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    Scotty

    Chairmans Statement

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    I met with the outgoing chairman this week and discussed his vision of the future for the club.


    I met with the outgoing chairman this week and discussed his vision of the future of the club which he maintains that he will continue to be a supporter of as an ordinary supporter like the rest of us.

    The main thrust of what he had to say is included in a letter he has released today (Friday 26th April) which I have reproduced in full below.

    It was clear speaking to him, that although still upset at what had happened at the EGM, he bears no grudges against anyone at the club, and that the transition of power to the new board must be handled in a professional and non-disruptive manner to ensure that the club and the team do not suffer, and also in the hope that the new board have the vision to continue with the opportunities that the club might have to correct wrongs of the past.

    He maintained, that the running of Caley Thistle presented even more challenges than his day to day business of Tulloch, which although much bigger in terms of turnover and personnel was easier because of various factors, not least the "goldfish bowl" environment that comes with the territory in football.

    He confirmed that he will also continue to contribute financially in the daily running of the club via Tulloch as he already does to a great extent that goes largely un-noticed. (eg. Shareholders / Season Book holders ... have you ever noticed that any mail you get has been franked through a Tulloch franking machine, saving the club an estimated £300 per mailshot)

    He also intimated that recent initiatives such as the Pay-A-Player scheme suggested on this site should move forward regardless of who is at the helm, as the club need gestures such as this to help it financially through the coming years, and that regardless of messages on the Internet in either support, or criticism of him, that we should all unite behind one key element that draws us to this website, and to the Caledonian Stadium, and that is the team we all love and support managed by the best manager in the country, with a squad that has already agreed a wage cut to help the club through these troubled financial times.

    With sadness, we say goodbye to David Sutherland as chairman, and welcome him as a regular supporter, and echo his wishes that the new board continue to move the club forward in a responsible manner. If they do that, then they will surely retain the confidence of the supporters as all that we ALL want is a club heading in the right direction, and away from the precipice of financial ruin with a team on the park that we can all be proud to say we support.

     

    FAREWELL LETTER FROM DAVID SUTHERLAND

    The curtain rings down on another season and on my three years as club Chairman. I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the ordinary punters who so regularly support Caley Thistle. Much is said about those who do not come to the Caledonian Stadium, perhaps the focus should be more on those loyal and enthusiastic people who do. You deserve a club that will survive and go from strength to strength.

    Though stepping down, I will be amongst you as a paying customer next season, as I fully intend to remain as a supporter.

    This is no time for regrets or recriminations about the recent EGM when the actions of a small group of major shareholders triggered the resignation of the board. It was disappointing after all the work we had put in, but it is now history and I genuinely wish the new board every success in their endeavours and I hope that some members of the old board will stay aboard.

    It is important that the budget put in place for next season is now implemented with Steve Paterson and Duncan Shearer able to sign the players needed.

    Being Chairman has been a great deal of hard work and taken up a lot of time, liasing with the bank and with various parties, to rid the football operation of the £4 million debt which I inherited. I will remain involved with ICT Trust and Property Company, where the debt now lies, to help generate the extra income which can help the football club further down the line.

    But as well as hassle, its been fun. The thrills of knocking Celtic and Hearts out of the Scottish Cup on their own grounds, the many laughs we've had, the expansion of support of local businesses, the creation of the covered enclosure - all of these have given me particular satisfaction.

    No Chairman could have a more loyal vice-chairman than Ken Thomson, whose last game in office this also is. Ken has been a tireless worker for the cause and deserves enormous credit for the turnaround at the club.

    Ken Mackie has shown great focus as financial director while Sandy Catto, Ian MacDonald and Roy MacLennan have all made valuable contributions. Graeme Bennett became, for my money, the best Director of Football in the country, a former player who could liaise with the team management and dressing room in a way that "men in suits" could not.

    Thanks too, to people like John Innes and Keith MacKay who have worked behind the scenes to raise fresh income for the club. Debbie Ross and her staff at the stadium have also worked well.

    I have tried to bring sound business principles and strategic thinking to the way in which this club has been run. It is not for me to judge whether or not this has worked. But the perilous state of Scottish Football suggests that we were ahead of the game in getting our finances right, and hopefully, I leave a good inheritance and real options ahead.

    All the best then, to those who succeed me in the boardroom, and I ask the shareholders and supporters to give them their backing. After all, we all have the interests of the club at heart.

    Its been a whirlwind three years at the helm and in some ways it'll be a relief to have some spare time again. But I am glad to have tried to play a positive role in driving Inverness Caledonian Thistle forward and ensuring that it has a sustainable future given that the new board complete the fundraising exercise the current board started !

    Our fans and our city deserve a team playing at as high a level in Scottish football as can be economically sustained.

    Come on, Caley Jags and please give your support in the seasons ahead.

    Yours in sport David F Sutherland




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