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It strikes me that there must still be this small, sad group of individuals who have been sitting around for the last 30 years, desperately waiting for a misfortune so they can attempt to say “told you so”. Meanwhile everyone else has been enjoying progress to the SPL in just a decade, further progress to the Top Six, winning the Third and First Divisions, winning the Challenge Cup, and (in anticipation of some smart-ass comment about that), I’ll add winning the Scottish Cup, reaching the League Cup final, bringing European football to the Highlands, beating the Old Firm home and away including Celtic three times in the Scottish Cup, raising attendances to a peak of 7 and still 3 times what Thistle and Caley combined were taking in pre-merger…. and even after this weekend’s misfortune, Inverness football is still two leagues above what it was before this club came around. One difficulty is that there’s also this small caucus of ex-Caley fans who seem to live in some fantasy world, hallucinating that 6000 people packed themselves into Telford Street every second Saturday right up to the bitter end in the Highland League and 5000 of them still resolutely refuse to go near the Caledonian Stadium. Meanwhile the reality is that the biggest number of Caley fans that ever voted against the merger was 226, many of whom still became regular ICT attendees, and that the biggest number that ever attended a Thistle meeting was (off the top of my head) 45.

The Board have dug themselves into a hole. The big issue for them has not been whether we will be relegated or not, it is whether the Battery Storage proposal will finally get through. That may take a few more months for a decision to be made, after which, the ICT Battery Storage company (i.e, Morrison and Munro) will have to find a new buyer after the original £3.5m contract buyer pulled out. Then, once the sale is complete, there is the issue of the secured loans which club directors have made to the club. The club may have to pay these back in full unless the Directors feel they can afford not to call in the loan. These are big uncertainties. I am heartily sick of this big business approach to running the football club. I am certainly not opposed to the general concept of having some non-footballing initiatives to help boost the coffers, but first and foremost we should be having the club as a community football club. The club should be a focus for the local community and money should be spent on making the stadium a welcoming place where people want to come to. The current management have alienated so many local people who would be either potential regular supporters or who would be happy to contribute financially. Whatever happened to the concept of "Togetherness"? It has been them and us for quite a while now. I very much doubt that the outcome of the Board meeting will produce the radical change of direction and personnel that is required. They will maybe just decide to use some different shovels. I hope I'm wrong.

#togetherness is long gone. The CEO in particular has done nothing to bring people together but rather created mistrust and division. Be that between fans and the club, the community and the club or businesses and the club etc. Regardless of what stands may or may not be open (wouldn't want to move to the Main) I certainly don't intend to renew my season ticket so long as Scot Gardiner is employed at the club. Simple as that, he's a toxic narcissist.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised but I genuinely cannot believe the club hasn’t issued some kind of statement! Even if it was just to acknowledge fans for our support this season and that the club has a board meeting today to discuss the future of the club.

Over 48 hours on from Saturday's debacle and not so much as a peep from our illustrious board either on our own social media or via traditional media outlets. I don't think any club in British football would get away with such utter disregard for its fanbase. These guys are supposedly respected businessmen and yet they seem totally incapable of very simple communications or situation management. Utterly shambolic at every turn.

Well, I stayed away from this forum for many years and my former starchief name is no more. I've looked regularly and despaired. I guess it's time to jump back in the cauldron. I thought Dunc was the wrong choice in the very beginning (have you seen his Forest Green record?) but was willing to give him a chance. He seemed to think we were deservedly bottom of the Championship when, in fact, we were in a cup final the previous season, which probably put paid to having the legs for promotion. Dodds was sacked for being out of promotion, not due to relegation fears! Fergie comes in and thinks it's backs to the wall. Plays six defenders in most matches, although Kerr in midfield. He was joined there by Billy, who still was our top scorer despite not playing as a striker! For those who think he's finished, Lineker played poorly under Cruyff when he was a winger. Shankland was awful when a left-back at Beerschott. Play Billy as a striker and we get a striker that can score. I look at the defenders brought in. How many are better than Devine? None I would say. Savage and Carragher are about the same but not better. Well, what's the point? Kerr looked excellent. Shame we got rid of two of our best midfielders though, then we wouldn't have to play him in midfield. I thought Rory looked better in the last half of the play-off when he replaced Billy. But then , that's his position! Imagine if he had played enough games to be match fit? Samuels was easily a better winger-cum-striker than Longstaff, yet was only played when we needed a goal desperately. Well, we need goals and creativity long before that. Get him on. All-in-all, a terrible appointment. I don't know who was worse, Fergie or Foran. I do like the idea of Esson or Stewart given the players we will be looking to. Just go for someone with a clue. A decent League One or Two manager shooting slightly above what his team should be doing. Underwhelming but knowledgeable at this level.

As I've said on another thread as well as on Twitter, a helluva lot of the "fans" who pitch invaded in response to the Hamilton fan, were one timers and will have never been before or again. The actual fans that entered the pitch went straight over to shout at the board/SG. Just cos you're not willing to take action and protest how our club has been run over the past few years, it doesn't give you the right to label fans who've funnelled thousands of pounds into this club as "neds" cos of their reaction.

Anyone taking bets on them having got rid of the web/social media person and all now sitting around scratching their heads wondering how they put a statement out?

Those harping on about Dunc currently being the manager will also remember that he was contracted to keep us in the Championship and has failed to do that so I would imagine we should be able to get rid as he failed to meet the contracted terms? ... Let's hope so because he isn't manager material, assistant yes, but not a manager. We will hopefully save money by being rid of Gardiner, and at least then we might be able to afford an experienced lower league manager - because experience is what we need (Dodds, Ferguson, Foran - all inexperienced and we never learn). No League 1 club needs a CEO and to be fair the tea lady would do a better job than that absolute belter.

There's a centre half at Buckie, Jack Murray who's 23, has been one of the best players in the league supposedly. For a defender he has scored 26 goals in 51 games which is phenomenal. I'd be much happier if we're looking at these kind of players rather than useless jobbers coming up from England.

We are nothing if not unimaginative ... ! Take the D from Dingwall .. The I from Inverness then add S for Soccer & we could have Dis United

Cammy Mackay is only 27. I'd be happy to see him as the first choice. I remember he had a lengthy run during one of the covid seasons when I could I watch on PPV. I thought he was fine then, and I remember saying that I thought his ball distribution was much superior to Ridgers'. Back then, it seemed that Ridgers would have at least one major panic per game, when he would be caught out by something unexpected - or at least, that he didn't expect. I don't know if that has continued, or has got worse. I remember looking up his age back then, to see when he might be replaced, and being surprised at how young he was. (He's 33 now.) Only those of you who've seen him regularly can judge his overall contribution - the good versus the bad. But if he's off, then League 1 should be the place for Cammy to establish himself.

Pity there not there not there on a cold Tuesday night in December.

Dunc defends himself by saying that results since he came here would put us 5th if the season had started then. He also points out the bad run of injuries we have sustained. Both of these are legitimate points. However, closer inspection of the issues suggest he is probably not the man for us. When he arrived there was some understandable excitement. This was fuelled by the new manager "bounce" when we picked up 15 points from his first 8 games in charge. Then reality hit. Just when a good manager would be consolidating the team's performances as he gets to know the players better and what challenges the opposition provide, our form dipped. Despite picking up a good few points at the death, our "post bounce" total of 26 points from 22 games would also have seen us in 9th if averaged over the season. And whilst we have had injuries, the Board have somehow managed to support him to bring in several players on loan. We have had regularly been able to have a full bench without having to call upon untried youngsters. We have had far worse injury problems over our time in the Championship without any real threat of relegation. So not only have his players and his style of play produced a low end of the table performance, his turgid style of football is just so frustrating and boring to watch. Now that we are in Division 1, at least let us have a manager who is going to put a team on the park that plays an attractive, exciting style of football.

I believe Devine has triggered a one year extension on his contract with the amount of games he has played. Ferguson tried not to play him (obvs was not in his plans for next season) but due to injuries he was forced to play him.

Others may disagree here, but unless he cuts his wages then I'd expect him to be a higher earner which could be better used to fund more than one player. Additionally given his age, dwindling mobility and pace coupled with the increased physicality of League 1 - I'm not convinced he will bang in the bags of goals he or other think. Time to freshen up and find the next 'Billy'.

Hoping for a new episode of the Wyness Shuffle podcast soon to try and make sense of everything going on ....😭 Ps I'm wondering if our website is the least updated in league football. If you were relying on that for your information you'd still not know what the score was on Saturday, although probably better to be blissfully unaware. Seriously though, it's really poor and another example of the lack of communication and engagement with fans.

I tried to get in touch with Ridgers but he is apparently off line 😁

Seaside league is now the Astroturf league.

I think DoofersDad has hit the nail on the head. I don't disagree that the football club needs to be professional and act as such looking for fininancial backing at big level. However big business doesn't particularly work for a club of our stature. Where is the local investment, from us and from them? The club has not engaged with the local community, city centre or other. What happened to the volunteer base? Not warranted, or alienated to not return. Certain individuals haven't acted on the best interests of this club, community and more.

When does the smoke come out the chimney?

Same here although I'm not renewing till Gardiner gone anyway

I for one will not be travelling to Inverness every 2 weeks to watch a bunch of loanees with no passion for the club and no connection to the town they are supposed to be representing. Had enough of that this season.

Drawing straws to see who tells Big Dunc that he's fired?

Fair point. But there doesn't seem to be much sense in keeping these stands open when they are barely half full most of the time. Maybe we could save some money by getting rid of a certain CEO...

Close the North Stand and you will lose even more season ticket holders. I for one would not renew to end up in the front or side wings where the weather etc gets to you. I can’t imagine I’d be the only one

The difference between us and Falkirk going down is that they will still get backed by crowds at least double what we are getting (or rather claim we are getting). I haven't made a home game this season but the highlights show a very sparse home attendance. At times it barely looks like it is into four figures. A slide into League One is only going to see that reduce further. Probably time to think about closing the North and South stands given the average away crowd in that league will be something like 17.

Graeme (Spider) Stewart is surely a decent shout? Especially if we are heading towards PT football or worse... Won HFL twice with Buckie, plays attractive football with lots of goals, knows the North football scene well and what potential players are available, and he is currently available after leaving Buckie the other week Could he be our modern Pele?

More importantly than anything to me if you have had the job previously you cannot have it again (before Hughes nominates himself). Not against Tokely, but what managerial experience does he have? Draper hasn't exactly set the heather alight at Elgin.

So, according to the Inverness Courier (in an article I can't actually access as it needs subscription 🙄), there is a board meeting to determine where we go from here so I wonder what is on the agenda and when we're likely to get any info or statement from the chairman because my guess is it won't be until 5pm or even Tuesday unless it gets leaked by the tabloids 🙄. The fact there is no post match interview could be a telling factor in Duncan's future so hopefully Scot Gardiner is also punted. I'm unsure on my stance regarding Ross Morrison because if he went to then who'd lead us, who's the vice chairman and are they capable of becoming chairman!? Tomorrow is going to be a very telling day but, as has been mentioned in the P and J, the CORRECT decisions have to made of we are to ever recover and NOT become the next Falkirk!

I've been a supporter for about 60 years. When do I get real?

No one really cares what you think mate, neither then nor now.

Give it time.....

Are you asking, speculating or have heard something? Its a dead cert anyway, he is hopeless and way too expensive.

It was part of Robbo’s role

This ‘post’ could rebound on you!

I would just wish to intervene and suggest that the sad group of pre 1994 individuals who resurrected themselves in ICT were as distraught and distressed when Caledonian FC died as they were on Saturday evening. And one could compare both situations to a degree ? When when have we ever had a united board ? And finally FFS don't write another feckin fairy tale 😁

I for one think he’s got plenty of miles on the clock but plenty in the tank. If he’s asked to be a finisher in the box then he’s our man. He’s been played out of position for most of this season. He’s a model pro who has kept himself fit and if he’s able to help ‘coach’ the likes of Cairns then so much the better. How many goals did Dobbie (QofS) player hit in his late 30s ?

Can you expand on this? I perhaps dont follow the youth teams that much so maybe the achievements and accolades have passed me by. Any manager decision would depend on what if any budget there would be. I doubt if we pay off Dunc & Bollan there would be much desire/ability to invest heavily in a manager given where we are with playing squad rebuild. Therefore you may be right about Esson being already incumbent and cheap option along with Kellagher.

Me too. Add to above the winter low sun. Your arm aching trying to cover your eyes to see the game. I remember one night game, (partick cup replay? Pitch was unplayable) . My old man was in the main stand while the rest of us were cosy in the packed enclosure behind the north goals we had pre north stand. Sent my nephew to go get his granda and he squeezed in beside us.

I see Jake Davidson won promotion with Hamilton Accies and was relegated with ICT.

What a shout 😀😀😀😀 and certainly gets a YES from me, I think I jokingly touted him in the past due to his work at Buckie so now he is certainly a realistic and possibly affordable contender. Playing attractive football would be a bonus as would his knowledge of North football/available players. Could he be out modern day Pele? Who knows, we won't know if we don't try 🔵🔴.

Billy McKay wants to stay and help lead us back to the Championship which is a bonus imho because his goals could be crucial in League 1: Source is the Inverness Courier.

I really want Ryan Esson for one reason alone: He has worked wonders with our youngsters which is a squad we will be full of next season perhaps with a few signings (preferably from the Highland League) and the experienced contracted players we have. We probably need an experienced manager to get us out of the mess we're in but tbh there just isn't any realistic candidates that are classed as "experienced" hence why I have gone with Ryan Esson, at least he will get the team playing in a manner we can be content with. As much as I want Barry Robson, I just don't see him as being realistic @StephenMalkmus but it's a great shout nonetheless : ictscarf:

Likely following Big Duncs instructions to play it safe, go sideways and not take any risks in the other half

He doesn’t seem to add much to the overall coaching and development. If he does, then why is there a need for Kelllacher? Surely no need for both? Don’t we also have a sports scientist/ coach. All seems a bit excessive for our Club.

You really are the definition of a fictional troll that sits on the edge of a murky lake with a scowl on their face, holding a wee fishing rod, hoping for bites.

Is there a 5-a-side league we can join?

Playing squad: 2023/24. Players added to this season: 49 As far as we know on CTO, this is where we are. If anyone knows otherwise, please let us know. Still Contracted Nikola UJDUR - Contracted to end of 2025 (out of favour or what?) Adam BROOKS - Contracted to end 2025 Billy MCKAY - Contracted to end 2025 (possibly 2024 with options) Luis LONGSTAFF - Contracted to end of 2025 Charlie GILMOUR ✅ Contracted to end of 2025 Lewis NICOLSON - Contracted to end of 2025 (Injured) Jake DAVIDSON - On Loan to Hamilton, Contracted to end of 2025 Various Youth Players Loaned Out or used during this season Most likely all contracted until end of this season. (unsure of some who only filled in when we were short) Jonathan BAIN - Contract not known Shae KEOGH - Contract not known Calum MACKAY - Loan out to Nairn County Contract expired Now Lewis MACKIE - Contract not known Calum MACLEOD - Contract expiry believed to be end of 2025 Ben MEACHER - Contract not known Alistair NIXON - Contract not known Sam NIXON - Loaned out to Nairn, Contract expiry believed to be end 2025 Sam THOMPSON - Contract not known Jack WALKER - Loaned out to Nairn, Contract end is believed to be end 2025 Loans Expired or Contract Expired Max ANDERSON - Loan end of season Morgan BOYES - Loan end of season James CARRAGHER - Loan end of season Aribim PEPPLE - Loan end of season Alex SAMUEL - Loan end of season Sean MCALLISTER - Loan end of season Cameron KERR - Loan end of season Samson LAWAL - Loan end of season Jeremiah CHILOKOA-MULLEN - Loan & Injured Remi SAVAGE - Out of Contract (6month) Austin SAMUELS - Contract ended? (not known) Nathan SHAW - Injured Contract expired Now Mark RIDGERS - Contract expired Now Wallace DUFFY - Contract expired Now Daniel DEVINE - Contract expired Now, possible contract extension triggered? Roddy MACGREGOR - Contract expired Now Harry LODOVICA - Injured Contract up for discussion? Aaron DORAN - Injured Contract expired Now Cameron HARPER - Contract expired Now ? Cammy MACKAY ❌ Contract expired Now? Lewis HYDE - Loaned out to Brora, Contract expired Now Keith BRAY - Loaned out to Elgin City, Contract expired Now Ethan CAIRNS - Loaned out to Banks O' Dee, Contract expired Now Matthew STRACHAN - Loaned out to Nairn County, Contract expired Now Robbie THOMPSON - Loaned out to Spartans, Contract expired Now Players Already Gone Harry Hennem ❌ Left in January Max RAM ❌ Gone David CARSON ❌ Gone to Livingston Zak DELANEY ❌ Gone to Arbroath Cillian SHERIDAN ❌ Gone to Queens Park Sean WELSH ❌ Gone to Queens Park David WOTHERSPOON ❌ Gone free agent after Dundee United

A truly shameful capitulation last night. The overall lack of pride, endeavour or passion we've seen from the majority of the players and our clueless management team over the four play-off games has been difficult to comprehend. Hopefully the board got the message loud and clear at the final whistle. A board member confirmed to me last night that Ferguson is on a 6 month rolling contract, rather than the 3 year deal he keeps referring to in interviews. Based on recent rumours it would sound like it would cost between 130-150k to pay him off. If the guy had any class at all he'd walk today but you can guarantee he'll hang on in there and pocket the pay-off he ill deserves and clearly doesn't need. His post-match comments were beyond belief. Personally, if Ferguson and/or Gardiner stay I won't be renewing my season tickets. I doubt I'll be alone in adopting this stance. Grim times indeed.