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Hi guys, just a visiting Hearts fan looking in but I wanted to post a reply to this post. I think this is a brilliant gesture AND a good piece of business for ICT. It looks like we will be taking a good travelling support wherever they go this season but there is a good chance the away crowd will be boosted if the home team do something like this. There is nowt wrong with rival clubs taking advantage of us as we are more than willing to spend the money if even a wee bit come back to Hearts is some way. St. Johnstone and Partick Thistle also offered money back for each away ticket sold and were rewarded with a bigger than average away support in each case. As mentioned, Hearts and ICT have always had a good relationship and I think we will bring 2K+ up next weekend. Last but not least, the money refunded all goes to the 1874FF (fighting fund) NOT directly to HMFC. It is being used to help with things like stadium repairs and other critical issues. Here is a link to their website http://www.1874fightingfund.com/ Once again , thanks for a great gesture from a very well run club.

You'll be paying for that round indirectly via the benefits system so don't get too misty eyed about it.

An understandable position but let me put this to you....would you rather we brought 700 paying £20 per fan to get in or 2000 paying £15 net to get in? Not to mention the increase in stadium income and the extra spent at pubs/clubs/shops. I'm not saying that we still would not bring 2000 even if ICT didn't offer the cashback but this helps foster good, healthy competitive relationships between fans. We will probably not forget the teams that helped us out under very difficult circumstances.

whats wrong with some of you people? ICT & Hearts have always had a good relationship. Hearts have always been appreciative of ICT's efforts when commemorating the Hearts players who died in the wars and this is another gesture of that goodwill. If it fills the away end then whats the problem! More money in the ICT coffers for food & drink etc; more money in the pubs tills around the city, more hotel rooms booked etc etc This is why i hate football! All this negative BS.

Sorry officer quick, Did you want my exact os reference or a map with route highlighted in yellow marker? It was the bit of sea along the street, starting at the Milton pier ending outside the Applecross Inn. As for why. Well why not? I must have been asked to the helm because of my awesome paddling skills?! I'm not quite sure. And I'm sure I was partly enticed by the fame and booze prize and barbecue food. RNLI charity was involved also.

Wrote a song for ICT two years ago and am hoping to getting round to recording it this year, free for the club should they choose to use it (lyrics below). As a new member would like to weigh in on some of the other subjects raised on the forum. The SPL clubs should reintroduce pay at the gate standing areas. When these were in operation at the TCS you could turn up when opportunity permitted and meet the same supporters every week who stood at the same area every week, that was lost when the all seated SPL was achieved and former well kent faces were spread around the stadium by season tickets.. I am sure this costs the club on those occasions where supporters make a last minute decision to go to the game. i also recall being told to sit down by the constabulary for standing at the back of the main stand during a game against Celtic, we challenged the Police about the whole away support standing we were told that "they will be sitting down in a moment" yeah right. I don't like the control whereby they want to know who is buying a ticket or try to check your bag/pockets which I resisted at Ibrox ( the guy knew by my look he wasn't going to dip my pockets) the security angle is ridiculous and mirrors what is occuring at sports events in the USA and elsewhere, I will not subject to someone abusing my right to privacy or touch me up, we should tell these people where to get off. Anyway, rant over here's the lyrics, the chorus is sung to the tune that the French used to support their national side "Alle Alle Alle Alle Alle" which can be used as a chant in itself. If anyone has suggestions re changes to the lyrics by all means I'd like to hear them. Yes, we're proud of our colours of the red and the blue and the history behind us, we're proud of that too so be proud of our colours, and give of your best for we're Caley Thistle, Caley Thistle from Inverness yes we're proud of our city , and it's history too and the lads that we cheer for, in the red and the blue so be true to our colours and give of your best for we're Caley Thistle, Caley Thistle from Inverness Chorus Caley, Caley Caley Caley Caley Caley Caley Caley Caley Caley There's an eagle stands over each proud highland heart and we fear no contender who visits these parts so be true to our colours, when you pull on our crest for we're Caley Thistle, Caley Thistle from Inverness Chorus

I absolutely think that the ICT fans should be getting carried away....make the best of the here and now, shout from the rooftops about how well we're doing, let nobody play down what we've done so far and what we're capable of doing going forward. Things could change at any time, and I for one will not have any regrets for failing to enjoy it while it lasts.

You should also change your name to Jesus, just to emphasise your omnipotence. Good idea. You can be my first managerial appointment, I'll give you 37 minutes of the first half of a North of Scotland cup tie.

A point i would have taken at the start of the day ... but it could have been so much more. We deserved to be in front, no question. Celtic looked sluggish to begin with and we looked dangerous on the break with Doran hitting an absolute belter, 2-0 was a terrific position to be in, no one picked up Foran charging in at the back post and he was alert enough to pick up on the loose ball. Celtic were pressing more and more though, they didnt create much from open play, Brill was called into action a couple of times from Tony Watt and Ambrose had a header that from my view was tipped over by the big keeper (despite Thomson giving a Goal kick) but with half time closing Mulgrews shot wasnt the greatest of hits and Deano seemed to misread the direction of the ball, the build up came from a tackle from one of our boys forcing it to Izaguirre who laid it to Mulgrew, huge chunk of luck. We tried to batten down the hatches in the 2nd half and feed off scraps. Celtic kept pressing, especially on the wings. Matthews and Izaguirre were probably their most dangerous players. Every time they got on the ball i feared for us, their pace and crossing posed a constant threat. We werent without chances in the 2nd half, Doran was one one with the defender and had Nick making a terrific run, all he had to do was set him up for the tap in but he seemed to be going for goal and eventually ran out of steam, he was bundled over and some shouts for penalty but i found it hard to have sympathy for him...he should have passed. Vincent had a chance with a volley, im glad he tried it but he blazed it high and wide. He looked lively all game and seemed to be really enjoying the occasion of playing at a big venue. Matthews typified his performance with a nice finish to level it up for Celtic, on reflection of their dominance it was probably a fair result. Butch brought on Watkins and Toby (probably shouldve been on earlier) to inject some freshness, Watkins tried hard to make things happen, looking forward to seeing more of him as time goes on, Toby showed some neat touches but looked a bit lost in the moment at times, he also took a speculative shot on and poor Nicks run was not picked up by him, despite being in great space. Mulgrew had a free kick in a great area that im sure left us all biting our nails, it came to nothing and soon after the final whistle went and a sense of relief flowed through my mind. Overall i do see it as a point gained, better teams will go to Parkhead and lose. Celtic are lacking a finisher, Balde is a battering ram up top nothing more and for all the quality they have in midfield they have no one really capable of scoring freely, both goals were scored by defenders, one playing make shift midfield, says it all really. Despite surrendering our lead i though defensively we looked good, Meekings and Warren contended with Balde well, Raven and Shinnie did their best to protect the flanks and in the end were just outdone by those extra bits of quality that extra money can buy, Brill also had a fantastic game making some great saves. Fans were terrific again, away end was well filled and despite the tension the chanting never stopped, its easy to see past difficult moment in games when you are surrounded by such great fans. Top of the league and still unbeaten ... roll on the Jambos next week.

Good lord. Dragan, this is about looking to help an integral part of the football scene in Scotland (which Hearts are) who are currently in a dire state. It makes no comment about how they got there, what mismanagement or "cheating" took place. It certainly doesn't assist the Lithuanian paymasters who have caused the clubs woes. It could just as easily be Dunfermline etc, and I think its an admirably altruistic stance from Kenny Cameron and the Board. It does us no harm whatsoever, and certainly won't dilute any desire I have to play them off the park on Saturday - that's where we repay them for the semi final.

Totally agree with AM's comments above re Nick Ross. He was my MOTM yesterday. We have come to expect our back 4 to be solid this season. But I thought Raven had a hard time yesterday and struggled a bit. Warren and Meekings though have really developed into an impressive and reliable centre back pairing. There is speculation on another thread of how much McKay is worth. It wouldn't surprise me if Meekings (at still 20 years old) becomes our most valuable player in the fullness of time.

I'm no expert but Hearts were punished for entering admin by way of points deduction. It's a savvy move to 'support' hearts this way there is literally no cost to us or Hearts. If their fans appreciate the gesture (and going by P&B they do) they bring along more we make more money for our club and they get a few extra quid, win-win as far as I can see. For talking sake if they fill the away end at around 2.2k (unlikely I know) they make around £8k, we make around £23k. Not bad for all involved. It's a sound business decision imo we need all the cash we can get, what have we got to lose? Edit- Spelling

In my heart of hearts, I, and I think, most ICT fans would have taken that result. Great defending for most of the game. It was funny, in the Celtic TV stream I managed to watch, listening to all their biased commentators shouting for free kicks, and for complaining for time wasting etc and wanting our players to be booked for any infringement. What a bunch of tossers. Anyway, a good result, and still top.

We're goana win the league We're goana win the league

Not including Feb 8th 2000....the fans on Saturday were the loudest I have heard at Celtic Park. Couldn't really see you from where I was sitting, but no trouble at all in hearing you.

Dragan, you have posted elsewhere that fans should be doing more to take control of their clubs and having a say in how they are run....this seems to be in stark contrast to your comments and views on this thread. ICT have protected their own financial position by ring-fencing the income from the average visiting Hearts support and are making a donation to a fans group who are helping to keep their club operating while another fans driven organisation attempts to find a way for their club to continue. Nothing at all in any of that is damaging ICT....quite the opposite. There's also no hint of supporting those responsible for Hearts getting into the position they have, nor is it supporting a return to a regime who are likely to run the club in similar fashion in the future (should they survive)....in fact, it's not supporting any of the groups looking to make a bid to take over the club. Not only is your economic evaluation of the offer clearly wrong, your moral evaluation also seems to suffering somewhat as well.

The ICT Supporters Society Ltd (aka Caley Jags Together) hold a 10% non-dilutable voting right + 10,000 shares. As you're up to speed on the business (ICT), then you will already appreciate the rights that affords them. Perhaps the best thing would be for the people you've been speaking with to touch base with the Supporters Society with a view to building on that and the existing relationship that exists between them and the club.

When I strike it rich in the IT game I'm going to buy the club outright and spend decades running the thing like my own personal plaything, in the style of Jesus Gil, former chairman of Atletico Madrid.

Lets face tithe SPL needs Hearts - it is just a shame that the feckers will have such a long journey and leave on the same points as they started off with. Big crowd and an attack minded ICT - bring it on.

Probably East End neds that are bored, neglegted and do not know any better. Unfortunately the East End has massive social problems with high youth crime rates. It would be unfair to associate such an incident with Celtic FC much as I despise them. Their fans were excellent towards my son and I today. Glad nobody got hurt. They were nice to you but you despise them? Go to the top of the class for observation

Personally I wouldn't blame the Hearts faithful for the state of their club any more than I'd expect our fans to be blamed if the shoe was on the other foot. The 1874 are trying their best to save the club and bring it into an element of fan ownership. They are also trying to ensure that matches can still be played at Tynecastle. Our club, St Johnstone and St Mirren, I believe, have all put it to those fans that if they can muster a good travelling support their fighting fund will benefit. In the early years of our existance in SPL Hearts took a big following to Inverness. That has, in recent years, dwindled to an average 6 - 7 hundred. This gesture, if the Hearts forums are true, will see the away end full and our own bank balance increased by a considerable amount. This gesture will boost the 1874 fighting fund. It will also improve the relationship we have with Hearts FC and the relationship between fans. For me its a win win situation. It would be very easy to say that clubs should be allowed to go to the wall, and I respect the viewpoint of those who deem that to be the correct thing, but without clubs there wont be leagues. I believe it is our duty and right, as fans, to voice opinions and concerns and to make it known to those running clubs that buying success is not the way forward. When clubs are run wrongly and get into difficulty its the fans who suffer. Its the fans who lose out. We, as Inverness Caledonian Thistle Fans, can do a lot to promote how our club is being run and how we are achieving success without breaking the bank. If we can do it, if St Johnstone can do it, if St Mirren can do it then so can others.

Thanks Heartsofgold. Can I just ask that as many people as possible purchase their tickets in advance to avoid huge queues on the turnstiles next weekend. Also worth noting that the roundabout at the stadium has had traffic lights fitted, meaning long delays, so either get there early or take a route through the City Centre and round the shore road which shouldn't be as busy. We have a sports bar at the stadium and of course our social club in Greig Street welcomes away buses as long as you book for either to ensure enough staff to accommodate the numbers. I hope you enjoy your trip to Inverness, but I do hope that the 3 points stay in Inverness :-)

Oh aye!! Well done for a brilliant result at Parkhead yesterday, shame you could not hold out for all 3 points!!!

I enjoyed that, with the added bonus of it being my daughter's first ICTFC game! First half start was brilliant, great goal by Doran and good work at the long throw for Foran's goal. The game changed when they replaced Ledley for Kayal and he brought much more power to their midfield which made it much more easy to suck in Doran and Vincent and allow them to pressurise Raven. Their first goal was scrappy and Draper and Vincent got in a bit of a fankle, but at 2-1 Doran was denied a clear penalty. Yes he might have been looking for it and Ross was in the clear but the Celtic No5 puts the arm into his back, levers him off the ball and that's a penalty. Balde's challenge on Brill was a strange on in that it was a studs up lunge, definitely a yellow but could easily have been a red. Matthew's goal was plain good play by them. For anyone who thought Billy Mckay was lethargic yesterday, have a look who had tracked back 50 yards, tackled and set Doran off on the run for the penalty shout. No 7. Great effort from everyone, still top of the league and they're no. BTW great support for us and I thought the parkhead stewards were a great improvement on seasons past. Just stop flinging things at the bus please - I nearly sh*t myself!

Hearts and Aberdeen have historically been our best "customers" in the SPL. They have to be the most vociferous and biggest travelling supports throughout as well. As some have already highlighted it is not their fault that they were put on the brink of extinction by a true psychopathic narcissist. If the shoe was on the other foot I am sure that the favour would be reciprocated. The only problem is that we would only take half the feckin support, at least, down the Gorgie Road that I expect them to take to Sneck. I expect the away end to be close to being full next Saturday because the Hearts faithful will appreciate the donation and will turn up in their feckin pyjamas in order to get the spondoolachs to save their beloved club. Not fer the first time this season I have nothing but admiration for our management - but their is also business thinking behind it cos e.g £20.00 a head on an ordinary Saturday and 600 travelling fans would rake us in £12K - lets say 1400 of them - minus the fiver a head - and we make £21K - and lets not forget the pies etc. And as fer the semi final - we fecked that up on our own

I hate the cheating too Dragan, but a lot of my ire is directed towards the SFA and the late SPL. In stark contrast to, say, glasgow amateur football meetings, where any infraction is swiftly dealt with and penalties harsh and unsympathetic, the SFA/SPL have allowed this to happen. They have been so obsessed with competing with the English Premier model that they allowed egomaniacs access to clubs (Di Stefano, Romanov, Murray, Whyte, Flynn, Massone, et al) and have done hee-haw then or since to protect supporters from these madmen. Yes, hearts were cheats but ICT perhaps takes the line of being the bigger man, inspirederhaps by Terry?

Lazy cut & paste of what I just posted on P&B: Great result and probably deserved, although I was very relieved when the final whistle blew. That's as vulnerable-looking as I've seen Celtic, though, and if we had taken them on on the ground more in the second half, then I think we could have had one or two more. Someone criticised us for reverting to the long ball against Dundee Utd a couple of weeks ago, and while I don't think that was true then, it was yesterday: throughout the second half Brill was punting the ball up to the Celtic penalty area and inviting pressure straight back onto us. I doubt this was tactical - it's more likely that the team kind of defaulted to it through nervousness after going 2-0 up - but it was unnecessary, as we had been matching Celtic for skill and composure earlier in the game. Fine display from Meekings and Warren in absorbing most of the pressure, though, and I was also struck by how well Nick Ross used the ball throughout the match - he's been a bit under the radar for us this season despite starting every game, but the way he tracked back and supported Shinnie yesterday epitomised the strength of this team at the moment. Seems mad to be criticising the team for anything after the way we have started the season, but that is the mark of how far Terry & Mo have taken us. A lack of strength in depth means we couldn't realistically challenge for the league, but at the moment our first 11 can match any team in the country football-wise, imho.

Regards Bale, what I can not get my head around is how they even think they can recoup £ 85,000,000. His wages will be astronomic on top of that. They fill the ground every week, so wheres the new fans to add to income. How many extra shirts will they have to sell, compared to say Angel De Maria ( an extra million shirts worldwide might pull in £ 10-12m profit ), additional sponsership - again how much more will they pull in compared to Higuain ( gone to Napoli ). TV deals already agreed and structured world wide re La Liga, Champions League etc and only so many additional lucrative friendlies they will get in addition to their usual offers from round the world. And if Gareth Bale is worth £ 85m, what is Messi worth, Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie, Christian benteke. The world is going mad

Are people still seething over the League Cup semi-final? And I think its perfectly logical to love my club but hate football! If you want to know why see Sevco, Gareth Bales transfer & the Special One's media-w*nk fest for details!

All teams lost people in the war. The Highlands lost many of of their loved ones during both wars. What the f@ck has the war got to do with Hearts cheating? Hearts have been found out and cheated us out of a League Cup Final place through financial cheating. If you hate football why are you reading a football thread!!!!

You really are clueless, this news spreads to Hearts fans who now decide to make the trip next week, it's an extra £15 in our pocket that we wouldn't get by putting out this gesture.

Bale is big headed over-rated twa* who will last no more than 2 years at Real Madrid. He has had 0NE exceptional season

Week 03 Andrew Fraser 243.7 BA 237.6 DewsburyDude 231 Tichy Black's Back 226.4 Caley Braveheart 219.2 CaleyCanary 213.5 Yompa 211.7 old caley girl 208.7 Gringo 206 Gabby 205.8 KennySim93 203.4 Rival 195 Dmacca 194 Scotty 192.5 MrCaleyjag 191.5 ICT Away 186.7 draganICT 186.7 Mrs Gringo 170 crownjaggie 170

Celtic are currently trawling Europe offering about £4m for any dodgy foreigner who might replace Hooper. Billy scored more SPL goals than Hooper, is proven at SPL and won't have language difficultiesor trouble settling in Scotland. £5m!

First time ever that we've gone to Celtic Park with me EXPECTING us to get a result. Good times.

Priceless to us on current form, difference in the spfl between top 6 and bottom is goals and we are one of the few teams with a natural finisher. Board need to be looking a £1m plus, he has a contract and by all accounts is happy so we dont have to sell him at all.