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DD, your post is most disappointing all things considered. If not completely depressing it is not exactly uplifting and inspiring coming from a supposed true follower. Why even bother to mention the negative thoughts you may have when the club is joint top of the division and when you can seek out and highlight the positives? Are you still not happy with the progress recently made since the change of management? When will you ever just come out and just say that J.H is doing a great job, the squad has gelled and the players on the bench are highly trained, probably fit as fiddles and just raring to participate. What on earth more do you expect with such poor crowds and a club with such limited resources? The club seems to have got finances under good control, the team and the Management are all on the same page and the Manager, according to the views of many whiners on here still expressing their reservations , has actually surpassed their expectations. Yet the latter comments are grudgingly given and instead of being definitive and robust they are faint praise indeed. As for J Hughes ---when I listen to him I relish the fact that he rarely ever says anything negative about his players and his comments are more often constructive than anything else and should be an example to all of us. I do think that some of you should adopt a more positive approach to the efforts of all employed by and at the club. He gets along well with others and FITS IN for goodness sake. The club are doing all sorts of things behind the scenes to drum up interest that I never knew about, and maybe some of you guys don't either. But they came to my notice recently and I was both surprised and delighted at the several efforts being made to encourage youngsters to participate in activities that will reflect well on ICT in Inverness and several other dynamic initiatives have also been started and implemented on different levels that are bound to bear fruit as time goes along. What this club and our new Manager needs at this point is absolute support and encouragement from positive actions and comments on all aspects of management. Post # 43, above, by Caley Dawson highlights this exactly. When people work hard, try hard and perform to the best of their ability they deserve praise and encouragement to buoy them up and to allow their internal plans, schemes and initiatives and positive juices to flow unimpeded by worry.

Hughes has stated multiple times that every player in the squad should be able to play their way into the first team. A true meritocratic approach. Williams and Watkins have been outstanding this season, that's why Doran is on the bench. It's more a positive response to their performances than a negative response to Doran. Competition for places is a good thing, a bit of squad rotation will help us avoid the usual fatigue and accompanying end of season collapse which always seems to scupper us over the last few years.

Well well I am glad you are all so generous with your comments on our manager's and our Team's performance. Remind me please is this Inverness C T the richest club and the highest paid squad in Europe? United Kingdom ? Scotland? I would ask you to reassess your thoughts and opinions with a little more reality in mind. Yogi has surpassed your expectations already, the Squad, which has been held together, is playing their most attractive football ever, obviously enjoying the camaraderie which has been built up and yet still learning and building successfully on the tactical side. Perfection ( which you appear to expect ) is difficult to achieve and takes a very long hard struggle and cannot be rushed, we may not even reach it, has any team ever done so? What has been done up 'till now has been excellent and deserves a bit more than some reserved comments. Fortunately our manager and players are savvy enough to know themselves about errors of judgement, taking hold of every game etc.etc. they don't have to be told by us. Come on lads given our resources, admit it, we are doing extremely well. Yogi has set his pace for progression, accept it and enjoy our Club's achievements and how they are getting there.

As others have said, credit where it is due. I always felt he'd be a better manager with a pre-season behind him and there are certainly aspects to his managerial style that are better than Butcher (who I always thought was rather overrated and not the untouchable genius some people made him out to be). He seems to be a bit more tactically flexible and seems to have more plans about certain scenarios and things like that. The players also seem far fitter under him. I do wish though that he wouldn't be so conservative for some matches and believed in his players' ability a bit more. The cup final and the Rangers games were classic examples of this. Taking the game to two teams who were no great shakes, could have seen a very different outcome. We don't ever need to "take the sting out of the game" in some matches, we need to grab hold of the game and inflict our style of play onto people in every game. Bar none.

Can we all not just enjoy what is happening at a club we all love, i mean at the end of the day a wins a win whoever our manager is everyone likes to win so lets just enjoy it cause who knows what could happen in football, we could become better or we could slip down either way just get behind the club

I could say ask me again after Saturday but he is still tinkering with systems and, on the whole IMHO, has learned from mistakes, at times has even had the guts to admit to that and now appears to be putting systems and selections to suit the opposition. I have been one of the more positive onlookers but I fel that he has actually surpassed my expectations. Many felt that the departure of the Grand Narcissist would lead to a mass player exodus. The fact that it clearly has not is the most positive feedback that could be afforded to the manager of a wee team in an isolated situation, an outfit well short of finances and with an unpredictable fan base.

It may be your expectation that ICTFC "fluctuates between the bottom six and championship" but it's not the club's or I would suspect, the vast majority of its supporters.

I think the all-seating ruling has negatively impacted on singing at football - apart from the huge clubs where like-minded individuals are grouped together. In the Inverness Thistle days, I'd be standing with a group of guys and we'd chant occasionally, but nowadays, in seats, the group-bond has been neutralised. you're spread out along a row of seats. My mate, Dave, for example, who 20 minutes ago was sitting next to me in the pub, is now 6 seats along in the stadium - the banter goes stone-dead. (it usually does with me, but you get my point!) There's often a woman on my left who is more interested in getting some of her son's mate's cousin's photos transferred to her bloody I-phone than even showing a passing interest in the game! And that's me being polite and politically correct! if I stood up and put my arm around her and bounced - only two things would happen! Arrested or a bondage game in South Kessock! There are many and varied reasons why football has changed, SKY, more saturation, stadium regulations, disparity in wages between the working man and the players etc. even the fact it's become more 'family' oriented - certainly, in my Highland League days, a woman at football was something peculiar! Not standing anymore, is a huge obstacle to singing. One normally stands in churches and for national anthems. It's physically easier!

Here's the news. At the first time of asking, John Hughes has given us our best ever start to a top flight campaign! Having played every team once, we have 23 points, one more than last year under "Sir" Terry. In both seasons, the GD at this stage is +7, but last year we had scored and conceded 3 more goals. Two points of note compared to last season: 1) we've achieved this without our captain and (so often) inspirational leader on the pitch. 2) this time last year Billy Mckay had notched 9 goals. This season he has the same tally as the Hibs goalkeeper. On the negative side, this season we were knocked out of the League Cup at the first hurdle, going out tamely to a lower league side. Note also that last year we went on to win all of our games in November. All in all though we are currently in a far better position than most of us would have expected. Well done Yogi, credit where it's due.

The scoreline flattered Dundee United. Apart from a brief opening salvo from them, which led to Erskine hitting the post, they looked disjointed and created very little. That was mostly down to our midfield. Draper's muscle and Vincent's tremendous industry meant we had control of the middle of the pitch all day long, and that meant that Tansey could spray passes to his heart's content. The three of them were absolutely brilliant. Huge credit to the boss today, who tinkered with the tactics. Watkins played so far forward that he was effectively alongside Mckay. The midfield was so narrow that often it looked like a diamond, with Draper at the back and Vincent at the front - and it worked because Hughes knew United's full-backs would be rubbish going forward. It was amusing how we kept goading them to pass to Sean Dillon, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn't threaten us. In contrast, Raven and Shinnie were great going forward, particularly the latter. Given that Meekings hit the post, and that Mckay, Watkins and Vincent all wasted one on ones, we should have thumped them. A great effort.

I could obviously post this in the SACKED thread...but I hate seeing negative thread titles about managers (in capital letters!) so here goes So we had a bad run in March...but we had a great run in February; when we were unbeaten, why doesn't that count?, if everytime a club has a bad run they sack the manager that would see a couple of changes every season (like Fulham this season in the EPL) Managers have to be allowed to work things through sometimes, getting out of a hole is often more instructive to a manager than a run where nothing goes wrong....sadly this too often isn't allowed to happen (in the EPL especially, yet Norwich and West Ham probably will stay up because they didn't panic and sack the manager) Many posters on here have said that Terry Butcher didn't have a plan B..... given that our entire striking option for the last two seasons has been Billy McKay, and the board haven't provided any alternative, and most SPFL clubs know what to expect. Hughes is trying something different, but getting this to work consistently wont happen overnight The likes of Marley Watkins and Ryan Christie (and Williams to a lesser extent) are being given their chance under Hughes. In additional Aaron Doran seems to be thriving under Hughes stewardship Under Hughes we will surely finish in the top six for a second year running, which I think is a massive achievement. He does seem to have be able to maintain the team spirit. We got to the League Cup final, and in my opinion did very well against the club second in the country (in a great run of form), I think Hughes can take some credit for that All our key players seem to be very keen to extend their contracts, Vincent in particular was a good result along with Draper...the players must have some faith in Yogi? A couple of 0-5 reverses are disappointing, but don't discount the fact we were so close to a Cup Final (does strange things to the mindset of a player), the manager can't do too much if key players who have been playing well all season make a couple of mistakes...it's a long season for a small squad. The same can happen to more fancied teams (Like Arsenal in the EPL, 0-6, 3-6, and a 0-5) We won yesterday so surely everything is alright again....but seriously; stability is a good thing for a club to have, and provided the club do something about getting a decent alternative/additional striker to McKay (preferrably one who is taller, and can also hold the ball up) then I think Hughes should be in charge for next season and we will see what he is capable of. We should only consider a change if there is evidence that 'all the wheels have fallen off the cart', and that Yogi has 'lost' the dressing room There rests the case for the defence, M'lud

I have noticed that at home games we aren't really singing as much as we used to and i was just wondering what everyone else thought about it. It would be great IMO if Section E and of course all ICT fans could sing more at games as it obviously makes the atmosphere 10x better and is fun to be part off.

If they put a roof over the seats then I think more people would want to go there

Away you go

Bradford City at home. But that will be a big incentive fer Halifax. Big earner fer both teams. Replay tomorrow night.

DoofersDad my reply, Firstly no I was not at that particular match, I unfortunately, for reasons I am not prepared to divulge, am not able to attend matches very often, I do attend when possible for me to do so. You don't have to attend every match to make a realistic assessment of what is going on. I can gauge a reasonable amount of what is happening on the pitch through the media, gleaning information from others and some very useful information on this very forum. As I pointed out this team tactically is still learning, the performance levels are increasing all the time which must be attributed to the coaching being given and the receptiveness of the players. However there are bound to be fluctuations in form due to the many aspects involved in any system of play. I mentioned surpassing expectations based on the original postings of negativisms when it was first announced that John was to be the new manager, some of the comments infuriated me,clamouring for his head before he had demonstrated his worth. I am normally a fair minded person but one who hates injustice in any form and some of the comments were close to being libellous hence my defence for him at that time. It surprises me that you did not anticipate the fall in form when the change in management happened. This occurs very often under these circumstances, take Man U, or Celtic par example in recent times. It can sometimes happen that the slump comes the season after the new manager takes charge even though that manager taking over was a huge success at the time. More often than not there is a slump caused by change. You are right, I think with what you say about punching above our weight and our having a wonderful squad, yes we have a chance of accomplishing something quite fantastic this season but so have many other clubs and what we have done so far should be applauded. John's successes so far:- Keeping the squad together, The successful learning curve, Team spirit and morale. The potential to surpass the achievements of any other manager this club has had. Our current league position The way we can play football.

Were you at the County match? The first half was one of the worst displays I have seen from an ICT side for many a long year. The 2nd half was much better and we had a had a thoroughly professional 90 minutes this last Saturday. Reality is that the side is not playing the most attractive football ever. It is pretty variable but has the potential to be the best ever. I'm not sure how you come to the conclusion that Yogi has already surpassed our expectations because he has some way to go before he surpasses mine. Last season he took over after 13 league games with the team in 2nd place. In the remaining games our performance slumped and had the earlier form not been so good we would have been firmly in the bottom six. This season has shown a significant improvement and the side appears to have got back to around the level Yogi inherited it. I don't think anyone on here is saying that as a club we are not punching above our weight and are not delighted that this is the case! But the thing is that with the wonderful squad we have and with the way so many of the bigger clubs in Scotland are floundering at the moment, we have the opportunity do something really special. We will probably never have a better chance of finishing in the top 3 than we will this season. It really is important that we seize this opportunity and I firmly believe this squad is capable of doing so. My long term expectation of this club is that we might fluctuate between bottom six and Championship level and therefore I am absolutely delighted that we are where we are. However, reality is also about basing our expectations for this season on the quality of the squad we currently have and not on the level of resources the club has which might dictate the quality of the squad in future years. Given the talent we have here, the latter part of last season was desperately disappointing. This season has been much better, but progress needs to continue if Yogi is to be judged a success. Let's face facts, if the first third of this season had continued in the same vein as the last 2 thirds of last season, people would be clamouring for Yogi's head by now. He has only sporadically got the best out of this squad and whilst things are undoubtedly improving on the whole (and that's very encouraging), it is far too early to label Yogi as a success.

Very reluctant to drop Billy. He's the type of striker, who like many, will go on a 'run' when he grabs his first after a drought. He's still an integral part of our team even when he's not necessarily scoring goals, if that makes sense! Silver-lining...I doubt so many clubs are now eyeing him up in the transfer window!

Yeah it was. There's been calls umpteen times for a distinct "singing section" but it's never worked.

Seemed to me to be taken from just over half the distance we started out taking them from but well done to him anyway..

I noticed this on Saturday. Quite disappointing to see to be honest.

Being a greedy sod, I'd prefer to settle for Cup progress plus six points and having a 'right good go' at Celtic Park rather than sitting back waiting to be turned over.

This game completed our October fixtures. Got the 7 points that were 'targeted'. November has some tasty ties. The hardest fixture followed by home games against the Lanarkshire duo (separated by an International break). We also start our Scottish Cup campaign: Celtic (away) Hamilton Accies (home) Motherwell (home) Scottish Cup (round of 32) If offered, I'd take Scottish Cup progress plus 5 league points.

I would doubt that there has been any serious falling out between Hughes and Doran. Is it not just a symptom of the stronger squad we have built that there is real competition for places. Vincent, Ross, Williams don't feature 100% of the time either, but it certainly gives us a strong bench, and more options when the likes of them, including Doran, are available to come on as subs.

I really enjoyed watching that yesterday. Despite a few early chances, Dundee United were hardly in the game, and that's thanks to the back 4 - Meekings and Warren in particular - as well as Draper and Tansey's terrific shielding of the defence. And what about Tansey's array of passing yesterday…ooft. James VIncent was back to the old James Vincent of the beginning of last season, just shows what he can do when played in his natural position. Williams was quiet yesterday but did a job but what about Marley Watkins? Simply sublime. Don't think there was a blade of grass he didn't cover yesterday, such an improved player compared to last season. Wee Billy had a few chances yesterday but it just isn't falling for him at the minute, but he's too good a striker for that to continue for much longer…think it's more of a confidence issue. Looking ahead to next week, I'd be inclined to stick with the same team as yesterday. Vincent cannot be dropped after that display, and I can't see where else Christie would fit in. He also provides greater defensive cover and that will obviously be needed at CP. All in all a fantastic performance yesterday - joint top of the table going into November - cant complain!

Remember in 2012-13, Mckay was dropped early on in the season, with Foran taking his place up front. When Mckay eventually won his place back, he was on fire for the next year or so and showed the hunger and prowess we all know he has. Mckay looks frustrated and bereft of confidence. Let's see what Sekajja can do and see if that spurs Mckay on to win his place back. It worked last time around and no player should be immune from being dropped. It could do him the world of good.

I rate Christie, but it wouldn't be fair to drop Vincent after his performance against Utd. If anything I'd me more inclined to drop McKay and play Ryan in his place. A spell on the bench would probably do him good, coming on with 20 minutes to go as an impact substitute.

I think that he will adhere to the team that started yesterday. It is clear that playing the slowing down, tippy-tappy possession game at venues like Parkdread is tantamount to footballing suicide. There are enuff examples this season of how to play against Cellic away and to win. Having the option of Christie and Ibra on the bench is also a big bonus.

That was a really good team performance. After a bit of a tentative start we got the goal when Utd looked the more likely. After that we played far more confidently and dominated the game. What was most pleasing was the work rate and the way we won the ball in all areas of the park. Utd have good attacking players but they were not allowed time on the ball and time and time again their attacks were snuffed out before they had really begun. The only downside is that our superiority in midfield really should have resulted in a bigger margin of victory. The lesson to take from this (and other games) is that we need to take the game to the opposition early and press them hard - play the game in the opposition half. Sitting back, focusing on keeping possession and being patient only puts pressure on us, particularly when we are not scoring freely. Difficult to pick out standout players as it was a good all round team performance. Watkins and the midfield all good, but for me Graeme Shinnie edged it. He was solid at the back but was also very effective going forward. He led the team by example today. Whilst on the subject of Shinnie, I wonder what his brother must be thinking? Sitting on the bench at St Andrew's watching his team slip into the Championship by getting thrashed 8 - 0 whilst the team he left go joint top of the Scottish Premiership.

Great win, everyone played their part. Watkins my man of the match closely followed by Warren and then Vincent Mckay had a very good game. Why would we drop a man who gets into so many good scoring positions? The team is winning despite Mckay not scoring. If we were losing games then I would be worried. He will come good. Well done everyone.

Good to see Billy Mckay in about chances still. On another day he'll tuck them away. Happens to all strikers but you have to be there to miss in first place.As always - no faulting his work rate.

It may be in his genes ?! He is only a young lad and he will learn from the experience. The first yellow was unlucky and was probably on the back of 2 previous niggles. The second was a rush of blood to the head. He barely touched the player but he did go in studs up. He has not exactly got the role models playing beside him though !! But - Nicky Ross / Aaron Doran - have oft been criticised for not getting stuck in so wee Ryan has dispelled that belief. Plus he is a winner and winners battle. And just another sign that you can overplay and over rely on youngsters. Learning any trade is about making mistakes.