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It is with a heavy heart that I post this message today. Our friend and fellow supporter John MacKenzie, known as "Johndo" or Immortal Howden Ender (and likely quite a few other things to some of you) passed away this morning while waiting for surgery. More details and tributes to follow from many of us I am sure. On a personal level, I have known Johndo since I was a kid in Dalneigh. Johndo was a few years older than me, and he was always one of those you looked at as one of the cool kids. Quite apart from his role as Dad and Granddad, he was also a hardworking and dedicated mental health medical professional in real life, but outside of that stressful environment, most of us knew him more as a joker, irreverent character, and a wind-up merchant extraordinaire when it came to the football, whether that was Caley before the merger, or by embracing Caley Thistle after the merger, and inevitably becoming a lightning rod of criticism for those who didn't agree with his choice to follow the new club. Above everything else, Johndo was a friend to all who knew him. If there is a group picture of Caley Thistle fans, be it in Romania, at Hampden, or some far flung lower division ground, Johndo is probably in it, marshalling the support somewhere. I am really lost for words of tribute for him right now as I have a thousand memories going through my head ... being led astray in the Tarry on occasions when visiting in recent years, unexpectedly seeing his mug on my telly in Toronto when the fans got interviewed at Hampden, or just reading his pearls of wisdom on here and looking beyond the wind-up merchant to the deep thinker he actually was. Rest in Peace Johndo. I will miss you my friend. Will raise a large Voddie & Coke to you tonight and I know you will be having a sesh up there with Brosno, Big Stew and others.

Oh dear. Thanks to Mantis and Yngwie for letting me know. You couldnt help but love the guy. Two instant memories are firstly, at Ayr, leading the pitch invasion chants from the stand after winning 7.0 ( I think)....until Butcher took over from him. But most of all commandeering an ambulance in Romania and administering a glucose drip for John who had hit it a bit hard that hot day. We always laughed about that. Last saw and spoke to him at Hamilton I think and noted that he appeared a bit more sedate than usual. A genuinely lovely guy whose company was always entertaining and who patently used the same clothes shops as Kirsty Wark; very knowledgable about the game as well. Its too often used ....but amongst the ICT support he was a true legend. I,ll miss you big fella.

Devastating news and my thoughts are with his family at this time. It's a hard one to process and as much as the fecker could make life tough for those running the forum at times, it was impossible to dislike him. As with others, I have so many memories and so many stories. Although I'm not sure all of them are for sharing If I had a stamp, I'd lick it in his honour at the match tonight. Rest well you loveable, difficult, old barsteward.

Group D Also Rans Fellow Championship drop-outs Arbroath head North on Tuesday night for what looks likely to be a dead rubber with both sides off the pace in Group D of this seasons League Cup. With Annan Athletic sitting top of the group on 7 points, one ahead of Dundee, it will take a brave man to predict that either Inverness or Arbroath can scrape into the knockout stages of the competition. Some promising performances from the young guns on Saturday and a repeat of that would be pleasing, but let's not forget that Arbroath will be a step up in level from Bonnyrigg. It may also lay down a marker for the League campaign but both squads might be reduced in numbers with so little at stake. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Match/Ticket Info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tonights game is somewhat insignificant after the news of Johndo's passing. It is with great sadness that one of our long term Caley and then Inverness CT supporters has passed away. Johndo Mackenzie, or as most of us on CTO knew him as Immortal Howden Ender, suffered a heart attack this morning after a couple of recent scares. Scotty has put a lovely tribute on the CTO site where we can all pay our respects. Rest in peace my friend, you were one of a kind, and although you may have 'moved on', you will always be Immortal to those that knew you. Here's the Group D Table ahead of Tuesday nights fixtures. Fixtures Tonight (Tuesday 7:45pm) Inverness CT v Arbroath Dundee v Annan Athletic Fixtures on Saturday (3:00pm) Bonnyrigg v Arbroath Dundee v Inverness CT (@ Brechin) Dundee as you would have expected beat Arbroath 2-0. However the Smokies suffered a shock 3-0 home reverse against Annan last Saturday having being reduced to ten men (Scott Stewart 42') whilst we were beating Bonnyrigg 3-0 after a slick first half display. We lost our opening fixture 1-0 at Annan which, although not impossible, makes it highly unlikely that we will progress given our final fixture is away to Dundee at Brechin. Our goals against Rose were well taken by Adam Brooks, Keith Bray and Luis Longstaff. Arbroath have failed to score in their two fixtures. Arbroath have also made big changes after dropping out of the Chamoionship. Jim McIntyre is still the manager. In: Jack Wilkie, defender (Dundee); Layton Bisland, defender (Dundee United); Calum Gallagher, forward (Airdrieonians); Robbie Hemfrey, goalkeeper (Airdrieonians); Gavin Reilly, forward (Queen of the South); Liam Callaghan, midfielder (Montrose). Out: Scott Allan, midfielder (Kelty Hearts); Michael McKenna, midfielder (Falkirk); Zak Delaney, defender (Greenock Morton); Kyle Robinson, forward (Athlone Town); Leighton McIntosh, forward (Queen of the South); Jay Bird, forward (Exeter City); Derek Gaston, goalkeeper (Stirling Albion); Darren Lyon, midfielder (Clyde); Jess Norey, midfielder (East Fife); Ally Adams, goalkeeper (East Fife); Keaghan Jacobs, midfielder (Gala Fairydean Athletic); Ricky Little, defender (Beith); Kenan Dünnwald-Turan, midfielder. Loan ended: Max Boruc, goalkeeper (Hibernian); Adam Mackinnon, midfielder (Ross County); Charlie Reilly, midfielder (Dundee); Connor Teale, defender (Fleetwood Town). This was Arbroath's starting XI against Annan Athletic on Saturday. Gavin Reilly & Calum Gallagher missed out through injury and Colin Hamilton went off injured after 20' to be replaced by Stowe. Scott Stewart was red carded and will be suspended for the visit to Inverness. Jim McIntyre was no a happy chappy after the defeat to Annan. He felt they were poor in the final third, the final pass was poor and they lacked quality. Sounds familiar. "What positives can you take from this afternoon Jim?" Jim replied: "Not a lot". For Inverness, Danny Devine took a hip knock on Saturday and is a major doubt. Ethan Cairns has been out injured and Lewis Nicolson is still recovering. Ferguson is hinting that our time is probably over in the League Cup and therefore we may be fielding a pretty young side. With that in mind and despite our financial predicament, £18 for a ticket seems a bit steep given the liklihood of a reduced squad full of upcoming youngsters.

I'm genuinely upset at this. As a mental health nurse, I'd known him since I was a student at Craig Dunain. Believe me, his mischief wasn't confined to football but he was an absolute professional. Life and soul, same as he was at every game he attended. This is one of these passings that really leaves a void. RIP IHE

Truly awful news. No words at moment as can't get my head round this news yet

Just found out five minutes ago. Devastated by this. He was a larger than life character and a great contributer on this site. I'll need some time to take this in. RIP my friend, until we meet again.

Layby attendance has quadrupled from Saturday

I’m so sorry to see this news. IHE was such an integral part of the ICT family and journey. RIP Johndo , may you continue singing , chanting and making them smile in that Howdens End in the sky,

If anyone can contact the powers-that-be, a round of applause - NOT silence! - for Johndo tonight would be a gracious gesture.

Awful news - we will all miss our Johndo, such a lovable rogue, an ardent supporter of Caley and ICT. I'll miss his hugs in the North Stand and at away games. Sincere sympathy to Mrs Johndo and all his family. Lizi x

Fittingly, his last act on this site was to laugh, and not just that, but to laugh at himself!

Yes, this thread, whilst sombre at the moment, should be a place we can remember the utter chaos Johndo could leave in his wake. I look at the message I got a little while ago and still cant believe it, also look at his profile to see he was still active on here yesterday, and it just doesnt compute, but when I pause for a second, rather than feel devestated (which I am), i cant help getting a small smile across my face as yet another Johndo memory pops into my head ...

Such a shock and a huge loss to many. He will be sorely missed by so many. I'm sure there will be lots of stories to flow and through the sadness there will be many smiles. I'm sure that's what he would want.

That's very, very sad news. I was in the same year as him in the Academy, and although our paths didn't cross often, everyone knew him and he was a friend to all. Our paths did cross in the spring of 1974, when we had a mock general election. I was "chairman" of a party who shall remain nameless. Johndo was the entirety of his own party. The result was never in doubt, with him winning on an unstoppable tide of populism. I last saw him on a hot night in Romania, but he didn't look as though he would welcome conversation. He's not the first from my school year to pass away, but he was still far too young. It's a shame that he won't see the club climb out of it's current hole. My commiserations and sympathy go to his family, and to his very many friends.

Another photo from 50 years ago. Johndo front row far right. The youth league cup final under the lights at clach park. I was bught utd and johndo cameron youth club. We were 8-1 up, then they started coming back at us. 9-6 final score.

Very saddened and shocked to read this news. I recall IHE from the early days of being on this forum (under its many guises). One of the originals. Rest easy fella. Thats two huge fans of the club, gone within a few days of each other. BOTH were great Caley fans too, back in the Highland League days. Shine High and Shine bright Mark and Johndo

Never meet johndo and only came across him on this forum. He instantly brought me a smile with his probing and ‘on the edge’ of just about any tabboo subject. Clearly lovely by a lot of the fans. Now the Immortal part of his moniker takes it rightful place

So sorry to read this. Johndo was a huge part of the club and the whole matchday experience. A true club legend. The Howden End in the sky just got a whole lot noisier. Condolences to the whole family. He will be sadly missed.

Member #25 .. I will need to look at who pre-dates him, but pretty much in with the bricks on here since 1994 and definitely a cornerstone of the site for decades. Some may try to emulate him in future, but I am guessing none will quite reach that bar (although a large Voddie and coke should be ordered if they do reach the bar). Strangely enough, when I look at his profile, he got his last warning as far back as 2009 and I think that wound him up as much as he wound me up in the previous years where he was forever trying to get under the skin .

Dreadful news. Johndo was three years behind me at the Academy and a member of a very good school team that also included Davie Milroy, Billy Urquhart, Andy Smith and others. To say “larger than life” is a huge understatement. Wonderful on here too.

Just saw the update on Facebook. Devasting news. Johndo is a legend of CTO and his presence will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with all his family and friends. I've not been on the forum a great deal since I moved over the pond but his unrivalled wit and banter was always something to look forward to. The Howden End will never die! Go in peace our Immortal Howden Ender!

Stunned to hear this, what a sad loss. He was so passionate about ICT and about everything else in his life. Thoughts are with his family in particular. I mentioned Johndo’s passing to my wife, who knew exactly who I meant despite her only having met him a few times in pre-match pubs about 20 years ago - that speaks volumes!

Oh my goodness me. I'm shocked by this news. What a guy. Have met him on many occasions, a true Caley and ICT legend who loved the club over many years. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Love and respect to you Johndo may you rest in peace.

Absolute devastated to be reading this I’m in total shock. Johndo will be sadly missed by the entire ICT family a huge miss at games and on CTO it just won’t be the same without him. My heart and condolences go out to all his family and friends . RIP my friend Dougal

Absolutely gutted to hear the news. Been friends for a long time with Johndo and I too have been led astray by him many times over the years! He will be missed greatly. Away games will not be the same without him.

Sad news indeed. First spoke to him in The Iona bar many years ago will be missed by many

Awful news . An absolute character who will be so sadly missed .

I remember going to one of our games at Pittodrie a decade or more ago. Taking up my seat number I didn’t know at the time who this guy was but I thought ‘I bet this guy is that Immortal Howden Ender from CaleyThistleOnline’ ! Didn’t take long to find out this larger than life character was indeed the main man!

There's nothing more that I can add to what everyone else has already said I, like everyone, am truly stunned and saddened by this news. My thoughts go out to Johndo's friends, family, and the ICT community for this massive loss. RIP IHE

Such sad news and such a shock - larger than life doesn’t seem to do Johndo justice, you just couldn’t help but like him, always brought a smile to my face whenever I saw him which wasn’t nearly often enough. My condolences go out to his family and all his many friends.

Thoughts with his family and friends. Not a person id met in person but clearly the definition of a stalwart fan and will be missed with his contribution on here and throughout.

Very sad to hear this awful news. My condolences to his family and friends.

Really sad news. Condolences to everyone who crossed his path. Certainly left his mark.

Very sad news. Thoughts are with his family

Johndo in typical attire at Fleetwood, 2010. "The Howden End will never die... the Howden End is in the sky".

Bobby and Freddie Neild were brothers. I remember Bobby as a solid right back. Freddie was a bit more.... "fragile" might be the word. And he was more of a "character". Wore number 11, but I seem to remember him playing as a number 10 or attacking number 6 rather than as an out-and- out winger. My clearest memory of him was the day that he trotted out at Telford Street wearing a different coloured boot on each foot! (Probably black and white back then.) In no time at all, the craic was that this was to enable him to tell his feet apart I think this might actually have got to him, because I don't recall him doing it again.

Can’t believe it. On Sunday I posted a 50 year old photo of us playing for caley A team in the investment thread. I added what I thought was a joke saying IHE photo bombed the picture. He added a smiling emoji. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP teammate

That's truly awful news, he was a legend.

Stunned at this news, I have also known Johndo since we were boys, are the same age, condolences to all the family. A larger than life character in every sense. RIP John.

I am of the opinion that I am actually now going to put money into the club by buying merchandise as I usually do with Birthday money (I'm 39 on 12 August ) as I do that most years. I won't change just because of one man, he's only our CEO nothing more, nothing less! Yes I'm not happy with how he's running the club at the moment but that won't influence how I support the club. As I've said on this forum on numerous occasions (mainly to justify my stance on attending ), I work weekends so can't attend matches due to the love of my job :). One day in the not to distant future I hope to be able to attend matches because my dream career job is to work in an outdoor nursery and, incidentally there are 2 in the Inverness/Moray area at Tornagrain and Elgin but my preference is Fort William (that may be slightly off topic so apologies). If I did indeed move down then the next thing to overcome would be my shyness when meeting new people because I would love to meet up with fellow fans either in bars etc before matches or even at matches because, once people get to know me, they grow to like my humorous sense of humour . Hopefully that is a sufficient response to your poll questions @Leaky Blinder because I can't vote due to lack of attendance at matches.

Robert, here is an old photo of mine, possibly 50 years old. ( wow) Jeff is on the right next to brucie cameron who took caley A or second team back then looking at photo. ignore top line second from left that is IHE who was ahead of the curve and invented what is known today as photo bombing.

T'was I in the layby, and I'm just sticking to my guns that I refuse to put a penny into this club until Scot Gardiner is shown the door (as are many who just decided to dodge the game altogether). I put £400 down to sponsor Niko's shirt, ~£300 for a season ticket and however much it was for the home and away tops (as well as cup tickets and food), aaaand frankly I feel like I've been had on for a jolly, hence the protest(s). Gardiner's torn this club limb from limb and pile drived it firmly into the ground. The Concert Co., the Battery Farm, Clickbait Proponents, WATP55 Kits on the Order's most celebrated day, Dodds and Dunc, Evaporated P&R deals, Relegation, late tax forms, and most importantly, sending club stalwarts down the Ganges. The list goes on. Once that muppet has gone, I'm more than happy to put my money back into the club, but why should I assist someone who has shown nothing but distain for the fanbase and taken us all for a bunch of imbiciles?

I think that oversimplifies the situation. Whilst many will verbalise it as 'not paying towards SGs wages' it is ultimately about getting him away from the club. If he was out the door and still being paid the remainder of his contract I would be more likely to return. I hear the arguments for him being hard to extract and that he is working his notice but nothing is happening and we're not being told how or when that will be. For me the only means I feel I have to try and get the club to listen is by withholding my money and others may be the same.

I don't get why you keep saying this tbh. Most of the folk I know that haven't renewed are long standing fans not glory hunters. I've supported the club through 2 guises for 48 years. What league we are in is not an issue to me

I just don’t follow the logic of people who choose to deprive the club of cash because they ‘don’t want to pay SG’s wages’. If you buy a season ticket or match ticket, he will get paid. If you do not buy a season ticket or match ticket, he will still get paid. Therefore you are not paying his wages. He will get paid his contractual entitlement whatever happens. Even if he leaves tomorrow, he will still be getting paid until his notice period expires. The only circumstances he does not get paid is if the club goes bust. If you put money into the club by buying tickets, it will boost the player budget, that is the variable, discretionary cost the club has to play with. More money = more players, better players. Similarly if revenue falls short of projections, they will just have to offload more of the remaining players for whatever pittance of a transfer fee they can get, or none at all just to get the wage bill down further. But SG will still be getting paid in full. Your stance is futile and just weakens the team.

Many of them should not. They are complicit in everything bad going on around the club, either directly, or by their inaction and silence. Not one of them broke ranks and spoke publicly over the atrocious treatment of staff, players, fans, sponsors or shareholders over the last several years. If one of them had, then perhaps that person could or should be the one that fans could galvanise behind as we try to rebuild our club. 100% that is the way things will be spun, but we know the truth, as do those in power and any one of them that wants to blame shift should hang their heads in shame.

As one of the journalists regularly attending press conferences at this and other clubs, I’ll become Devil’s Advocate and suggest that managers and players are there to answer questions about football. In Caley Thistle’s case, Duncan Ferguson is the only person from the club that has spoken to the media or to anyone else about anything at all over an period now of more than two months and he has already been asked questions that are beyond his remit. Over that two month period, I and other journalists have made attempts to obtain a club spokesman for comment and have also submitted questions on the club’s “status” through the official channels…. and they have been routinely ignored. There is a limit to what the manager can reasonably be expected to answer. You won’t find news journalists asking a Council’s Director of Education questions about the operation of the Social Work department.

Why oh why do some of our 'fans' feel the ned to barrack certain players. Savage is a decent player at the start of his career and from when I have seen hime he has looked pretty good, quite why, when the club is in a perilous position some feel it necessary to undermine a player who could be key to our survival or progress is beyond me. Liam Polworth got some poor treatment and that I suspect would have helped his decision to leave [and how we have missed him...and Vigurs as creatives in midfield]. Remember if players who play for us were top top players who never made any mistakes they wouldn't be playing for us. This is a make or break season where our survival hangs by a thread...lets not shoot ourselves in th foot by alienating players