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There have been very few players in the short history of Caley Thistle that are as influential and as prominent in the team as Russell Duncan. There is no doubt in my mind that the team are far superior on the field when he is present. I have no doubt about that. Sadly though, Butcher doesn't seem to see things that way. Ever since he came in, he has seemed obsessed with not playing him and signing other similar players to give him a reason not to do so. First there was Brian Kerr, then there was Stratford, there was Stuart Duff, then Duncan got back in when none of these showed to be up to the same standard (and surprise surprise about the same time after he retained his place, ICT started their meteoric rise for the title). Even now, it can be seen that Butcher would rather play Nick Ross and Lee Cox in the centre of field instead of Duncan. Now as promising and up-and-coming that these two players are, both combined don't bring the same bite, presence, experience and hunger to that area that Duncan brings. Any successful team have a player like that in the central midfield area and Duncan brings that to ICT. And this isn't the first time players seem to have disappeared under Butcher. McBain is another example. I've heard on the grapevine that he and Butcher didn't speak for months! Today somebody posts (and obviously it cannot yet be said how reliable that is) that Duncan has been told he can leave. Sadly, that wouldn't surprise me and if this is true then it would be a grave mistake on the part of Terry Butcher. It's time for him to get regain his rightful place in the ICT starting eleven because his loss would be another club's gain.

I don't care if a players has been here 10 years or 10 minutes. If he is good he should be playing, it's as simple as that. Butcher has come out about how "all the players are playing for the future". I don't believe that. I reckon he has a good idea who he wants rid of and it won't make a difference how or even if they play. I believe Duncan falls into this category. He seems to have wanted rid of him since the moment he arrived. Again, I don't care about what a player has been like previously. I care about the team now, and where it's going, and if Butcher's serious about building his own team and making it the best it can be, then he ain't going to find a better play than Duncan to play a part in. If he thinks that a better team next season will include Kevin McCann and not Russell Duncan, then next season will be his last. Getting rid of Duncan, could potentially be one of the biggest mistake Butcher could make.

At least it wasn't a tattoo

Agree completely with most of the sentiments on here: I'm really sad about this decision. Russell Duncan has certainly been our most committed, and imo also our most effective, central midfielder since Ian Black's departure and I've always been mystified at Terry Butcher's reluctance to play him. He's made an exceptional contribution to the club over the last decade and the continuity offered by having players like him, Tokely and Munro at the heart of the club has been one of the reasons I've been proud to be an ICT supporter. I'm not going to condemn Terry Butcher outright for this though, because if he can find a stable midfield partnership and the team continues to do well next season then he can claim he's made the right decision. I do hope, however, that he gives Russell the chance to say goodbye to the supporters by giving him an appearance in at least one home and one away game (hopefully the Hamilton one) before the end of the season: to deprive him of even that would be very harsh.

He better have someone good into replace him and no Brian Kerr or some unheard off does not count. I'm pritty sure stats will show that most of our wins this season have come with Russell being in the starting 11. I understand that Butcher wants to build his own team but chucking one of our most consistent performers of the last 2 seasons is not the answer.

Although I am as sad as anyone about this we must look to the future and Terry is only trying to move the club and team forward

A really sad day for ICT and another baffling decision. It appears unless you are one of Butchers favourites you don't stand a chance. To add insult to injury I'm sure this will mean another contract for Duff who isn't fit too tie RD's boots & no doubt we'll sign that donkey McCann.

Mistake. Butcher's worst decision since taking over, only time will tell how damaging it may be. TB must think combative and experienced midfielders grow on trees. Good luck to Russell for future.

As much as I agree with it being a great loss Russell leaving, and yeah maybe him and butcher don't see eye to eye. However we have lost players before either sold or free transfers who have been key players and we have filled the void quickly and moved on. He hasn't played much this season prob due to personality clash and that's sad and annoying, but to say that it's the worst decision by butcher and that it could be the beginning of the end if his time as ICT manager is quite frankly ridiculous. IMO he has never been a top player but a good one. I think people are overreacting if he's not gonna play we can't keep him- simple as that. He isnt the player that's going to make the difference in every game cos as you all know he has played some shockers ! It's just frustrating to hear overreaction to one player who has been a good servant to the club but in no way holds it together. We will sign a replacement and move on. - simples .

Sheez, Renegade, give Tel a break! You've been forecasting his doom ever since he's joined, despite the incredible success he's had. He's got the vast majority of decisions right, hence why he amazingly got ICT promoted with a load of youths and almost got us into the top six, with such a low budget and inexperienced players. And he's done that by going with his players. I wish too that Russell had got another year but I'm not going to turn against Butcher for making a decision he thinks is right. Doesn't stop me wishing Duncan all the best though. Caley Mad In Berks: I think McBain and Golabek's time had come. I'm sure, rather than warming the bench, these post-35 players would prefer a last day on the pitch. Tokely's career might be extended by moving to centre-back but possibly both of them have another couple of seasons. It'll be sad but so was Christie or Stewart leaving. It's not fair to either ICT or the players to have them play past their best. I don't think Duncan had reached that point however. Nevertheless, onwards and upwards...

Well, unless Butcher has something amazing lined up (and doubt he does) then he's blown it with decision. This could well be the decision that kicks off the beginning of the end as his time as manager of ICT.

If there is ever someone you need to give their heart and sole against Aberdeen tomorrow it is Russell Duncan.

What with the furore surrounding Neil Lennon being sent bullets and bombs in the post it was an act of crass stupidity by all concerned at East End park .

H-T 1-1 F-T 1-2 IST ICT ROONEY IST OPP VEMON CROWD 5,919 IST YELLOW CARD TOKELY COME ON THE JAGGIES

Although I think Duff is a talented utility player, he's not a defensive mid, hence why I think we got the best reactions when Duncan and Duff teamed up. I'd be disappointed if it was one or the other. Proctor or Cox are more similar players than Duff. Not sure Duncan will go to RC. Guess it depends on how settled he is in the area. Could see an ambitious First Division club going for him, like Dundee or Hamilton.

Not saying that I like to see such things happen, it's never pleasant when someone who has been a good servant to the club is moved on, but we probably have the tightest budget in the league and can't afford to keep players just because they are nice guys or have long service, they need to be contributing. It's part and partial of Butcher building his own squad. Players may suite the way we have played now or in the past, but the Manager might have a different view of the future, one where these players don't fit or are not required. As fans we can sometimes find that hard to swallow, but that's life when it comes to football.

This must be the shortest matchday thread ever!! Can I just take this opportunity to express my delight that Ross County will now survive in the First Division this season after their stoppage time winner at Falkirk (short of an inconceivable 11 goal defeat by Cowdenbeath next Saturday)? A Highland team in the SPL and one in the First Division is a major asset to the game in this area. (I am prepared to accept a mixed response to this sentiment on this forum! :biggrin:)