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Caley Jags Together tonight released the following statement regarding the League Cup semi final date and venue: "Caley Jags Together, the ICT Supporters Organisation are today writing to the SPFL to register the strongest possible protest against the time and venue for the Scottish League Cup Semi Final between Inverness Caley Thistle and Heart of Midlothian. The choice of venue and timing make it almost impossible for the majority of Highland based ICT fans to attend this game due to the lack of public transport and this will do nothing to enhance the image of the cup when swathes of empty seats are televised to the nation. The SPFL should re-examine this decision as quickly as possible in order to ensure that our fans can attend what is an extremely important match for them and the team. We hope that the SPFL see sense". A full letter will be sent to the SPFL tomorrow morning, and the full text will be available on the Caley Jags Together web site at www.ictst.co.uk. We also intend to conduct an on line petition against this dreadful decision, and further details will be posted here.

Yes. The full text of the letter sent to the SPFL is now on line at http://www.ictsupporterstrust.co.uk/ We'll publish the reply that we get, and any of the letters of support that we have requested - and there's a few of them. We were featured in nearly every scottish daily today, on sportsound last night and we're not finished yet. We need our fans at this game, and we will find a way to get them there in comfort and safety. Thanks for your support. Davie Balfour

Why not switch coverage to alba and KO to 3? Just an idea.

Never heard the interview, but if thats the sentiment and attitude shown by the captain, the board need to get his contract tied up now and make him the offer to help him through his coaching badges (if he wants that). This is one guy I don't want going to Hibs and we need to make sure all the steps are in place to keep him as an on pitch influence and assist with asperations moving forwards.

Why not hold it in Dingwall if they consider Easter Road a neutral venue . Let the Hearts fans travel up here this year.

If it's Jimmy Calderwood I can think of a certain song we can sing for him when we visit Killie

When it's all said and done, after 5 years in charge, (some of which were lacklustre to say the least) and with a bigger budget than any previous manager, all he achieved was to finish 3 places higher than Brewster did (interestingly Brewster's side finished 7th with 58 points whilst Butcher's finished 4th with 54 points). Whilst I would agree that Butcher eventually assembled a very good squad, we can't allow him or his media cheerleaders to give the false impression that he was some kind of messiah figure who single handedly transformed a diddy club and dragged them into the big time. Most of the bricks had already been laid by those who came before.

Spoke very, very positively on Sportsound about the club and the squad, and didn't bite when offered the opportunity to be critical of the fanbase. Also made it pretty clear that he wouldn't be tempted by a player/manager contract at this stage, although he didn't rule out a coaching role. Less positive was his admission that he was '50/50' about where his future lies. Reading between the lines, I think he suspects there would be a contract for him at Hibs next season if he was so inclined - there was an implication that he would find it difficult to choose between linking up again with Butcher and staying in Inverness. Fair play for the honesty, but I do wonder if Butcher has already talked to him about moving south.

I'm sad to see so many folk saying they are not going to go anymore! How does that help our players? None of this is their fault. Personally will be there even if played at midnight.

What a lovely welcome these two will receive on their return on February 1st 2014.............oh wait a minute, are we not playing in a cup semi final that week-end............at Easter Road of all places...........love it, have a day off, there's a couple of good boys now.............

Respect to our ex-chairman for coming out and saying what he thought of Butcher's choice of seating on Saturday and the manner of his departure. Grampian news tonight, watch online, well said that man!!

You'ld need the 12.15 kick off then in case the lights failed again.

Suits me sir !! That's me and Govan Jeggie then - Bring if feckin on

Reason given on Sportsound last night was that the BBC are also covering a 6 nations game live the same day. Certianly doesn't excuse the venue, though; and does it really have to be quite as early as 12.15? They also have more than one channel.....

Just heard Foran on BBC Scotland radio doing a live phone interview. He was excellent ,So very positive in every way. Said players were given 5 days off but they didn't want that so came they back to train hard a day early. They motivate themselves every day but altho they would miss TB well` that's football` & they look forward to the next chapter on their journey. Told the board not to rush but to take time to get a new man in as he promised the players would work hard & be ready for the next game. WELL SAID RICHIE

Well, the 3 of them are off. I'm disappointed but not surprised that Butcher's gone. For me, this was inevitable following on from the Barnsley fiasco. What I felt was extraordinary at the time was how so many people then thought he had behaved honourably and hailed him as a hero when he pledged his aleigence to ICT. The basic behaviour was no different. He wanted away and the reason he didn't go was absolutely nothing to do with the pull of this club or the area. The reason he didn't take the money was because for whatever reason he couldn't take Malpas with him. He's failed on his own before and he knew he would fail on his own again. There was nothing honourable about the way he behaved then . The difference now is that he has been able to take Malpas with him. What he really thinks about ICT was clearly demonstrated by his turning up at Easter Road, whilst still ICT's manager, and watching the match from the main stand. It was just the sheer indifference of the man towards the club that has given him the opportunity of success these last few years that struck me. We're nothing as far as he is concerned. For me the intriguing aspect of all of this is the timing. When he got the approach from Barnsley we were really flying - much as we are now. He chose the point when we were on a high to make his move almost as though he had no confidence that we would see it through to success and that therefore he would be seen as a failure. It was as though he needed to catch the eye of potential suitors when it looked as though he was a successful manager despite the fact that he'd never won anything in his life except the promotion with us. And for no hope Barnsley! He was never going to win anything there but perhaps avoiding relegation could be construed as success. We took a significant drop of form after the Barnsley fiasco. It was as though once all the euphoria of his return had died down the reality that he had wanted away hit the players. We rallied at the end but it is my belief that we would have won a European place and probably got to the league cup final at least had he had a little more faith in his players and not gone down to "listen to what Barnsley had to say". And now he's off to Hibs just as we are looking good to improve on last year. Again he seems to lack the belief in his players to actually win something. He seems to want to be managing a team where success is measured in simply doing better than you were doing before and not in actually winning something. It's all show, all illusion. He doesn't believe he will ever be genuinely successful so surrounds himself with the illusion of success and then wants out before the illusion disappears. He doesn't give a toss about this club. It's only number 1 that matters. My theory - and this may come as a totally new thought to some - is that he's simply a narcisist!

I was taken aback by Maurice Malpas's interview on Sportsound to the effect that he could not consider staying at ICT because we could not offer him what he needed in terms of crowds and training facilities. The attendances and facilities are no different to those he was delighted to grab with both hands almost 5 years ago when he was unemployed and virtually unemployable within the game. I am afraid that his words today have tarnished my view of him as much as Butcher's actions on Saturday did for his boss. Steve Marsella may be going too but at least he has to be given credit for keeping a dignified silence.

George Burley with Steve Paterson as Assistant. Would be absolute scenes at the end of season party with them in charge!

Looks like a man possesed Caption for this in Daily Record says Butcher wants Hibs to be hated. Success already in such a short time.

I seem to recollect when Hearts and Hibs got to the Scottish Cup final last year, there was talk of moving the game to Murrayfield, but that was thrown out due to it being in the Hearts side of the city. I don't see how playing a semi-final in a 'chosen' neutral venue that is in the home city of one of the teams makes any difference.

Just read the full letter from CJT. Superb. Well done Davie.

Someone wake me up when we appoint a new manager please ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

So you do listen to me! The though of that management team makes me slightly moist!

Malpas in the press stating that he had already made up his mind to go to Hibs as number 2 mid last week.

I'm sure crawling works......lol But agree good idea!

On speaking to folk most folk not too bothered or prepared to accept venue. It's the early ko that's the real problem. Kills our day out IMO

My new choice... Paul Sturrock, with Richie Foran as Player / Assistant Manager. Duncan Shearer having an active role on First Team match day to assist when Richie is on the field.

I'd bet my mortgage on Foran being offski in January to sample the delights of Leith...

Keep in mind as well that we've not had too much call to change the first team squad. A little unfortunate for those waiting patiently in the wings, but that's just the way it goes sometimes.

Up until pat fenlon left we were just ticking along nicely and then boom! He wanted to go, he's gone. End of. I liked him, I do think he is a decent guy and certainly don't know if we will get someone with the charisma he has. We could go on about this for weeks but it ain't gonna change anything, let's be positive about our new chapter and not ruin the good times we have had over last few years by going over and over last weeks mess!!

I've just emailed the SPFL (aka. the incompetant brigade) to register my disgust with the choice of venue, which is also the location for the Ramsdens Cup Final and I don't see Rangers leaving many fans at home for that! There is obviously money changing hands here for some reason or another (surprise surprise!) and though it may not do much in the grand scheme, I think if more people got in contact directly then it will show how ridiculous this descision is. I say this and I live in Edinburgh! But my convinience is not as important as fairness for my fellow supporters.

110% no to Levein. After witnessing a Scotland side, told to stand off opponents and not press even in our own half on top of 4-6-0 i can't face that at TCS. Utter denial at his own inability tops off a definate no from me. How many other posters backing Levein had the season ticket for Scotland watching that dross. No No NO!

Stood by Terry and Maurice at times when others didnt and I believed in what they did right up until they left. The ego trip theyve suddenly developed over the weekend left me stunned. I still am. I didnt wish them ill after leaving but since hearing what they really had to say about the club I sure do now. Nothing short of disgusting as Sutherland so appropriately put.

Yeah , he blames his tools. . And, for the way this deceit has been handled, that's what T B, M and M are---TOOLS

Evening All, Hibee here not hear to gloat or anything like that, Last season ICT took over our pub called the four in hand (massive hibs pub) when you played that MOB on the semi-final. I met a lot off very decent ICT supporters had a drink and a right good day (Obv apart from the result) Whilst i agree that it's a very poor decision again from the SPFL with regards to the venue and timing and IMO it probably should have been at Tannadice, If you do come back down to Easter Road i would just like to say that you are more than welcome to take over our Pub and use it as your own for the day against that manky mob! Although a do appreciate you all probably hate hibs right now last season when you came down was fantastic and hope we can do it again and hope for a better result!

Did you see Fenlon's interview on his departure? Quite bizarre. He was enjoying it and had sorted out a lot of problems that had existed when he arrived but just somehow felt it was time to step aside. Not one single thing that sounded like a half decent reason for going. It looked as though everything he was saying was almost tongue in cheek. Likely he got wind of TB being lined up to take over? So he decided to throw a spanner in the works and chose his time to go, immediately before both teams were due to play each other, to cause maximum effect?

What reign? Even with us without a manager, he is still not the best manager in the Highlands.

From what I understand from his time at Kille he put a lot of time and effort into them. From that perspective Kenny would be a great addition but from the way he handles himself with the press it's not what we want/need. Anyways, he'd probably complain if he was offered an interview due to how much he would have to travel!

Perhaps it is our Spartan conditions that have bonded our squad of players together........................ The fact that they are learning to run and pass the ball accurately on none to even and undulating surfaces................................................ The fact that they are prepared to rough it while other mamby pamby rich (albeit mortgaged to the hilt) teams ponce around in conditions that pamper their egos. .............................The fact that they appreciate the noise and encouragement given them by the loyal support that follow them around even if it is not the biggest crowd in the Country The fact that they are playing for a club that is prudent with it's cash but generous with its appreciation. Your 'BIG' teams might get the press glory, the bonuses and media praise but our lads are the grafters that find the winning ways.

With you on the 'in the works for many weeks' Pimple, no way did this happen suddenly. Fenlon resigned on the Friday and the BBC sport team were stating at 4.30 on the Saturday that Butcher was the man. We were kept dangling for 10 days knowing fine he was taking the **** but the nerve of the man to sit with the Hibs hierarchy while still on our payroll playing against us will never be forgiven by many, myself included.

I was just sitting open mouthed absolutely outraged at what Maurice had to say in that interview. Clearly Hibs have impressive facilities but you don't go bad mouthing the club which threw you a huge lifeline and brought you back from the abyss. Claiming that we couldn't offer him what he wanted and complaining about our crowds has really, really wound me up. I look forward to laughing as I sit part of our small crowd in our small stadium as our players who have trained at our poor training facilities pump their new team 3-0.

I would guess that he will trot out the old mantra tomorrow that Hibs are a big club with a big support BINGO! and the potential is there to take them from being a sleeping giant to somewhere far further than he could ever take ICT (due to lack of money/fans/infrastructure etc) BINGO! ..... love Inverness, love ICT, love the Highlands BINGO! but it was a challenge he just could not turn down !!! all that bullshit ..... FULL HOUSE!!!!

"As a fan, I thought that was a shocking kick in the teeth for Inverness and its fan base. In football, the manager is important. In football, the players are very important. In football, the board are important. But the most important people of all are the fans who pay money to come through the gate. We employed that individual and to see him in the stand of a prospective employer, so far as we understood, on Saturday's dateline is frankly disgusting." Source

We'll probably take 1,000 odd fans to this and get slated by the media. Hopefully it's us v St Johnstone in the final in front of 6,000 fans. **** the SPFL and their sponsors.

It takes a man this mad to leave Loch Ness for Leith Meth...

I'd forgotten that the dates, times and venues hadn't been announced yet, what with all the distractions this past week! (MOT, dentist, Mum's Birthday etc.) But in all seriousness, Easter Road again - in Hearts' back-garden effectively. What's worse though is this time it's not a Saturday afternoon but 12.15 on a Sunday! For a team whose fans travel from Inverness!! The authorities really don't give a monkeys about us. Can you imagine the uproar if Hearts were made to play at Dingwall against us at 12.15 on the Sunday? Very hypothetical, because it simply wouldn't be entertained.

I can just about take a manager abandoning his team during the playing season if they go off to another league / higher level / or go to a team they already have an affiliation with. Paterson was with us for 7.5 years before he moved up a league, which I can understand. Robbo went to Hearts when they came calling and Brewster went to Dundee United. I can't blame Robbo and Brewster for wanting to go to teams that they had such strong bonds with already. When a manager leaves a team to join a team in the same league, that they have had no previous affiliation with and join them during the playing season, I find this disrespectful to the players and the supporters. However this happens with many managers of various clubs. Since Terry Butcher came into management 23 years ago, he has won one trophy. The Scottish First Division. I really believe he would have won another trophy this season with Inverness. Butcher did a great job with ICT. I will look back on his time with many fond memories, but ultimately he is yet another journey man football manager. Thanks for the memories but it will always be tainted by his appearance in the Hibs board room before the match on Saturday and his declaration to the journalists that he was there as a neutral. Highland heart my erse. Two years ago, Terry Butcher signed a new contract at our club when we were sitting bottom of the league and playing terrible football. Hibs will not be so loyal if he finds himself in a similar situation down in Leith.

You need a recipe to bake a cake but useles unless you have the ingredients....and ICT have the ingredients. Lets put the icing on the cake with a cup win !!!!

Achievements forgotten? No way. Fans quick to turn? Oh yes. The girlfriend analogy has already been used, but it's a good one. Almost 5 year with the girl of your dreams, you're happy and planning for your future, when she suddenly dumps you for someone else. At that stage you are entitled to view her a bit differently. Now, if she's running away with Brad Pitt, you've got to think wow, fair play. Perhaps we can still be friends? But when she's leaving you for one of the extras from Trainspotting and is obviously ruining her own life as well as yours.....

Why does everybody 'suck-up' to IHE? Anything he posts, regardless of how profound or speculative seems to be met with overwhelming approval. He could post a picture of a tin of Heinz beans and submit a random caption of 'Butcher's last meal' or some utter drivel and get around a dozen 'likes'!!!