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May 2015 - ICT end the season looking forward to a foreign adventure May 2016 - ICT end the season looking forward to a Foran adventure!

Absolutely delighted! Im sure the club have a plan for an experienced assistant as well. 4 year deal sounds a lot but there will be clauses for emergencies. Imho we have gone back to our clubs heart in appointing a hungry young manager. Go Richie we are behind you!!!

Nine times out of ten people who claim they 'won't be back' weren't there much in the first place.

He'll do ok....

Good Luck Richie. I'm sure that you will be the type of manager who talks about "us" when talking about ICT, rather than discussing the club like you've got a vague interest in it but are not really part of it. Your family must be happy too.

Good luck Richie. At least we have a manager who is happy and settled with life in the highlands, so wont be looking to jump ship to the first decent job that becomes available in the central belt

OFFICIAL :

Hi there, First time I've posted on this forum so please be gentle with me. To give you my background as a Caley supporter I moved to the Inverness area in 1993 so had a new club to support (I used to watch West Ham occasionaly in my younger years but wouldn't consider myself a true supporter) with no baggage of the earlier Inverness footballing years but respect for all the history. I don't get to as many games as I would like due to work but I'm sure you know how that is, please don't think it makes me less of a Caley fan. So, to behonest I was pleased when John Hughes was appointed but like others on here became disillusioned by a lot of the style of play under him and saddened by the events which unfolded. But that is in the past and it's time to look forward so I just want to add my comments to those above and say good luck Richie, I believe in you and think you can do something good at Caley. I believe the fans will be happy to get behind you and the team and can't wait to see the new season under way although I have no illusions, it won't be easy. Good luck Richie and Caley!!

This is sort of my feeling too; not that we made the wrong choices in Butcher and Hughes, obviously, but I like the idea that with the new contracts for existing players and this appointment, we are obviously focusing on developing a really tight-knit, continuity-and-team-spirit sort of ethos at the club, of the sort we had under Pele. I felt really pessimistic when Hughes started speaking out about the need for lots of new players at the end of last season; imho, we already have a very strong nucleus of players that would be welcomed at most other clubs in our league, and if we can add another striker and re-sign Roberts, then we will at least have a pretty impressive starting line-up, provided Richie can set them up to create a little more and press a little more than we did last season. I also suspect that the appointment will have the strong backing of the players and of nearly all of the supporters, although there are one or two people on the club's FB page inexplicably saying that they 'won't be back'. Who on earth did they expect us to appoint?

May still shed a wee tear today

go Richie! you have the fans and players with you

John Robertson, Craig Brewster mk1, Charlie Christie all given first managerial appointment at ICT and more importantly all thrived in the environment. No doubts that the setup here will allow for the same thing for Richie.

Getting back on topic, when will Foran be unveiled as the new boss?

In 1993 I retired from the Fire Brigade in Lancashire and was offered a job in the deep south in Kent A work mate of mine was a Wimbledon fan, he took me to matches .and I soon got hooked. For many seasons a I watched Wimbledon play Premier league football on Crystal Palace's ground Selhurst park. 14 years ago the club was stolen off the fans and franchised to Milton Keynes. The Fans formed a new club themselves, ( sitting on hay bales on an amateur ground ) they joined the 9th level of English football, determined to fight back their rightful place now they are in the 3rd tier of English football, Fantastic spirit of Neil Hardley who I watched play against all the top sides . Now AFC Wimbledon are in the the same league as MK Dons, What a game that will be next season when the teams meet on level terms. My memories of that period of my life returned today. Unbelievable feeling I can tell you.

Well done you've redeemed yourself . :-)

Yes Missy Izzy I was out of order slagging off Foran. Actually, now I am quite pleased that he has been appointed manager. He has promised attacking football, compared to the shyte that J H gave us. He loves Inverness, is married and settled here with his family. If JH had stayed I was not going to renew my season ticket. (and I've had one since the start), Yes, we won the Scottish Cup and he got us to Europe, (and I was there), but the last season was dire. Delighted that David raven is staying! Now I hope we can sign somebody who can score GOALS!!!!!!!!!!!

Very pleased with this news .It can only be good for the club to have stability . Richie was a first class captain and is a great choice for manager . Four years shows how respected he is with the board and I wish him every success in his New venture . Really looking forward to new season .

This is a real statement of intent by the Board and Richie. I can't think of anyone more committed to the place who is better qualified to lead us forward. His football knowledge, determination, willingness to embrace learning gives me great hope for the season ahead and I'm sure that the whole dressing room will be chuffed that he's got the job.I see an answer to those who thought recently that the board were distant and disconnected from the fans - they've been listening it would seem. Some might be concerned at Richie's lack of experience, but I'd rather that than the "usual suspects" that queue up looking for another job at the first hint of a vacancy. Well done all, togetherness indeed.

I see nothing at all inconsistent in Alex's position perhaps, to be fair, because it largely reflects my own. It is entirely consistent to argue and believe that Scotland would be far better served by having it's own seat at the EU table than remaining part of a post colonial United Kingdom where what benefits Scotland is increasingly very different from what England seems to want and perhaps, to be fair, what England needs. You yourself seem to have used this thread for repeated Nat bashing rather than offering any argument either for remaining in or leaving the EU.

Doubt theyd take kindly to being slagged off in the press either...lol

Hibs would be mad to look at Hughes. They will now be desperate to get back into the top flight and need a manager who adapts the tactics to the strengths of his players. They also need a manager with a proven track record of using available cash wisely. What they do not need is a manager who wants to completely reshape the way the team plays in order to satisfy some romantic image of the way the game is played.

Delighted with this news, not surprised, but buzzing that it's now all official. glad at the length of contract, as I'm sure it won't be an easy season coming up, and I just hope we can all be calm, and have patience? as it will take time for all his changes to be implemented and to become successful. also happy to read things like 'togetherness' in the statement, as well as a focus on unity between all parties, and already stating a desire for involvement with the fans. two weeks ago I was dreading next season...now I can't wait!!!!!!

Glad it's settled. Let's get behind him and be patient if necessary. Fingers crossed for a good season ahead.

I think the appointment and the Chairman's excellent statement sum up what this club is all about. Richie 's lack of experience is a concern but he will have learnt an awful lot over the last few years from both Butcher and Hughes and will now have the full support from the players, the Board and others at the club. I am sure this will be a popular choice with the fans as well but I only hope people don't set their expectations too high. He'll be on a steep learning curve and will be working on a tight budget. If we can stay in the top flight whilst playing rather more entertaining football than last year. I'll be happy.

All new managers have to gain experience somewhere and what better place for Richie to gain his with a club he knows well, with directors, players, backroom staff and fans he knows well and in a part of the world where he and his family are happy and well settled.

My next door neighbour was a native of Ipswich and he travels there quite often to visit relatives. He told me he recently met Butcher in the club shop in Ipswich, he said to Terry , "wished you stayed in Inverness", Butcher "replied I do too"

Rice is long gone. Not widely reported but the severance package was for both Yogi and a rice.

Nice one Richie, I was feeling a little pessimistic a couple of weeks ago but now we have an appointment I'm really happy. Someone who will be totally committed and knows the team already, hopefully get a decent assistant on board and we are good to go. I think the club has made the right move at the right time. If Yogi was still in charge I would not have been looking forward to the new season, now I am and probably time to commit to that ST renewal.

A huge undertaking For one who is inexperienced yet I have a good feeling about it. You cannot fault his attitude and the Board is obviously right behind him two very important factors. I just hope the fans will give him their full support and not rush into slagging him off if things don't go too well as he implements change to our style of play. These things generally take time to materialise into the required strategy. Will be interesting to see who he now brings in to the squad to give us the impetus to get the ball in the back of the net. The very best of luck Richie, I am sure you will be a success. What a step up for you, not many people lead a Premier side for their first foray into management. An exciting season ahead methinks.

Time to put recent divisions behind us and for everyone to get behind the new manager. Well done Richie and god luck.

We have our memories to keep us warm. What a wonderful day.

I do hope Devine's decision to consider other options is not driven by comments from fans on this forum. A small number of folk have been pretty harsh on him. And in defending Raven against the appalling treatment by our ex manager, many folk talked Raven up by talking Devine down. But it's not a question of Raven or Devine - we need them both. For all the difficulties we have had this season, our defensive record has been good and Devine has started more games than any other outfield player. So he really can't have done too bad, can he? Sure, he has made a mistake or two but who hasn't? Personally I would rather see Meekings in the CB role with Warren although to be honest, there's not a lot in it. But regardless of the pecking order, we need defensive cover and what with injuries and suspensions Devine would be assured of a lot of game time next season even if he wasn't the new manager's first choice. He is also a lot younger than both Raven and Warren and could easily develop into a player who would be a first choice CB for many years. I think Devine has a good career in front of him and I would love it to be with ICT.

We must move on now. If we get behind Richie Foran and the Board then the fans will get behind the team as well. Richie seems to be a different personality to Mr. Hughes. More self-contained, he understands the challenges facing the club with finances and a limited ability to sign new players and is a hard worker who understands that money alone is not the answer to the challenges that will face Caley Thistle from now on. Further, he is on good terms with upper-level management and consequently he must have learned to speak thoughtfully and is unlikely to get petulant about things and spit it all out in public. He has done his badges (according to reports on here) and obviously has worked hard to befit himself for management. People grow into their positions and so will he. Along with his growing experience will surely come a growing confidence and his character has already been demonstrated by his tenacity and determination to come back from what is a devastating injury and this alone should be highly motivational to all the players. Not only that, this also represents a terrific opportunity for Richie to further his career knowing, as he appears to, that it is not always about skill but the three "E's" -- energy, effort and execution. Ally these to determination, an indomitable will to win, together with hard work both on the training pitch and on match day, and we are home and dry. i.e. Let's remember what the Scotsman, Stevenson, said about the invention of his steam engine, the ROCKET.:- "There is no limit to the speed we can achieve if the engine can be made to stand it".

Or being educated

He has also been able to witness what both the previous managers have done at first hand so he ought to be in a position to utilise the good things they each brought to the role, recognise and avoid the errors they both made while putting his own stamp on things at the same time.

Richie Foran! Let's hope he's a darn sight more successful than all the others mentioned!

I must say, I'm slightly disappointed he's retired as a player. Even registering himself for cover/emergencies surely wouldn't be a bad idea.

Never mind a PS Vita. ICT are about to resume La Dolce Vita...

Absolutely, the fact that Yogi lived up in Rosemarkie and his family stayed in Edinburgh, was unsustainable for a start, it was never going to create a good work life balance for anyone

Not my first choice purely because he has no experience, but he certainly seemed like the sort of player that could go on to be a manager given his attitude and leadership qualities. I hope we bring someone in as assistant with a bit of experience, Brain Rice has to go IMO. With the current playing squad being so small, my main worry is on recruitment. He'll most likely have to look down south and in the divisions below us in Scotland as it seems we can't match the wages of other SPL teams. Hopefully with his experience playing at Southend, he'll have a few contacts down there. Good luck to him!

Delighted with this appointment. Always thought he was very commanding on the field so hopefully that will transfer to dugout. Sad he's hanging up his boots as I think he could still have done a job as super sub. Impressed with what he has had to say so far. Let's get right behind him - exciting times ahead. Well done Richie.

Well why the hell not, it's only a friendly and you've got more experience than the 7 year old who applied.

"Feck you Yogi, the Raven's here to stay, the Raven's here to stay"

Haven't renewed my season ticket yet - not so much a protest as apathy brought on by the antics of the last few weeks. I'm sure I would have renewed anyway, but the announcement about David Raven has ensured I'll be down tomorrow to do so! The reason isn't that I think inclusion of DR will suddenly make us world beaters, but I like the gesture from the board to the fans and to DR: Loyalty begets loyalty and this will certainly help to unite, which is what this club is all about!

The conduct of both sets of fans was so bad that the result should be annulled and the trophy retained by the 2015 winners, along with the prize money and European place. Wishful thinking, of course, but it wouldn't be any worse a decision than various others made by our football authorities!

at least the people in the north stand have paid to get in, unlike one who uses his press pass. probably never paid to get into a game but contributes to a "FANS FORUM " and rubbishes others who are only voicing an opinion

and not a single adverse comment from anyone on BBC Scotland about the constant illegal sectarian singing, that in itself is a disgrace on the part of the national public service broadcaster. I heard Stewart Doncaster being interviewed on the radio laying the blame for the pitch invasion on the Hampden authorities. It is an SFA competition and, in my view, the ultimate responsibility for any shortcomings lie with them but, of course, the SFA blazers never take responsibility for anything.

They didnt deny him funds tho did they? He has had the biggest budget of any ICT manager and was backed with emergency money when the injuries got critical last season. Would you suggest putting the club at financial risk for yogi? I also wouldnt have trusted him to spend any money wisely given his signing record for us

I have to disagree. Steve Paterson is a club legend as are the likes of Ross Tokely, Barry Wilson, Grant Munro, Dennis Wyness and Iain Stewart. Yogi had that status too in his grasp despite this last season but by his actions over the last couple of months has forfeited it.

Eh? The board have given the management team the biggest budget ever and broke into a rainy day fund to try and ease the injury crisis. It was Yogi who spent most of the time moaning about it and spending it on dross like Liam Hughes.