St Johnstone League Cup

This will be a tough test for our new look squad against relegated St Johnstone who will be looking to bounce back to the Premiership after finishing bottom of the table last season and will fancy their chances of progressing out of the group stages in this League Cup encounter at the Caledonian Stadium. They had to battle hard to overcome East Kilbride in their opening Group F tie eventually sealing a 1-3 win over the new League2 side. Our opening fixture was in midweek where we edged out Elgin City with a hard fought but ultimately deserved 2-0 win over the Borough Briggs side. Early days yet with most teams still building up to the bigger challenges ahead with the League campaign getting underway in early August and teams looking to hit the ground running. Especially us as we start League1 at minus 5 points. Meh!

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Match/Ticket/Info

Official Preview

🚍Bus & Bar94 Info below 

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The League Cup has not been a happy place for the Caley Jags in recent seasons but we got off to a winning start over Elgin City in midweek with Billy Mckay and Luis Longstaff the difference between the sides. Had Elgin not smacked the junction of post and bar it might have been different, but them's the breaks. Scott Kellacher was happy enough with the win and a clean sheet and more minutes in the legs.

No listen! Really pleased with the first half. Looking forward to a hard game this weekend against St Johnstone, it will be a difficult test.

Supporters Trust: St Johnstone: 1500 on Saturday 19 July: 🚍 & ⚽  & 🚍

• Bar 94 will open at 1200, with last orders at 1430 (the bar must be fully vacated by 1445).

• The bar reopens at full time.

• Buses will leave the Bus Station for the Stadium at 1245 and 1415.

• Buses return from the Stadium to the Bus Station 10 minutes after the full time whistle and at 1800.

• The bus fare is £2.70 single (contactless payments or cash accepted), and Over 60 / Disabled and Under 22 Concession passes are valid, giving free travel on the service to passholders.

Here's our team that we had out in our first competitive game of the season after an indifferent pre-season. This will be fairly close to our strongest line-up available at present with players still to get up to speed and adjusting to pastures new. Ross Munro appears to be our number 1 keeper and seems decent. the back four of Millen, Devine, Savage and Strachan have those positions ring fenced. We have an abundance of midfielders and that is where selections will be easily rotated on a horses for courses basis. Allan, MacLeod, Chalmers and Wotherspoon are all accomplished players with new signings Alfie Stewart, Jordan Alonge and Liam Sole able and willing to step in seamlessly. Robbie Thompson is also still here and will be pushing for a start. Calum MacLeod looks likely to be the big breakthrough player this season. The experience and guile of David Wotherspoon as an attacking midfielder will be invaluable in assisting Billy Mckay and Luis Longstaff up front. Kell's has made no secret of the fact that he want Alfie Bavidge back here as well. What an asset that would be as goal scorers are in short supply at the Caledonian Stadium just now. In saying that, Mckay and Longstaff got the first half goals against Elgin that eased us to the three points.

🛍️ Club Shop open from 10am until KO

🍺 Bar 94 open from 12pm

🎟️ Tickets available from eticketing.co.uk/ictfc

This was the Super J's side that came from behind to run out 1-3 winners over East Kilbride in their opening League Cup fixture. A superb John Robertson free kick had given EK an early 7th minute lead which the new League2 side held until Jamie Gullan replied with a great free kick of his own seven minutes after the break. Adama Sidibeh added a second on the hour following a quick break forward with Mackenzie Kirk completing the scoring ten minutes before the end, Saints had to work hard for the three points but their persistence paid off in the end against stubborn opponents who look like they will be a great asset to League2. Simo Valakari was delighted with the win and acknowledged how difficult it was at this venue as he praised his opponents, at the same time as accepting that St Johnstone are nowhere near where he wants them to be. I'll take that as a word of warning...

St Johnstone have an extensive list of players in & out (BBC Sport)

In: Louis Lloyd, forward (Caernarfon Town); Sam Stanton, midfielder (Raith Rovers); Jamie Gullan, forward (Raith Rovers); Morgan Boyes, defender (Morton); Jack Baird, defender (Morton); Cheick Diabate, defender (Exeter City); Reghan Tumilty, defender (Hamilton Accies); Matty Foulds, defender (Harrogate Town). Stephen Mallan has since joined on a 1 year deal and former Caley Jag Reece McAlear has also signed on at Perth on a 2 year deal.

Loan in: Toby Steward, goalkeeper (Portsmouth).

Out: Andre Raymond, defender; Josh Rae, GK (Raith Rovers, loan to permanent); Drey Wright, midfielder (Dundee); Graham Carey, midfielder (Livingston); Stevie May, forward (Livingston, loan to permanent); Callan Hamill, defender (Arsenal); Matthew Smith, midfielder (Newport County); Alex Ferguson, midfielder (Kelty Hearts); Liam Parker, defender (Cove Rangers, loan to permanent); Benjamin Kimpioka, forward; Barry Douglas, defender; Nicky Clark, forward (Ross County); Cammy MacPherson, midfielder; Max Kucheriavyi, midfielder; Adam McMillan, forward; Arran Cocks, forward; Bayley Klimionek, defender; Ben McCrystal, midfielder; Dominic Shiels, defender; Kyle Thomson, goalkeeper.

Loan ended: Andy Fisher, GK (Swansea City); Sam Curtis, defender (Sheffield United); Zach Mitchell, defender (Charlton Athletic); Elliot Watt, midfielder (Burton Albion); Stephen Duke-McKenna, midfielder (Harrogate Town).

New Dates for the Diary

League Cup (4 matches)

1. 15.07.2025@19:45 2-0 Elgin City (H) ✔️

2. 19.07.2025@15:00 - St. Johnstone (H)

3. 22.07.2025@19:45 - East Kilbride (A)

4. 26.07.2025@15:00 - Raith Rovers (A)

Challenge Cup (6 matches)

1. 12.08.2025@19:45 - Elgin City (A)

2. 26.08.2025@19:45 - Aberdeen B (H)

3. 06.09.2025@15:00 - Stirling Albion (H)

4. 23.09.2025@19:45 - Dundee B (H)

5. 11.10.2025@15:00 - Forfar Athletic (A)

6. 06.11.2025@19:45 - Dundee Utd B (H)

North Cup (1)

• 06.08.2025@19:30 - Lossiemouth (A)

Was it not stopped a few years ago because some fans didn't know how to behave when cheerleaders were there?

11 minutes ago, STFU said:

Was it not stopped a few years ago because some fans didn't know how to behave when cheerleaders were there?

Cant remember but wouldnt surprise me

Hey, teachers, leave them kids alone...

I was late to the match and didn’t see the cheerleaders so can’t comment any way on what their routine was or the fans reaction. That doesn’t really interest me. For me we have entered a new regime under AS and any initiative that looks or tries to make the match day more (choosing my words carefully for obvious reasons) of a spectacle / entertaining

Most ideas and gimmicks have already been tried, ie kids 10 min pre football, fans taking penalties or trying to get a football into a car boot. Most fade out as they are boring and in winter I do not envisage any cheerleader greeting the teams coming out!

I am however prepared to give credit to the club in attempting to win over / more fans. Some fans will consider the cheerleaders are not appropriate at a match as certain ‘fans’ may be offensive. Fair enough, opinions are welcome, however the problem is with society not the club. I’m sure feedback and the considered success or failure of the cheerleaders will be monitored and assessed by the club and any future sessions will be decided accordingly.

For me it’s simple, if we want to consider and try initiatives to bring ‘more’ to the ground then I am willing to give the new owners the credit for trying!

I hasten to add a winning team is the best motivation.

bc

I thought the lad Oystercatcher on the wing was pretty good. If he can stop straying into offside positions he could be a real find. 🤔

HaHa

He was like a wee remote controlled birdy, darting about, stopping, speeding off in all directions 🐦

19 minutes ago, tm4tj said:

HaHa

He was like a wee remote controlled birdy, darting about, stopping, speeding off in all directions 🐦

Just the kind of winger we need

15 hours ago, big cherly said:

I was late to the match and didn’t see the cheerleaders so can’t comment any way on what their routine was or the fans reaction. That doesn’t really interest me. For me we have entered a new regime under AS and any initiative that looks or tries to make the match day more (choosing my words carefully for obvious reasons) of a spectacle / entertaining

Most ideas and gimmicks have already been tried, ie kids 10 min pre football, fans taking penalties or trying to get a football into a car boot. Most fade out as they are boring and in winter I do not envisage any cheerleader greeting the teams coming out!

I am however prepared to give credit to the club in attempting to win over / more fans. Some fans will consider the cheerleaders are not appropriate at a match as certain ‘fans’ may be offensive. Fair enough, opinions are welcome, however the problem is with society not the club. I’m sure feedback and the considered success or failure of the cheerleaders will be monitored and assessed by the club and any future sessions will be decided accordingly.

For me it’s simple, if we want to consider and try initiatives to bring ‘more’ to the ground then I am willing to give the new owners the credit for trying!

I hasten to add a winning team is the best motivation.

bc

Crystal Palace have had Cheerleaders for many years, initially they were a younger gymnastics based set up, but changed to a more Americanised version, many being professional dancers, singers, theatre based or PR industry. They work with others sports too and do quite a lot of charity work, and overall get a very good [and polite] reception. There was a brief period when they might have been axed when there was some political posturing over such girls in sport [Boxing and F1 I think}, but they survived that... wasn't quite expecting to hear of cheerleaders at Inverness, but could be a positive thing.

…. meanwhile sounds like we had a decent run out against St Johnstone and may have been unlucky to lose. Positive words for Sole and Alonge. No sign of Millen? Or Mackinnon?

We seem to have a decent looking side, short of an attacker or two at the moment. Obviously quite a lot of expectation after last season under SK, I would caution against expecting us to charge up the league straight away, it would be nice if it happens, but the next season is never the same as the last

2 hours ago, Eagle4Caley said:

Crystal Palace have had Cheerleaders for many years, initially they were a younger gymnastics based set up, but changed to a more Americanised version, many being professional dancers, singers, theatre based or PR industry. They work with others sports too and do quite a lot of charity work, and overall get a very good [and polite] reception. There was a brief period when they might have been axed when there was some political posturing over such girls in sport [Boxing and F1 I think}, but they survived that... wasn't quite expecting to hear of cheerleaders at Inverness, but could be a positive thing.

…. meanwhile sounds like we had a decent run out against St Johnstone and may have been unlucky to lose. Positive words for Sole and Alonge. No sign of Millen? Or Mackinnon?

We seem to have a decent looking side, short of an attacker or two at the moment. Obviously quite a lot of expectation after last season under SK, I would caution against expecting us to charge up the league straight away, it would be nice if it happens, but the next season is never the same as the last

It wasnt what youd consider traditional chearleading? It was more a gyrating type dance ? It was received politely. Felt sorry for the girl that slipped though.

19 hours ago, big cherly said:

Most ideas and gimmicks have already been tried, ie kids 10 min pre football, fans taking penalties or trying to get a football into a car boot. Most fade out as they are boring and in winter I do not envisage any cheerleader greeting the teams coming out!

I am however prepared to give credit to the club in attempting to win over / more fans. Some fans will consider the cheerleaders are not appropriate at a match as certain ‘fans’ may be offensive. Fair enough, opinions are welcome, however the problem is with society not the club. I’m sure feedback and the considered success or failure of the cheerleaders will be monitored and assessed by the club and any future sessions will be decided accordingly.

For me it’s simple, if we want to consider and try initiatives to bring ‘more’ to the ground then I am willing to give the new owners the credit for trying!

I hasten to add a winning team is the best motivation.

You are right - a winning team is absolutely the best motivation to get bums on seats.

I look at what happens over here at TFC and it's kind of similar to things tried before at ICT so no bright ideas here .... There is a specific pre-match routine involving kids from youth teams around the Toronto area bringing out the huge pitch flags, then at half-time we have gone through the gamut of kids playing mini-games, adults trying to win stuff (from various sponsors) with trivia questions, or by kicking the ball half the length of pitch and having to score a goal or something similar to the car boot stuff. Not even had any cheerleaders at TFC so ICT are ahead of them there.

The only thing we perhaps have not tried @ICT is where some of the concession providers at TFC (typically the Pizza guys) send a slice to every seat in a specific "random" row of the stadium. When I say random, I really mean in one of the expensive rows and not down with the proletariat where I stand ... not had a free slice in the supporters' section in 18 years! Can't see a burnt sausage roll from the servery downstairs being much of a draw to be honest ... lets stick to the original plan and start winning some football games.

Bring back having some random fans try and toe punt a ball into a car by the corner flag.

1 hour ago, Scotty said:

You are right - a winning team is absolutely the best motivation to get bums on seats.

I look at what happens over here at TFC and it's kind of similar to things tried before at ICT so no bright ideas here .... There is a specific pre-match routine involving kids from youth teams around the Toronto area bringing out the huge pitch flags, then at half-time we have gone through the gamut of kids playing mini-games, adults trying to win stuff (from various sponsors) with trivia questions, or by kicking the ball half the length of pitch and having to score a goal or something similar to the car boot stuff. Not even had any cheerleaders at TFC so ICT are ahead of them there.

The only thing we perhaps have not tried @ICT is where some of the concession providers at TFC (typically the Pizza guys) send a slice to every seat in a specific "random" row of the stadium. When I say random, I really mean in one of the expensive rows and not down with the proletariat where I stand ... not had a free slice in the supporters' section in 18 years! Can't see a burnt sausage roll from the servery downstairs being much of a draw to be honest ... lets stick to the original plan and start winning some football games.

Scotty,

Your comment on what happens at Toronto matches got me thinking about the mobile candy/drink vendors I have seen in films and live baseball and NFL matches. Taking into account we, (I’m sure just about every other club) have problems with the time taken for half time pies/drinks/sweets, I was wondering if something similar could be done at ICT matches. - I'm not sure if it has at other clubs and failed or if their are some crazy laws / regulations that prohibit this type of merchandise sale? It seems to me safe locations can be established (i.e next to match security) and excluding alcohol, hot food or hot drinks, - Crisps, Kit-kats, soft drinks and such stuff being sold in the stands, (no cash-card only -at any time) may lighten the load/time at the half-time pie/bovril rush.

Just wondering if /how it works at TFC matches ?

Just my tuppence worth to the discussion.

bc

Edited July 21, 2025Jul 21 by big cherly

5 minutes ago, big cherly said:

Scotty,

Your comment on what happens at Toronto matches got me thinking about the mobile candy/drink vendors I have seen in films and live baseball and NFL matches. Taking into account we, (I’m sure just about every other club) have problems with the time taken for half time pies/drinks/sweets, I was wondering if something similar could be done at ICT matches. - I'm not sure if it has at other clubs and failed or if their are some crazy laws / regulations that prohibit this type of merchandise sale? It seems to me safe locations can be established (i.e next to match security) and excluding alcohol, hot food or hot drinks, - Crisps, Kit-kats, soft drinks and such stuff being sold in the stands (at any time) would lighten the load/time at the half-time pie/bovril rush.

Just wondering if /how it works at TFC matches ?

Just my tuppence worth to the discussion.

bc

Yes, we get folk walking up and down the main aisles with popcorn, sweets, AND alcohol. Used to be a problem with over consumption but at current stadium prices I think most people now self-regulate! To be fair though, at TFC there are so many concession stands near to most sections that its not a problem to go get it yourself although at half-time the most popular ones do get pretty long queues but they move quick. Same for beers - at last count, 20+ different ones on tap around the Stadium and the lineups for those are not usually too bad ... they stop serving around the 65-minute mark though.

Not sure how well this would translate to ICT given the lower crowds and lack of multiple serveries. Perhaps an initiative for popcorn, chocolate bars, crisps or other easy stuff might be an option? Its all about convenience.

Where TFC do actually do well is in their app. I can (theoretically) order food to my seat (hot food and/or beers) during the game, buy 50-50 tickets, even from home and take advantage of offers or enter competitions etc. I did try to order to my seat one-time when I had my son with me but the delivery time was apparently 40 minutes, and this was part way through the second half ... so a few glitches to work out there methinks!

3 hours ago, Scotty said:

Yes, we get folk walking up and down the main aisles with popcorn, sweets, AND alcohol. Used to be a problem with over consumption but at current stadium prices I think most people now self-regulate! To be fair though, at TFC there are so many concession stands near to most sections that its not a problem to go get it yourself although at half-time the most popular ones do get pretty long queues but they move quick. Same for beers - at last count, 20+ different ones on tap around the Stadium and the lineups for those are not usually too bad ... they stop serving around the 65-minute mark though.

Not sure how well this would translate to ICT given the lower crowds and lack of multiple serveries. Perhaps an initiative for popcorn, chocolate bars, crisps or other easy stuff might be an option? Its all about convenience.

Where TFC do actually do well is in their app. I can (theoretically) order food to my seat (hot food and/or beers) during the game, buy 50-50 tickets, even from home and take advantage of offers or enter competitions etc. I did try to order to my seat one-time when I had my son with me but the delivery time was apparently 40 minutes, and this was part way through the second half ... so a few glitches to work out there methinks!

Thanks. Liker the app idea but as you say probably insufficient fans at ICT to justify the cost of the app.

bc

Let's start by working on being able to serve an edible pie or sausage roll.