Dunc will believe that he laid the groundwork for this achievement.

17 hours ago, forresjags said:

Great stuff today, looking forward to next season already. Let's hope we can keep most of the squad together and keep moving forward .

Special mention to the on loan players who unlike last season, really looked like they enjoyed playing up here and whose contribution was invaluable.

 

 

Well done to James Nolan and Alfie Stewart for coming right over to sing and celebrate with the fans in the North Stand at the end...a nice touch.

Edited April 27Apr 27 by robbo1985

Yesterday was testament to, and reward for, the leadership shown by Kell...and the hard work put in by the team.

Proud of all of them.

Fantastic performance and result yesterday just when we needed it.  Was great to see Billy and the rest of the team run straight over to Kell after his superb strike.  Shows just how much he's done for the club, and how well liked he is amongst the team.

47 minutes ago, Yngwie said:

Dunc will believe that he laid the groundwork for this achievement.

Tbh I think he will be happy for us. In his own way lol 

CTO report. Well done all

 

Here's the YouTube version of the goals, it's a bit better that FB version.

 

4 hours ago, caley100 said:

Yep, Couple of howlers after seeing the replay,  However, we were surely due a wee bit of luck!

Allans penalty was very poor, must say I'm not a great fan of placing the ball down the middle,  it really needs a crack high down the middle if that's the target.

But what a great day!   The team looked really up for it which is fantastic for the home fans as we've seen a few dodgy performances. 

Well happy!  Now for Montrose!

The penalty went to the keepers right and the ball ended up going in to the keepers left 😅