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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

We recieved a reply today from the SPFL to arrange an urgent meeting between CJT and Iain Blair and Neil Doncaster at the SPFL. We will see what the outcome of that meeting is, but it is heartening that a speedy reply has been recieved. We'll keep you posted. Davie Balfour

Once again, the negative feelings displayed in this thread are NOT about Mr B's so-called achievements but the way in which he engineered his exit. Remember these achievements were not entirely his doing anyway since he had two stalwart assistants, one of whom found most of the English players who have worked out for him, working in close harmony with him. Why, only a week or so before he left, he was saying that he was "currently committed to ICT" -- so what happened s-o-o- suddenly to alter that high ambition? Nothing! It was not sudden at all..... just pre-planned . The more I think about it the more the sudden exit swims into focus. I suggest that this exit/transfer to Hibs was contemplated and discussed with someone from the Easter road organisation at least three months prior to it's execution. There is no way that even Hibs could have arranged all this turmoil, which involved three prominent members of our coaching team, at such short notice. And perhaps even Pat Fenlon himself got a hefty payment to assist in this process for all we know. His departure was also very sudden, apparently, but not so sudden that Rod Petrie was wringing his hands in total dismay and total disarray, shocked to the core and crying out in anguish...."Mea Culpa. Mea Culpa." Or so it seems! In fact, all appeared calm and serene at Easter Road in these last few weeks...correct? So, is it realistic to think that Pat and Rod and Ter didn't all just have a chat on what was best for all of them long beforehand? If you get the news that you are expected to uproot and depart for Edinburgh only a week before you are expected to be en route south, then how much time does that take to flabbergast and dismay your wife and family . A move which potentially involves selling the house and changing schools perhaps,? No person who is settled in a district is going to take kindly to such a peremptory order or offer even? Time is needed to arrange things so you do the mathematics. This was done and dusted months ago IMHO. Anyone disagree? And, if so, that is betrayal and opportunism at it's worst because it has now left ICT hung out to dry. It does not just affect T. B. but other people also, including the fans, by the way, especially those who have committed to the club for the rest of the season by having purchased season tickets. And this is not just about one person's leaving for a better job. Because other senior and vital components of the team structure were always going to be adversely affected by such a radical decision--even possibly sufficiently to crush the hopes of the team for the remainder of the season. That's not just about bettering oneself, that's just plain not doing the right thing. T. B. was not just an ordinary employee but one who was right at the top of the heap , meaning that any sudden unexpected departure from his duties could be catastrophic for the club... like a mortar shell falling on your space without any warning. Mr. Cameron would never have stood in the way of any member of his club if he had been taken into the confidence of the person who wanted to leave. He would accept it as inevitable and then it would be worked out so that when the big offer came after the end of the season then plans would be in place to fill the void. That's a classy way of working, not doing the sudden dump on the club and the persons who helped bring Mr. Butcher to prominence. What was Butcher afraid of? That the club would start to slide down the table and by the end of the season it would be in the lower level doldrums? Or that he would be fired anyway at the end of the season if he revealed his feelings to the Board. Neither scenario is believable. So that leaves only one reason for going so suddenly--opportunism....or "I'm all right, Jack. how about you?" Have a great day to all our loyal team members and fans.

This forum has gone nuts...

"But it is believed that Inverness have already talked to Shiels about the vacancy at Caledonian Stadium." This is actually true. - Ah, good morning Mr Cameron, it's Kenny Shiels here, I'd like to.... - FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME, STOP CALLING US!

It's difficult to put into words how much I detest Sheils and his attention seeking, rent-a-gob, media persona. People on here seem to have short memories with regard to the constant pops he had at our temerity to be based out with the central belt. I trust The club will be laying on daily flights to the sneck as part of his deal. Pro-Sheils apologists hang your heads in shame.........

Ouch Honestly , I thought TB should stayed , won a league Cup (very possible) and he would have become an iconic figure in ITCFC history. Now everythings obviously fractured , opinions divided , reputation scarred to a degree and a bloody good job , well done , possibly forgotten , Well the Judas and Derby bit was of course sarcastic and inflammatory but you were a tad sharp yerself initially. I am afraid that the manner and timing of his departure have dulled many of the good things that happened before. Many fans believed in the virtue, honesty and apparent loyalty of TB and I would say that he has angered some to the core due to an act of pure selfishness.

I honestly cannot believe anyone would seriously suggest Shiels or Adams. They are a pair of utter d1cks. I couldn't bring myself to cheer on a side managed by either of these beauts.

Here we are several days into our search for a new manager and the fourth estate have no idea who the new man is going to be. Compare that to the fact that the BBC and other media outlets knew for certain who was going to be the new manager at Easter Road within 24 hours of that vacancy arising. The BBC accused Terry Butcher of having agreed personal terms with Hibs long before our club were even approached for permission for our then manager to talk to his prospective new employers. That was a very damaging accusation to level at TB striking at his honesty and personal integrity. I can't comment on whether the BBC allegations were true or not but it does strike me as curious that Terry has not demanded that the BBC issue an apology or retraction.

Butcher was an inspiration, leader, mouthpiece and character but not a tactician. I would only welcome Adams in order to wind the backstabber up - unless Diego is free.

This is really good news: Ross County manager Derek Adams has extended his contract with the Dingwall club until 2016 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22660639 No more mention of him thanks.

Craig Levein has ruled himself out according to the P&J.

Like it or not, he ticks a lot of the boxes. - Up to date experience of the league we are in - Used to working with a limited budget - Relatively successful, punched above weight - Salary affordable - Geography not a problem Although going against him: - his personality - the fans would hate him - the players would hate him - he's Derek Adams

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

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.

According to the tv tonight, applications for job close tomorrow. Maybe someone could distract the postie and if there's anything with a Dingwall postmark they could grab it and burn the bloody thing!

Lets just close this long thread down now, who cares if it doesn't get to a 1000, the subject doesn't deserve it

Appointing Sheils would be calamitous.

The only man for the job...

Notice as well, that up until last weekend, Butcher was still "making up his mind". Despite this, Malpas claims he'd decided to leave by the middle of last week. Bit strange considering Butcher hadn't made up his mind yet eh!

"BBC Scotland understands that John Hughes would be keen to be the new Inverness manager" Translation : unemployed man wants a job.

A man with a mind of his own. Strong and passionate. If he learns to smile more he could be the answer to a maidens' prayer. Especially if he wore the kilt. Mr Sheils has a way with (verbal) spiels But he has never learned to click his heels. He would not be good in the Nazi's fold 'Cos his outbursts are far too bold But If he promises to curtail his rants Then maybe he'll get the red and blue pants. What we don't need is a little milksop But one who will resolve that he will-nae flop A man with passion and a restless mind An aggressive fella --yep, that's the kind.

Its not even our best ever starting 11, just a very good one, the rest of the league is much weaker than in previous years with no Rangers, an uncompetitive Hearts, the rest even more skint than normal and even Celtic were mostly in 2nd gear last year. Our best ever 11 was the year we had Fraser in goals, with Hastings, Munro, Dodds, Tokely at the back.. Rankin, Black, Duncan and Cowie in the middle and Nicolae and Bayne up top. That 11 would finish 2nd at a canter in this SPL. I think Christie was the manager then who managed to 'k up our best ever squad by giving them no motivation at all. Butchers praise in the media and from the support should all be about that year we came straight back up, including the ridiculous winning run, had we finished behind Dundee that season we would probably still be in the 1st Division now, it really would have been a nightmare. It looks as though the foundations for the next couple of years to come look solid with the performance of the youth players in the reserve league, so he's hardly leaving us in terrible shape should he decide to pinch some of our first team players in the summer, we should be fine to stay up next year no problem at all. The rest of your post I agree with, I called it last January in the winter break that we hadn't achieved bugger all, yet there were people calling him the messiah on here. He was totally one dimensional as a coach and was terrified of making subs or dropping players, I believe our form over the previous season and a half has been in spite of, rather than because of the management team. This next change of management is important for next season and the future but for this year I'm going to stick my neck out and predict we will now finish 2nd with ease, no complacency for anyone leading into the winter transfer window at least and hopefully a couple of fresh faces in the squad will carry us through to the end of the season.

Thanks

A unique selling point of our club is to offer a springboard to attract better players to our club before possibly moving to financially bigger clubs. Terry and co ensured that almost all of our best players received (for us) relatively long contracts and most of these guys are still available into next season. Don't be naive to let others take the credit for this. He has left us in a great position whilst himself benefitting from this opportunity to move to a financially bigger club. I remember when Grant Munro came back with County to play against us and people were boo-ing him - absolute disgrace. I have yet to see an ex ICT player get anything but a cold reception when they come back to play against us. Come on guys, this is football and those three who have just left deserve to use up all of their substantial credit on a more gracious farewell and less hand wringing and faux outrage. Let's be a big club who respect those who done good by us so good luck guys, as long as you finish below us and above County you are welcome back to MY Inverness anytime. I changed jobs recently to a bigger organisation with more pay and didn't tell my boss until it was a done deal - why would I. Because I did a good job he wished me luck and told me I was welcome back any time. We have ALL done the same. Anyway, Ross Jack as assistant manager and Robbo as manager for me.

Still waiting on the advertised buffet to appear. Starving mun.

Pity Adams didn't stay at Hibs.

Never knew that Judas had family in Derby. I would actually have accepted this if it had been a team with potential and a rival in our own division, that it didn't happen in mid season when we are going along nicely, that it hadn't ended in such disgraceful circumstances. If it had been me I would have waited until the end of this season and looked for a bigger team with more potential. But I an not at the same level of narcissism and I don't have the future Sevco job in my sights.

Some disgraceful comments about TB here I feel , everyone on the planet , you , me , everyone , moves on to bigger and (potentially) better things , given the chance ...more cash sweetens the deal . Inverness Caley Thistle supporters have never had it so good , out performing the likes of Hibs , Hearts , Abedeen and Dundee Utd on a regular basis .. WOW ! , incredible , what an acheivement by TB and MM But do some of you graciously accept these wonderful years and acknowledge the work done by Butcher in particular ? No , you sneer and snarl and completely ignore the fact , that given the same opportunity , you'd do Exactly The Same ! Man up . and Grow up !

Adams?! No. Just no.

The U20's match between ICTFC & Motherwell is now available (in full) at CaleyJagsTV.com The following code will give the first 25 people to use it free access for 30 days.....first come, first served. CJTV-CTO1

I would definitely take him too, especially with George Adams in tow, now that we've lost Marsella. He's always come across as a bitter whinger and his teams' football hasn't always been that pretty to watch, but he knows the Highlands well, is used to working on a tight budget and I think he did pretty well in the transfer window last season. It's no surprise they've struggled a bit this season having lost arguably four of their best players over summer, but I reckon he could do a decent job with our squad. Don't think there's any chance of getting him, btw, even if the board was so-minded.

Also another thing that would be good about him is that if he was to take our job then he could take his old man with him aswell who I think finds most of the players for Ross County. Would be a good replacement for Steve Marsella. No just No!

I'll eat my scarf if Derek Adams gets the job. I can't believe he is being considered.

We really do have a great group of players. Richie was a credit to his colleagues and the club this morning on Radio Scotland.

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.

SHEERIN & WILSON

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.

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!

Paul Hartley and Richie Foran may be worth a try!

Holly Willoughby please Edit: With me as assistant.

can't see why people want Robbo back? Backwards move in my opinion and has been in managerial no mans land for ages now

His choice of attire for Easter Rd later became clear.

Spent as much time banned from the dugout as in it. Doesn't strike me as someone our directors could work with. Winning a cup doesn't make you a good manager, you just have to win a few games for that. It's consistent league form that matters. Killie knew exactly how good a manager he was, and sacked him as a result.

You make valid points Proctor. I just do not like Sheils tho!

Was Richie Hart not on trial when he was with us ? And wot about Mr Vigurs ?

His (self-written, no doubt) Wikipedia page unashamedly announces that he "scored on his debut" for ICT! The career stats also has him as played 1, scored 1, for us! I'll sort that out.