Cheers Colin

With Terry Butcher ringing the changes on the field of play at the end of last season, it's also the end of an era off the pitch as well for many Caley Thistle fans as news that the Innes Bar will be changing hands had filtered through.  No big deal I hear some say as pre-match aperitif's will still be available, but what will not be available is long time custodian Colin MacFadyen serving your choice of thirst quencher, or shouting juice, whichever cranks your handle.

The Innes Bar has been host to the core of fans known affectionately as 'The Internutters' for almost as long as the club has been playing football.  The Innes has, along with the club, seen some momentous occasions, and some we would rather forget, but hey ho, the relegation wake was one of the most vibrant evenings the pub handled, despite the doom and gloom of the result and the repercussions it would have on and off the field of play.

Promotion through the leagues was greeted with great joy and the enthusiasm and anticipation which met the first division championship result saw much merriment and frivolity.

The 'Internutters' come from near and far and many a friendship has blossomed from within.  Colin has been the perfect genial host, welcoming the early inhabitants, most of whom descended from the 'Caley Inn Crew' with open arms and fostering a knowledgable relationship when it comes to all things ICT.  The 'Caley Inn Crew' allegedly jumped ship when one of the 'Crew', big Stew purchased  an abode rather handily placed adjacent to the Innes Bar, a sort of house of convenience.  That may of course have been a smokescreen over the disappearance of a Caley Thistle scarf;  Scotty might spill the beans.

Many a times the last dram or one for the ditch would result in Colin or Scooby taxiing the hard core to the ground.  I think four minutes to three is the record for remaining in the pub yet still catching the kick off, well done Caley100, a hard one to beat that.

Scotty, Big Stew, Alex Macleod, Mantis, Naelifts, Yngwie, Billy the Fish, Caley100, Zogg, Kev & Stu, Andy, Uncle Albert, Guzz, Callum, LG, Big Dave, DJS, Ajsict, Mee, Johndo, Govan Jaggie & Jimmy, Doresboy and dozens and dozens of others were all grateful at one time or another for Colin's attentive service, whether on the way to the game or the footmarch back towards the town. That brisk twenty minute powerwalk in the heat of the day can sure bring on a thirst.

Colin was also involved in mini-bus sponsorship when the club was forced to play it's initial SPL games in Aberdeen and the shirt sponsoring of the Internutters group has always emanated from within Colin's hostelry. 

So, Colin has hung up his beer pumps after a long spell, maybe he should have had a testimonial or even an MBE for services rendered in difficult circumstances at times.

For all his service and  always amiable disposition, cheers Colin, Scooby and staff from all at Internutter world and CTO.

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The Innes Bar however will still be home to the Internutters and new host Craig Macleod has been in pre-season training since May and has some fresh ideas for the new season.  Any pub that has Neil Young, George Thorogood and Lynyrd Skynyrd amongst it's playlist on the jukebox is good enough for me.  More telly's have been added to the decor bringing a sportsbar feel to it and the pool tables and dartboard remain, that'll keep Billy the Fish and Caley100 occupied before the game. (hope they have been practicing in the close season).  As we speak the builders are laying out a new beer garden at the rear and a second dart board will be added.  Craig will have to close the bar on the 8th August for a refurb and he is adamant that we will have a watering hole when Rangers visit on the 13th, a sort of 5 day makeover. 

***Speaking to Craig at the Innes and he tells me that the refurb has been put back a week starting on the 15th August

Not only will Internutters be welcome, but away fans will also be accommodated making for an entertaining pre and post match atmosphere, all adding to the occasion.

So, it's out with the old and in with the new on and off the park, let's hope it's a successful season on and off the park as well.