I've been looking at the tdams in the Championship and thinking about what I'd cinsider a good season to be and tbh any finish from 8th upwards is a result to me. Consolidating a position in the Championship and moving forwards from that has to be taken as positive given our recent history. I don't expect Alan Savage to turn into daddy Warbucks akin to Brooks Mileson given his history. I wish for a new owner with deep pockets so Alan can enjoy his success without constantly topping up our balance. "Welcome to the Longman" has a nice ring to it. Come on Deadpool!

Good subject and post Luddite,

The timing is right as whilst predictions about how ICT would/ could get on the CHPS when we won promotion was in full swing, we had no idea what the player pool would really be come August.

I’ve not seen any match so far but the posts back from those that did indicate we are a bit away from being at the level required to compete (and importantly win) in the CHPS. Have we enough quality to replace or improve the player level from last season ? - Far too early to say however I still expect a couple of players to come through the door. Personally I believe we will be tested a lot more defensively, and whilst the goalie and back four will do the heavy lifting here, strikers and the midfield cannot go missing in this task.

Kells role in how we get on will be important. He has had 20 odd months under his belt now and gained enough experience to take the players he has to come up with the best tactics and game plan to get results, (ideally a few draws away and victories at home).

Ultimately I’m optimistic we can secure ourselves in the ‘middle-pack’ knowing promotion ain’t going to happen, but get results that keep the threatened two or three relegate teams 4 - 6 points below us.

A good season 26-27 season for me is fifth (think it’s possible). A poor one is eighth.

bc

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by big cherly

Last season the fantastic start to the season set up the promotion. As the new boys in the division I'd say the other teams will look at ICT thinking there are points to be gained there. It's even more vital then to get a good start to nip that attitude in the bud. Promoted teams that get a poor start don't tend to have a good season overall.

It's really hard to judge what would be expected - look at Arbroath last season in their first season compared to RC who came into the championship from the other direction. Both probably had different expectations than what transpired.

If things go well we could be in the top half, perhaps even close to the playoffs. In reality I'd expect a mid table finish, but mid table for 10 teams can get you close to both top and bottom at various points. I'd say 5-7 would be what I'd expect come May. To me I think we need to look firstly at establishing a gap above two other teams (Morton & Stenny?) and then building from there.

The first three games are pretty tough ones before we visit Stenny, so I hope we have 4 or 5 points on the board by then. Set the tone early for a decent, but not spectacular, season.

finishing anywhere above 9th will do for me. Would prefer it to be comfortably above 9th, but consolidation this season is the key.

For me, this season is about staying in the Championship, so I see anything better than 8th as a bonus.

We’ve a tough start, playing the three teams that made the play offs last season, and could easily find ourselves at the wrong end of the table.

It’s hard to know what teams will be strong, but if we can finish above two of Morton, Queens Park and Stenhousemuir, we will have maintained our place in the Championship.

Let’s all go into the season with realistic expectations and knowing that it’s going to be hard.

I agree and understand the consolidation point. I know most supporters don’t give a toss, however I will add we also need a succession plan in place ie 3 and 5 year framework. If we are to limit or mitigate catastrophic cliff edges (of past yore), then this subject should be on the Boards agenda. If they act like the past and think that’s for the next Owner and CEO, then we’ve learned ZIP.

On field activities and success or failure run hand in hand with the off field ones. AS has and is doing his bit (within the limits of the budget (+ emergency pot)) he has set himself. A two or three year run in the CHPS would better the club’s position for better outside investment.

Avoiding relegation this season must be the priority. Anything else could put us back more than I care to consider.

Just putting it out there as I feel it’s relevant.

bc

Edited 4 hours ago4 hr by big cherly

15 hours ago, luddite said:

Maybe a 'superhero' that's more local?

She has made a bob or two in Hollywood, and will hopefully be set for life for income from appearances at ComiCon or similar etc after both Dr Who, as well as Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers appearances, not to mention Jumanji and the forthcoming Highlander remake. She likely has a few friends in the business with pots of cash (The Rock? Dave Bautista? Jack Black? Henry Cavill?) and more importantly seems to value her Scottish and Highland roots and is a big supporter of Mikeys Line as well....

... and she likes football

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