Leaderboard

I think we all want to get back to giving our usual financial support to the club and, for those who can afford it, perhaps a little bit more to help the club get back on track. It is all a question of timing and trust. None of us wants to shell out a significant sum of money only to see the club fall into administration. Nor do we want to see an outcome which sees broadly the same regime in charge. The last club statement and the subsequent one from the Supporters Trust gave grounds for considerable optimism. I would assume that the Trust is involved in some level of dialogue behind the scenes and has been given sufficient information to allow it to word their statement as they did. Some will have acted on this and purchased their season tickets but others feel more assurances are required before they part with their money. There are, perhaps 3 key issues. The CEO's position. His resignation has been accepted but he has been asked to work his notice, the length of which is confidential. Of course, the CEO himself could easily agree to make that information public for the sake of clarity. People can draw their own conclusions on why the information has not been made public. Rightly or wrongly, a large number of fans have so little trust in the CEO that they will not believe he is going until is actually gone. His actual departure will be followed by a significant influx of funds for the club and therefore those working behind the scenes should be taking steps to ensure those tasks which they seemingly need his knowledge and experience for are completed as soon as possible. If the CEO genuinely wants to do the best for the club, he will then go and a statement will be released to that effect. The accounts. This will (or should) take longer. I assume the accounts cannot be submitted until the auditors are satisfied the club is a going concern. That, in turn, cannot be demonstrated until a new Board is in place and has costed out its new football model and financial plan. In this context the extent to which existing Board members and the former Chairman are willing to write off their loans will be crucial. It would be helpful to everyone if they were to make their position on this public ASAP. The manager. We have been told Ferguson remains the manager and has accepted a wage cut. However, we have heard absolutely nothing from him. His style of play and his failure to make use of home grown talent last season has not endeared him to fans. Given that local lads are likely to make up the bulk of the squad next year, it would seem that he is not a good fit for the club going forward. His departure by mutual consent and his replacement by one of the very capable coaching staff at the club would be better for the club in both a financial and footballing sense. The start of the new season is now less than a month away. I appreciate that any potential new leadership and investors will need time to assess the situation in order to assure themselves that they want to be involved at all, and then to negotiate and implement the change. But time is ticking. The Club's welcome statement on Friday referred to "hugely positive discussions currently ongoing with a number of potential new investors". This would suggest that change is imminent, but as yet, only Ross Morrison has left and nobody new has arrived. Given the recent history of false promises and poor communication, people can be forgiven for being sceptical and for withholding their hard-earned money until they have proof of real change. Following on from Friday's statement, we need to have regular updates to inform fans on progress on the various issues. The club needs to earn the trust of fans - and the time to earn it is now.

At the end of the day I think we all want the same (or a similar) outcome and that is to have ICTFC back on stable ground, challenging for promotion back to the Championship and ultimately, hoping to get back to the Premiership one day soon. How long it takes is anybody's guess, and we will all have different ideas about the route we take, the timing, the methodology and the personnel but for the most part we all agree on the desired outcome so that's good 🙂 I had someone who had not been on here for quite some time comment to me recently that the quality of the debate on here has risen quite substantially since the end of the season. I have to agree. We have had very little moderating to do. There have been a lot of passionate discussions, and although there have been differences of opinion about the minutiae and the timing, the dire nature of our predicament has - I think - seen fans all pull in the same direction or conduct themselves in a mature measured manner in discussions. Long may that continue. I also love the increased profile that both TWS and the Supporter's Trust has managed during this time. The podcast quality and content has been excellent and very professional, rivalling that of so-called knowledgeable football pundits who do this for a living, and the Trust has really stepped up to provide a leadership umbrella for various groups of supporters who on their own might have no impact on the club. These are definitely positives from this negative situation. Personally, I usually only buy merchandise in-person, when home on a trip, so me not buying merchandise this month or next month has no effect. I also don't maintain a season ticket so no effect there either. Our biggest input here on CTO is in sponsoring one or more players for the last 20+ years with 2023/24 season being the first season since the 90s that we have not done so. I think I have heard enough now to say we will look to reinstate that sponsorship in 2024/25 provided the leadership situation is resolved to our satisfaction. It's headed that way, so we are prepared to take that leap of faith, I think. Watch out for the sponsorship thread coming soon....

Another excellent and articulate piece from Doofers Dad. I agree with every point he makes and look forward to hearing from the club asap

Next stop frankfurt.

For me it's about who's bread he gets and I have spent next to nothing with the club for over a year now so he gets none of mine. He was appointed by the board and some of them have put money in to cover his failures. They now seem to want that money back and for financing of his wage to continue from our loaves. What's more they could bleed the fans dry and we still end up in admin or worse. I know and respect that others see it differently but we're being asked to trust people who have given us no reason to do so. There's not even been any acknowledgement of accountability on their part. A little contrition goes a long way in these situations.

And whilst he is still in the building he still has influence hence people not wanting to purchase. If he was put out on Garden leave and unable to influence things then I think fans would feel happy about giving up their hard-earned cash. The board have the power to do that. We have the power to influence the board into doing that. No money until Gardiner is out the building and on Garden leave.

Another key question - 'Has the Insolvency Practitioner been stood down? I had not seen this in Wiki until now - In 2009 Ferguson pledged his support to the "Keep Everton in Our City" campaign, saying: We can now take it he will actually support 'Keep Inverness training close to or in our City. '

Aye, he's hot property now after his recent managerial successes. EPL clubs lining up to sign him!

Take a bucket and get a collection going to save our souls.

I've heard the hall has been booked at the Hilton Community Centre from Wednesday.

I totally agree IHE if you look at the official website it has a full list of players from last season including players who have confirmed that they have left the club. One gone one half gone and none of the muppets left can even update their website! We do our best on here with the little information that we get but at least it’s more accurate than the club site.

This is the main thing that is cheesing me off. Why the secrecy? There would be more chance of appeasing the fans if we were given an update - even if it was understandably added that we will be looking to add to.

Certainly not signalling anyone out - the lad replied to my post so I replied to his ..simple as that. Your philosophy about bread is exactly the point I was making SG will get his £ regardless . Anyway here is hoping we have a decent product on the park which we can all get behind. Whether we like it or not folks gonna be here for a while yet

They did very well indeed, Robert. Gave the Aussies a real fright with then only having 2 balls to spare. The match against England ended as a "no result" because of the rain, but Scotland had got off to a blistering start with the bat and had the rain not intervened they would certainly have tested England at the very least.

I agree with @Fraz, you've had your say on more than one occasion and he's had his, move on. What are you going to do, single out every poster and question why they don't want to renew their season ticket just now? There's lots, everyone has a valid reason. I like to buy my bread at Asda, my wife likes to buy it at Tesco, in the end Mr Warburton gets his money. If fans buy now or buy later, the club still gets the money but for most it means SG doesn't if they wait. It's simple.

I assume you're talking directly to me (best to quote so it's clear). I'm not sure how clear I can be. I decided some months ago well before the Kelty nonsense etc that I will not be back at Caley Stadium if Scot Gardiner is there. He's still there and the club refuse to say how long that will be for. I don't care if he's working his notice or not, that makes no difference to me. Gardiner should have been fired long ago for his utter incompetence but he's still around on his terms. The fact that the board have not apologised or taken any accountability for the mess we are in also speaks volumes and I see little to suggest things have changed. I WANT to renew and go and support the team as I've done for 15 years. The club still make that impossible for me to do at this moment.

Couple of pictures in Munich.

Loving this!! Had the pleasure of taking the flag to the League Cup final and we were escorted by a steward to the top of Celtic Park to tie it. Mikey would live this ICTBob. He's not forgotten

I wish!

It has been good on here the last few months with some new posters and also those that had not been on for a while contributing with some excellent posts and even dougal throwing in a grenade now and again

And as Steve Austin once remarked to me in Texas "Johndo, that's the bottom line cos bigterrybutcher said so!!"

To be honest could not care less what we play in as along as we have a club for the new season. It is disgraceful at this stage season ticket holders are non the wiser. Let’s get our priorities in order.

I don't think there's anything to be gained going back and forth with this. You feel SG hasn't had any influence as to what's been happening on the pitch and all we need to do is give the club more money. Got it.

In my head, a strip a season alternating makes more money. Who has enough money to buy two a season these days? Where's a new one every season fans are more accepting. Reverse economics in a way. Like you say though, it'll be driven by the manufacturer and likely a term of their contract.

If the board actually grow a back bone and are serious about having a team of local/young players then he should have no choice; put up, shut up and get on with it otherwise tatty byes and see you later. Possibly a twist of the hand from a board who see no way out and hope he'll walk. On the other hand, give him some rope at the start of the season, if we field and team and have a club, and he might just hang himself (figuratively speaking of course)

We used to do it alternative years but if memory serves since moving to Puma it's been 2 new strips every season. I presume to make more money.

I honestly appreciate and understand your reasoning as I said I just don't agree with it . If SG was picking the team and was responsible for the performances on the park then yes I would agree with you however he's isn't big Dunk is, SG business dealings are from what I understand and read are poor and quite clearly there has been a lot of issues locally with businesses which quite frankly he deserves to be taken to task on . Indeed the handling of Billy Dodds and John Robertson by him was extremely poor . Whoever sanctioned Dunk to get 160k a year when Billy was getting 70k a year needs to be taken to task on as well as many other things . The point I was making was that IF the club are to be anywhere close to being successful this season the manager needs a budget that budget will no doubt come from what is taken in from ST and Merch while the new investment consolidates the debt to make it viable . As I said I appreciate and understand your and others opinions its ur money not mine I just want the best Caley on the pitch to make us successful and there's only one way we do that and that's putting our hands in our pockets and investing in our club .

Really feel for Lewis Hyde especially after seeing the Courier article. Never really rated him but he's a big powerful unit. In Lge 1 he could easily be the new Allardice. Dodds pretty much threw him under a bus at Firhill when he played him at right back against Tiffoney. Mind you that was our annus horribilis with the injury situation.

I suspect most season ticket holders do want to help the club. However, Kelty came out of the blue, Friday's season ticket announcement, completely out of the blue. This Board has over 5 years endorsed what Scot Gardiner has recommended or actions by him based on delegation they have allowed. We currently do not trust them - Aaron's situation highlights this. This week will possibly help settle the nerves. We will find out if Scot Kellacher and Ryan Essen are still employed. We will hear from Duncan Ferguson. We will find out if Roddy MacGregor, Lewis Hyde and Mark Ridgers are on board. Is Jake Davidson back? What youngsters are on board. In addition like any prudent investor we want to see the 2022/23 accounts finalised and submitted. On the assumption that much of this becomes clear or clearer and trustworthy I am sure season ticket sales will move forward and our enthusiasm to support the new team will emerge. Happy to buy on Friday 21st if we see progress.

You do you man. I think it's kinda bizarre and naive to suggest the dictator, sorry CEO of an organisation for 5 years has no bearing in its results. Did they not have significant bearing on the appointments such as the snr management? They also set the tone for how the organisation treats it's partners and customers. Also somewhat odd to suggest that money I put into the club doesn't go into his pocket. That's literally what happens while he's still employed and I'd imagine he's the highest paid person there bar 'Dollar bills' Duncan. If you're happy with your decision and the recent statement, that's great. I won't stop supporting ICT but I'm tired of been taken for a mug and it's the only power I have.

Playing devils advocate we are in reality being asked to take it on trust via a sparse statement there are potential investors. A non negotiable before considering the purchase of a ST will be when the accounts are filed at Companies House. This would be a huge flag when 'pre ordering" in any other walk of life.

Welcome, and please keep contributing to the Forum. Things do seem to be progressing and hopefully that will continue. For me, the two key issues were Kelty and the club leadership. The first has been achieved, the second is well under way. Based on that I will be renewing my season ticket and getting behind the club. I fully understand those who are waiting to see what happens next and I respect their viewpoint. I hope they feel able to come on board soon. I also understand why the club is not publicly stating when SG is actually leaving. They could only do so with his agreement as they need to comply with GDPR regulations. This is different to most player contracts which are for a fixed term and, I suspect, players and their agents probably don’t get sticky on such things being known publicly. It does sound like discussions with investors are going well. I feel it is important that these potential investors see that fans are getting behind the club again as they will have seen the strength of feeling and just how united fans have been in the Kelty and leadership issues, along with the growth in Supporters Trust membership and its increased profile in the media.

I was speaking to you apologies I'm new to this - I appreciate your concern I have dealt with Scot on a number of occasions in fact I'm still waiting on a thank you for stuff I done for him / and the club . Putting that to one side for a moment - Scot Gardiner does not play for the club , he wears a club tie - he doesn't have an effect on any results which were achieved over his tenure. His wheeling and dealing has left a lot be desired and his communication skills is through a young lad via the media department so it's very sparse at best . However the point I'm trying to make is Scot is not alone in making a **** up of this and his mannerisms are very poor . After all that that shouldn't stop anyone buying a ticket or mech , the money doesn't go into his pocket it goes to the club - he's getting paid his wage for as long as his notice period allows , that's not going to change If you buy a ticket or not the only people that's being hurt here is the clubs ability to put a good product on the park and to negotiate it's debtors. If there was ever a time to support your team it's now . I do understand your reasons for not doing so I just don't agree with the logic... its like fuk ICT because of 1 man who's on his notice I just don't get it . 🔵🔴

Unfortunately our board seem to think he (and Gardiner) are indispensable. He thought he was coming to a team that were about to get near £5 million from battery storage and car park deals.

I hope he has learned from his mistakes .The fans have made it perfectly clear to him .He also has to remember no one is indispensable. Disgusting the way our young boys got shafted Ferguson will have a lot of humble pie to eat . What kind of team did he think he was coming to ?....We are not Everton !!!

He needs to be gone by the start of the season. We don't need any more negativity at the games.

Then god only knows what state the club will be in by then . I Think a lot of truths about SG will emerge after he is out of office . Certainly a lot of rumours going about and it will be interesting to see what emerges . The damage he has done and is currently doIng To the club is unbelievable .so I’m with withholding season ticket until such times .

Rookie mistake lol

The biggest problem could be changing Ferguson's mindset about using local players. In that respect, I hope Lewis Hyde is brought in from the cold. Cameron Ferguson may be an actual signing which over a season might pay dividends.

We did have a lot of very promising youngsters till they got farmed out .Hopefully work is being done to get them on board .Highland boys with the club in their hearts .We can rise from this carnage .

At least we will get to know our team . Did anyone guarantee an easy season at any point .?

All the youngsters loaned out are out of contract but hopefully talks are taking place to sign them up. Many of them showed promise when they got game time, including in the North of Scotland Cup, so hopefully we can be competitive in League 1 with a mix of youngsters and experienced guys like Devine and Mckay. We do need to find goalkeepers though.

I am aswell, I don’t think we have much choice. There will certainly be plenty of people moaning on here in a few weeks though when they realise we are in for a real tough season.

I don't expect we'll see any more than 2 or 3 signings (mostly loans) beyond what we have. The rest will be academy players. I'm ok with that.

You're never going to satisfy everyone's tastes when it comes to football shirts. For me it's kind of ok but why did they have to stand so close to the printer when the toner cartridge exploded? I've not bought a shirt in years (seasons) as I prefer the leisure / trainer wear in my old age. Still far too expensive for my pension (£50 -£53 for an adult shirt) so I might buy a biro when I'm next in the shop.

I can see what they were going for and I generally like stripes but the black sleeves and the 8 bit blocky graphics of the black looks rubbish. Bit of a mess, may look better in person. So this is a special 30 year anniversary strip? Don't see much special about it.

Well done Bob. Mikey would be delighted

Not imported. This is the cost off the shelf in the club shop as well as the Adidas store and anywhere else like Sportchek (think JJB or similar). You can pick up ‘replica’ kits (same kit but no official branding for league like a real player shirt) for about $115 which incidentally is the same cost as an official Scotland shirt in that same Sportchek store. Unfortunately didn’t have my size though 😞

Thing is as well, what will the dressing room be like when the local guys know that he doesn't really want or rate them them but is only using them out of necessity. Hardly going to be good for the 'togetherness'. Perhaps with his fantastic managerial skills and man management that we've seen, he'll pull it all together 🤷‍♂️