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On Wyness Shuffle, 136 miles down (very well handled and a great production) List of people and things blamed by Chairman the fans (for not coming up with alternatives to a plan a plan they knew nothing about) David Wotherspoon's wife (!) Kelty (for not asking Fife Council) the fans again (for not making an outcry about rumours on the academy) the Inverness Courier reporter the creditors/debtors due diligence 'that boy' (a sports club owner from North America?) the past six years Duncan Ferguson's contract Duncan Ferguson's sales pitch to Everton's owners The stadium/fan's bar Inverness being situated too far from South Queensferry (?) Wives (again) and offspring of players in the central belt Accommodation prices in Inverness White Knights who only 'sniffed' Not blamed: Scot Gardiner He has come out in P&J and defended not asking the owners of the facilities they announced: "When we spoke to (Kelty), we said we knew (the pitch) was the (Fife) Council's and we said they'd go and tell them (about the agreement between ICT and Kelty Hearts). How could they go ahead and announce it as a partnership, and sign an agreement (as he said on TWS) knowing the owners hadn't been told yet? If the farcical situation on Kelty isn't enough to act, then... It does seem as there is only one aim in his mind, contrary to his appeals for other ideas, "I want to keep us full time and I want to get us up". The latter, can be inferred, is promotion from the Championship, not League One, and that seems to be the crux of the. mindset - Premiership or bust. The former is an aspiration shared, but he seems desperately averse to the careful and steady plan (Director loan accounts were mentioned. More than once...).

Great post above from Achfary. It seems to me that Ross is suffering from a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome in relation to our "abrasive"* CEO (*talk about understatement of the century). His biggest problem is staring him in the face and yet he steadfastly deflects, excuses and point-blank refuses to recognise that Gardiner is the root of the vast majority of the problems we're facing. I also have to take issue with the Chairman's statements regarding the Academy. Unless I missed it he never explicitly said it was closing, only that it would be in jeopardy. Then he blames us for not getting the pitchforks out in relation to a general remark which was quickly overtaken by more dramatic revelations. I don't think anyone was happy with the thought of axing the Academy and to suggest that we were is entirely disingenuous on his part. The other point that enrages me is his assertion that 90% of the people that he's spoken to outwith Inverness thinks this is a great idea. I don't know about anyone else but I live outwith Inverness and have colleagues/mates at home and abroad who have all voiced an opinion on Gardiner's hare-brained scheme and not one person has suggested it's a good idea. Probably because they're generally football fans who understand that football is not simply a business venture and fans are inextricably connected to their club/city. A frankly delusional statement which undermines his credibility. Prior to the Kelty statement I had a fair degree of sympathy towards Gardiner who's clearly a fan and has put his hand in his pocket to keep things going. However, his blind faith in Gardiner, in the face of overwhelming evidence of his ineptitude and unbridled hostility from all and sundry simply defies logic and suggest that it's time for a change. Finally, a very interesting update from the Supporters Trust this morning advising that trust members have confirmed their intention to withhold ca. £200k of revenues for the season ahead. Surely this has to force a serious rethink?

I may only make one game a year being 3600 miles away, but I'm not in support of the move! P.S. Really jumped on to say thanks to all of you...been reading the forum for years as it's the only way to find out what's really happening day to day (not just the last few weeks)

But it has to be the correct right-hand man. I don't know if he was pals with SG before he appointed him, or if SG just talked a really good game at the interview process, but a quick google search, even back then would have provided a ton of info from his time in Dundee and at Hearts. That should have given pause for thought and/or a sense that he would give the guy a chance but there had to be oversight .... Clearly we do not need a CEO in the current league, and certainly not this CEO. We need someone who will go in, get their hands dirty, listen to opinions and ideas from all sides, be able to evaluate and implement them where they prove to be good, be open to fan engagement and ideas, and capable of working with a team of excellent ICT staff and hopefully volunteers who I believe will be chapping at the door if we reverse the Kelty cock-up and divest ourselves of the CEO. This is in my opinion the only (and the cheapest) way to get us back on the right track. We have great supporters, many of whom have a diverse and under-utilised skill set because they have been regarded with suspicion and derision for so long. Recognise the talent, pull together and get us back up where we can be. A bag of balls and a sack of half-time oranges?

I agree it's sickening that Gardiner & Morrison, in progressing the move south are effectively enabling a vanity project for Ferguson next season with promises of a group of as yet unknown footballing mercenaries who can lead Caledonian Thistle Wanderers to the promised land. The alternative, the prioritising of home grown talent alongside league one status for a number of seasons if necessary until a winning team is formulated on a budget will not satisfy Ferguson, Morrison or Gardiner the short term outcomes they individually crave. After listening to Morrison it'a clear he has been sold a pup & has allowed stronger personalities to bulldoze their ideas through. Personalities who care nothing about the area, the people or lets be honest the club which is just a convenient vehicle to underpin their career ambitions.

Drastic action is needed: getting rid of Gardiner is not enough. We need people in there and throughout the club who seek the best interests of ICT and nothing else We are miles away from that just now.

I think I was in the same pub lol. I too thought that was as far as we could go. And so it proved. That great team went it's separate ways in search of a better wage and who wouldn't to be fair. We lost the momentum of the Cup win and entered the downward spiral with no brakes. I listened to the latest pod. Those guys do a fantastic job and I'm sorry I haven't listened to them more during the season. I congratulate them on the RM interview. I think you have to feel for the guy [RM]. A true Invernesian who's pride must be in tatters. However, surely he has the power to get rid of those that are dragging this club down..no? As for DF - I am 100% certain we will not get out of League 1 with him in charge. No chance. He hasn't got a clue. So, DF, prove me wrong.

I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping you have made a fortune in the USA and are looking to invest in ICT!

The news from the Supporters Trust this morning must surely lead to action today. I think just about every supporter is desperate for Gardiner to go. Whether he jumps or is pushed he needs go and go now. I think most have some sympathy for Morrison. But whilst his heart may be in the right place, he has made far too many mistakes and has alienated too many people in the local business community to remain as Chairman for the rebuilding process.

Cheers RIG. Really excellent stuff. For my money the Chairman is out of his depth dealing with this CEO. Frustrated, tired, heart-in-the-right-place, head-all-over-the-place,verging on exasperated and having had more than enough. A modicum of sense, awareness and respect for the fans amongst the board would have seen an idea of this magnitude floated to the fans in a consultation process. Im afraid that not doing this is unforgiveable and new blood is required.

That was a WTAF moment. Although as a SQ resident I can only agree

As expected. The dullest of the dullest fixtures we could have gotten. Another snorefest of a League Cup group.

My wife and I were in Stenhousemuir last weekend, visiting her relatives. They are big Stenny fans, but they thought that the proposed move was a "disgrace" and a "joke". The Warriors are very closely integrated into the community there. And I'm about 450 miles south of Perth, and I'm certainly not in support of the move!

I have seen two people in total online who are ICT fans who support this move. I can't count how many ICT fans have diametrically opposite viewpoints (including myself). Plenty of folk who are not football fans or not ICT fans saying 'whats the big deal' but almost to a man (or woman) they live south of Perth (as do the ICT fans who are in support of the move). People like Kristine and the other hard-working staff at the stadium could likely do a better job, that's for sure and crucially, if they were out of their depth or needed assistance they would ask for - and get - help. Any time I have been over and popped round the stadium, it's been Kristine, Keith, Charlie or other folk I know who always have a cheery hello and time for a quick chat .... These buggers cost me hundreds in the club shop each time I have a conversation, as it gives the wife and son time to browse the merchandise!!! Probably raised more money for the club that way than the CEO!

There's been a few of these comments but remember, it's come as a surprise that we are in the same division as Kelty. This was happening even if we were in the Championship. It's not a response to relegation

Only thing that he said in the pod that actually piqued my interest. Glad he's actually looking into revamping it, needs a vast overhaul to get people in well before the game. Current state its in just feels like a pint in that rarely-ever-used side hall of a Village Hall... Just nothing about it currently puts it forward as a competitor to having a pint in the city center

They have to take responsibility for our club as custodians surely.

Some how I think we’d have to pay them to take him off our hands

Sounds like a Scot Gardiner quote circa 2012

Time for the thread

Gary Bollan could cover the space in goal.

I think we will have more fans at away games than home games unless we get the changes we want!

Paywall be gone - https://archive.ph/2NKUR

Strange, it let me open it. The 9 are Devine, Ujdur, Savage, Nicolson, Davidson, Gilmour, Longstaff, Brooks and Mckay. The article is mainly about Ryan Esson and our ‘keepers all being out of contract.

Premier Sports Cup 13 July Annan 27 July Dundee if there is sufficient interest we will run a bus. Contact us through Facebook or on 07462218717

Not with Ross Morrison's telephone antics they won't. Be fighting over who didn't phone who back

You are in my time zone I think, just a bit further south (of the border). We've got a fair few on here residing outside the UK so dont hesitate to jump in ...

I was in Edinburgh yesterday meeting retired work colleagues one Aberdeen supporter whose father played for them in the fifties, one Celtic supporter and a bluenose from Dundee who follow football and all thought it was a crazy idea

Dont forget the ability to pump endless tens of thousands of pounds regularly with no return. Not many of them running to be front of the queue to take the reigns.

If the club are really saving £300k plus a year moving training to Kelty plus other cuts and savings to be considered, even loosing out on a hypothetical £200k from some fans (which the club will consider likely to have a change of heart during the season) then technically they are still better off. This is about business, money and profit & loss accounts - think SG made that pretty clear in this interview - just thats not what fans want to hear or is the popular driver. Its also very clear this is a gamble and big roll of the dice to get back to the Championship at first time of asking, otherwise people will be getting their wish of admin. Anything other than a quick return we cannot afford - which for a support that was critical of recruitment and investment over previous seasons to get into the Premiership many now seem happy to cut to P/T and youth players when clearly we will end up jobbing about in League 1 for many years.

Further to launching the survey on Wednesday, we have e-mailed this update to members this morning. The survey is open to all fans, so please share it widely. And a very big welcome to all our new members who have joined the Trust recently. Thank you for your support.

If the links below work you can just click the play button and listen to them that way:

In my opinion, the guy instrumental on ferguson coming here is the biggest problem. If you get rid of Ferguson, why would you let Gardner anywhere near the decision on his replacement?

You mean Azad Video.

I,ll respond in a minute.....once Ive sharpened my quill

I see that a vacancy arose today at Rangers for a CEO. Just imagine if they want our very own Scot Gardiner. What should the transfer fee be?!

The podcast was very good. The Chairman is in many respects sincere in supporting ICT FC as you would expect. However, he is absolutely bogged down with fingers in many pies. On the Club website they write ' ROSS MORRISON CHAIRMAN Ross has a background working in the financial sector prior to setting up a property development company. He has interests in the whisky industry as well as owning several public houses, offices, shops and residential properties. Ross has a very deep and longstanding devotion to Inverness Caley Thistle, through thick and thin, having supporting Inverness Thistle from 1974 with his allegiance shifting to ICTFC in 1994. Ross is passionate about his cars, plays five a side football and has a gym membership which he uses sometimes!' If you Google him you discover that he has multiple active Directorships. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/IzQsY6lLw0n4CPAvlJPtNe0iR80/appointments To me that explains why he has become dependent on a day to day Chief Executive. Am not sure he could operate without his right hand man.

I remember sitting in a Glasgow bar that night feeling quite depressed despite what we’d just achieved - I thought this was it, the pinnacle of our achievements, the best we could probably ever be and it would never be quite as good again. It would have been no surprise to anyone if we didn’t win a major trophy for another decade, or flirt with relegation to the Championship a few times like County, however, I could never have dreamed that we could fall from grace so far, so quickly and so easily. In essence eventually ruined by one selfish, inept and incompetent idiot while others we trusted with the safe running of our club turned their heads the other way. Ross Morrison has to accept responsibility for his part in allowing Gardiner the freedom to cause so much pain and damage. The evidence is overwhelming, you have an opportunity Ross to take the first steps in putting things right, sack Gardiner now! No further delays or excuses, just get on with it and maybe you’ll find you come out of this in a far better place than where you find yourself today.

Just been doing a wee simple arithmetic exercise. Ross Morrison says we will save £300k by going to Kelty. Given what I spend on season ticket, cup game tickets, sponsorship etc a season multiplied by , say, 700 who are not going to renew season tickets gives approx £500k. Throw in a £100k salary which we don’t need. Problem solved. Just saying…..

Not fair enough. He's trying to prove he's not a complete failure so he can get another job. So far, he's unemployable after two relegations. A promotion might make him saleable again. We've seen enough. Any decent manager would have got us well out of relegation by not playing 5 at the back and a midfield made up of another defender and our leading striker, whilst sidelining Samuels and Rory. Ferguson was our biggest problem.

I've not seen anyone doubt RMs passion as a fan but right now he's allowing his loyalty to a friend to override that passion and do harm to the club. We the fans are not responsible for the money he has put in. Money that there is nothing to show for. He has funded the gamble to keep spending on large player wages, a CEO, a sporting director (who's been paid to sit at home for 7 months and was moonlighting on the radio while here), 2 useless managers (one of whom he gave a 2 year deal and then sacked 5 games later and the other that got us relegated), not to mention all the batshit crazy side projects. He spent his money chasing his vision of the club and now he expects someone else to come in to give him his money back and bail the club out. He claims that people at the club fully support the idea but people from the club are telling others they knew nothing of it until it was announced. Cry me a river and float the F U C K O F F down it. If he'd spent that money on the stadium and improving the fan experience. If he'd focused on fan engagement and the basics. Then I'd still be a ST and willing to chip in a bit more besides. I suspect others would have as well.

Gringo and I want Annan

Therein lies the problem. He is an absentee chairman who has let Gardiner dictate things. No-one will step forward to replace him while Gardiner is there so the chairman has one simple task, sack Gardiner and maybe someone will take over. This would also get some fans back onside.

As others have said, fair play to RM for offering to do this and well done to the pod guys. The Chairman provided a lot of interesting info and came across as very open and honest, no attempt to spin things, just telling it like he sees it, and I think we can all appreciate that even if we don’t agree with him. I thought, however, that he did a very poor job of explaining/justifying the Kelty move, when he had an opportunity to sell to fans exactly why it is needed or beneficial. He’s not a great communicator, as we already knew. The interview also highlighted that he is not a hands on, close to the detail type of chairman. He clearly relies heavily on others like the CEO, which is unsurprising as he has his own businesses to run full time. He also confirmed what to me has apparent for a long time, that he would happily step aside if someone else stepped forward. He was basically inviting them to do so.

Yup. I will give him that. In any and all conversations with him that I have ever had (a few but not many), he has always come across as a fan not just a chairman and he was a fan long before he was the chairman so fair play to him for sticking his head above the ramparts. He has also put his money where his mouth is for many years and is clearly hurting not only at the club's current situation, but presumably from the criticism he is getting as well. Some deserved, and some perhaps undeserved. Unfortunately, I believe he has been painted into this particular corner by our CEO and may be guilty of the same kind of loyalty towards him that Kenny C had for Foran which ultimately proved to be a misplaced loyalty, albeit to a far more likeable person. Haven't listened in a while as I seldom have any time, but have listened to the last two and wow, you guys just nailed it. Lee almost had me in tears on the last one given the raw emotion on display. That was as heartfelt a statement as I have heard for a while. I was also nodding my head and agreeing so much with you on virtually all the points raised when listening on my commute home the other day that drivers around me on the highway probably thought i was headbanging to some metal music!! On this last one, which i listened to this morning at work, again I was nodding along, but at one point I think I heard the penny drop for the chairman (or hope I did). Think it was when you did the quick math of losing around 1000 season tickets that he seemed to have an "oh, s***, yeah" epiphany. Here's hoping at least. Get that Trebuchet ready boys! Great stuff, keep it up

I’ve got massive respect for the guys @ The Wyness Shuffle. They are doing a fantastic job for us the fans. I really feel that they got through to Ross Morrison

Just finished listening to TWS 136 miles from home. Firstly, fair play to Ross Morrison for coming out and speaking to the fans. Irrespective of what we made of what he said, plenty of folk would have remained hidden. A couple of things sprung to mind in all the financial turmoil he described; 1. Who decided to give Duncan Ferguson a 3 year deal? 2. Who decided that when the costs of digs was so expensive, that we should sign a huge number of loan players and add to that cost? Given the board watched the turgid football we played last year and have now confirmed that Duncan Ferguson is manager for next season, and given everything else that has happened, how are we going to entice any fans to get back to the ground? Congrats to the guys at TWS for keeping it calm and civil.

Ross Morrison seems to have realised a football club is nothing without ST money Peter? I think they are so tone deaf it's unbelievable