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Shameful It has come to light in the aftermath of the disrespectful treatment of a Club Legend that all is not well behind the scenes at the Caley Jags. It took another former player Shane Sutherland to highlight the plight of a great servant to the Caley Jags when he opened up a Go Fund Me page to support Aaron Doran who it appears had been let down by the very club he gave his all to for nearly fourteen years. Unfortunately Aaron had suffered a few career threatening injuries whilst playing for Inverness and that somewhat curtailed his appearances. Nonetheless, he still made 392 or 393 appearances for the club right up until he was seriously injured in a televised game at the Caledonian Stadium against Raith Rovers, twenty minutes in, and our third last game of the regular 2023-2024 season. Full Name: Aaron Brian Doran Cogan Born: May 13th, 1991 (Charleville, County Cork, Ireland) Height: 5' 7 Position: Winger Signed: January 25th, 2011 First Manager: Terry Butcher Left Club: June 10th, 2024 Career Stats: 392 appearances, 57 goals (we might have lost a game somewhere) Debut (as sub): January 26th, 2011 - Inverness CT 0 - 2 Aberdeen (League) Full Debut: February 5th, 2011 - 5 - 1 Morton (Scottish Cup - Rd 5) First Goal: February 12th, 2011 - St. Mirren 3 - 3 Inverness CT (League) Thanks to Shane Sutherland, the generosity of friends, fans, former colleagues and opponents, Aaron has now had his operation. However it has emerged that he had posted on Instagram regarding his sad dismissal and treatment from the Board of Inverness CT who have treated Aaron in a similar way to which they have been treating the fans. Let's not forget that Aaron was due to have a testimonial for his service to the club. It is the opinion of all on CTO that Aaron deserved better treatment than the silence he and others have been subjected to. We all understand there is a lot going on behind the scenes, but surely a shred of human decency could have been allocated to Aaron to support him better throughout this process. The general malaise emanating from within the Caledonian Stadium is one which many supporters find difficult to comprehend and it will take years to repair the damage being done to the brand right now. It's almost as if the Horizon System has been installed at the Caledonian Stadium over the last nine years. You would think that George Thomson was in charge... Here's a great memory for Aaron recreated by the talented local artist Sophie Robb as he holds the Scottish Cup. A Scottish Cup winner with the Caley Jags, the highlight of his career here. What a sublime pass threaded through to Marley Watkins to open the scoring in the 2-1 win over Falkirk in 2015. We are right behind you Aaron! Another way to help Aaron is through Robbo's fundraiser for his re-hab (that's Aaron's re-hab) The Prize Up for grabs is a really unique piece of Scottish football memorabilia, a Scotland top made for John Robertson with his name on the back. So why is this rare? Squad numbers didn't come into force domestically in Scotland until season 1998/1999 by which time Robbo had left Hearts for Livingston so no domestic jersey ever had his name on the back

The Day Football Died It was third time lucky for Inverness as they reached their first Scottish Cup final after beating treble chasing Celtic in extra time at Hampden Park. Sadly other events since then have overtaken the wonderful achievements of Yogi and his men. The game was not without controversy. Five goals, penalties, or not penalties, a crucial sending off and a tremendous display by the men from the North was just enough to tip the scales in favour of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. At the end of the day, one song was lingering in the head: It's all about the Ness, no treble! Great weather greeted the fans at Hampden and Inverness were as expected. Ryan Esson replaced the injured Dean Brill. Danny Williams was back in the starting X1 and big Edward Ofere would be the target man. Celtic were without the suspended Anthony Stokes, and Gary Mackay-Stevens and Stuart Armstrong were cup-tied. They did though field a potent attacking threat with Leigh Griffiths and Kris Commons starting with John Guidetti on the bench. From the kick off, Inverness got quickly into their stride and took the game to their more illustrious opponents, moving the ball around with precision and pace. Celtic found it difficult to get a hold of the ball in the first ten minutes as Inverness kept possession without any real threat. That changed though just after ten minutes into the game when Celtic broke forward. Nir Bitton latched onto a loose ball 25 yards out and his sweetly timed tackle/shot smacked off the woodwork with Esson beaten. A bolt from the blue, and a lucky escape for Inverness who had dominated the proceeding thus far. Celtic had woken up and Inverness were pushed onto the back foot as the Glasgow club surged forward. Ryan Esson saved well, diving full length to his left to push away a fierce Griffiths shot from thirty yards. Gary Warren was booked for pulling back James Forrest as he cut across the face of the box, a card that will see him miss a major final once more. From the resultant free kick, Virgil van Dijk lashed an unstoppable shot high past Esson from 22 yards and in off the top of the post. A spectacular opening goal, but there would be better to come. Ofere missed the best chance of the game after a Greg Tansey corner. Similar to his goal against Celtic in the league, the ball broke to him some eight yards out but he could not wrap his foot round it properly and this time his shot bounced down and then up over the bar. A warning to Celtic that we were still in the game. Esson stood up well as Celtic countered through the middle and Johansen stung his palms with a fierce shot that was beaten away, another important save from the stand in keeper. Greg Tansey was mugged on the halfway line as Celtic stormed forward again looking to add a second before the break. Forrest sprinted forward and fed Johansen on the left side of the box. His shot was deflected away from goal by Esson. The ball fell nicely for Griffiths who headed strongly goalwards, but the ball seemed to come of the hand of Josh Meekings who was no more than four feet from the head of Griffiths. Amazingly, the only people that never saw this were the officials who waved play on. I'm not as convinced as Celtic that this was intentional. I'm sure they will write a letter of complaint though. That was about the last action of a frenetic first half and Inverness were still within one goal of the treble chasers. Half Time 0-1 No changes at the break and Inverness started the second period with confidence once more, and Ofere was too high with a corner. At the other end Forrest went wide with a shot that Esson watched carefully. Ten minutes after the break and Inverness drew level. No doubt about the penalty and sending off for Craig Gordon. Watkins raced through on goal outmuscling Welsh international Adam Mathews. As the ball got touched back towards Gordon, Watkins got there first but the big keeper went right through him and red card it was. Tansey remained the coolest man on the park as Lukasz Zaluska put on the gloves. He took his time and waited for the keeper to make his move before directing the ball in the opposite direction and into the vacant net. Game on! James Forrest was the man sacrificed as Celtic made the change at the sending off, a blessing for Inverness and in particular David Raven who had been getting a tough time of it from the Celtic wide player. Could this mean that Raven might get further forward now? More on that later in the report. The ninety minutes produced no more goals and the game moved into extra time. 1-1 after 90 mins The game was now stretched and it ebbed and flowed, Inverness sharing the bulk of the possession. Johansen tried to catch Esson off his line, but he back pedalled and tipped the forty yard flighted shot over the bar. Inverness surged to the other end and Ryan Christie danced his way into the box and it took a fantastic save from the substitute keeper to deny Christie a goal after his thumping 16 yard shot was clawed away. Inverness were now enjoying their best spell of the game and when they worked the ball down the left, the ever willing Graeme Shinnie curled a ball into the box. Watkins brought the ball down and it broke kindly for Ofere, who steadied himself before firing a low ball to the keepers left with sufficient power to find the back of the net. Celtic were stung by this and when they got a free kick thirty yards out it didn't look like it would be a major problem. Guidetti struck it well and the ball whistled goalwards. It landed in front of Esson and he misjudged the bounce as it spun over his despairing arms and into the net. He won't want to see that one again, such a shame after a commanding performance up to that point. The second period of extra time showed that the referee's were once again flawed. Zaluskas barged into the back of Ofere and completely flattened him. I hope the compliance officer was watching. The ball was cushioned down for Nick Ross, but he half volleyed over with the goal gaping. With five minutes of extra time left, Inverness scored the decisive third goal to end Celtic's treble hopes. And what a goal it was too. Nick Ross battled to retrieve the ball outside the Celtic box. Aided by Marley Watkins, Ross got the ball back and threaded a great ball into the box where Shinnie left two defenders standing before rifling the ball across the goalmouth. David Raven made a great run to get on the end of it and still had plenty to do. He did it like a seasoned striker though, guiding the ball firmly into the net for what proved to be the winner before running round the back to celebrate with Shinnie who came round the other side. We played out the remaining minutes fairly comfortably and deservedly won the game, but committed the cardinal sin of denying Celtic Football club the chance to win the treble. AET 3-2 He might be going to Aberdeen, but Graeme Shinnie was captain marvel. He was everywhere and the driving force behind what was a fantastic team effort. He was my MotM and it is pretty unanimous on CTO that he gets the nod. There were no failures in this performance, everyone played their part. Watkins looked revitalised and Warren and Meekings ensured that we restricted Celtic to taking long pot shots. David Raven only scores important goals. His last one for us was in a derby win at Dingwall, this one surpassed that. Ryan Esson was outstanding, despite the blip for the second goal. Edward Ofere led the line well and his hold up play was excellent. Ryan Christie came into the game more after half time and was inspirational. This kid is going places. Can't fault anyone after that display to be honest. Sorry for ruining your treble Remember, you can access audio's with some of the Caley Jags players after the Hampden Park game right here https://www.facebook.com/ICTFC?fref=ts on the Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC facebook page. Scenes of joy at full time would remain with those fans for a couple of days at least before Celtic would write their letter of complaint and the SFA would buckle at the knees by pandering to the needs of the majority. It's now official, the SFA are the laughing stock of football and should hang their heads in shame, brought about by the incompetence of their own officials. Josh Meekings has incredibly been cited by the compliance officer who feels the need to punish him because Celtic can't take defeat without dragging everyone else through the mud. They have short memories and if this goes through, then football, as we know it has just ended. Instead of Inverness enjoying the greatest moment in their history, controversy has overtaken the scenes of joy and instead of celebrating a wonderful performance, it might be better known as the day football died. RIP football, 19/04/2015. Date: 19/04/15 Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Attendance: 28643 Referee: Steven McLean Inverness CT: 3 Lineup: Esson, Raven, Shinnie, Meekings, Warren, Draper, Tansey, Watkins, Williams (Ross 73), Christie, Ofere Subs (not used): Mackay, Vincent, Doran, Tremarco, Polworth, Kink Scorers: Tansey (pen.58), Ofere (96), Raven (117) Booked: Warren (17), Williams (66), Ross (102), Watkins (105) Sent Off: none Celtic: 2 Lineup: Gordon, Matthews, Izaguirre, Van Dijk, Denayer, Biton, Brown, Commons (Tonev 90), Johansen, Forrest (Zaluska 56), Griffiths (Guidetti 98) Subs (not used): Ambrose, Scepovic, McGregor, Tierney Scorers: Van Dijk (17), Giudettit (103) Booked: Brown (20), Tonev (97) Sent Off: Gordon (55)

Thistle be the day Draw specialists Inverness head to Firhill on Saturday to take on Partick Thistle in the Championship. Last weeks draw against Ross County was the seventh in a row and that extended the unbeaten run to a record twenty-three games. It wasn't for the want of trying in the derby but few watching could be disappointed in the manner with which we applied ourselves and we were unfortunate not to take all three points. Caley Stan has checked out the opposition and he has this informative preview for us........... On my way home from Waitrose the other day, I stopped for a coffee in Artisan Roast Stockbridge and quietly pondered some way to construct an opening to this preview that included a disparaging reference to Partick Thistle fans’ middle-class, hipster, bohemian, pseudo-intellectual pretensions, when who should appear out of the Mellis Cheesemonger sporting the famous red and yellow hoops, but The Hoff himself. Beyond parody. Hassellhoff has previously sought to justify his support for Thistle on the grounds that they represent something beyond geographical or tribal identity, and they must have picked up a few fans over the years by simple virtue of not being Rangers or Celtic. But with attendances at Firhill starting to sink below the 3,000 mark, I suspect we won’t see many of those folk tomorrow. I might be wrong, but I assume most Partick Thistle fans, like the rest of us, identify with the club because they grew up near the ground, or their dad came from round there. One thing’s for sure, they’re not glory hunters. With just two major honours to show in a 142-year history (the 1921 Scottish Cup, and the 1971 League Cup), they haven’t been in a major final for sixty years. This is particularly surprising when you consider that they played in the top league for most of the 20th Century, never experiencing a sustained period in the second tier until the late 1980’s. History of the Fixture Won 11 Drawn 10 Lost 13 The teams first met in the opening game of the 1998/99 Second Division season. The Maryhill club were playing in the third tier for the first time in their history, and we came into it off the back of a mid-table debut season at that level. It was a tense affair with one moment of true quality on the hour mark when a delightful through ball from Charlie Christie was buried from an acute angle by Barry Wilson. We rode our luck for the reminder of the game, Jim Calder making a number of decent saves, and departed to a stream of Highlandphobic abuse from a home support whose club had just reached a new low. Their true nadir was to come later in that season when they avoided another relegation by a single point. Meanwhile, we were promoted comfortably, winning 3 of the 4 games against them in the process. It was another 2 years before we saw Partick again, and by the end of that 2001/02 season we were glad to see the back of them as they ruthlessly re-established themselves as Scotland’s premier Thistle, winning 3 out of the 4 league games with our solitary victory coming after they had already won the First Division. We also played them in both cups, coming out on top in the League Cup 2nd Round in Inverness on penalties after a 3-3 draw – Barry Robson notching a double and scoring the winning penalty. But it was the was Scottish Cup Quarter-Final of that season that will be remembered most of all. These were the biggest games the fixture has seen, with a crowd of 8,700 taking in the 2-2 draw at Firhill and over 5,000 attending the replay despite the SFA’s controversial decision to stage the game underwater. Maryhill Mod Scott Paterson scored the only goal, a decent free-kick in fairness, though I’d like to see Nicky Walker’s starting position. After a brief skirmish in the Court of Session in the summer of 2004, the clubs reconvened on the pitch for the 4th Round of the 2005/06 Scottish Cup. The tables had turned once again, we were enjoying a second season in the SPL while they were back in the third tier after successive relegations. They came up to Inverness and kicked us off the park before Mark Roberts scored an underserved equaliser with a 93rd minute penalty that he had dived to win. The replay was turgid, on TV, and we went out on penalties. The next meeting, another 4th Round Scottish Cup tie in 2009, saw a very different Caley team run out 3-0 home winners – Felipe Morais scoring a double. That stands out as a very strange result in retrospect – Partick were having a decent season in the First Division, and we were coming into it off the back of six straight league defeats – it was the week before ‘shoes off’, a seventh defeat at Hamilton, and the final departure of Craig Brewster. The following season we shared a league for the first time in eight years, losing the first two and winning the second two in line with our form that year, and Partick joined us in the top flight for four years in 2013. Over that spell we won just two of the thirteen league ties between the sides, despite finishing above them in three of the four seasons, and, of course, knocking them out in the 5th Round of the 2014/15 Scottish Cup……. Teams and Tactics Partick Thistle fans seem to have given up trying to analyse performances recently and spend their time online howling for players to be removed/imprisoned/murdered etc. so it’s been tricky to work out how they line up. From what I can gather, Caldwell’s been playing some kind of 4-5-1. The persistence with a misfiring Miles Storey has been a particular source of frustration, while a recent injury to Kris Doolan has given opportunities to Jai Quitongo and our old friend Andrea Mutumbo, with neither making much of an impact. Robbo has persisted with the 4-2-3-1, although he’s always keen to bring on a second striker and go more direct when we’re not creating. With Oakley and Austin now fit, he may find it increasingly tempting to return to the shape that he started the season with. The termination of Riccardo Calder’s contract and the ongoing absence of Carl Tremarco with a thigh injury leaves us without an experienced left back for tomorrow’s game. Joe Chalmers has played there before, but it wasn’t pretty, and Cameron Harper’s first team experience is limited to a farcical four-minute appearance at East End Park following a team-sheet error. Robbo has stated in the past that he feels Harper is ready to step in if needed, but in the aftermath of Calder’s dismissal this week, he suggested that the club may look to recruit a free agent to cover the position. Shaun Rooney has not recovered from the knock that forced him off in the derby. The Riccardo Calder situation has been dealt with by the club and they released This Statement. In effect Riccardo has left the building. The Official Site has a Preview with more detail and Robbo chat..... League Form Thistle: LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Thistle: DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Prediction: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Hey big spenders We're back! The season begins on Saturday with the group stages of the League Cup. This season it's known as the Premier Sports Cup and Inverness travel to the artificial surface of New Central Park, Bath Street, to take on newly promoted Kelty Hearts in a Group G encounter. The 'Maroons' have a good mix of seasoned professionals and some exciting emerging talent and that saw them promoted to League One last season as Champions with five games of the season still to play. Tempted by the generous wage income were seasoned campaigners like Kallum Higginbotham, Joe Cardle, Michael Tidser Thomas O'Ware and of course former Inverness striker Nathan Austin. All players who could perform at a higher level. The usual merry-go-round of players saw many leave Inverness for pastures new, with some new faces coming in to bulk out the squad. Out went loan players Reece McAlear, Logan Chalmers, Joe Hardy with Kirk Broadfoot returning to the central belt. Former Inverness and Clach defender Harry Nicolson has joined League of Ireland club Finn Harps. In come Stephen Boyd, Nathan Shaw, Zak Delaney and the man with the cool name, Max Ram. George Oakley has returned to Inverness after a three year hiatus. They will meet up with those still on contracts which will be the core of our squad. Shane Sutherland is out long term after his knee injury during the play-offs. Tom Walsh is another who will miss the start of the season. We also have an excellent youth academy with a number of players ready to break into the first team squad. Eric has been doing his homework: Kelty Hearts open the season with newly appointed manager John Potter, a one time Dunfermline, Clyde and St Mirren player who since retiring has been in a coaching role under Jack Ross at St Mirren, Sunderland and Hibs. He replaces Kevin Thomson, who resigned after Kelty lifted the Scottish League 2 title. The 42-year-old Potter had 20 games in charge of Dunfermline in season 2014-15 and later assisted Jack Ross at Sunderland and Hibernian. More recently, he coached at Queen's Park, who won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. They have added to the defence with the signing of Lewis Martin from Dunfermline on a free transfer. Up front ex ICT player Nathan Austin is in the squad, Nathan joined ICT Jan 2018 until summer of 2019 but had limited appearances due to injury. Experience in the forward line include Joe Cardle (35) of numerous clubs including rivals County season 2014/15. Also 33 year old Kallum Higginbotham who spent last season with Real Kashmir in India, and previously with Dunfermline. Latest Team News Daniel Mackay is the latest player to do the olde Peters & Lee as he has returned North on a season long loan from Hibs. That will be a welcome addition to the squad along with George Oakley, two players that we know will fit in with our work ethics and already know the routine up here. With Shane Sutherland and Tom Walsh missing the start of the season, these will be ready made replacements to add to the other new summer signings. Scott Allardice will be like a new signing after he made his comeback in the play-off games at the end of last season. We still have the core of our defence with Duffy, Devine, Deas and Harper all available. Welcome home, welcome Come on in, and close the door You've been gone, too long Welcome, you're home once more TICKET INFO Tickets available now in advance via Fanbase and Pay at the Gate will be available from Central Park on Saturday. Kelty have said that there is no segregation in place for these matches Adults: £12 Concessions: £8 Under 16s: £4

The Proclaimers Inverness Caledonian Thistle publicly announced themselves on the footballing world today by reaching their first major final after only 20 years of existence. The near 2000 fans although outnumbered by almost 10-1 proclaimed the message loud and clear at Easter Road in the Sunshine on Leith after Hearts, the infamous 'always the bridesmaids' were beaten in the League Cup semi-final by nine man Inverness. Ten buses and various other modes of transport were deployed as the Highland fans made their way to the 'neutral' venue of Easter Road once more, scene of last seasons dramatic shoot out disappointment. Not even a fire drill at Glasgow Central could halt the march as most travelled 500 miles, well nearer 400, to witness this historic day. It was literally sunshine on Leith, and Yogi rang the changes with Richie Foran failing to make the bench. Back came Ross Draper, James Vincent, Marley Watkins and Greg Tansey to produce a powerful midfield. Dropping to the bench were Nick Ross, Carl Tremarco, Liam Polworth and Danny Williams along with Ryan Esson and Danny Devine. Hearts sprung the bigger surprise with Ryan Stevenson only starting from the bench, which was odd considering they brought forward their game with St Mirren to free him from suspension. Loan signing Paul McCallum joined Stevenson on the bench and he is an unknown quantity. Graham Shinnie captained the Highlanders onto the pitch with his counterpart Danny Wilson, and Raven, Warren and Draper tread a fine line as they are one booking away from missing a possible Cup Final appearance. Inverness started on the front foot but Paterson burst forward only for Meekings to dispossess him in the box. Play raced to the other end and Draper spooned a great opportunity to open the scoring after McKay fed him in the box, Draper electing to prod the ball with his wrong foot and it went high over. A nervy start by Hearts as the game settled into a midfield tussle. A tussle that Scott Robinson took too seriously as he clattered Billy McKay, Raven intervening and Robinson rightly booked. Doran latched onto a throw-in but his shot from the edge of the box was dragged just wide of MacDonald's goal. Inverness were asserting themselves more on the game and a Doran corner was flicked goalwards by Tansey, but the keeper saved comfortably. Some of the play was a bit frantic with Inverness looking the more comfortable on the ball and ahead on possession. A Doran shot was blocked but the ball spun towards the crossbar, the keeper tipping it behind, eleven minutes gone. A re-taken corner gave Doran a second chance but Draper's header went a couple of yards wide. Callum Paterson lay on the park as Inverness strode forward again and Watkins caused problems with a run deep into the box, but another effort was knocked wide, the Hearts fans not amused. Hearts woke up and Carrick headed narrowly over after a good break on the right side and a McGowan cross. However, it was Inverness that were making most of the early running, Watkins being prominent in most forays forward. Twenty minutes gone and Inverness forced the Hearts defence to scramble the ball out for a corner, Watkins close range overhead kick resulting in a sore head for Paterson and a free kick to Hearts. Our midfield still had a tight grip of the game at this point. Some tough tackling going in and one or two players might well fall foul of the referee if not the physio. MacDonald once more has to rush to the edge of his box to thwart another Inverness attack and at the other end in Hearts first real sustained attack Brill had to watch a long cross sail narrowly over, but the Jambos continued to press before Shinnie cleared the danger. Hearts were now seeing a bit more of the ball as the Inverness midfield lost their way slightly, but chances were at a premium. Gary Warren took a sore one as Paterson went under him for a high ball, but he resumed after a couple of shakes of the head. Inverness without a regular dead ball expert for a long time might still have to wait a while yet as Greg Tansey fluffed one from thirty yards. Marley Watkins took the first Inverness yellow card as Nicholson sped forward, Brill easily gathering the ball and as a result, McKay was released by the keeper, bursting into the box but again closed down. Nicholson tested Brill at the other end, and the keeper parried it well, then Warren made sure he would miss a prospective final by earning a booking. The game was more even now but Inverness were struggling to get behind the Hearts defence as easily as they did in the first quarter. Shinnie drew a corner but Doran easily found the keepers gloves. Passes were now going astray as every ball was being keenly contested and a war of nutrition broke out before half time. Brill took two goes to get his hands on a swinging free kick and as Inverness broke forward McKay squandered the best chance of the game hitting MacDonald from seven yards as he burst into the box. Should have scored with a bit more composure, but it was a great block by MacDonald and it was typical cup fare, the game raging from end to end. Callum Paterson got a finger wagging from the ref just before half time, the word tousy springs to mind. Billy McKay almost broke the deadlock once more but his shot from the edge of the box rose too high when he had better options and the half drew to a close. Would Inverness rue their ascendency not being capitalised on? Half Time 0-0 A boost for Hearts as the second half got under way with Ryan Stevenson replacing David Smith. Game on! Inverness were now shooting towards their home end. A penalty shout was waived away as Inverness continued to take the game towards Hearts and a couple of Doran corners in quick succession followed, as did another penalty claim, Warren falling in the box. It was a replication of the first few minutes of the game as Inverness pushed forward in numbers. Doran was almost on the end of some great interplay but the Hearts defence stood firm, just. A raking Meekings ball picked out Watkins and the cross just fell behind Draper as Inverness continued to press. Greg Tansey had made a hash of a free kick earlier, but when he latched onto another loose ball around the Hearts box, he absolutely lashed as ferocious a shot as you would see behind MacDonald to put Inverness in the driving seat for now, and not undeserved it has to say at this moment. I'm not sure you will see a better strike anywhere this season, or maybe any other season for that matter. MacKay was inches away from connecting to make it two nil, as was Vincent from the return ball, and Doran could have done better as they stretched the now overworked Jambos defence when he sped into the box, his shot straight at a grateful MacDonald. Jeepers; we almost shot ourselves in the foot, but Brill made a tremendous reflex save to deny Paterson and Raven completed a headed clearance from Paterson's header. A let off and a warning as Hearts rolled up their sleeves and introduced unknown quantity Paul McCallum for McGowan. Hearts upped the pace and got the break as Warren looked to be harshly sent off for giving away a free kick right on the edge of the box. McHattie shaped to take it but a massively deflected Hamill shot found the corner of a wrong footed Brill's net. Devine then replaced Aaron Doran into central defence after the dismissal of Gary Warren as Hearts sensed blood. Another clumsy tackle gifted Hearts a second free kick and there was no dubiety about the quality of this free kick as Hamill found the top corner. Stunner! Ten man Inverness looked shell shocked as that two goals in two minutes turned the game on it's head and MacDonald denied McKay as they pushed for an equaliser to take the game to extra time, and once more MacDonald saved superbly from a Meekings header from the corner. Things were beginning to go Hearts way now as the burden of playing with ten men began to take it's toll. Tiring legs as the game entered the last fifteen minutes. Shinnie was upended on the touchline and Tansey swung in a great ball, but it would not fall kindly to us and Hearts cleared. Ten minutes to go and Hearts players were finding it easy to stay on the deck as time ebbed away. Could Inverness muster one more charge as Tapping came on for Nicholson who left the arena on a stretcher. Paterson burst forward from deep with a great run but his shot was deflected out for a corner to Hearts. The final throw of the dice for Inverness came when Nick Ross replaced David Raven as they went for broke, Graeme Shinnie volleying one at MacDonald. Five minutes of stoppage time were confirmed as a tiring Inverness gave their all but sadly it all went tits up when Meekings lost the ball then hacked down the Hearts player as he took the ball forward. Nine men on the park and the game was all but over. Brill punted a long free kick forward but three Jambos smothered the ball, content to sit on it for a few seconds. Unbelievably, just when you think it's all over, Nick Ross forces the ball over the line for his first and most important goal of the season. No more than Inverness deserved to be honest in the last minute of stoppage time, and seconds later the ref blew his peeper to send the tie into thirty minutes of extra time. Absolute pandemonium in the Inverness end and delight for Nick Ross who started from the bench. Ninety Minutes 2-2 Hearts still look the likeliest though with Inverness down to nine men now, and straight from the kick off Brill had to save smartly from a superb McCallum header to keep the game all square. Carl Tremarco replaced Vincent at the start of extra time to put some fresh legs on the park. Two penalty shouts in quick succession as Hearts superiority in numbers told on the proceedings, Inverness throwing bodies in the way as Hearts tried to force the ball home, clearance to anywhere the order of the day now. Inverness look like they would take a penalty shoot-out right now. However it was now wave after wave of Maroon attacks as they tried to unsettle the makeshift Inverness defence due to the two sending off's, firing plenty of high balls into the box, Grant Mackay heading tamely over from a good position in the 99th minute. Tapping almost bundled the ball home as a melee broke out in the Inverness six yard box before a free kick was awarded to the Inverness side. A rare break forward with McKay feeding Ross who drew a free kick on the left. Tansey whipped it in and McKay tried to flick it on but MacDonald flopped on it to kill the ball. Inverness were busting a gut now and managed to survive the first period of extra time, the dream is still on and Nick Ross, the saviour is linking well with McKay on the rare occasions that we do get forward. Extra Time Half Time 2-2 A long, very long Tremarco throw-in caused panic in the Hearts box but they smuggled it clear and play raged to the other end, Brill collecting a hanging cross well. Ross found time in the box to turn after some good build up play, but this time his shot was weak and into the arms of MacDonald. Moments later McKay brilliantly held the ball up and exchanged passes with Ross before the latter fired a cross in which the keeper gathered easily. It was however encouraging signs for nine man Inverness. Down to the last ten minutes now and the players left on the park are running on empty. John Beaton feeling sorry for Inverness and a couple of decisions go our way. Meh. Billy McKay gets upended in the box and another melee ensues, but the ball is eventually driven harmlessly over, and at the other end Hearts head over to relieve the pressure on the Inverness defence. Have Hearts been saving themselves for a late surge or have Inverness got something else up their sleeves? Great defending by Tremarco as he mugs Hamill and McKay holds the ball up brilliantly again as Inverness continue to take the game to the eleven men. Suddenly Hearts break forward and McCallum should have scored but headed over from point blank range. That would surely have sealed it. McKay again provides an outlet and wins a valuable time consuming throw-in for under pressure Inverness. It's backs to the wall stuff now and Brill comfortably gathers a cross and despite a lung bursting run from Shinnie the game draws to a close, and penalties are the order of the day........pulsating stuff........PHEW! Full Time 120mins 2-2 So, it's penalties once more and the two most important men on the park will be Paul MacDonald and Dean Brill. The two keepers exchange pleasantries and Shinnie takes the first one, but keeper saves. My Heart cannae take this. 0-0 Shinnie miss, MacDonald guesses correct and makes the save. 0-0 McCallum miss, Brill does likewise. 0-1 Billy McKay scores, bottom corner, keeper AWOL 1-1 Carrick scores similar to McKay, opposite corner. 1-2 Nick Ross blasts home, tremendous strike from young Nick, chuffed. 1-2 Brill saves Hamill's mediocre shot, Karma! 1-3 Tansey blasts home as expected, super strike though, high and hard. 2-3 Robinson dribbles his one in, like our Billy's one. 2-4 Draper, cool as a cucumber slots the ball into the opposite corner, game over. Pandemonium once more in the away end as Inverness defy the odds to secure their first ever major final appearance, Caley 100 grabbing a wonderful souvenir by collecting Dean Brill's glove as the big keeper throws them into the crowd. Big Yogi has a grin the size of Leith Walk embedded on his dial and that will take some time to come off. More reaction and video to follow, but for the moment huge congratulations to everybody, and a final against Aberdeen to come. Can it get any Better. Brings a tear to yer eye.................Have an unofficial swatch at the penalty shootout Date: 02.02.2014 Venue: Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh Attendance: 12762 Referee: John Beaton Hearts: 2 Lineup: MacDonald, Hamill, McHattie, Wilson, McGowan (McCallum 64), Robinson, Paterson, McKay, Smith (Stevenson 46), Carrick, Nicholson (Tapping 84) Subs (not used): Ridgers, McGhee Scorers: Hamill (67, 69) Booked: Robinson (6), MacDonald (54), Stevenson (69), Paterson (103), McKay (116) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Lineup: Brill, Raven (Ross 87), Shinnie, Vincent (Tremarco 95), Warren, Meekings, Mckay, Draper, Doran (Devine 68), Watkins, Tansey Subs (not used): Esson, Williams Scorers: Tansey (54), Ross (90+4) Booked: Watkins (32), Warren (34), Shinnie (90) Sent Off: Warren (66), Meekings (90) Inverness C.T. win 2-4 on pens after extra time

The wasps are coming Player manager Jim Goodwin will take his Alloa Athletic side North on Saturday to face Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium in the Championship. It's a 3:00pm kick off with Inverness looking to remain unbeaten and keep the Wasps winless. I notice that Alloa have the most appropriately named keeper in the league. You've guessed it, his name is Parry, but let's not dwell on that. Keeper Neil Parry was voted onto the League one team having completed 13 clean sheets last season. That aside, what an appropriate name for a keeper........ just saying. Caley Stan has been doing his homework and the result is this informative Preview for us all to read.................... Alloa, known globally not just for its brewing but as the unlikely setting for a popular sitcom set during the French Resistance, lies on the north bank of the Forth where some say it ceases to be the River Forth and becomes the Firth of Forth. Fittingly, the town’s football club continually refuses to accept the place in the Seaside League that usually serves as the pinnacle for a club of its size. Under the chairmanship of local tycoon Mike Mulraney, The Wasps have enjoyed a period of unprecedented success, beginning with the appointment of Paul Hartley as manager in the summer of 2011. Hartley oversaw successive promotions and Alloa went on to spend 3 consecutive seasons in the second tier. Now Player-Manger-Master of the Dark Arts, Jim Goodwin, has led them back up at the second attempt with victories over Raith Rovers and Dumbarton in the play-offs. History of the Fixture Won 14 Drawn 10 Lost 6 We played Alloa 28 times in the first 9 seasons of our history and have faced them just twice since. Our first victory came at the fifth attempt – a 5-0 win at Recreation Park in which a Charlie Christie hat-trick and an Ian Stewart brace provided the first sign of the free-scoring fun that was to follow over the next 7 and a half years. By the end of that glorious period, Alloa had been the recipients of a series of unremitting pumpings, and Pele’s last visit to ‘The Recs’ fittingly saw us run out 6-0 winners, with hat-tricks from both Dennis Wyness and Paul Ritchie. I’ve always wondered who got to keep the ball. For all that, it’s a defeat that lingers most vividly in the memory. The 1999 Challenge Cup Final in Airdrie was an epic 4-4 draw that saw The Wasps victorious after a penalty shoot-out. Paul Sheerin, whose hat-trick in the game had included 2 from the spot, missed our opening penalty in the shoot-out and the loss was complete when Mike Teasdale had his saved. To add insult to injury, Alloa keeper Mark Cairns who saved Teasdale's penalty, scored the one before it. It may be difficult to imagine now, but it was a gut-wrenching defeat at the time – just 5 years into our history and in our debut season in the First Division, we were competing in our first final, bringing around 3000 fans down to a less than neutral venue. But in retrospect, with everything we’ve gone on to achieve, it’s difficult to begrudge Alloa a success that takes pride of place in their 140 year-old honours list. And lest we forget, it was not just a victory for Alloa Athletic Football Club, but a significant milestone in the integration of duffel coat wearing headmasters into mainstream society. The teams last met in the Second Round of the League Cup 2 years ago, with Alloa running out 1-0 winners. The defeat turned out to be a harbinger of things to come under the stewardship of Richie Foran and our descent since then has been steep. A maiden victory for Alloa at the Caledonian Stadium would represent a new low. Form Alloa Last 7: WDWLLLW ICT Last 7: WWWLWDL Form is in the eye of the beholder here, as it can be argued that the all competitions figures above don’t tell us much about confidence in the respective squads. Although Alloa have lost their opening two league fixtures, those games have been tight and they have performed well in the cups. There’s little to suggest that they will suffer as Brechin did. From our end, we remain unbeaten in the league since the 13th March, a run of 13 games, but the manner of our departures from the cups, combined with the failure to score against an Ayr side that played over an hour with 10 men, leave the impression that all may not be well. Teams & Tactics Like Dumbarton before them, Alloa’s chances of staying in this division are largely dependent on their ability to supplement a part-time squad with full-time loan signings. That makes August a tricky month, with clubs reluctant to loan players out before the transfer window closes. However, that process has stepped up this week with the loan additions of midfielder Liam Burt from Rangers and forward Dario Zanatta from Hearts. All accounts suggest that Alloa are playing a stuffy, narrow 4-4-1-1, with experienced lower league journeyman Alan Trouten in support of Greig Spence up top. At the back, captain Andy Graham has decent experience at this level and his partnership with Bulgarian Zdravko Karadachki has impressed so far this season. We also seem to be playing a narrow 4-4-2, with a settled back 4 that sees Shaun Rooney pushing up high on the right when we’re in possession. Tom Walsh has made a bright start to the season on the left of midfield, while Liam Polworth and Joe Chalmers are fixtures in Robbo’s starting line-ups. That leaves 3 places up for grabs with Charlie Trafford and Sean Welsh competing for the remaining berth in the centre of midfield, and Nathan Austin, George Oakley and Jordan White all in contention to play up front. It’s difficult to see where Aaron Doran fits into this system and Robbo has made it clear that he sees Daniel MacKay as an impact sub at this time. Angus Beith remains injured and Zak Elbouzedi was absent from the bench for our last match.

Dawn of a new Era The new season kicks off with the visit of Brechin City to the Caledonian Stadium for a Group A Betfred League Cup encounter, Robbo's first competitive game back at the helm. Brechin did well to win promotion having finished fourth in the first division, but they pipped Alloa in the play-offs to send them into the Championship. It's over thirteen years since we last played a competitive match against The City who now have former Caley Jags machine Darren Dods as their player manager. The last game ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Inverness in the Highlands. John Robertson was our manager that day and Barry Wilson grabbed the only goal from the penalty spot. When we first entered the Leagues, Brechin held the upper hand over Inverness, winning two and drawing one, with ICT taking the last encounter in 1996. Since then, Inverness gradually got the better of the Angus club and in season 2003/2004 we won all five games against Brechin, scoring 17 goals in the process. However, although the manager remains the same at Inverness, it's all change on the park and there was little given away in pre-season to give us any indication of what to expect this campaign. Signings were arriving at the double with striker George Oakley coming in from AFC Wimbledon and Inverness lad Mark Ridgers via Partick where he was back up keeper last season. Collin Seedorf a nephew of the great Clarence Seedorf arrived from Dutch football and Ricardo Calder and Mathew Elsdon were next to wave the Red'n'Blue scarf above their heads whilst proclaiming their lifelong ambition was to play for Caley Thistle in the Championship. There is also an exciting prospect in Zak Elbouzedi coming in from the West Brom set-up, a flying winger similar to Jake Mulraney, so that could be interesting. Former Motherwell defender Joe Chalmers has been added to the squad gaining a two year deal. Alex Cooper has also been linked with a move to Inverness having featured in a couple of pre-season games. A lot has changed since the end of the season, chairmen, directors, managers, players, ball boys, tweeters and ticket sellers have all been removed. Some have been replaced and it's not easy to keep tabs on. Notable faces out or on their way are Richie Foran, Kevin McNaughton, Scott Boden, Alex Fisher, Larnell Cole, Josh Meekings, Owain Fon Williams and another as yet unnamed high earner (if there is such a thing at ICT), an endless list really. Struggling for information this early in the season, but apparently over the close-season Dougie Hill, Ross Caldwell, Gareth Rodger, Alan Trouten and Darren McCormack have all left the Hedge at Brechin. No doubt due to cuts and trimming the squad. However, Willie Dyer, Liam Watt, Aron Lynas, Finn Graham, Chris O'Neill, Gary Fusco and Elliot Ford are all staying. Top signing appears to be Ryan McGeever ex-Falkirk who has signed on as has Isaac Layne, defender Ewan Spark. Late arrivals from Livingston are midfielder Jordan Sinclair and defender Sean Crighton and winger Kalvin Orsi from St Mirren. All are expected to be in the squad for tomorrows game. We begin the season with a lengthy injury list. The aforementioned Zak Elbouzedi is out (he'll be just Zak from now on), his crutches a bit of a giveaway. Strikers John Baird and George Oakley are struggling with knocks, Carl Tremarco and Aaron Doran have longer term injuries. After that it's anyone's guess who Robbo will be selecting for this seasons opener. Brechin have Liam Watt out with a broken wrist. They also have a few suspended, allegedly, Chris O'Neill, James Dale and Finn Graham. Star signing Ryan McGeever is reported to be on holiday at the moment. Over to you Dods, you're on the bench, so who are the other two subs? Name yer team Machine.

Semi-Final Rehearsal It's another rehearsal for the league cup semi-final as Inverness travel to the capital to take on struggling Hearts. The Edinburgh club have been nothing short of whipping boys recently with Celtic putting seven past the young Jambos and Dundee United adding four last weekend. I doubt for a minute that Inverness will find the task quite as easy, but the confidence must be sapping from the young side, asked to take the strain in the SPFL, starting fifteen points adrift after administration woes put the future of the club at risk. To add more misery to the capital side, Ryan Stevenson has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring tear. John Hughes first game in charge ended in a tough no scoring draw at Paisley, Dean Brill ensuring the new gaffer took at least one point back up the A9 with a string of fine saves. That's four clean sheets in a row for the man keeping Ryan Esson on the bench. While Inverness were at Paisley, Hearts succumbed to a rampant Arab side who are gathering a bit of momentum with a series of high scoring results. However, Hearts did compound the critics with a 3-1 win at Pittodrie a month ago, only their third win of the season and their second over Aberdeen. But that's enough from me, AJS has this preview for you before the trip to Tynecastle.................... Dugout Debut Inverness travel down to the nations capital to pay basement boys Hearts a visit, with John Hughes taking to the dugout for the first time as our new boss. Yogi watched his side play out a tentative 0-0 draw in Paisley from the stands and will have had another week to tweak things to his way of liking, without "changing things too much". Hearts will be looking to add some much needed points and goals to their stats as they face the worrying prospect of hitting the festive period still stuck on minus points. December has been a wretched month for the Jam Tarts having haemorrhaged 11 goals in just 2 games as well as going into the upcoming fixture missing several key players, including Ryan Stevenson and Jason Holt who have been influential players for Gary Locke's youthful side. ICT go into the game with a near fully fit squad, James Vincent remaining the only absentee as he recovers from long term injury, but he is on the recovery trail and has been given the go-ahead to up his training.. Between the sides this season Inverness were the victors when Hearts travelled north at the beginning of the campaign, with Billy McKay netting a well taken first half double. He was denied a hat trick when his penalty was well saved by Jamie MacDonald. Meetings at Tynecastle last season dished up much entertainment, 9 goals served up and also ICT taking good results in both encounters. The first was an early meeting in the season with Hearts racing into a 2-0 lead and ICT also losing Richie Foran to a red card before half time, but our new look side bravely battled back. Andy Shinnie netted a spot kick to reduce the deficit and with time almost up a lovely exchange of play between Billy McKay and Graeme Shinnie saw the latter cut the ball back to a fresh faced, delirious youngster in Conor Pepper who clipped the ball high into the net to send the fans behind the goal into raptures and the players into delight as they had rescued what seemed an impossible result. The cup semi final against the Jam Tarts was heartbreaking, we will just leave it at that. But it sent us out on a revenge mission later the same month and we went to Tynecastle and took 3 points home. Gary Warren of all people netted a double with a couple of bullet headers, either side of Billy McKay scoring a goal. Webster and Holt were on the score sheet for Hearts but it wasn't enough and it was a hard fought and well taken result. Emphasising the grit and hard working nature of our side. Its the kind of grit and work ethic that will be needed at Tynecastle. Hearts may have a youthful side but they have shown despite recent results that they have grit themselves and during what is a real struggle for the club they are doing their best to dig themselves out of a real hole with next to no resources. Despite the lack of players on paper I'm sure Gary Locke will have them well fired up and its important we don't take it lightly. As for ourselves John Hughes has stated he won't tinker too much and hopefully he will stick to that. Our results in the last month have been terrific and I'm hoping that with him in the dugout on Saturday the players it will give the players an extra boost to go out and give their all and hopefully come away with a top result and performance. Tynecastle itself is a thoroughly enjoyable venue. One of my favourite grounds to visit. Good view, good fans and overall a great day out. Hoping to see a good support there tomorrow and for the 3 points to be heading back up the A9. AJS's prediction - Hoping our defence will stay solid and come away with a clean sheet. While up top we show the class we have shown throughout the campaign - I'm going for a 2-0 win.

Running Scared, or Running for Top-Six? Ross County are the form team in the SPL right now. Unbeaten since before Christmas when Celtic beat them 4-0 at Parkhead, they have embarked on a remarkable eleven game run taking 27 points out of a possible 33. This has resulted in a surge up the table from second bottom on the 22nd of December to overhaul the 14 point gap to ourselves. After beating Celtic last weekend, they jumped one point above us to third in the table, how dare they. On the other hand, we are stuttering towards the split and confidence is not as high as it was before Christmas. To put Counties achievement into perspective, we have gained only 12 points over the same period and look to have blown our chances of finishing second in the SPL. It has been a good season by any standards. Both Highland clubs are breaking records this season. Billy McKay's scoring exploits have kept us in touch at the top end and we led the table in terms of goals scored for long enough. County's, debut season has turned out rather well for them after an inauspicious start and they look to have earned a top-six spot after their unbeaten run. Ah yes, that reminds me, beach football has always been a particular favourite of mine. After last weeks disappointing draw at Dundee, Terry Butcher has been handed a bill for £200 for venting his frustration at his teams inability to take three points by smashing a hole in the dugout. The plastic covering was damaged as Butcher suffered like the rest of us and opinions on CTO were mixed on the rights and wrongs of this, but Scotty came up with the best answer; "maybe we should all just put it in perspextive!" His frustrations though are not unwarranted and are shared by us all as the team struggles to get over the top six finish line. Points have been dropped in the run towards the split and we have thrown a few points away since our bad week when we were knocked out of both cups and suffered SPL defeat. Kilmarnock at home springs to mind. Our confidence seems to have taken a knock and our free scoring run has almost ground to a halt. Teams we would have beaten earlier in the season are now picking points off us as the battle for position heightens. Here he is in calmer times.......... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/g3WDElqAWb0?list=PL30A0B5E92F18F713" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> And hark, what's this I hear.......... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3MYoOz9bpNA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> It's a rallying call to all Caley Thistle troops to get behind the team for a final push towards the promised land. Never before has this club needed everyone to pull in the same direction with such power as they need on Saturday. County have done exceptionally well to get to where they are right now, and have almost overshadowed what we have achieved so far this season. However, both clubs have won nothing yet but a win for either could well go a long way to creating history, and the backing of the fans is a must if we are to get out of the habit of bottling these games. You can bet your bottom dollar that the County fans will be well up for this, and rightly so considering their current form, so wet yer whistle and get behind the team. Motherwell's bottle seems to be holding up pretty well as they thrashed Hibs 4-1 last night to go six points ahead of us and look to be the team that will secure second spot unless we can get get back in the groove. ***Latest Team News*** After his ridiculous booking in the last derby for alleged diving, Graeme Shinnie will have to miss this game out through suspension. Charlie Taylor was tried at left back against Dundee and he seems favourite to deputise, although Daniel Devine could be in with a shout as well. Chris Hogg and Simon King are long term absentees and Phillip Roberts has a knock. Richard Brittain and Ivan Sproule are not assured of a return to action. That is the view of Derek Adams who is content with the job his replacements have done, although that may well be a smoke screen from the Seethe as they have been integral in Counties surge to the top. Michael Fraser looks set to continue in goal for the injured Mark Brown. tm4tj Prediction:- Oh my, it's a tough call. You should really go with the form team when it comes to these games. However, County have failed to win in the previous four games this season, Inverness winning twice. We have not been at our best recently and County's run has been beyond what their own fans would have thought possible. They are just poking out of the shadows now, but it's time to put them back in their place. If we can get some momentum going, then it's not inconceivable that County's run will come to an end at the hands of the top team in the Highlands. We need a team of battlers on the park, that should rule out the deft touches of Nick Ross, and we need ten Richie Foran's and one Ryan Esson.................but most of all, we need lot's of vocal backing and that's where you lot come in. 2-1 for us and an end to County's remarkable run. :ictscarf: Here's one of them to tell us about it <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4SKw4wfGYq8?list=PL30A0B5E92F18F713" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Ginger Jaggy has his say on the forthcoming derby................. Don your colours, man the stands, make some noise and get behind Terry’s boys this weekend. The Highland Derby will see its fifth instalment in Inverness on Saturday as third faces fourth in a titanic battle that will nudge the victor towards a historic debut appearance in the top six. On the fifth of October the Caledonian stadium played host to a historic first Highland Derby in Scottish football’s top flight. On Saturday the teams will meet again in Inverness but with so much more riding on it than that first SPL encounter. This game will mean so much more than local pride, it will go a long way to one of these rivals cementing a place in the top six and look forward to the potential adventure of Europe. With three games to go there is only nine points separating second place Motherwell and Aberdeen in ninth with any team in that pack in the running to make it. The respective form of both teams sees a marked difference in fortunes from the last time these two met in Inverness on cup replay duty. Caley Thistle looked dead certainties to be top six after a blistering first half of the campaign. But we have since stuttered towards the split even though we are unbeaten in our last 4. County on the other hand are the run-away train that we were at the start of the season. They last suffered defeat in a 4-0 drubbing at Celtic Park just before Christmas and since then have gone on an 11 game unbeaten run which has seen them fail to taste defeat in 2013. In fact that defeat saw County sit some 12 points adrift of us in second place with County down in eleventh just nine clear of Dundee. Now we see County sit one point ahead of us; how the table has been turned on its head. This dramatic change in form was present last week when Inverness could only pick up a point at the bottom team Dundee, while yet again, County picked up a miraculous 3-2 comeback win against the champions elect in Dingwall. The facts show that the momentum is with County but all is not lost for the home faithful. A lot of County’s momentum has come from some decent home form which is unsurprising as the surface contributes to anti football. And for us it hasn’t been too bad barring one or two games. The difference has been that everything that went for us in the first half of the season is not going for us now. What has happened I don’t know but I know that the eleven players that take to the field give their all and as fans we should appreciate it even if it is slightly disappointing we aren’t winning games like we were. As for tactics it may be time for a slight change in the system. The 4-2-3-1 has worked well for us this season and does make us compact, but whether teams have worked it out or the players have just lost a little sharpness it is not as attacking as it was. One criticism of the last match against Dundee was that Inverness - on a tricky surface- failed to hold on to the ball with high balls for Billy Mckay. Even with a much better surface than in Dingwall, Inverness may have to go more direct and putting Richie Foran up alongside McKay will give County more problems and something different to think about. Having Foran back in the starting line up also has to be a must as he is the driving force of the team who is very good at taking games by the scruff of their necks. For County I would expect them to go one up front like they did in the league and cup game at Inverness. The danger will come from the flanks with Vigurs – who likes a goal against us – and if fit, Ivan Sproule who has five in his seven league games since his release from Hibs. Against Celtic they played a 4-1-4-1 with Paul Lawson playing in the hole between defence and midfield and I would expect similar on Saturday. One big weakness could be Michael Fraser who looked very shaky with Celtic’s two goals and this is why I would like to see lots of crosses and Foran, Draper or Jones being a presence from set pieces. Overall it is a huge game for both sides. A draw may help both sides gain a top 6 berth but that will be the last thought come 3 o’clock. It is in my opinion, it's bigger for Caley Thistle than Ross County to gain all three points. It will take us back above County and if results work out then it could see us concrete our place in the right half of the table. We may not have been setting the league alight recently but our exploits from the first half of the season makes a top six place definitely deserved. Top six is the main goal but a victory on Saturday especially against the opposition may just be the catalyst for the team to find a late burst towards gaining a historic debut in Europe. Tensions boiled over two weeks ago between Butcher and Adams which was on the cards after Adams made it his major goal to get one over us since the cup tie in Dingwall. I as well as many others will love to see the return of that reaction from that day come 5pm Saturday and I feel we will get it, in a morale boosting 2-0 victory. IN THE WORDS OF DELIA SMITH ‘LETS BE HAVING YOU’ MAKE SATURDAY AN OCCASION TO REMEMBER FOR A GREAT HIGHLAND DERBY DAY SUCCESS C'MON CALEY THISTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :ictscarf:

Smokies Kippered On a blustery day more akin to AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh, Arbroath and Inverness battled it out to see who would get the final nails hammered into their coffins. Arbroath were in the last chance snug in the last chance saloon, whilst Inverness have one foot in the grave. I don't believe it! Arbroath tried everything, they even took their own wind with them. However, they had Murray, Bird and Slater on from the start but O'Brien missed out. Zak Delaney also started for the Red Lichties. A bright opening spell saw Alex Samuel denied twice inside five minutes. Once by a combination of Max Boruc and his crossbar, the second by Boruc on his own as Samuel got his shot away from inside the box. Wallace Duffy got the goal we deserved on the interval as he drove across the keeper from the right side of the box to put us in ahead at the break. Leighton McIntosh restored parity on the hour as he drilled home from eighteen yards, but Alex Samuel won the points with a late strike to all but relegate ten man Arbroath who had Ricky Little sent off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arbroath were on the back foot from the off as Inverness had the wind at their backs and Austin Samuel was unlucky not to open the scoring in the fourth minute as he turned and shot from the edge of the box. However Max Boruc brilliantly tipped his shot onto the bar. A minute later he got on the end of a ball in the box and forced another save from Boruc as we looked like turning the Smokies over. Max Anderson was also thwarted by Boruc when through on goal when Anderson should have been bulging the net. Despite our superiority, we struggled thereafter to create that premium opening until the stroke of half time when Wallace Duffy drilled in from the right side of the box. Unfortunately we lost Remi Savage to injury just before the goal and he was replaced by Danny Devine after an accidental kick in the face from Kerr. Half Time: 1-0 Just after the break Billy Mckay saw an effort saved from fifteen yards. However, we made heavy weather of a Smokies foray forward and Leighton McIntosh levelled the game fifteen minutes into the second half with a great strike from the edge of the box. Devine headed badly wide when his threepenny bit head nodded astray as we looked to get our noses back in front and Samuel was denied by Boruc as he ran through on goal, the keeper doing well to deny the striker for the third time. Boruc punced away a Cammy Harper free kick Arbroath were reduced to ten men when persistent fouler Ricky Little was dismissed. Alex Samuel got the goal his tenacious display deserved as he won a ball into the box he had no right to win. He then turned and lashed it home from fifteen yards on the left side of the box, I think he enjoyed that one. Great finish from the wee battler. FULL TIME: 2-1 Alex Samuel scored his fifth goal for the Caley Jags and his first since his hat-trick against Raith Rovers at the end of January. He was the difference between the sides today as Arbroath struggled to cope with his aggressive style which eventually led to his winning goal. Good to see the much maligned Wallace Duffy scoring as well, his second in a couple of weeks having also netted at Tannadice. Sadly for Arbroath they will now be relegated at the end of the season unless they perform a miracle. More match reaction to follow>>> Date: 06/04/2024 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2223 Referee: Colin Steven Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Carragher, Boyes, Savage (Savage 44), Duffy, Kerr, Anderson, Lawal (Longstaff 73), Harper, Samuel, B Mckay (Doran 88) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Ujdur, MacGregor, Brooks, Pepple Scorers: Duffy (45+1), Samuel (80) Booked: none Sent Off: none Arbroath: 1 Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: Boruc; Walker (Lyon 64), Slater, Little, Murray (Dow 73), Gold (McKenna 34), Mackinnon, Delaney, Bird (Stowe 73), Stewart, McIntosh Subs (not used): Gaston; Steele, Teale, Jacobs, Robinson Scorers: McIntosh (61) Booked: Little (31), Little (76) Stowe (85) Sent Off: Little (76) a

The wait is over Having lain idle since the 5th of May Championship flop against Ayr United, the long wait for the Scottish Cup Final is over for the Caley Jags. The Semi-Final was played out on the 29th of April, a 3-0 win over Falkirk guaranteeing our place in the final where we will face the daunting task of stopping forty time Cup winners Celtic from winning the treble. Not an easy task I hear you say. However, you've got to be in it to win it, and we find ourselves in our second Scottish Cup Final in eight years. We have a long way to go to catch up with Celtic though as this will be their sixtieth appearance in the final. I imagine the stattos amongst us will be searching their Guinness Book of Records to find out the biggest winning margin in the Scottish Cup Final. I'll save you the bother. Renton 6-1 v Cambuslang on 4th February 1888. Or, ominously, Celtic 6-1 Hibernian on 6th May 1972. Are we about to re-write the record books? Check all the records at Scottish Cup Records. Win or lose, I hope you all enjoy the occasion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The route to the final Inverness struggled to overcome a stubborn Stirling Albion side at our entry level in the Scottish Cup 3rd round. Dale Carrick had opened the scoring in the 27th minute but Wallace Duffy levelled five minutes later. Max Ram then put us ahead five minutes before the break and we all breathed a sigh of relief. However, the Binos were not finished and Carrick scored a second in stoppage time before the interval. With twenty minutes left Aaron Doran scored what proved to be the winner, but credit to the visitors for making us work extra hard to get through to the fourth round. The 4th round tie with Queens Park turned from gloom to joy. After beating Inverness 2-0 on the pitch, Queens Park were dumped out of the Cup for fielding an illegible player in the shape of Euan Henderson. How fortuitous. Has anyone ever won the Cup after being knocked out? The 5th round saw Inverness face Premiership opposition away from home at Livingston. Fear not as Billy Mckay scored a brilliant brace to add to a Sean Welsh header to put us into the quarter final. 6th round was another Premiership scalp with Kilmarnock visiting the Caledonian Stadium on a snowy March evening. Despite suffering an early setback when Vassell scored in the third minute, the Caley Jags dug deep and overcame Killie with a Billy Mckay penalty and a superb Sean Welsh strike in the middle of a snow storm. Semi-Final: It was a re-run of the 2015 final with Inverness taking on Falkirk for for a place in the final. Inverness proved to be too clinical for the Bairns with another brace from Billy Mckay and a superb header from Dan Mackay. Always a step ahead of the Bairns, it was a relatively comfortable passage into the final, where one would imagine Celtic will provide a much sterner test. Hampden Calling... Again Celtic's route to the final: 4th Round: Celtic 5-0 Morton - Mooy x2, Furuhashi x2, Turnbull. 5th Round: Celtic 5-1 St Mirren - Maeda, Hatate x2, Hyeo-gyu, O'Riley. 6th Round: Hearts 0-3 Celtic - Mooy, Furuhashi, Vickers. Semi-Final: Rangers 0-1 Celtic - Jota. Celtic seemed to scrape through their ties scoring fourteen goals for the loss of only two. Surprisingly the bookies see Celtic as favourites to lift the Cup. Meh, what do they know! Inverness warmed up for the final with a hastily arranged kick-about against Dungannon Swifts in County Tyrone on 20th May. It ended 3-1 for Inverness and the whole squad managed to get a kick of the ball at some stage of the game. There was also an alleged closed doors practice against Nairn County. Celtic's month was somewhat fuller. After defeating Rangers in the semi-final on 30th April, they beat Hearts 2-0 at Tynecastle. They followed that by losing 3-0 at Ibrox in the final old firm derby of the season then drew 2-2 with St Mirren. A midweek game at Easter Road on the 24th May resulted in a 4-2 defeat for ten man Celtic. Looks like they're knackered now and we will be full of beans after a month off However, a week before the final, they played their last Premiership game of the season against Aberdeen at Parkhead. That's Aberdeen, the third best placed team in the Scottish Premiership. Looks like they were out in full force this week having rested half their team over the last couple of games and they trounced Aberdeen 5-0. Just let these stats sink in against Scotland's third best football club this season. Celtic--------VVVVVVVV--------Aberdeen Celtic 76% - Possession - 24% Aberdeen Celtic 20 ------- Shots ------- 0 Aberdeen Celtic 8 -- Shots on Target -- 0 Aberdeen Celtic 10 ------ Corners ------ 2 Aberdeen On the plus side, we have knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup on three occasions. Contrary to popular belief we did not get to keep them for that. There was the SuperCaleyGoBallistic in 2000, followed by the week after beating Liverpool in the UEFA Cup in 2003 (Henrik Larrson and all), and who can forget the Hand of Josh thriller in the 2015 semi-final before we went on to lift the Cup against Falkirk. Overall, we have beaten Celtic seven times in competitive games and drawn seven times. Stats will show that Celtic have won thirty-four times. Fortunately, stats don't win games. Latest Team News Inverness CT have a full squad to pick from after a month off apart from Sutherland and Walsh. In saying that, the likes of Roddy MacGregor has had little game time in his recovery from injury, so some may not be 100% fit. ***Look back in later in the week to hear from Billy Dodds ahead of the final*** Celtic have a squad full of Eastern promise and full international players. Let's not dwell too much on that. Furuhashi took a knock against Aberdeen but it's not a major concern? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Player of the Season Awards In some sort of clandestine ceremony on Monday night, the seasonal awards were handed over, cloak and dagger style at the Caledonian Stadium. Unsurprisingly Billy Mckay was the big winner. Is it written in the stars for Billy to move level with the legendary Dennis Wyness in this Scottish Cup Final. Now that would be some story! Congratulations to all the winners. Well deserved Player of the Year Awards 2022/23 Tonight the winners of our Player of the Year awards were presented with their awards. Players’ Player of the Year 2022-23 was Billy Mckay, as presented by Head Coach Billy Dodds! Players’ Young Player of the Year 2022-23 was Cameron Harper, also presented by Head Coach Billy Dodds. Fans Player of the Year 2022-23 was Billy Mckay, as presented by Laura Grant from the Supporters Trust! Fans Young Player of the Year 2022-23 was Nathan Shaw, as presented by Lady Kath Fraser from the Supporters Trust! Goal of the Season 2022-23 was Billy Mckay’s second goal v Livingston, as presented by Barry Wilson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On yer bike Steve Message from Joonya Many of you may remember The Highland March - a walking event between the final two league matches of ICT's season, of which took place every year from 2003 to 2015. Well, two of us former marchers have come together to do something different in the build up to the Scottish Cup Final. Steve 'Yompa' Taylor (formerly known as 'InterTheNet') will be donning the lycra to cycle from Caledonian Stadium to Hampden Park IN A DAY. Steve sets off at 3am on Tuesday 30th May, and I will be joining him as the support driver. We'll be doing this for charity, with all monies being split equally between MikeysLine and the Celtic Foundation. Both of these charities provide mental health support to people of all backgrounds, in and around Glasgow and the Highlands. We invite you to follow us on Twitter (@Road2Hampden) where you will find the Just Giving page. Please donate what you can, if you can. Thank you ICT have supported MikeysLine since their inception in 2015, and John Robertson is an ambassador for the charity. They provide Mental Health support to people across Inverness and the Highlands. But why Celtic Foundation too? Over recent years, supporters of the foundation have helped Yompa raise money and awareness for the Solving Kids Cancer charity. It's his way of giving something back, at a time when two teams with history in this competition come head to head in the final. Every donation helps, and we'd like to thank everyone for their support ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FANZONE Here's Scooty & the Skyhooks plus good luck messages The Wyness Shufflers have been busy and here's your Cup Final podcast 'Back to the Future' from the guys RIGHT HERE What's in it for you: Two and a half hours of all things Caley Thistle. The pre-match venue, memorable games with Celtic, ICT Legends with Stuart Golabeck, Ross Tokely, James Vincent, Dennis Wyness and current captain Sean Welsh and don't miss Sandy's Scottish Cup Final tune. Well done guys, a great effort. Your pre-Cup Final entertainment for Caley Jags fans. Provided by the fans for the fans: Get yourself along to The Ferry before the game for some pre-match Shenanigans & Schiehallions. Three bars available Food available Families Welcome Face painting Doors Open: 11:00am Entertainment from 12:00 > 4:00 Bus to game (maybe) BUY TICKETS £4 Where? The Ferry 25 Anderston Quay Glasgow G3 8BX

Better late than never... Here's an appetiser from our site owner Scotty: This article will be a first – in more ways than one. "It’s the first article I have written in quite a while and It’s the first time we will announce two years’ worth of Player of the Year winners in a single article, and as you read through it you will discover more firsts as we go along. First a word about our award history. We first dished this out – to Bobby Mann – in 2000/01 and it has consistently been one of only two external supporters’ awards recognized by the club since then, with the other being the Supporters Club PotY. It was also, until his tragic passing, included in Ian Broadfoot’s comprehensive and official club stats. We take great pride in that and continue to seek to ensure the voting process is handled with fairness and integrity. Without further ado, let’s get going and start talking numbers. Season 2019/2020: The season all started normally enough. COVID & Coronavirus were not yet in the vernacular, social distancing was drinking in a different pub than the opposition fans, and our idea of low crowds was reserved for a wet and windy Tuesday night in the league cup where figures dropped below 1000. The 2019/20 PotY calculation was ‘normal’ from the season start in July, right up to March and then of course with the season being cut short there were no awards for the final three months of the season... OK OK, enough from Scotty, once he starts he won't stop... Before we get too far into this season, we better tell you who has won the CTO Player of the Year trophy. With the previous couple of seasons being disrupted by covid 19, these results were put into cold storage and almost forgotten about. Step forward IBM and ictEWD. These guys have been working tirelessly in the background updating stats, adding current stats/results and new information to this site and keeping the voting polls going. Along with that Eric has produced a wonderful spreadsheet and Iain has collated all the votes over the last two seasons to come up with the Player of the Year for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. It doesn't make it any easier to sort out but the same player has won both titles despite missing a fair chunk of last season through injury, all this despite his hairband! He is our 20th and 21st winner and the first to win it twice. He is very deserving of this award and scored his first goal for the club last season in his 47th appearance, a beauty against Dunfermline after cutting in from the right wing and rifling the ball across the keeper. He won the supporters Player of the Year last season as well. He also picked up the Championship Player of the Month back in March and he has been playing an unfamiliar role at right back since coming back from injury. His hairband is the topic of much discussion. Signing on for another three seasons has ensured him of cult status at the Caledonian Stadium and we look forward to cheering him on for the foreseeable future. 2019-2020 was a close run affair with David Carson (225 votes) edging out another fans favourite Shaun Rooney (206) with Mr consistency Mark Ridgers in third place (196) Carson came from behind with a late run to pip Rooney and Ridgers by winning the polls for February and March. Ridgers had a busy winter topping the votes in November and December with Rooney the main man for some swashbuckling performances in August and January. The top three had pulled well clear of the rest of the field. Scotty clarifies the voting system thus... In the 9 months where there were awards, 3 players each got Player of the Month twice and three more got that accolade once. There were a total of 1842 votes cast over the course of the shortened season, which although down from previous years was still healthy given the circumstances. These were spread amongst a total of 23 players. Over the course of the season the player with the highest number of votes cast for them (regardless of the value of the votes 5/3/1) was David Carson with 225 votes. Second spot for 2019/2020 goes to Shaun Rooney with 206 votes with Mark Ridgers claiming third spot with 196 votes. 2020-2021 turned out to be another success story for David Carson despite missing the start of the season through injury. Such was his impact on return he collected the trophy for an unprecedented second season. It was even tighter in this shortened season with only three votes separating the top two. David Carson - 134 Scott Allardice - 131 Nikolay Todorov - 112 So, belated congratulations to David. Monthly winners starting in October Dan Mackay in April - No doubt for his stunning goal and performance in the Scottish Cup against Ross County. He has won a few accolades since signing for Inverness, but none so prestigious as the CTO Player of the Year. Above he can be seen in the supporters Player of the Year photo <pic from ICTFC> below he is brandishing the Scottish Championship Player of the Month for March. Here's David with the Championship Player of the Month in March 2021 Here's our Bio of your CTO PotY for the last two seasons: David Carson spent his early career with Ashington. In 2014, Carson signed for Blackburn Rovers but he returned to non-league, playing with South Shields, Whitby Town and Morpeth Town from whence he came to ICT from on a free transfer on 15 May 2019. His last season in Evo-Stik East League saw the 23-year-old named league player of the season, as well as making the league team of the year, as Morpeth Town secured a league and Cup double. When Carson signed for Scottish Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, John Robertson tipped him for success. He had made 37 appearances for Inverness but he had yet to score although he likes a yellow card gaining 8 bookings prior the the 20/21 season. David missed the start of season 20/21 through injury. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win over Dunfermline in his 47th appearance following MotM performances in his previous three games at right back. David has extended his stay by adding three years to his contract announced on 15th April 2021 which keeps him at Inverness until end of season 2024 and was the supporters player of the year choice.

Deal or no Deal After a season that promised so much, went tit's up then almost recovered in time to make the play-offs, we head into season 2021-2022 without some familiar faces but also some new ones as we continue our drive to get back to the Premiership. Are the cards on the table or have some already played their hand. So far Tom Walsh is the first 'new player' to sign on, let's hope there's plenty more to come. *This page will be updated as new contracts are announced* ICTFC SQUAD UPDATE 15th June Billy Mckay 16th June Manny Duku 16th June Reece McAlear loan deal 17th June Welcome Michael Gardyne 17th June Kirk Broadfoot incoming 11th July The Boss: Neil McCann filled in for John Robertson with help from Billy Dodds when Robbo went on compassionate leave. They almost guided us back on track but we came up just short of a play-off place. Neil & Billy have been showered with plaudits from the Caley Jags support for their help but the time is right for the Boss to return. John Robertson will be back, but not as manager. He is moving upstairs as Sporting Director. So, apply within. Neil McCann did his best to sell the club to prospective signings as he left the Caledonian Stadium. Thanks Neil, good job well done. Deal: First and foremost, Billy Dodds is the new Head Coach signing a two year deal. He replaces John Robertson and interim Manager Neil McCann and after a CV sift he has emerged as the new man at the wheel. Good luck Billy. At the end of last season, we quickly extended the contracts of four of our promising young team. Defenders Harry Nicolson and Ryan Fyffe along with midfielder Lewis Hyde. Injured wide player Anthony McDonald was given another year to show his worth after his second spell with us was a total write-off when he was injured in training. A subsequent operation will hopefully have him ready for the new season. Already dealt: Mark Ridgers: One of the best keepers in the Championship (2022) Wallace Duffy: Young defender who missed latter part of season through injury (2022) Danny Devine: Proved his worth in a solid back four (2022) Robbie Deas: Great first season for Robbie, filled in at left back as well and now capped at u21. (2023) Cameron Harper: Made left back his own until injury, great young player and also capped at u21. (2022) Roddy MacGregor: Talented midfielder, getting stronger, superb prospect and another u21 cap. (2022) Sean Welsh: Influential captain, penalty taker and midfield creator (2022) Scott Allardice: Explosive first season, joint players PotY, midfield powerhouse (2023) David Carson: PotY & CTO PotY, what an engine whether at full back or midfield (2024) New Deal - Coming back for more: Shane Sutherland: More to offer and signed a one year extension (2022) Welcome (Back) to the Caledonian Stadium: Tom Walsh: Returns for a second spell at the Caley Jags after an injury curtailed season at Ayr United and the exciting wide player has penned a two year deal until the end of May 2023. He scores when he wants: Billy Mckay returns to the Caledonian Stadium after serving time on the dark side. (2 year deal) Incoming from Raith Rovers: 28 year old Striker Manny Duku signs a one year deal. !0 goals for Raith last season. Michael Gardyne: Is taking the plunge and stepping up to the top team in the Highlands from the village pub team in Dingwall. (1 year deal) Loan Deal: Its a 1 year loan deal for midfielder Reece McAlear who comes in from Norwich City. Late signing: Inverness have struck a deal to sign Kirk Broadfoot. The former Scotland international has agreed an initial one year deal with an option. Caley Thistle boss Billy Dodds has convinced the ex-Rangers star to move to the Highlands. The deal will also see Broadfoot start his coaching career with the academy at Inverness. No Deal - Who is in the departure lounge: Daniel Mackay: What a season Dan had. Young PotY and goal of the season against County in the Cup. Hibs snapped up Dan with a year left on his contract for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be six figures. Massive potential, Dan has left the building having scored 12 goals in 57 appearances for the Caley Jags, 9 in his final season. Lewis Toshney: left before the end of the season after injury curtailed his appearances. James Keatings: injury prone season saw him leaving for Raith Rovers on a PCA. Scott Allan: Loan expired and returned to Hibs. What a talent, will be missed. Arran Lyall: Loan expired, promising wide player, returned to Rangers. Brad Mckay: Much maligned defender, played his part in miserly back four but he is off to Falkirk on a 3 year deal after five seasons at Inverness with 164 appearances scoring 8 goals. Nikolay Todorov: Turned down improved contract and will not be coming back after finishing the season strongly scoring 11 goals. James Vincent: is leaving after making 106 appearances and scoring 7 goals. One in particular will never be forgotten as we lifted the Scottish Cup in 2015. Kevin McHattie: His injury hit career at Inverness is over after just 39 appearances. Always a good professional. Miles Storey: Promises so much, seldom delivers... had been speaking with Billy Dodds but has allegedly rejected a new deal and will leave. Martin Mackinnon: Third choice keeper moving on. Shane Harkness: Not getting game time and moving on. Waiting to play their cards: Cammy Mackay: Reserve keeper while Ridgers is here, would need to go elsewhere for a regular start but has turned up for training. Aaron Doran: Seems like the fragile wide player has been here forever and is down to turn up for training for the start of the new season. Mackay and Doran look as though they will be here this season although no confirmation anywhere??? Kevin McHattie: Injury hit season, his time is up at Inverness. James Vincent: Bit part player, allegedly the dream is over for Cup hero??? Nikolay Todorov: Almost got us there, scored some great goals (11) last season... Martin Mackinnon, Shane Harkness, Kane Davies??? New Hands: Stepping up from the Academy, Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are delighted to announce that Academy Graduates Ethan Cairns, Robbie Thompson, Lewis Nicolson, Alisdair Riddle and Harry Hennem have signed their first professional contracts with the club. Read More. Other home grown talent in the squad include Cameron Harper, Roddy MacGregor, Ryan Fyffe, Lewis Hyde, Harry Nicolson and keeper Cammy Mackay. Let's shuffle the pack? Kane Davies - Waiting for information? 2021: C Mackay, Doran, waiting for info? 2022: M Ridgers, Duffy, Devine, Harper, MacGregor, Welsh. 2023: Allardice, Deas, Carson - 2024

Inverness, Scottish Cup Winners How good does that feel! What a day that was, one that started for me at five in the morning when the alarm went off in North Kessock and ended in Edinburgh around midnight with a grin etched on the face. Inverness Caledonian Thistle are the 2015 Scottish Cup winners. Many made massive sacrifices for the cause, coming from around the globe. It was well worth it in the end, although in true tradition, we don't do anything the easy way and that was credit to Falkirk who can count themselves a tad unlucky after a courageous second half performance where Inverness weathered the storm to eventually lift the cup after having to play out the final twenty minutes with ten men. We went in at the break a goal to the good after getting to grips with the game halfway through the first period, Marley Watkins finishing with aplomb after a seven man move. Carl Tremarco was sent packing after 75 minutes after he mis-controlled a ball and then scythed down Blair Alston as he sped goalwards. Schoolboy error from Carl that was punished five minutes later when Peter Grant headed powerfully home from the vacant left back position. However, an unlikely hero came forward and James Vincent applied the finishing touch after Jamie MacDonald spilled a Watkins shot. The rest is history. The fans were in good spirits in the build up to the game and plenty of shouting juice had passed the lips. Inside the stadium there was a marvellous card display from the Inverness end and it was a pleasure to be part of it. Massive congratulations to all who set that one up, it looked fantastic. Inverness fans were dealt a blow before kick off as semi hero David Raven was out which left us with an unfamiliar back four. Esson in goal but in front of him, only Josh Meekings was in his normal position. Devine replaced the suspended Gary Warren and Carl Tremarco was at left back with departing captain Graeme Shinnie filling in at right back with Raven missing. Danny Williams was on the bench and Aaron Doran started. Falkirk were minus the cup-tied Mark Kerr and John Baird, but Rory Loy started, despite Houston claiming he might not make it. A bright afternoon saw Falkirk get off to the better start, but it was a typical cup final, all a bit cagey in the opening exchanges, nobody wanting to make the first mistake. Whilst always keeping the fans attention, there was little goalmouth action with defences on top as Inverness began to edge their way forward with around twenty minutes gone. Ryan Esson was eventually called into action and comfortably saved a low shot from Will Vaulks from outside the box. Vaulks fired a vicious shot from thirty yards eight minutes later and that one had the Falkirk fans off their seats as the ball ruffled the top corner of the net. Alas for the Bairns, it was the wrong side of the net. Closest call yet though, phew! We were not at our best but at least we were not behind. That close shave seemed to alert Inverness to the dangers and Aaron Doran brought a save from Macdonald as we started to pass the ball better, although the defence were needing more help from the front men who were not holding onto the ball. Shinnie then had our best attempt so far as he fired a shot come cross wide with Watkins lurking, and it was evident the tide was turning. Watkins then had a shot saved as it went straight at the keeper and a corner followed soon after. We were now controlling the pace of the game and the 38th minute saw Inverness go ahead with a wonderful team goal. Falkirk lost possession deep in the Inverness half. We transferred the ball smartly up the right side in a seven man move. The final touches saw Aaron Doran slip a tidy ball through to Marley Watkins and his pace and power saw him drift goalwards to slide the ball past MacDonald for the opening goal. Scenes of Red and Blue in the Inverness end as jubilation broke out in the stands. The dream was now in full swing as the half ended with Inverness on top. Half Time 1-0 I don't know what Houston said at half time, but it transformed the Bairns. They were up for this and we would have to weather the storm as they surged forward looking for a leveller. Vaulks was the main threat and he went close again five minutes after the restart. On the hour mark and Blair Alston lifted a shot just over inside a packed box as Falkirk upped the pace. Inverness were by now finding the Bairns to be more of a handful than they should have been as they won successive corners and Vaulks again shot over. Substitute Botti Bia Bi went very close soon after and manager of the year John Hughes decided to make a change. Little did he know how important that change would be as he introduced James Vincent for young player of the year Ryan Christie. With 75 minutes on the clock, Carl Tremarco was invited to leave the field by Willie Collum after he lost the ball then brought down Alston. No complaints this time though as Collum had little option. Tremarco was distraught and Inverness would have to play out the game with ten men. Vaulks again tested Esson from close range as the Bairns smelled blood and went for the jugular. Inverness were reduced to frantic defending and the fans were watching through their fingers as the final twenty minutes would take a lifetime to pass. Within five minutes of Tremarco leaving, Falkirk were level. A free kick on the left flank saw Alston pick out Peter Grant who wanted it most and he flashed a powerful header high into the net for a not undeserved equaliser. Game on. James Vincent went to right back with Shinnie moving over to the left as Inverness re-jigged after the sending off. There was nothing else for it but to get up the park and have a go or face the prospect of extra time and penalties. That threat disappeared when Watkins pace saw him break forward to surge clear of the defence with Falkirk caught up the other end. He slowed down outside the box and tried to curl a low shot to the left of the keeper. Now then, I've seen better shots but MacDonald fluffed his lines as he dived low to his left. He only succeeded in pushing the ball to the left side of the box and James Vincent who had made a lung bursting run to catch up with Watkins got to the loose ball first and knocked it into the empty net. Absolute pandemonium in the Inverness end once more and there were only five more minutes of normal time to hold on to our advantage. Luke Leahy went close in the ninetieth minute as Falkirk tried to scramble the game towards extra time and five minutes of time added on saw a huge sigh from the Highlanders. Nick Ross replaced Man of the Match Marley Watkins with three minutes remaining but Falkirk could not find that elusive second goal and the end result was just fantastic for Inverness Caledonian Thistle and their fans who were singing and dancing in the Hampden Stands. Full Time 2-1 It was tough and hard to bear for the Falkirk fans who had witnessed their team give their all, but it's all about scoring the most goals and we did just that. More scenes of Red and Blue followed as the Inverness contingent stayed to cheer the victors and witness the Cup presentation. Graeme Shinnie leaves for Aberdeen now, but he might never experience this again, as he kissed the cup and waved it above his head, duly followed by the rest of the squad. What a moment to be a Caley Thistle fan. 21 years in the making but a combined 239 years of magnificent history. Celebratory beers were the order of the day and I met up with some Falkirk fans in the Horseshoe Bar where Gordon Mason presented me with a trophy off his back. He gave me a Falkirk shirt and wished us all well. Great fans and a credit to their club. MotM will be going to Marley Watkins who scored the first and made the second with a little help from Jamie Macdonald. In truth, and here is the unsavoury bit, there were not too many contenders for the title, most players having an off day. Danny Devine was better than most and Graeme Shinnie, as always, gave everything. We struggled up front and Eddie Ofere has had better days. In fairness to him, we rarely got the ball forward so it's hardly his fault. Carl Tremarco will be disappointed but he performed well up to that point. It is unfair to pick out anyone though, good or bad so I'll leave it there and say congratulations to everybody from the ball boys to the the fans, what an achievement for our club. Steve Hislop and Bobby Mann were not far off in their predictions and I met Barry Wilson after the game as well, all in all, a great day out and there would be another one on Sunday as the Cup was paraded through Inverness. Match Highlights... Celebrations continue in Inverness... Date: 30/05/15 Venue: Hampden Park Attendance: 37149 Referee: Willie Collum Inverness CT: 2 Lineup: Esson, Shinnie, Meekings, Devine, Tremarco, Christie (Vincent 72), Draper, Tansey, Doran (Williams 78), Watkins (Ross 93), Ofere Subs (not used): Mackay, Horner, Polworth, Kink Scorers: Watkins (38), Vincent (86) Booked: None Sent Off: Tremarco (75) Falkirk: 1 Lineup: MacDonald, Duffie, McCracken, Grant, Leahy, Alston, Vaulks, Taiwo, Sibbald, Smith (Bia Bi 63), Loy (Morgan 95) Subs (not used): Muirhead, Bowman, Dick, Cooper, Blair Scorers: Grant (80) Booked: Taiwo (76) Sent Off: None

Inverness extend their stay at the top Inverness failed to set the heather on fire but did enough to earn their chips at Auchterarder as they beat SPFL strugglers Kilmarnock by the odd goal in three. Richie Foran, the SPFL player of the month, and N Ireland international striker Billy McKay scored for the visitors with Barry Nicholson getting the last touch in a bizarre goal for Killie. This was an error strewn match but manager of the month Terry Butcher's side always had the edge over a disappointing Kilmarnock who looked more like a pub side than a team playing in the top division in Scotland. Immortal Howden Ender took a break from ghost duties to write this report for us..................... Well I suppose that the old cliche says that it takes a good team to take three points away from home when they are not performing at their best. That was a rather uninspiring performance but we were still streets ahead in regard to quality and endeavour - and if we had scored a second early doors we could have cruised home in comfort. As it was we were happy to hear the final whistle although we never looked like or deserved to be losing two points. Lets liken it to the Bazooka Joe experience - or probably Hubba Bubba to the yoof - I can recall blowing this massive bubble until it popped and stuck to ma face. It would then take ages to peel the debris off and ages to get the energy to blow another fecker up. But I still have this big bubble in front of me and it ain't going to burst easily. And I suspect that if it does I will comfortably peel the debris off, unwrap a new chewy and start blowing it up again. This ICT side really do have the togetherness factor and are simply not going to implode. They may stutter but they could explode again. We decided not to stir up the spirits in the Hunting Lodge but drank some spirits in the Portmann Hotel - which is recommended for future Killie trips. There was a rather subdued support today and averaged in the 40+ years and that is why we didn't bounce to the Ultra ditty until just on full time !! As fer the game - not one to write home for - but Foran netted again after 5 minutes. If he had been found the first time he would have been offside but by the time the second attack came round he was in the perfect position. If we had got a second soon after - and we clearly went fer it - we could have feckin hammered them. We were by far the better team in the first 45 and perhaps Doran could have netted one of his two chances. But we went more and more on the back foot and allowed Killie to pass the ball although they never did anything in the last third. Their equaliser evidently came as a shock and Nicholson benefited from a lucky ricochet off a Shinnie clearance which left Brill with no chance. It did kick us back into life and McKay lobbed home a beauty to take the lead again. But instead of capitalising we seemed to sit back and look to score on the break. To me that was tactically wrong and let Killie more in to the game and us resorting more and more to the hoof. I would have to say that I was actually disgusted by the tactics employed when we got a corner with 4 minutes to go. We put ONE feckin player in the box and went to time waste. Sure, that may have gained us two very valuable points but it was negative and disappointing in the extreme. But as the final whistle blew we were / are still TOP of the league and deservedly so. The brethren again paid homage to the footballing gods as TB emerged from his pulpit and led the faithful in the celebratory homage. To me - Foran has been a revelation this season and was my MotM by a country mile. Just behind him was a more difficult choice but I would plump fer Meekings and Draper. It is probably homage to the defensive unit that Brill is still relatively untested. He had no chance with the dodgy goal and had only one real save which may have been going wide anyway. His distribution however waned in the second half. Raven was solid enuff although TB must have been pished off that he managed to play half an hour in a brilliant white and un blooded head bandage. Warren was solid if not as effective as usual. Boyd is still a handful if not well past his SPL sell by date. Shinnie is as good an attacking wingback as there is - especially in comparison to Lee Wallace. Ross and Doran looked good at times but were employed more in a defensive role. Poor Vincent worked his socks off but can anybody tell me what his feckin role was today. McKay again ploughed a lone furrow but his chip was worthy of winning any game. I really hope that today was horses for courses and we are more attacking at the Hill of Dung. But I and you can probably put up with another week of adrenaline and serotonin surge. Date: 14.09.2013 Venue: Rugby Park, Kilmarnock Attendance: 3063 Referee: Steven Mclean Kilmarnock: 1 Lineup: Samson, Clohessy, Irvine, Tesselaar, McKeown, Nicholson, Fowler (Pascali 70), Jacobs (Stewart 76), Gros (Ibrahim 46), Gardyne, Boyd Subs (not used): Reguero, O'Hara, Ashcroft, Pooler Scorers: Nicholson (51) Booked: Pascali (76) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Lineup: Brill, Raven, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie, Draper, Foran, Ross, Vincent (Williams 81), Doran, McKay (Agdestein 85). Subs (not used): Esson, Devine, Greenhalgh, Tremarco, Polworth Scorers: Foran (6), McKay (56) Booked: Shinnie (86) Sent Off: none

CTO Player of the Year 2018/19 - COLL DONALDSON Players of the Month Month Player August R.Calder / Tom Walsh September Mark Ridgers October Coll Donaldson November C.Donaldson / M.Ridgers December Tom Walsh January Tom Walsh February Coll Donaldson March Aaron Doran April Jamie McCart May Charlie Trafford The CaleyThistleOnline.com player of the year awards started back in season 2000-2001, and is one of only two external supporter awards recognised by the club and also recorded in Ian Broadfoot's official club stats. We take great pride in that and continue to seek to ensure the voting process is handled with fairness and integrity. The results over the last 18 years have usually been a pretty good indicator of the season that had just passed and this season's votes seem no different than previous years in that respect. From reading the forums and the supporter assessments of the players on a weekly basis, I would hazard a guess that most fans would easily be able to rhyme off the top 5 or 6 names quite easily. This year however was the first time we had the little wrinkle that is the playoffs to add some spice to the run-in. With a 7 point lead going into the last official league game of the season, last year's runner-up Coll Donaldson was in pole position to take the plaudits. Could he maintain that or could someone catch him? There were a total of 2981 votes cast this season which was an 22% increase on last year. These votes were cast for a total of 23 different players over the course of the season. The season covered 10 months and two players each won 'Player of the Month' three times (Donaldson & Walsh), one player (Ridgers) earned it twice, and 4 other players took it for a single month (Calder, Doran, McCart and Trafford). If you are thinking that that adds up to 12 you are right !!! In August, the Player of the Month plaudits were shared between Walsh and Calder and in November it was shared between Donaldson and Ridgers ! The graphic below shows the number of votes cast each month regardless of 5/3/1 point value. We use this total number of votes cast to determine the player of the month standings. Over the course of the season the player with the highest number of votes cast for them (regardless of the value of the votes 5/3/1) was Coll Donaldson with 390 votes. Last year he finished in second spot with 338 votes so a very consistent young man in his Caley Thistle career so far. Second spot this year goes to Tom Walsh with 282 votes with the next three spots being taken up by Doran, Polworth and Ridgers who are all over the 250 vote mark. We noted last year that Iain Vigurs had been very dominant in pickling up POY points every month and that this wasnt a regular occurence .... Well, as if to prove us wrong, it happened again this year ! Of course it is easy to guess who did it, yup, Coll Donaldson picked up POY points every month and has equalled the Vigurs achievement of last year. A special mention has to go to Jamie McCart though .... Having amassed a grand total of 11 POY points through the first 8 months of the season he earned 26 in the months of April and May to shoot up the rankings and finish fifth. If the season had lasted a month longer he might have even caught up with the leaders. The final total for the year has Coll Donaldson retaining the lead he has held all season and finishing with 62 points. In second place is Aaron Doran with 52 and the next three are Liam Polworth and Tom Walsh in 3rd equal spot and Jamie McCart as mentioned pushing Mark Ridgers out of 5th spot to claim it for himself. Well done Coll, and to all the boys for a season where we almost got there on two fronts ... onwards and upwards and hopefully one step further next year.

Rendalls Rambles #1 Enjoy a walk down memory lane with Caley Jags and world football fan James Rendall. He's a well travelled football connoisseur who has been following the Caley Jags from the start. He has put together a fascinating nostalgic review of Inverness Caledonian Thistle's first 25 years as witnessed through his own eyes. Thanks James, a remarkable commitment to the beautiful game. Take a walk in James' shoes and relive the early days, with added input from CTO fans.............. The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Years #25 No.1 1994/95 (Games 1 to 20) There wasn't an exact moment I pinned my tail on Caledonian Thistle as they were known then. On the very same night as the club trotted out at Firs Park, Falkirk to face the Shire in its first ever competitive game, I chose to see my first ever Faroese team in HB (Havnar Bóltfelag) who oddly were visiting Fir Park! A bit like buses, the Faroese National side came by Hampden a couple of months later, going down 5-1. The legacy of post Meadowbank blues was still with me, and while I was drawn to both North clubs, the very fact the Inverness club was a cleansheet, a new club was the factor that swung it. My first ever Caley Thistle game was a 3-1 win at Telford Street versus Forfar in September, a rare moment of first season joy against the side who would romp away with the title. Indeed, by mid April I was at Victoria Park, Dingwall the day The Loons clinched promotion, and the final brilliant hoorah of an average campaign for Caley Thistle was thumping Ross County at Telford Street 3-0, a result that prevented them from going up ahead of us The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Years #25 No2 1995/96 (Games 21 to 61) The club were bedding in better, red had been rightly added to the club colours and we were putting teams away with greater ease. The first programme here was the first of two back to back 0-5 away wins, but ultimately we'd come up short of promotion perhaps distracted by a wonderful Cup run, that included a last minute equaliser at old Bayview with East Fife and a subsequent penalty victory on the coldest Monday night ever! After another higher league side in Stenhousemuir were beaten 1-0 away in the next round, we drew Rangers at home for the only time thus far in our history in the Quarter Final. The game was eventually moved to Tannadice but with Gascoigne, McCoist and Brian Laudrup all playing for the opposition, we gave a battling performance, if beaten 0-3. It gave us a taste of the Scottish Cup as a new club, but the two component parts had long loved Cup ties. A lockout at Perth by virtue of the extraordinary number who ventured south, a classic tie at old Brockville in a blizzard v Stirling Albion were two memories of Caledonian, while Thistle had beaten Kilmarnock 3-0 as well as gaining notoriety for the longest cancelled Cup game with Falkirk in history! The Inverness Caledonian Thistle Years, #25 No.3 1996/97 (games 62 to 96) In our third season in the league the new club was beginning to find its feet, and new heroes were developing. Having struggled with the loss of Meadowbank and even more so, my father, this was the season where I finally moved on too and really felt part of the new ICT nation. No one could know what would unfold in the coming years but this was to be quite a dramatic campaign and the start of a journey! Inverness was added to the name, the best thing they decided to do, as well as giving us notoriety for the longest name in European club football! The club also moved away from Telford Street, the home of Caledonian, allowing the ghost of both club to be finally left behind, although the new ground still carries the Caledonian name, a mistake in my opinion, especially if you are looking to heal wounds. It is odd how football regularly offers a sense of symmetry, with Arbroath acting as the first ever league opponent in August 1994, and the last at Telford Street with Ian Stewart and Brian Thomson scoring the goals in a 2-0 win. The wee star, Ian Stewart was at it again a month later scoring the club's first goal at the new Caledonian Stadium with low key opening day visitors in Albion Rovers, who nicked an equaliser in front of a full house. The stadium has evolved a lot since then, and the road behind the stand is a main stay of the Inverness road system, but considering what it cost, and when you look at Falkirk's main stand etc, the need for that road reduced the availability of funds to build a proper mainstand! By March, messers Stewart and Thomson were at it again in a 3-0 win over the wee team, Ross County, a result that kept ICT top of the league and the wee Dingwall mob in its place! By the time symmetry came round again in the shape of Albion Rovers a month later, Caley Thistle were relishing the wider expanse of the new stadium, and another Ian Stewart brace, as well as a Barry Wilson goal and a rare Marco de Barros strike gave us a 4-1 win and clinched the Third Division title. Who would join us going up was still in the balance going to into the penultimate fixture. Forfar who had gone up in our first season must have come straight back down, and in our last home game of the season the party was not spoiled by a 0-4 first league loss at the new ground. The win kept Forfar second on goal difference from Ross County, and the following week I went to Station Park to see the Loons finish the job beating Queen's Park to step up with us. It would be years before County would find the promotion formula Next two installments coming up weekly............. You can read all about James' worldwide footballing travels in his own excellent blog FOOTBALL ADVENTURES WITH JAMES RENDALL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Our own Mantis can go back further than most, and he was there on day one....... I was at the Shire game where Wilsie scored the first ever goal - the date is easy to remember as it’s my brother’s birthday. Followed up on the Saturday with the 5-2 v Arbroath and the following midweek at Dundee where the away strip got its first airing. Red and white stripes and blue shorts. In those days, midweek games kicked off at 7.30. I then missed a 4-0 hammering at home to Queens Park (boo!) and the Wilsie-inspired cuffing of County at Dingwall (big regrets), before we won at Albion Rovers with a second half strike from ‘spineless Norman’ (Monty Python reference for the young team). I fished out my season ticket for the 3-1 defeat of Forfar, which took us to the top of the league, with Dick Campbell moaning that we were a long ball team, despite having Charlie Christie, John Scott and Mike Noble in the team. I think the season ticket was about £45, maybe £50, which sounds very cheap as I think it was £4 at the gate. My final game, coincidentally, was a 1-0 defeat at Firs Park in April, featuring out of retirement Billy Urquhart, who had been at the first game as a supporter. My tally for the season was only 11 matches though, as like the team, I fell away badly after exiting the Scottish Cup, and I was still not the biggest fan of the merger. That second season, 95-96, was a low in my attendance at games. The whole ICT thing hadn't really caught fire for me after the merger, and I ended up seeing only 9 matches. Steve Paterson had taken over from Sergei, thankfully, and it wasn't all that long before the difference began to show, in the playing style and the results. The team finished the season in 3rd place behind Livi and Brechin (but ahead of County naturally) but was to sweep all before them the following year. If I'm honest, I showed up at a few games just to notch some new grounds, but I got my Caley Thistle news from the small band of regulars who travelled away with Caley Thistle, notably John Stewart, ex-Caley committee and his sons, one of whom is of course David, the MSP, and the other, Alan, who is a regular on here. I also became a regular traveller with big Dougie Lynn, and through him, met Ken MacDonald from Point in Lewis who, of course, is the father of big Lewis. The season started for me at Cliftonhill where 2 goals from Herchie looked to have won it before Rovers equalised in the last minute. Then a goalless draw at Brechin which we really should have won. A place which became a happy hunting ground for ICT in later years. Apparently Charlie scored a late equaliser at Telford Street to salvage a point against Alloa but, unusually, I can't recall anything of the game. A week before Xmas we had a dour 0-0 draw at Cowdenbeath in front of 230, although at the time I thought there were more people in the main street to see Santa and his sleigh before the game ? In the New Year, a highlight was beating Livi 2-0 at Almondvale with late goals from Christie and Teasdale. But of course the icing on the cake, as it so often was with Caley Thistle, was the Cup. I missed the legendary Herch-inspired comeback v Livi and jumped in at the East Fife stage. As Steve Archibald substituted himself late on in the replay, thinking the game was won, a wee bit of the future ICT spirit was revealed with a late Herchie equaliser and a cool 3-1 win on spot kicks. This led to the famous win at Ochilview as the team, backed by a healthy following, progressed due to a Luggy screamer with 15 minutes to go. From my acquaintances in the game, I can exclusively reveal that Terry Christie was so depressed by this result that the Stenhousemuir board and some of his friends had to talk him out of resigning. Then there was the Rangers game at Tannadice. A taste of things to come for ICT. Although we were well beaten in the end, most of us would have been happy with a goal, and we almost got one, courtesy of John Scott's drive which flashed narrowly over (I'm sure he went on to be a star somewhere ? ). For me, the ICT passion would be ignited next season. Here is TheMantis' own pre-merger site at Caley Nostalgia................ Thanks Mantis.

Honest Men come North It's heading towards Tam O' Shanter time as the Honest Men head North to tackle the Chapman Billies at the Caledonian Stadium in Inverness. Ayr have been a revelation this term and a breath of fresh Ayr has certainly breathed some life into the Championship with Lawrance Shankland being one of the reasons they sit at the business end of the table. They sit second in the League only three points behind County. Ayr thrashed Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice at the end of November, but since then they have drawn three and lost last week against Falkirk. Top scorer Lawrance Shankland missed that one and looks like missing out again. Our last two games have ended in defeat. We went down 2-1 in the Highland derby and threw away a lead against Queen of the South last week as two goals in a minute turned the game on it's head. It was a similar tale in the derby where we had the better of the game but ended up losing all three points, sums up the season so far. Due to a postponement at Somerset Park, we have only played Ayr once. That game ended goalless despite Ayr being reduced to ten men when Daniel Harvie was sent off in the first half. Ayr have a plethora of possible call offs which could include Lawrance Shankland, Mark Kerr, and Liam Smith . Andrew Geggan is back after suspension but midfielder Andrew Murdoch has reached the yellow card threshold and misses this game. Jamie Adams and Alan Forrest will definitely be out. For Inverness, Shaun Rooney serves the second of his two match ban and Brad Mckay has to serve a one match ban for accumulated bookings. Rumours also abound that possibly as many as three unnamed players might be down with the flu. Kevin McHattie could be involved given that at least two of our first choice defenders are out. George Oakley is still sidelined. Back up keeper Daniel Hoban has been loaned out to Forfar Athletic for the remainder of the season. Keeper Cammy Mackay has returned from Rothes and will cover for Mark Ridgers when required. Here's Kevin McHattie talking ahead of tomorrow's game. The Official Digital Online Programme is available HERE I asked the Bard for a prediction, he came up with this:- “The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley. An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy! In other words, it might not go to plan, which might annoy the fans................ Thanks Robbie. Another draw it is then! He also had some advice for Robbo:- “O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us! It wad frae monie a blunder free us, An' foolish notion.” Aye, well said Robbie, I'm sure our own Robbo will take that on board bard. Enjoy yer haggis & neeps peeps. If you like a wee flutter, our new partnership with FansBet can offer you something. Just click on FansBet to get started. "Remember to select CaleyThistleOnline when you register and you’ll be helping us support ICT fan causes." FansBet are partners with Supporters Direct Scotland and already have many impressive stories of giving back to and empowering fans, ranging from funding away travel, share purchases, backing safe standing projects and many more. You can read some of FansBet’s Giving Back stories on their blog at https://blog.fansbet.com/fansbet-giving-back/partners/fan/ Always remember to adopt safe gambling and responsible policies.

Tannadice test Inverness head to Tannadice this weekend and Caley Stan is yer man with a Preview to set up this clash for you. Dundee United are now spending a third consecutive season in the second tier of Scottish football. It feels weird to write that. Even though I don’t remember much about the eighties (youth not drugs), their incredible achievements throughout that decade (League Champions, UEFA Cup finalists, European Cup semi-finalists, perennial conquerors of FC Barcelona) formed a veneer of great stature around the club that barely seemed to diminish through the many years of mediocrity that followed. But relegation, boardroom wrangling, falling crowds and home defeats to the likes of Dumbarton and Ross County have taken their toll. Csaba Laszlo was sacked with the club on its knees, staring down the barrel of a fourth year out of the top flight, their grand history looking more and more like a curiosity, the answer to an obscure quiz question. Dundee were once European Cup semi-finalists too, you know. Isn’t that funny. History of the Fixture Won 16 Drawn 17 Lost 18 We first played Dundee United in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round of 1998 when a Paul Sheerin goal saw us lead at for the best part of an hour at Tannadice before a late Kjell Oloffson strike forced a replay. The replay was unforgettable – Gary McSwegan appeared to have finished the tie when he put United 2-0 up in the 85th minute. Then, in a turn of events that was typical of the Pele era, a quickfire Brian Thomson goal was followed, in the dying seconds, by the best goal of all time from Mark McCulloch. Lars Zetterlund won it for United in extra time, but the crowd of almost 6000 (yes, 6000 for a midweek replay) left elated – we had just gone toe-to-toe with an established top tier side for the first time in our history. The two sides didn’t meet again until 2004, and we failed to get the better of them in our first six attempts following promotion, though goals from Liam Fox and Barry Wilson saw us come out on top in a 2005 League Cup tie in Inverness. Our maiden league victory over United took place at Tannadice in February of the following year, and in some style. Craig Brewster had left Caley to take over there just a month before, threatening to take some of our best players (and David Proctor) with him. But Charlie Christie had us purring at the time, and while United led twice through two stunning free-kicks from Charlie Mulgrew, Darren Dodds headed home in between to keep us in the game before Wyness and Dargo ran riot - each getting on the scoresheet before Alan Morgan sealed the 4-2 victory. There have been some cracking encounters since, like this 4-0 stroll in the Caley Park, the time we went 3-0 down after 8 minutes but still felt gutted to leave with a point, and another time we did them 4-0 at Tannadice that I can’t find on youtube. League Form Dundee United Last 6: DDWLLW ICT Last 6: DWWDDD The two sides are tied on 14 points, though we have a game in hand and a superior goal difference. Our 19-game unbeaten run started 7 months ago with a 1-1 draw at Tannadice, but it’s starting to look tired. United won at Firhill last week in Robbie Nielson’s first game in charge after consecutive defeats put Laszlo out of his misery. With over a thousand Arabs making the trip to Maryhill, and a big crowd expected to welcome the new manager, it feels like circumstances might matter more than form on this occasion. Basically, it’s a crap time for us to be going there. Teams and Tactics Robbos’s faith in the White-headed 4-2-3-1 that was so effective at Dunfermline seemed to finally waver in the second half last week, with the half-time introduction of Daniel MacKay and subsequent sightings of Calder and Austin. However, I still fully expect to see the same starting eleven and shape – it’s at its best away from home against proactive opponents and is therefore ideal for this game. George Oakley is back in training but won’t feature tomorrow, while the existence of Angus Beith remains unconfirmed . Neilson played a 4-4-1-1 last week with Fraser Aird and Billy King in the wide positions and Paul McMullan playing off Slovakian internationalist, Pavlov Safranko. On paper, they look a cut above the rest of the league, with Fraser Fyvie anchoring the midfield and an enormous centre-half pairing of francophones Rachid Bouhenna and Frederic Frans, combined height – 12 feet and 7 inches. The Shed We’ll be back in ‘The Shed’ tomorrow, a wonderful throwback to a different era of stadia, with a sixty year-old corrugated iron roof that acts as effective amplifier and visible reminders of the terracing that once stood beneath it. Prediction Ach, it’s only a game. Win, lose or draw you’ll get home to your bed just the same.

Groundhog Day Yes folks, it's our annual League Cup semi-final pilgrimage against Hearts at Easter Road coming up this weekend at erm, well, Easter Road. The prize for the victors is a final appearance against Aberdeen who thumped St Johnstone 4-0, with Jonny Hayes and Adam Rooney prominent and amongst the goals. Similarities to last season are scary. Inverness riding high inside the top six, Hearts struggling at the wrong end of the table, trying to cook the books to enable new recruits to be conjured up out of thin air, Mr Ngoo springs to mind, and the possibilities of us falling out of both cups within a week. Hearts are once more massaging the SFA in their attempts to bend the rules in their favour, conveniently getting Ryan Stevenson's suspension out of the way prior to the semi-final and looking to bring in fresh faces, despite a signing embargo imposed upon them because of their administration woes. They are of course in a positive mode, well their points tally is anyway having trounced our near neighbours in last weeks SPFL fixture at Dinwgall and coming from a goal down inside a minute to beat St Mirren in that re-arranged midweek fixture to leave them with a total of +5 points, We have beaten the Jambos twice already this season, both wins were comfortable and both by two goals to nil, home and away, where we could and should have won by even greater margins. However, the gloss seems to have disappeared from our game. Our blistering start to the season has been eroded away and we seem to have been swallowed up by the pack. Our goals for has dried up, only three goals in our last six games. Billy McKay was prolific at the start of the season and even he has endured lean times recently. Mind you, were it not for Billy's eye for goal, we would be lingering in the also rans stables and surely it's time for Inverness to get some help for the wee man who has been ploughing a lone furrow recently. Much has been said about Hearts having a youthful side. That itself is true, but what they lack in experience, they more than make up for with a total lack of fear and plenty of tenacity. They have taken a couple of batterings this season and that was to be expected as they were badly exposed against Celtic. However, put them into a battle with arch rivals Hibernian in a fierce Edinburgh derby and they fought to the bitter end and in fact ended Hibs run in the last round of the League Cup, although they just lost out in the league game a couple of weeks ago, but not for the want of trying. Inverness have not been firing on all cylinders since well before Xmas, and the departure of Terry Butcher has not helped. John Hughes has a thankless task trying to maintain Butcher's excellent start to the campaign, and it will be impossible to better it, given that we reached the heady heights of second in the League giving some of our supporters the notion that we were going to challenge Celtic for top spot...........steady on chaps and chapesses. The confidence of the fans looks as though it has matched the teams belief at the moment and even the most ardent of loyal supporters are, to put it mildly, shiting themselves over the thought of facing a resurgent Hearts in front of yet another hostile crowd in Edinburgh, and rightly so. We struggled to get out of second gear at Kilmarnock while Hearts were ripping into County at the weekend. Last year we were maybe over confident and paid the price as Hearts rolled up their young sleeves and got stuck in. This time I see no difference to that format and we need to match Hearts exuberance or the outcome may well be similar. It took extra-time and penalties to separate the sides last year although Billy McKay should have scored the winner but he inexplicably forgot he was a predatory striker for a couple of seconds and missed a glorious chance to strike in extra-time. The rest is history and the Phillip Roberts penalty miss is the one lasting memory of that fateful day that lingers longest. That and the miserable treatment we received in Paul Kane's pub pre-match where nobody ordered pies for the ravenous Inverness support, despite the thousands of pounds being emptied into the tills at the Four in Hand. Rank rotten treatment from the former Hibee and one to avoid this time methinks, although the promise of grub is once more on the table. Inverness skipper Richie Foran is playing it close to his chest about his chances of playing on the Sabbath. He is well under way with his training and he could be influential, even from the bench. Yogi has a full squad otherwise and team selection is vital for this game with Draper, Tansey and Vincent all vying for a start in midfield, an area where this tie may well be won or lost. Hearts have brought in this seasons Mr Ngoo with a replica loan signing in the shape of big Paul McCallum from West Ham. Ryan Stevenson's ban was completed in that midweek win over the Buddies and he will be an important player for Hearts who have lost Adam King to Swansea and have Jason Holt and Jamie Walker out injured. tm4tj Prediction:- Well, we have beaten Hearts twice already this season but this is a different kettle of fish. The Jambos are on a high after consecutive wins have put them into positive points. But it's not only their points tally that is positive, they have been playing with real desire of late and with little else to play for this season, then all their eggs will be in the same basket and they will be fully committed to this one. They won on penalties last year and it might take extra time to settle this one, but Inverness have the quality to win this outright provided the attitude and application matches that of the capital side. I'll settle for a 1-0 win for Inverness to make their first major final. These guys can be heroes, just for one day............................

Butchergate, The Extended Version It's been an eventful week in the Highland Capital with all the talking points happening off the park, and sooner than the official chinwag methinks. The departure of Pat Fenlon from Easter Road sparked the managerial merry go round into action and interest swiftly focussed on Inverness manager Terry Butcher. That was just the start, it would drag on all week. Here's Pat telling us why he felt the time was right to leave, but it's a hell of a way to try and get three points off Inverness. If you had believed BBC Scotland's ill advised journalism, then Butcher was all but Hibernian boss by half three on Monday afternoon. Strange considering Butcher had allegedly not spoken to anyone at Easter Road regarding the job, despite claims by a wifie reporter who told the nation that Terry had agreed terms with Hibs. This misinformation caused Caley Thistle Online to spike as football fans scoured the internet for confirmation, or in the case of Inverness fans, denial. By Tuesday tea-time Butcher was granted permission to discuss the managerial position with Hibs after an official approach by the Edinburgh side, with Kenny Cameron vowing to fight to keep Butcher here. Jimmy Nicholl was tasked with leading Hibs into battle this weekend, a move which would pave the way for ongoing discussions between the two clubs and Terry Butcher. Wednesday was chilling out day, just as well as I went down with serious manflu. Butcher had been discussing his future with Hibernian who claimed the talks were positive. Thursday and Butcher was back in Inverness, and Malpas was preparing the team for Saturdays game with news that Nadir Ciftci's red card has turned yellow. The folk in charge of our game need to take a look at themselves. Friday morning and the rumour mill is rife with Butcher's imminent departure, cut and dried it would appear if twitter accounts are to be believed, and all that is required now is the official announcement. Fritz the dog was on hand to keep the gathering throng of reporters guessing. I know the answer. It's a miniature Schnauzer! And a Geordie to boot! Terry and Fritz looked more like extras for One Man and His Dog than a man with a life changing decision to make, bedecked in cloth cap and green wellies, like something straight out of the Black Isle Show. The departure of a manager is something Inverness should be used to by now. It's not something new and he won't be the last manager or player to be taken from us. However, it's the timing of this one that irks many fans. Inverness riding high in the SPFL, a League Cup semi-final to look forward to, a squad really starting to show their potential and all of a sudden, a struggling club with loads of latent capabilities come knocking on the door with a wad of cash and BOOM! Our wee world falls apart. Hibs have not won the Scottish Cup in over a century. That's a long time in anyone's language and the last of four Scottish Championship titles was in 1952, thanks mainly to the Famous Five. They have three League Cup successes to look back on more recently, 2007 being their latest brush with silverware. So, surely it is only right that the clubs, players and fans are let in on the secret so preparation for Saturdays game can go as smoothly as possible. No? Mr Butcher has nothing to pay back to Inverness. He has taken the club to a new level and has endeared himself to the fans with his orchestrations at the end of games. Who can forget the sermon at Somerset Park having just won the First Division at the first time of asking. I'm not sure these actions will be replicated at Easter Road. However, it's Terry's life and we are all grateful for his efforts over the last few years in raising the profile and status of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Let's be honest with ourselves. A manager never stays at a club forever in the real world. Success brings it's own downsides, and this was always going to happen, sooner or later, it's how it works I'm afraid. But it's still Murder Mystery Suspense. It's murder for the fans, mystery as to who will be in charge, and Butcher is keeping everybody in suspense. But Terry, beware of the curse of the Caley Jags. Very few have succeeded after leaving Inverness for greener grass. Take your pick. Big fish in small pond or small fish in big pond. Unbelievable.............. Would you believe it, the team Inverness are playing at the end of this traumatic week is................yes, you've guessed it Hibernian. Unbelievable! You could not script this any better. It has been a week of total disruption on the park with player training taking a back seat to Butchergate. Not only at Inverness, but the same at Easter Road, although their emotions will be the reverse of ours. Mo Malpas has denied any knowledge of Butcher's intent and I find that odd in the respect that he must be aware that if Terry goes, then he and Steve Marsella would be prime targets to join Butcher at Easter Road...........unless he knows otherwise and is staying put. Anyway, Jimmy Nicholl is tuning up the Hibs squad and Maurice Malpas is preparing the Inverness players for what will be an emotional day, although Duncan Shearer was taking the training by Friday morning at Inverness and Alan Maybury drafted in at Leith. Meanwhile, back to the nitty gritty. Inverness are unbeaten in their last three games at Easter Road with two draws and a win. Hibs have not won in their last three games at home, their best result was a 1-1 draw with Celtic, losing to Aberdeen and in the League cup derby against Hearts. Inverness have scored twice as many League goals as Hibs who have only notched a meagre nine goals in twelve games. To counterbalance that poor record, they have only lost five goals at home in the league and twelve in total, that's only one more than Inverness. Inverness are seven points better off than Hibs. (why would anyone want to go there?) Inverness will have David Raven back in the squad after a three game absence, although Carl Tremarco has done himself no harm with no nonsense defending and Graeme Shinnie scored the crucial second from Ravens right back position last week, something Raven has yet to do for Inverness. Dean Brill has extended his loan at Inverness. The big keeper has been sensational between the sticks, a couple of bloopers apart and is a very welcome addition to the cause for another few months. James Vincent is out long term and Danny Williams is reported to have a leg knock. Hibs will be without Liam Craig who failed to overturn a red card decision. He will miss this game and Hibs next League Cup game. James McPake makes his return after suspension Also out are Sam Stanton, Tim Clancy, Michael Nelson and Alex Harris. tm4tj Prediction :- Interesting day ahead and all things being equal, Inverness should thump Hibs. However, this has been an unusual week. Billy McKay (2) and Richie Foran were the scorers in Inverness earlier in the season and in all honesty it could have been double figures. I would have expected more of the same this weekend had it not been for Butchergate. With the main focus being on the managerial malarky, this game has now become nothing more than a sideshow and literally anything could happen. I'll go for a couldn't care less no scoring draw.

Third division newbies looking for cup shock It's League Cup action on Wednesday night as Inverness face the team formerly known as Rangers in the quarter finals of the trophy at Ibrox. Having already taken out first division Falkirk and SPL side Motherwell, The Rangers will be looking for another scalp in the shape of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, whose progress to the quarters has been rather low key with away victories over Arbroath and a penalty shoot-out against Stenhousemuir. The Rangers have done pretty well since gaining admission to the bottom tier in Scotland's leagues and have now moved to the top of division three after only nine games, finding themselves above the mighty Elgin City and Queens Park, although they were beaten recently by bottom club Stirling Albion. However, they failed to claim the scalp of second division Queen of the South in the Ramsdens Cup, losing out on penalties, but they did win last weeks Glasgow derby aganst Clyde when goals from Dean Shiels and Lee McCulloch sealed the points for the Ibrox club. Inverness, on the other hand, have tottered along in the SPL becoming one of the highest scoring sides in Scotland, despite also having one of the leakiest defences, although they have tightened up at the back in recent weeks. Unbeaten in their last seven games and with only two defeats this season, Inverness can feel pretty smug with their business so far. It's been an encouraging start to the season and the team seem to be settling down after some early slackness and the goals have flowed in every game so far. What can we expect from this game? It would be foolish for Inverness fans to believe that we will roll over The Rangers with ease, given the disparity in the leagues. Make no mistake, the Ibrox side are still using players that would fit into most SPL sides and the removal of Motherwell from this competition in the last round shows that they will be a force on the park, if not quite so efficient in the boardroom and the bank managers office. So I imagine that The Rangers will be out to show the rest of Scottish Football that they are still a big club ............... maybe not as big as Gregory Tade's Perth, but nonetheless big enough to handle the Highlanders, and that is why they will still be favourites in most peoples eyes to progress into the semi-finals and a possible match with another Glasgow side. I see that Celtic thrashed St Johnstone in Tuesday nights game 5-0, and Aberdeen went into extra-time with St Mirren, Magennis equalising in the ninety second minute to make it 2-2, but the Buddies went on to win the penalty shoot out by 4-2 ***Latest Team News*** Inverness have no fresh injury worries, but captain Richie Foran remains sidelined. Chris Hogg, Simon King and Nick Ross are all long term injury victims. Butcher has a choice to make for the keepers jersey with Esson back to fitness, but Reguero will be difficult to shift. Shane Sutherland and Gavin Morrison will be pushing for a start and Phillip Roberts could be rested with Conor Pepper waiting for his chance. Andy Shinnie is still searching for the two balls he fired high over the bar in the last game, let's hope he sets his sghts a bit lower on Wednesday night. Rangers defender Sebastien Faure will miss the League Cup quarter final against Inverness. Winger David Templeton is back in training after an ankle injury but is not back to full fitness yet. Spaniard Francisco Sandaza and Kane Hemmings remain out. tm4tj Prediction:- I would like to think that we could get into the next round of this competition, but Ibrox is not the easiest of grounds to attempt that. Our scoring record and tightening defence will be an asset, and I think we can do it, possibly needing extra-time and penalties, but we do have goal scorers around the park and let's hope we can keep that record going.

What's it all about Alfie Inverness bolstered their squad with a couple of Alfie's on loan from Aberdeen, Bavidge and Stewart. Jack Walker also returned from Nairn County ahead of the visit of fellow Administration side Dumbarton, in what has been described as a six-pointer and it's only the 4th of January. The covers were removed in double quick time thanks to around fifty volunteers who turned up to help get the pitch ready for today's game after a week of frost on a brisk Saturday morning with the sun splitting the sky. It turned into a bitterly cold afternoon but new signing Alfie Bavidge warmed the home fans palms when he opened the scoring after fifteen minutes. The Sons had to replace keeper Brett Long before the break after he caught a ball but landed awkwardly and had to get helped from the pitch. Replacement keeper Paddy O'Neil pulled off a tremendous save just on the interval but he had no chance with a powerful drive from Charlie Gilmour who doubled the lead twenty minutes from the end. The Sons battled hard and Finlay Gray struck the post but Inverness took the points to narrow the gap on Annan Athletic to seven points with a game in hand. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With Alfie Bavidge running the channels up front alongside Billy Mckay and often Adam MacKinnon backing them up it was no surprise that Inverness were on the front foot in the early exchanges. It was no surprise that the hosts opened the scoring after fifteen minutes when a superb ball down the right wing from Luis Longstaff curled invitingly into the feet of Adam MacKinnon who had made the run forward. He went to the byeline before swinging in a dangerous first time ball into the Sons six yard box which they failed to deal with effectively. Alfie won't score an easier goal this season as the ball broke to him inside the box and he swept it into the net for a debut goal. Lovely moment for the young striker. His next attempt minutes later was not so profitable as a wild swing saw him slice the ball out for a throw in fifty yards wide. We'll ignore that one. There followed a bit of a lull with Inverness dominating play and Dumbarton looking to keep the damage to a minimum. They almost conceded a second when Billy Mckay was threaded through on the left side, however after skipping wide of Brett Long, the keeper recovered sufficiently to get a touch on Mckay's effort from the tightest of angles, the ball running across the face of the goal and out for a corner. The Sons then had to replace keeper Long ten minutes before the break after he caught a ball but landed awkwardly and had to get helped from the pitch. MacKinnon tested the sub keeper with a low shot from the edge of the box and the replacement keeper Paddy O'Neil pulled off a stunning save just on the interval diving high to his left to deny a thunderous Luis Longstaff volley from the edge of the box as he tipped the ball out for a corner which never happened. HALF TIME: 1-0 Dumbarton looked a bit more aggressive after the break and Ethan Brown's blocked shot brought about appeals for a penalty, but to no avail. Mckay had an effort saved as the hosts continued to dominate and with twenty-minutes remaining Charlie Gilmour side footed in a second goal after a short corner routine saw MacKinnon cut the ball back to Gilmour fifteen yards out and he first timed a side footer high into the net with power. That goal stung Dumbarton into action and they eventually managed to create a couple of opportunities of their own. Dibaga blocked well from Gray as he sprinted clear on the left side of the box. From the corner, Clark's header grazed the top of the bar although there may have been an infringement in the build up. Either way, a goal kick or free kick was given. Gray was then unlucky with twenty minutes remaining when he was put through on the left side again, this time he beat Dibaga at his near post but the ball rebounded to safety off the base of the post. Devine headed wide late on and a couple of promising moves broke down on the edge of the visitors box as Inverness then saw out the game in control. The only downside was an injury to Longstaff who was replaced by Alfie Stewart for his debut. FULL TIME: 2-0 A thoroughly deserved win after last weeks disappointing result against Cove Rangers. New signing Alfie Bavidge was rightly awarded the MotM, not just for his debut goal, but he was a constant threat, tirelessly running the channels like his olde man did back in the day and with plenty of pace and a good first touch. He also seemed to give Billy Mckay an extra spring in his step and he was unlucky not to score. He will certainly be an asset for the Caley Jags in 2025 and Alfie Stewart got a few minutes under his belt as well. Good start to the year for us and hopefully the springboard to go on a wee run and get back into the pack. Pos Team Pld Gd Pts 1 Arbroath 20 8 34 2 Stenny 20 9 31 3 Kelty Hearts 20 9 30 4 Cove 20 5 28 5 Alloa Ath 20 4 28 6 Queen of St 19 -4 25 7 Montrose 20 -2 24 8 Annan Ath 20 -16 20 9 Inverness CT 19 -1 13 10 Dumbarton 20 -12 07 Date: 04/01/2025 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1894 Referee: Dan McFarlane Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Scott Kellacher Lineup: Dibaga; Bray, Devine, Savage, Nolan, Longstaff (Stewart 75), Gilmour, Allan, MacKinnon (Cairns 85), B Mckay, Bavidge (C Mackay 94) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Strachan, J Walker, MacLeod, R Thompson Scorers: Bavidge (15), Gilmour (77) Booked: none Sent Off: none Dumbarton: 0 Manager: Stephen Farrell Lineup: Long (O'Neil 37); Pignatiello, Lynas (Durnan 68), Brown, Clark, Wilson (Hilton 68), Niang, Gray (Mumbongo 85), Blair, Shiels (McGuffie 85), Orsi Subs (not used): Young, Wallace, Doyle, Nicol. Scorers: none Booked: Shiels (60), McGuffie (88) Sent Off: none a

Howden Enders Farewell With the sad passing of the Immortal Howden Ender, the outcome of this game was immaterial. Johndo had travelled all over Britain to watch his beloved club and also into Europe when we went to Astra Giurgiu of Romania. Sadly, this morning he passed away suddenly and everyone at CTO passes on our our deepest condolences to his family friends and extended family at this saddest of times. He did witness Inverness lift the Scottish Cup and was looking forward to the club getting back on track after the financial woes. Sadly, he will never know, but his legacy will live longer than those at the helm just now. Johndo was Captain of the HMS Sneck a vessel he guided through stormy waters and the doldrums. It just won't be the same without you and your Smileymometer after the games, or your pre-season five-a-side tournaments RIP Legend! Arbroath won the bonus point after winning the penalty shoot-out following a goalless 90 minutes, but that was of secondary importance tonight. This was Johndo casually lying on the goal line after we won promotion by beating St Johnston 3-1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A couple of early corners came to nothing for the visitors in the first two minutes, and in an even start to the game, both keepers were called into action over opening twenty minutes, Newman saving from Innes Murray and McAdams denying Calum Mackay. Ryan Dow passed up a good opportunity after half an hour but he shot narrowly wide of the home goal frame. Jack Walker was stretchered off with a nasty head injury after a lengthy stoppage before the interval and he was replaced by Charlie Gilmour. On the resumption of play, Shae Keogh had an effort saved by McAdams in the visitors goal but it remained goalless at the interval. HALF TIME: 0-0 Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff and Ben Corner came on after the break but it was Arbroath who started the second half with intent. Newman saved from Mark Stowe and Tam O'Brien headed close to the post following a corner. David Gold was crocked with twenty minutes left and he was unable to continue ten minutes later leaving the visitors down to ten men for the final fifteen. Jake Davidson tried his luck but shot wide with the clock ticking down and Billy Mckay shot over with two minutes of normal time left. FULL TIME: 0-0 Penalty Shoot-Out for the bonus point goes to the visitors 3-5 with a full house. Arbroath: Murray Callachan Stowe Wilkie Bisland 5 Inverness CT: B Mckay Longstaff Savage Gilmour 3 Date: 23/07/2020 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 0794 Referee: Stewart Luke Inverness CT: 0 (3 pens) Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Newman; Bray, Davidson, Walker (Gilmour 42), Savage, Strachan, C Mackay (Longstaff 46), MacLeod, Keogh (B Mckay 46), Thompson (Ferguson 71), Brooks (Corner 46) Subs (not used): Rebilas; Nixon Scorers: none Booked: none Sent Off: none Arbroath: 0 (5 pens) Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: McAdams; Steele, Wilkie, O'Brien (Walker 60), Bisland, Slater, Gold, Callachan, Dow (Stowe 45+6), Murray, Spalding Subs (not used): Hemfrey (gk) Scorers: none Booked: Stowe (90+1) Sent Off: none a

Into the Unknown It's a journey into unchartered waters as the rebooted Caley Jags travel to Galabank Stadium, Annan, for the first competitive game of season 2024/2025. It's going to be a difficult season for pennyless Inverness unless a wealthy benefactor appears out of the Highland mist or the Battery Farm Project takes a massive U turn. I'm no holding my breath for a quick decision on either happening anytime soon. As they say around here, it is what it is, but it beats training at Kelty and and being dictated to by the very people who are responsible for the situation we find ourselves in. We will try and concentrate on events on the field and keep our fingers crossed that a resolution can be sought for the off-field issues. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Match/Ticket Info Panos pleads for patience ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ First Competitive Meeting Jan 24th, 1998 Scottish Cup (Rd 3) (H) 8 - 1 We have only met twice in competitive games with both ending in resounding wins for the Caley Jags. Last meeting was in 2009 though and Annan have bedded themselves in to the Leagues well. However, given our current demise I would imagine Annan will be feeling confident about this one as Ferguson has little to choose from since our financial demise and mismanagement. This was Ian Broadfoot's report from the first meeting in 1998: 8 - 1 The home side demolished a determined Annan side after an early fright. A loose ball found Norman Montgomery clear inside the Inverness half and he lobbed the ball over Jim Calder. Caley Thistle stormed upfield and scored 3 goals in a 6 minute spell. In 16 minutes Barry Wilson was set up by Iain Stewart just inside the area and he drove the ball low past Robert McColm. Three minutes later Brian Thomson slipped it to Stewart on the 18 yard line and he sent a low ball past the keeper. On the 20 minute mark Thomson was fouled just outside the box. He took the kick himself and sent it into the top corner. A fourth goal came in the 38th minute. Thomson and Stewart set up Barry Robson down the right and he headed straight for goal. Under strong pressure Robson hit it home. In 55 minutes Mark McCulloch cleared upfield from the half-way line and found Stewart who ran through the defence and slipped it to the side of the keeper he unselfishly sent it across to Thomson who only had to tap it in. In 74 minutes it was 6-1. A Vetle Andersen cross from the left went in off the head of defender Stanley Leslie. 10 minutes later Wilson got the seventh with a low drive from 15 yards and with 4 minutes left substitute Duncan Shearer rose above the Annan defence on the penalty spot and headed in an Andersen cross to complete the 8-1 record score. Annan's bad tempered tackling was finally punished in 86 minutes when Stanley Leslie was sent off. Only other Meeting: Adam Rooney (21), Robert Eagle (52), Dougie Imrie (72), Dani Sanchez (87) Aug 1st, 2009 League Cup (Rd 1) (H) 4 - 0 Annan Athletic: They finished 8th in League 1 last season and will be facing us at least another four times this season. New additions: Wullie Gibson (Manager) Paul Smith (midfielder, Ayr United) Paul McGowan (midfielder Cove Rangers) Josh Todd, (midfielder Queen of the South). Max Kilsby and Ryan Muir are signed on again. Loans in: Jamie Smith (GK Hamilton Academical). Who to look out for: Striker Aidan Smith became the clubs leading SPFL goalscorer last season when he passed Peter Weathersons goal total. His great work ethic and attacking running has seen him become the first name on the managers team sheet. The lively, left sided attacker started his career at Queen of the South before moving to Annan then onto Peterhead FC. Striker Tommy Goss joined the club from Queen of the South in the summer of 2021 and has become a firm fans favourite. The 6ft 4″ striker grabbed 28 goals last season and became the clubs record scorer for goals scored in a single SPFL season. A man with a wealth of experience at hailing taxis, Paul McGowan joined Dundee in June 2014 and became a mainstay and a key player for the side throughout his 9-year tenure there, making over 300 appearances for the Dark Blues. He joined Dunfermline Athletic on loan in 2023 and won both the Scottish Championship and the Scottish League One in the same season. After leaving Dundee he then spent a season with Cove Rangers. Inverness CT: Much has been made about our plight, and the way the club has handled it. Danny Devine, Charlie Gilmour and Billy Mckay were the only big names not to be disconnected from the club. Add a couple who struggled for game time last season in Luis Longstaff, Adam Brooks and Jake Davidson and the rest of the squad is made up of fringe players and youths. Yes, that is the reality we are facing this season in League 1. It's going to be a long season methinks unless a miracle happens to come our way. Injuries are starting early this season and we have doubts over Billy Mckay, Danny Devine Robbie Thompson and Adam Brooks, so nothing new there.

??? ADMINISTRATION ??? The Board of Directors are in discussions with potential new investors into the club and remain hopeful of finding a new investor or new owners. However, in the circumstances we currently find ourselves in following the loss of the Statkraft contract at Caledonian Stadium which was worth 7 figures to the club and given the new financial position of the club, it is also prudent to approach a suitably qualified insolvency practitioner to advise on how we may proceed should our efforts to find new investment fall short. For clarity, on the football front, we have decided to remain training at Fort George for the foreseeable future. (can someone message Kelty to let them know) After all the cloak and dagger secrecy going on in the boardroom at Inverness Caledonian Thistle since relegation was confirmed on 18th of May, the club chose to have a three day media silence before Chairman Ross Morrison spoke, revealing nothing. Another three days passed before they announced this little gem and exclaimed their delight in a 'training deal' they had allegedly brokered with Kelty Hearts. This one stirred the fans somewhat more than being relegated. However, stubbornness and alienation knows no bounds and Scot Gardiner still lurks around the club, defiant til the end. Morrison then resigned his position on the 3rd of June, using the local press, citing his belief that the Kelty Hearts move was the only way forward. In keeping with the current trend, the official site has just given lip service to address some things, however, no mention of Morrison, Gardiner, player contracts, do we have a club etc etc. Their transparency is invisible. What an omnishambles! How can we go from SupercaleygoballisticCelticareatrocious in the year 2000, to Scottish Cup Winners in 2015, playing in Europe and just 9 years after lifting the Cup; Administration. Mismanagement and our demise was hastened by the appointment of Scot Gardiner. Ever since then, ludicrous decision making has seen our stock plummet whilst 'shady' dealings were investigated. The failed Concert Company, the Battery Storage, the Statkraft contract have all ended badly leaving the club facing insolvency. That's another fine mess you've got us into.

Point on the Road Dunc's return to Tannadice would be hindered by some key players missing. Welsh and Longstaff failed to recover but Boyes and Wotherspoon were in the starting XI. Sheridan was on the bench which looked a bit devoid of flair. United had a strong line-up with Ross County loanee Jordan Tillson replacing the injured Docherty. A big crowd of over 7500 were on hand with 270 visiting fans making the journey in eternal hope. Inverness opened the scoring through Shaw but Holt levelled the game quickly. United had the possession but Big Dunc went back up the A9 with a hard earned point ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A decent crowd were on hand to witness Kai Fotheringham being influential early on with an effort superbly blocked by Cammy Harper followed by Mark Ridgers saving his next effort as the hosts looked to get off to a flier. The early possession was dominated by the Tangerines. Billy Mckay and Nathan Shaw advanced into the home box but the defence managed to mop up the cut back. Mckay saw keeper Jack Walton block with his legs in the 24th minute when maybe he could have put his laces through the ball. From the resultant corner Danny Devine headed over from a great position five yards out. United then had a close one when Middleton's shot come cross went inches wide as they stepped up their intensity ten minutes before the interval. Nikola Ujdur was first into the book for fouling Tony Watt. Ridgers again saved from Fotheringham from outside the box and then another brilliant save from Kevin Holt at close range before Scott McMann shot over with the goal gaping. The visitors were playing a dangerous game as United applied the pressure but Morgan Boyes headed over as Inverness ventured forward a minute before the break. Despite the pressure it was all square at half time. HALF TIME: 0-0 No changes at the interval and surprisingly it was Inverness that opened the scoring with an exceptionally slik move down the left from their own penalty box. A great counter attack from the Caley Jags as Harper advances down the left side and his low cross found it's way to Shaw, via Anderson, and he fired a low effort past Walton from 15 yards to open the scoring! Superb! However it might be a long forty minutes now! In fact the lead was short lived. Wallace Duffy had just replaced David Carson five minutes later and Holt promptly powered in a bullet header from Fotheringham's corner. Holt headed wide ten minutes later as the substitutes started to enter the field of battle. Ten minutes to play with United pressing for a winner and Cillian Sheridan on for Billy Mckay. Holt was blocked as he tried to get one on target and Declan Glass suffered the same fate with the visiting defence working overtime. Ridger's saved at his near post from Middleton deep into time added on as United searched for a winner but Inverness held on for a valuable, well earned point. FULL TIME: 1-1 More match reaction to follow>>> Tremendous point on the road. It was a backs to the wall performance at times but our defence was up to the task of slowing down the top scorers in the Championship. Mark Ridgers was in superb form with his back five blunting the top scorers. Full marks to Ferguson for adapting the shape with key players missing at a difficult venue. Two brilliant goals and a point on the road at the league leaders den. The Big Dunc revolution gathers pace. Delighted Dunc>>> Full Highlights>>> Date: 04/11/2023 Venue: Tannadice Park, Dundee Attendance: 7602 Referee: Don Robertson Dundee United: 1 Manager: Jim Goodwin Lineup: Walton; Freeman, Gallagher, Holt, McMann, Sibbald, Tillson (Mochrie 79), Middleton, Fotheringham (Cudjoe 67), Watt (Glass 67), Moult Subs (not used): Newman; Denham, Graham, Duffy, Moore, Stirton Scorers: Holt (56) Booked: Gallagher (42) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Duncan Ferguson Lineup: Ridgers; Ujdur, Devine, Boyes, Harper, Carson (Duffy 55), Gilmour, Anderson, Shaw, Wotherspoon (Delaney 85), B Mckay (Sheridan 69) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Hyde, Brooks, Lodovica, Thompson Scorers: Shaw (50) Booked: Ujdur (36) Sent Off: none a

102 and Counting With his 102nd goal of his Caley Thistle career scored against Airdrie, William Robert Mckay became our top scorer ever surpassing the 101 goals of 'Sir' Dennis Wyness. What an achievement that is from Billy who is in his third spell at the Caledonian Stadium. Billy joined Inverness from Northampton Town in 2011 but there was little hint of what was to come when he made his debut in August 2011, replacing Aaron Doran in a 2-1 home win over Killie. He was sparingly used and often played out of position and suffered injury issues as well. He got off the mark scoring with a header in a 3-2 home defeat to Dundee United. His appearances were sporadic and he made only 24 appearances scoring only 3 goals by the end of the season. A two year deal was signed and things kicked on for Billy as he scored regularly and picked up the SPL Player of the Month award for November. It got even better the week after when he scored his first career hat-trick against Dundee United in an incredible 4-4 draw at Tannadice. The Legend status was building fast as his reputation spread. That brought about transfer speculation which Terry Butcher quoshed by offering Mckay a new contract which was secured in March of 2013. More speculation followed in 2013 with a move to Bulgaria rejected and the scoring continued. 9 goals from 9 matches and Septembers SPFL Player of the Month award in the bag. A great season ended with 22 goals from 46 games including a runners up medal in the League Cup loss on penalties to Aberdeen. A slow start to season 2014/2015 eventually took off but with his contract running out Billy was sold to Wigan Athletic for a cut price around £150K. What happened at Wigan stays at Wigan Billy was loaned back to Inverness at the end of January 2017 and he executed a brilliant overhead kick goal to beat Rangers at the end of February which ended a 15 game winless streak. He was then lured to the dark side which we won't go into on here. They released him at the end of the 20/21 season and Billy signed on again for his third spell for two years. He was in the PFA Championship Team of the Year at the end of season 21/22. The rest, as they say, is history. He scored his 99th and 100th goals at Hampden as we beat Falkirk 3-0 and he played in the 2023 Cup Final defeat to Celtic. His record breaking goal was a penalty kick, won by and scored by himself. He was the CTO Player of the Year 2023, an accolade he richly deserved. He won the ICTFC Players Player of the Year, the Fans Player of the Year and also the goal of the year. What a season that was for Billy! Billy made his 250th appearance against Dundee on Sunday and was given the Captains armband. Legend! He does what it says on the tin: 'He scores when he wants' Billy Mckay: Legend. Here is all of his 102 goals for Inverness Caledonian Thistle from ICTFC YouTube Channel

Ayr Pressure not enough Ayr started the day three points ahead of Inverness. They would end the day level. Plenty of pressure from the hosts in a dominant first half but the nearest they came to a goal was a Mark Mckenzie header that came off the bar and the same player missed from six yards after being set up by Dipo Akinyemi. Inverness would be relieved to get to the interval on level terms. Cammy Harper glanced in a header just after the break to open the scoring. That's how it ended after a difficult ninety minutes but it's three wins on the bounce on the road. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ayr were one of the early leaders ahead of the visit from the Caley Jags. They strengthened their push for promotion by adding the man with the sweet left foot to their squad ahead of this encounter, Logan Chalmers, and he started on the bench today. Inverness were still without a handful of players although Max Ram played for an hour last week against Brechin City and he and Roddy MacGregor were on the bench after a few weeks out with injury. Ayr got the game underway and forced two early corners before Andy Murdoch shot wide in the third minute. Inverness responded with Steven Boyd winning a corner from a deflected shot and Ayr cleared the ball effectively. In the twelfth minute, a Mark McKenzie header hit the bar and out for a goal kick after Josh Mullin had crossed into the box. Big let off for the visitors. Quarter of an hour gone and the two Mackay's combined before Daniel brings out an excellent save from Albinson at his near post and Murdoch's looped header cleared Mark Ridgers' crossbar as Ayr went forward again. Billy Mckay sliced wide after Dan Mackay's shot from the left side was blocked and fell for Billy on the volley. More Ayr pressure saw a Mullin effort blocked and Musonda headed over the subsequent corner midway through the half. Ayr were racking up the corners in the first half with half an hour played, one every three minutes and counting with Sean McGinty next to head wide. Ten minutes before the break a rare foray forward saw George Oakley and Billy Mckay interact but the latters cut back was cleared by the defence and five minutes before the interval McKenzie should have done better but he shot wide from six yards after good work by Akinyemi. We went in level at the interval but Ayr were knocking on the door with some intent. HALF TIME: 0-0 Having been on the back foot for most of the first forty-five, Inverness stunned Ayr by opening the scoring through Cammy Harper with a glancing header into the bottom corner two minutes after the break from a Boyd cross. Photo from caleyjags.com shows Harper wheeling away after scoring the only goal of the game. What a start to the second half from the visitors and Oakley had a header saved by Albinson ten minutes later when he met David Carson's cross at the back post. Could easily have been two up. Substitute Jayden Mitchell-Lawson went close two minutes after coming on, shooting just wide from eighteen yards and Brad Young forced Ridgers into making a save from his header. Dodds replaced Dan Mackay with Aaron Doran with some twenty minutes left but it was Ayr substitute Logan Chalmers that shot over soon after with Jordan Houston following suit. A Dempsey corner looked to be cleared away from the line as Ayr pushed for an equaliser with three minutes remaining and the same player shot over in the dying ember, but that was it as Inverness held out for their third win on the bounce away from home. Another tremendous result on the road for Dodds' men, now level on 14 points with Ayr and third equal in the table. FULL TIME: 0-1 Ayr will feel aggrieved that they never took anything from that game having created a raft of chances but Harper took his chance well and Oakley could have added a second. Great clearance off the line near the end and a muted penalty appeal from Ayr and I doubt Billy Dodds will be complaining about the result. Good to see Roddy MacGregor getting a few minutes on the park. Onwards and upwards we go. Date: 01/10/2022 Venue: Somerset Park, Ayr Attendance: 1866 Referee: Colin Steven Ayr United: 0 Manager: Lee Bullen Lineup: Albinson; Houston, Musonda, McGinty, Reading, Ashford (Chalmers 61), Murdoch, Dempsey, Mullin (Lawson 61), Akinyemi, McKenzie (Young 61) Subs (not used): McAdams; O'Connor, Smith, McAllister, Kirk, Bangala Scorers: none Booked: Akinyemi (58) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Devine, Carson, Deas, Delaney, D Mackay (Doran 69), Allardice, Harper, Boyd (MacGregor 85), Oakley (Shaw ), B Mckay Subs (not used): C Mackay; Duffy, Ram, Hyde Scorers: Harper (47) Booked: Carson (65) Sent Off: none a

The Real Mckay's Rovers wait for a win goes on. In a half of few clear cut chances, Mark Ridgers denied Dylan Easton five minutes before the break as he turned his shot from the edge of the box out for a corner. That was the best chance of an open first half as it closed out at 0-0. Daniel Mackay won a penalty after bursting into the box an hour into the game and Scott Allardice scored from the spot to put Inverness ahead. Billy Mckay spurned a good opportunity to double the lead when put through on goal with fifteen minutes left, but his clipped shot went over the bar. He did better in the final minute when he sealed the points in a counter attack, slotting home a Dan Mackay pass. What a welcome boost after a couple of weeks of turmoil, and we still have seven players to come back after injury, so well done to all for turning our fortunes around. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Boyd and Oakley started up front with Billy Mckay on the bench. More importantly our back four had a more solid look to it as we looked to get back on track against Raith Rovers at Stark's Park. Zak Delaney was at left back with Cammy Harper further forward on the left side. Rovers started brightest as Inverness looked to settle down after some poor performances over the last few games. The opening exchanges saw Rovers push forward with Inverness content to defend deep. Aidan Connolly had a low volley intercepted on it's way towards goal by Robbie Deas, the rebound being mopped up by the defence and at the other end there were big appeals for a penalty when a ball was swung into the box and an Inverness player appeared to be dragged to the ground by his shirt as he spun away from his marker. That incident was in full view of the ref some eight yards away. Dan Mackay broke into the left side of the box but his left footed effort was weak and easily dealt with by 'Scottish Cup hero' Jamie MacDonald in goal. Steven Boyd had a shot charged down in the box en route to goal and the second effort looked to strike a defender on the arm, but nothing given. Best attempt so far came when Jamie Gullan hooked the ball over his head and volleyed the ball from thirty yards but it dipped just wide of Ridgers left hand post. After some loose defending, the ball fell to Dylan Easton but he flashed his shot just over the bar from fifteen yards with half an hour gone. Ten minutes later the same player was denied by the keeper at full stretch as Ridgers palmed his shot from the edge of the box out for a corner. Before the interval it was Raiths turn to appeal for a penalty as Deas bundled a player over, but the ref ignored any pleas. Half Time: 0-0 At the start of the second period, a dipping cross come shot drifted harmlessly onto the roof of the visitors net. The opening goal came on the hour when Daniel Mackay's pace saw him cut along the bye-line before being scythed down by Ross Millen. Stonewall penalty! Scott Allardice slotted in the penalty with MacDonald going to his right, the ball going to his left. Boyd fired a free kick wide and Raith responded with Kyle Connell's low shot being comfortably saved by Ridgers. Boyd then shot just over as Inverness looked the most likely to increase their lead after he burst forward in the inside right position. The game was running away from the hosts and Billy Mckay ensured all three points went North after he met a Dan Makay cross at the far side of the box to calmly slot the ball low behind MacDonald in the 92nd minute. What a tremendous result for the Caley Jags when many questioned their desire and commitment. Despite being without Sutherland, Walsh, Welsh, Doran, MacGregor, Samuels and Ram they shut up shop and hit on the counter to take all three points back North. Credit where it's due and never underestimate an olde man with a bicycle. Solid in defence and clinical in front of goal when it mattered. Best performers were from the back out with Ridgers, Dalaney, Devine and Harper getting most praise. Highlights from Raith TV Well done Billy, second behind the one and only Dennis (he used to be sh1te, but now he's alright) Wyness who has 101 goals for the Caley Jags Billy has scored three hat-tricks in his time here against Dundee United, Motherwell and Elgin City. Wyness' total included five hat-tricks. Incidentally, his best haul was four goals against Raith Rovers in a 5-2 win at Inverness. Read Ian Broadfoot's report of Wyness' four goal game in September 2001 below. Iain Broadfoot reports: With one giant leap this crushing victory sent Caley Thistle from tenth to fifth in Division One. Dennis Wyness was the hero with a record four goals but it was also an excellent team performance. Grant Munro replaced the suspended Bobby Mann. The opening goal came in seven minutes from a botched Paul Browne pass-back. Miotto touched it out directly to Wyness who rolled the ball into the empty net from eight yards. Two minutes later an Andy Smith shot came off Jim Calder's bar then in 12 minutes Miotto tipped over a Charlie Christie 20 yard drive. Goal number two came in 16 minutes when Wyness chipped Miotto from six yards while Ross Matheson tried desperately to haul him down. Raith nearly pulled one back in 19 minutes when a Matheson long range shot came off the bar and the rebound was netted by Nacho Novo from an offside position. In 38 minutes Ross Tokely set Martin Bavidge off on a run down the right. His cross was met by Paul Ritchie on the penalty spot but he miskicked. In 42 minutes the third goal was engineered by Bavidge when he crossed a high ball from the right to the back post where Wyness flicked it first time into the net from a difficult angle. Caley Thistle started the second half in similar style and Miotto pushed over a Bavidge shot from 25 yards. In 54 minutes another Bavidge run down the right resulted in a cross which reached Ritchie six yards out. Somehow his flashing header went narrowly past. Raith scored a minute later when a Calder clearance hit off Stuart McCaffrey and into the path of Scott Crabbe who easily slotted home from 10 yards. Bavidge was felled in the Raith box on the hour mark but no penalty was given. Raith then had a good spell but it was the home side who scored next in 71 minutes. Barry Robson crossed from the left and Wyness headed his fourth goal from six yards. It could have been five in 79 minutes when Wyness was one-on-one with Miotto but this time the keeper won the duel. With seven minutes left Raith made it 4-2. Calder palmed out a Navo shot and Smith was well placed to take advantage and he touched it in easily. Caley Thistle immediately ran upfield and scored a fifth. Ritchie was rewarded for his endeavours when he headed in off the bar from close range after a Robson cross from the left. This completed a fine evenings work and gave Caley Thistle only their second win over Raith in nine matches. Ha ha, changed days... Date: 03/09/2022 Venue: Stark's Park, Kirkaldy Attendance: 1745 Referee: Don Robertson Raith Rovers: 0 Manager: Ian Murray Lineup: MacDonald; Stanton, Nolan (Ross 74), Millen (Spencer 83), Dick, O'Riordan, Easton, Brown, Connelly, Gullan (McBride 29), Connell Subs (not used): Thomson; Arnott, Coulson, Masson Scorers: none Booked: Dick (26), Easton 89) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Duffy, Devine, Deas, Delaney, D Mackay (Shaw 90+2), Carson, Allardice, Harper, Boyd (Hyde 87), Oakley (B Mckay 72) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Callum Mackay Scorers: Allardice (61 pen), B Mckay (90) Booked: Carson (45) Sent Off: none a

Group G Sorted Inverness played the first of five scheduled meetings with Cove Rangers today in the last of the group G qualifiers for the knock out stages of the League Cup. Inverness won the penalty shoot-out 5-3 after Fraser Fyvie saw his weak effort saved by Mark Ridgers. Inverness will now face an away tie at Motherwell in the knock-out stages. Roddy MacGregor opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute when he headed a Nathan Shaw cross into the top corner of the net. Mitch Megginson was left unattended to level the game after twenty minutes and it stayed that way at the break. A relatively uneventful second half saw the game go to penalties to decide the bonus point but as it stood, Inverness topped the group G to enter the knock out stages. ÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷ Our reward for qualifying is an away tie at Motherwell in midweek. Not the most romantic of games, however given their poor performance against Sligo Rovers, then anything is possible. This season is taking the same shape as thirteen years ago. A bright afternoon saw George Oakley Zak Delaney and Nathan Shaw start for the hosts with Mark Ridgers back between the sticks. Roddy MacGregor opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute when he headed a Nathan Shaw cross into the top corner of the net. Mitch Megginson was left unattended to level the game when he scooped the ball behind Ridgers after twenty minutes. Just after the half hour Daniel Mackay turned and shot from the edge of the box, but the keeper saved low to deny Dan. George Oakley was put through by Robbie Deas but Kyle Gourlay pulled off a good save just before the break. HALF TIME: 1-1 After a slow start to the second half, Megginson headed over following a corner and at the other end Cammy Harper put a free kick just over and then Deas diverted a Leighton McIntosh effort wide of the target. Billy Mckay went close to a winner but it went to penalties after ninety minutes and the Caley Jags prevailed 5-3 on penalties with Ridgers saving a weak spot kick from Fraser Fyvie From Robert on CTO Our goal was excellent. Good play by Oakley to put Shaw free and a great cross for MacGregor to score with a rare header. Cove’s equaliser came when we were temporarily down to ten as Duffy took a heavy knock and we seemed disorganised at the back as a result and it was too easy for the Cove player to hit the target. Cove had the best of the early part of the second half but we finished more strongly. I felt we just about shaded it but a draw was probably fair enough. It was good to at least win on penalties. Unfortunately that was not enough and we will be unseeded in the draw. I was disappointed with Cove’s approach. They approached the match in a cynical manner, trying to buy free kicks with play acting. They also tried to run the clock down when even. We have enough teams like that in the Championship already and I had expected more from them. I think our medical staff had to give treatment to players at least four times, generally due to the aggression of Cove. Some of their big names were worst, such as Logan and Fyvie, so justice was done when Fyvie‘s penalty was saved by Ridgers. Shortly after Samuels was harshly booked, a Cove player blatantly dived to try to get him sent off. The ref gave a foul but at least did not produce a red card. Of the new signings, I thought Oakley’s holding up play and distribution was good. Shaw was lively and could develop into an important player for us. Delaney is a calm defender despite playing on the wrong side for a left sided defender. Boyd had a couple of efforts when he came on. At times it felt like a pre-season game again, so hopefully when the league starts next week we get off to a winning start. Date: 23/07/2022 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1020 Referee: Alan Newlands Inverness CT: 1 (Pens 5 Boyd, Samuels, Harper, B Mckay, Allardice) Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Carson, Duffy (Doran 73), Deas, Delaney, Harper, Shaw (Boyd 79), Allardice, MacGregor, D Mackay (Samuels 67) Oakley (B Mckay 67) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Nicolson, Hyde, Cairns Scorers: MacGregor (13) Booked: Oakley (66) Sent Off: none Cove Rangers: 1 (Pens 3 Megginson, Leitch, FyvieLogan) Manager: Jim McIntyre Lineup: Gourlay; Logan, Ross, Reynolds, Towler, Scully, Vigurs, Leitch, McIntosh (McDonagh 78), Megginson, Fyvie, Subs (not used): McKenzie; Neill, Thomas, McAllister, Scorers: Megginson (19) Booked: Megginson (6), Fyvie (55), Ross (60), Towler (90+3) Sent Off: none a

One Game Shootout Well well, after the drama of Friday night, it all comes down to this game in a winner takes all final. It's another blank canvas after a 2-2 draw at the Caledonian Stadium for the final game at McDiarmid Park Perth on Monday night at 7:45pm. We can thank Reece McAlear for that after his two stunning second half goals cancelled out two first half goals for the Perth side. We should have Danny Devine and Wallace Duffy free from suspension after the Willie Collum debacle. (I notice he was also rubbish in the Showpiece Scottish Cup Final as well. Seriously useless. Maybe VAR will make our refs pull their socks up). Unfortunately, Nick Walsh is allegedly the man in the middle on Monday. That also gives me the fear more than St Johnstone. Buses for play off final 23rd leave stadium at 4pm. Book through Facebook or on 07462218717 Here's our summary from CTO: An understrength Inverness struggled badly for an hour against a solid St Johnstone who took a two goal lead into the interval. Shaun Rooney and Melker Hallberg put the Saints in the driving seat. However, step forward Reece McAlear and take a massive bow. A thumping strike off the underside of the bar and an exquisite curling free kick levelled matters and gives us something to play for in the return leg at Perth, where we should have Danny Devine and Wallace Duffy back after suspension. It was great to see Scott Allardice back on the park on Friday. Along with the tricky Logan Chalmers and the rapid Austin Samuels he helped to get us back on track in the second half after a torrid first forty five where our tactics were a bit pear shaped as Dodds tried to match Saints 3-5-2 formation. Fortunately Billy realised by the interval that we needed to go back to a more standard 4-4-2. After an hour the momentum swung in our direction and up stepped Reece McAlear to thunderblast us on our way to Perth still in the tie. Who to look out for Glen Middleton caught the eye on Friday with his pace, willing running and workrate. Shaun Rooney is as powerful as ever as he bounced a few bodies off him. Melker Hallberg showed quick feet when scoring. In fact with St Johnstone seasoned campaigners in the top division, thirteen seasons now, that gap in stature was massive until we got to grips with the game. Once the belief was there, we turned the tide. All hands to the pumps on Monday, good luck guys.

Caley Jags through We did it! If you thought the first half at Inverness was poor, then step forward the first half from Gayfield. Shockingly poor forty five from both sides as Inverness struggled to get out of their own half into the face of a stiff breeze. On the other hand Arbroath did absolutely nothing either. The second half saw Danny Devine sent off, Shane Sutherland stretchered off and later on Wallace Duffy sent off as we ended the game with nine men. Farcical stuff. However, we got through to the play off final after a 5-3 penalty shoot out win. Bobby Linn of all players having his spot kick saved by Mark Ridgers and Kirk Broadfoot with the final winning penalty after that save. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After a goalless draw in the first leg, the Caley Jags went to Gayfield to conclude the Premiership play off semi-final. The prize in a winner takes all game was a crack at St Johnstone in a two leg finale to the season and promotion to the Premiership for the victor. Logan Chalmers and Austin Samuels came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first leg in a game of limited opportunities. Who will prevail? All would be revealed around 10:00pm on Friday the 13th. Billy Mckay was benched for this one after cutting a lone figure in the first leg. Aaron Doran replaced the striker in the starting XI. Arbroath were unchanged from Tuesday night. A big crowd greeted the teams onto the pitch with similar conditions to the first leg prevalent. Inverness kicked off into the wind and that was the highlight of the first forty-five, apart from Aaron Doran breaking into the box but unable to dig the ball out from under his feet and Scott Stewart firing over the bar from the edge of the box. The only other thing of note was a booking for David Carson . Some things never change. HALF TIME: 0-0 Billy Mckay replaced Austin Samuels at the interval. Shane Sutherland got the break of the ball and burst into the edge of the box on the left side but his shot rippled the side netting. Carson shot over the stand minutes later as the visitors pushed forward. Better spell for Inverness and a wee melee in the box saw Arbroath clear the danger. Out of nothing, Danny Devine was red carded for next to nothing as he challenged for a high ball with Jack Hamilton. What a joke decision that was. Worse was to follow when Shane Sutherland left the field on a stretcher after looking like he has damaged his knee when pulling up. Hardy dribbled forward into the hosts box after the ninety but as the tackle came in his shot was lifted over the bar. A flurry of activity round our box in time added on as the nine men tried to hold out for extra time. We did that so on to another thirty minutes. 0-0 after ninety minutes. Inverness were back up to ten men with Lewis Hyde coming on in extra time. Mark Ridgers kept Inverness in the game when he blocked an effort from Jack Hamilton as he went one on one with the keeper. Colin Hamilton went close with a header after Low recycled a corner back into the box, the ball going just the wrong side of the post. Inverness wasted a free kick and corner just on the break and it was still 0-0 with the final fifteen minutes coming up. Wallace Duffy was given a dubious second yellow and we were back down to nine men for the final five minutes of extra time and Michael McKenna drifted a shot wide after a corner. A Nicky Low cross saw Colin Hamilton head across goal and the ball came back off the crossbar as Arbroath went for the jugular, and after yet another corner was cleared, blundering referee Willie Collum ended the tie and it's on to penalties. FULL TIME (after extra time): 0-0 Penalty Shoot Out B Mckay , Hardy Welsh Harper Broadfoot McKenna Low Colin Hamilton Linn Inverness through to Play Off Final after 5-3 shoot out win. Brilliant save from Mark Ridgers From BBC Sport Arbroath manager Dick Campbell: "Anybody who knows anything about football knows we were way, way in front. But I've seen it happen in the play-offs. We had 600 passes, they had 300-odd. "We're not ones to feel sorry for ourselves. The whole season has been a fairy tale, it'll be memorable. We were close to immortality. We've got to repeat that next year. Christmas has come early for Inverness tonight I wish them all the best." Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Billy Dodds: "It wasn't about us getting through tonight, it was the circumstances we did it in. I have my feelings - I'm just keeping quiet because I'll get myself into trouble. "My boys gave me absolutely everything. We had to work our socks off That's the best bunch of boys I've worked with. I would have been proud of every one of them if we lost the penalty shootout tonight." Date: 13/05/2022 Venue: Gayfield Park, Arbroath Attendance: 5154 Referee: Willie Collum Arbroath: 0 (3 pens) Manager: Dick Campbell Lineup: Gaston; Thomson (Donnelly 90), Little, O'Brien (Henderson 105), Colin Hamilton, Stewart, Low, Chris Hamilton (Gold 105), McKenna, Craigen (Linn 76), J Hamilton (Wighton 111) Subs (not used): Antell; Swankie, Ford, Bakare Scorers: none Booked: Colin Hamilton (55), Chris Hamilton (73), Wighton (120) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 0 (5 pens) Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Carson, Broadfoot, Devine, Deas, Samuels (B Mckay 45), Welsh, McAlear (Duffy 74), Chalmers (Harper 68), Doran (Hardy 60), Sutherland (Hyde 90), Subs (not used): C Mackay; Allardice Scorers: none Booked: Carson (27), Duffy (95, 113), B Mckay (115), Hyde (118), Deas (120) Sent Off: Devine (66), Duffy (113) a

Title on hold as ICT win. Killie came North with a big following looking to get one hand on the title whilst Inverness were hoping to strengthen their grip on a play-off spot. A win for Killie tonight and defeat for Arbroath tomorrow afternoon and they will have both hands on the title and on their way back to the Premiership. An even first forty-five with Campbell and Shaw coming closest for the visitors and Chalmers and Samuels having the best efforts for the hosts, but it remained scoreless at the interval. The pace warmed up after the break and it was Ash Taylor that opened the scoring after a misplaced header from Kirk Broadfoot landed at his feet. Dodds took the bull by the horns with a double substitution and that seemed to give us the impetus to have a go at Killie. Billy Mckay hustled a poachers goal with fifteen minutes left, and once more Logan Chalmers came up trumps with a well executed goal to round off the scoring. What this means is that Inverness are guaranteed a play-off place and Killie have a bit more work to do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No fresh injury worries for Inverness but Aaron Doran was on the bench with Austin Samuels starting and Wallace Duffy started at right back with David Carson benched. Roddy MacGregor returned to the bench after showing no reactions to his appearance last weekend. Kilmarnock were unchanged which meant that Daniel Mackay was on the bench for the visitors. A beautiful calm night for a game of football, also shown on council TV, saw the Caley Jags set the ball rolling and it was a cagey opening ten minutes that followed as both sides probed for an opening. Danger man Kyle Lafferty had the ball in the net in the tenth minute but was adjudged offside as Killie just shaded the opening stages. Inverness were giving away numerous petty free kicks and from one of those Mark Ridgers made a diving interception from a dangerous ball whipped into the box. Oli Shaw had a twelve yard shot blocked by Danny Devine as Killie opened up their hosts down their left wing with Ridgers sprawling across his line. At the other end Zach Hemming made a great interception as Billy Mckay tried to latch onto a ball forward. Ridgers stood tall to make a good save as Campbell burst forward at pace, the keeper using strong hands to beat the ball over the bar for a corner but again Ridgers dealt well with the cross. Half way through the first period and Killie were having the better of the game so far as Inverness struggled to hold onto the ball. However, a tremendous diagonal ball forward from Kirk Broadfoot picked out Logan Chalmers and he shot early from distance on the left, but his effort caught the side net and Austin Samuels had a close range shot blocked six yards out as Inverness opened up. Danny Devine conceded a corner with a well timed interception as Shaw tried to get onto a ball flicked into the box. From the corner, Shaw's header clipped the top of the crossbar on the way behind for a goal kick. Mckay was very close to connecting with the ball as a Sean Welsh delivery curled into the box, but once again Hemming did well to put Billy off his stride and the keeper was able to tidy up. Reece McAlear volleyed over after a free kick as the hosts got to grip with the game, the ball going for a fruitless corner five minutes before the break. HALF TIME: 0-0 Killie came out of the blocks quickest at the start of the second half and Fraser Murray had a shot blocked on the angle of the six yard box by Robbie Deas. Hemming did well to push away a powerful shot from Samuels after he turned well twenty yards out and a minute later Broadfoot was denied by a diving Hemming at the expense of a corner. Blair Alston won a corner as he lashed an effort just wide and seconds later Killie took the lead after Broadfoot inadvertently knocked a header towards Ash Taylor who deftly tucked the ball over Ridgers and into the net. Double sub for Inverness with Samuels and McAlear being replaced by Aaron Doran and David Carson and that triggered an impressive spell for Inverness culminating in a pulsating finale. Some good pressure from the hosts paid off when Billy Mckay scrambled the ball in from close range to restore parity. Even better would follow six minutes later. Once again it was Logan Chalmers to the rescue as he drove a low shot into the net from ten yards at the back post. Get in ya dancer. FULL TIME: 2-1 Inverness saw out the game well in control and thoroughly deserved the three points and a play-off slot. Killie have more work to do to clinch the cinch. Good performances all round with Devine a rock at the back. Ridgers did well with some great interceptions early on, punching dangerous cross balls clear of danger. Deas, Duffy did well to shackle the early advances of Killie. The midfield worked tirelessly and what else can you say about Billy Mckay. He scores when he wants and Logan the loan did it again. Four goals in four games. Good work lad and much appreciated. Match reaction and videos to follow Pos Team Pld W D L F A Pts Updated table after Inverness CT 2-1 Kilmarnock 1. Kilmarnock 34 19 6 9 47 25 63 2. Arbroath 33 15 14 4 45 25 59 3. Inverness CT 33 14 11 8 47 32 53 4. Partick Thistle 33 13 10 10 44 36 49 5. Raith Rovers 33 10 13 10 40 43 43 6. Morton 33 9 13 11 36 42 40 7. Hamilton Ac. 33 9 12 12 37 47 39 8. Ayr United 33 8 11 14 34 48 35 9. Dunfermline 33 6 14 13 33 49 32 10. Q.O.S. 32 6 8 18 30 46 26 Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Date: 15/04/2022 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 3829 Referee: Don Robertson Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Duffy, Broadfoot, Devine, Deas, Samuels (Doran 70), Welsh, McAlear (Carson 70), Sutherland, Chalmers (Harper 84), B Mckay (Hardy 88) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Hyde, MacGregor, Walsh Scorers: Mckay (76), Chalmers (82) Booked: Deas (72) Sent Off: none Kilmarnock: 1 Manager: Derek McInnes Lineup: Hemming; Hodson, Taylor, Stokes, McGinn (Glass 83), Campbell, Alston, F Murray (Mackay 90+1), Lyons, Shaw, Lafferty, Subs (not used): Walker; E Murray, Naismith, McGowan, Sanders, Burke, Armstrong Scorers: Taylor (60) Booked: none Sent Off: none a

Defensive blunders assist Ayr. Ayr United took advantage of a midfield error and conceded corner from whence Sean McGinty headed the opening goal in a poor first half. McAdams saved Ayr before the interval with a great double save within ten seconds of each other as Inverness searched for an opening. Adeloye doubled the lead just after the hour seconds after coming on with Inverness in disarray. Lewis Nicolson struck with a first time cross that ended up in the top corner to throw Inverness a lifeline, but we remained winless in two months. Any hopes of promotion up in the Ayr. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inverness were still missing Scott Allardice, Danny Devine, Roddy MacGregor and Tom Walsh. Add to that surprise omissions of Mark Ridgers and captain Sean Welsh then you can see that our squad is down to the bare bones. Ryan Esson found himself on the bench with Aaron Doran. Michael Hewitt missed out for Ayr in their much altered squad since the January sales, but they were unchanged from the side that beat Kilmarnock. The visitors got the game underway kicking towards the North Stand with the sun making an appearance after the storms earlier in the week. Logan Chalmers had the first opportunity of the game after doing well down the left, but he opted to shoot and his angled effort was put behind for a corner which he took himself and made an arse of it. Ashford responded for Ayr on the break as he burst forward, but his shot from the left side of the box was easily stopped by Cammy Mackay deputising for the unwell Mark Ridgers. Broadfoot will need to use his experience against Ashford who easily outpaced the veteran defender. The only thing of note in the first twenty minutes was a needless booking for David Carson for a rash tackle in midfield, and that would determine his day later in the game. Ayr opened the scoring out of nothing. Harper fresh from a booking lost the ball in midfield and Ayr broke forward to win a corner. When it came in Sean McGinty scored a simple header to open the scoring, the consequence of an error on the halfway line. Basic play gone wrong. McAdams made a tremendous double save firstly from Logan Chalmers then seconds later from Shane Sutherland to keep Ayr ahead five minutes before the interval. We tried to respond before the interval but Carson didn't have the legs to get away from the defender as he approached the box, and at the break it was Ayr that held the lead. HALF TIME: 0-1 No changes at the interval and Inverness with it all to do as they play towards the North Stand, however the final ball would need to improve if the hosts were to get anything from this game. Sam Pearson made a darting run down the right and cut along the bye-line, but McAdams put his shot come cross behind for a fruitless corner. Harper almost cost a second goal with a replica error of the first, but this time there were no takers for the dangerous low cross that fizzed across the box. Kirk Broadfoot was next to make the error and Cammy Mackay got him out of jail with a superb block. Reece McAlear fired a sharp thirty yard left foot effort wide of McAdams left hand post, but it was a tad ambitious to say the least. Ayr substitute Tomi Adeloye scored with his first touch seconds after coming on, whether he knew much about it or not, but the ball ended up in the net after a great cross from McKenzie. No surprise that the red card waiting to happen arrived when Carson made another ridiculous challenge and the promotion push looked to have ended right there. Sub Lewis Nicolson fired a deep cross into the box and it ended up in the far corner of the net with five minutes left to throw the hosts a lifeline. But it was simply too little too late once more. How often have we said that this year. FULL TIME: 1-2 We were simply clutching at straws as Ayr recorded their first win at the Caledonian Stadium in over nineteen years. Yes, gone are the days when we could give Ayr a three goal start and go on to thrash them. We better get used to this as the future looks bleak given our current circumstances and apparent demise. Well, what can you say! The best ever chance of promotion and those at the helm seem hell bent on keeping jobs for boys rather than trying to get promoted. A complete lack of ambition has led to a complete lack of confidence. One has to question what the hell is going on at the club. Why have we no defenders. Are we preparing for obscurity. A once proud club that was always prepared to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in seem incapable of doing the basics at the moment. What was our marque signing. A striker that can't score, a disruptive winger that unsettled the whole squad, an ageing defender that is two yards off the pace, a proven penalty box striker that is starved of service, any amount of sub standard forwards and to top it all no defensive cover and a manager that can't manage. Like the team, I've pretty much thrown the towel in for this season. If it weren't for the distant hope that we cling on for dear life and remain in a play-off place at the end of the season then, I'm done. Is it possible come the end of the season that we get a full squad back and triumph in the knock outs at the death? I for one won't be holding my breath, and there's plenty more like me who are just going through the motions, and that includes the players. Management beware: The Long Knives are out and the fans are revolting! Many claim there's better in the commentary box. Apparently they call them highlights... <<Spin Doctor Alert>> Date: 19/02/2022 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1850 Referee: Kevin Clancy Inverness CT: 1 Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: C Mackay; Duffy (Hardy 71) Broadfoot, Deas, Harper (Nicolson 86), Pearson (Doran 78), Carson, McAlear, Sutherland (Samuels 69),Chalmers (Hyde 78), B Mckay Subs (not used): Esson; Scorers: L Nicolson (86) Booked: Carson (19, 68), Harper (33), Sent Off: Carson (68) Ayr United: 2 Manager: Lee Bullen Lineup: McAdams; Houston (Rowe 62), Muirhead, McGinty, Reading, Murdoch, Mcinroy, Maxwell (O'Connor 89), Dempsey (Smith 89), Ashford (Adeloye 62), McKenzie (Gondoh 89) Subs (not used): Albinson; Fjortoft, Baird, Bryden Scorers: McGinty (35), Adeloye (64) Booked: Mackenzie (31) Sent Off: none a

Winning start for Dodds The season kicked off in earnest tonight for the Caley Jags with a group 'A' League Cup encounter against Peterhead. It was a winning start for Billy Dodds in his first competitive game in charge of Inverness. It was a second defeat for Peterhead who been beaten in their opener by Hearts at the weekend. After a cautious start Inverness began to control the pace of the game but chances were at a premium. The best chance came when Aaron Doran spectacularly flicked a cross goalwards but Brett Long dived to his right to prevent a goal. Tom Walsh blazed a strike over on the run after a dummy from Duku put him through. Manny Duku was causing problems on the ground and in the air. Sean Welsh missed a tremendous opportunity as he headed just over when it looked easier to score, but it remained goalless at the interval. Early in the second half Duku broke the deadlock with a drilled effort from just inside the box and Aaron Doran doubled the advantage with a stunning thirty yard shot into the top corner four minutes later. The hosts saw out the remainder of the game well in control with Peterhead rarely threatening. New signings Kirk Broadfoot, Manny Duku, Reece McAlear and Tom Walsh all started with Michael Gardyne coming on from the bench. Kirk Broadfoot and Manny Duku both impressed on their debut's with Tom Walsh and Aaron Doran playing with a spring in their step. Match Reaction CTO Robert said: "Enjoyed that. Very dominant and two early goals in the second half secured the win. A couple of thoughts driving home. Broadfoot and Fyffe swapped centre half roles at half time. The whole defence clearly had confidence in Fyffe which was good to see. We looked stronger down the right with Carson and Walsh than down the left with Harper and Doran, but then Doran turned up with his goal! A word for Sutherland. He put a real shift in and didn’t give Peterhead a minute. MOM for me was actually Welsh. He was pulling the strings in midfield. A very encouraging start and we still have Deas, McDonald and Mckay who have not featured so far." CTO Jaggernaut said: "I thought the first hour was very encouraging. We were closing them down well when they had possession and our passing was brisk and on point. We lost a bit of our rhythm with all the subs, but there were a lot of good performances out there tonight." Date: 13/07/2021 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 300ish Referee: Peter Stuart Inverness CT: 2 Manager: Billy Dodds Lineup: Ridgers; Carson, Fyffe, Broadfoot (Devine 65), Harper, Doran (Gardyne 57) Welsh, McAlear (MacGregor 57), Walsh (Hyde 78), Sutherland, Duku (Allardice 66) Subs (not used): C Mackay; Nicolson, Duffy Scorers: Duku (50), Doran (54) Booked: none Sent Off: none Peterhead: 0 Manager: Jim McInally Lineup: Long; Mulligan, Conroy, Jason Brown, McDonald, Ritchie (Strachan 86), S Brown, Cook (Ferry 55), Kesson (Cameron 46), Jordon Brown (Payne 55), Lyle (McLean 55) Subs (not used): Wilson; Mushanu Scorers: none Booked: Jason Brown (86), McLean (89), Conroy (90) Sent Off: none a

Zero No goals at the Caledonian Stadium as Inverness and United cancelled each other out on a brisk February night. Andy Shinnie had the best opportunity to break the deadlock in the second half but he headed straight at the keeper when either side of him would have seen a goal, but it was not to be as Inverness dropped to third with Motherwell beating Celtic to jump into second spot. It's oh so tight as the league reaches the tickly spot. Couldn't manage another four goals tonight and the commentators curse struck as we had to settle for a no scoring draw in the end. Richie Foran recovered sufficiently to make the bench and Josh Meekings replaced the suspended Gary Warren, partnering Daniel Devine at the rear. Ryan Esson continued in goal with Reguero as standby. United set out their stall with an attack minded side, probably just as well for them as their defending has been suspect at times. Michael Gardyne getting a start with Stuart Armstrong on the bench. Inverness started brightest and pegged United back in the early stages looking for the breakthrough. For all his height, Owain Tudur-Jones should be an ideal target at set pieces, alas, heading is not his strong point and he wasted a good opportunity meekly heading a Doran corner wide of the keepers left hand post. United responded and Jon Daly did likewise at the other end as headers seemed to be the preferred method of attack, Billy McKay nodding one direct at Cierzniak from a great position as the play opened out. Neither side were able to get a foothold in the match as the play went from end to end and defences were mainly on top, but contract boy Andy Shinnie came closest, forcing Cierzniak into a diving save just before half time as he wheeled on the edge of the box and fired a shot low towards the goal, but the keeper was equal to it. Half Time 1-1 The second period continued in the same theme and I've seen worse nil nil games. Aaron Doran was teasing and probing at one end and Gary Mackay-Stevens was doing the same at the other end, but poor final balls and good defending thwarted most moves. Around the hour mark, the cumbersome Jon Daly passed up the Arabs best chance so far, heading over from six yards. He should have made the keeper work.. United were becoming more prominent and they seemed to gain the upper hand possession wise, but clear chances were at a premium as the play went from end to end. Esson saved a shot from substitute Armstrong to keep the score blank and the United goalie did likewise from the classy Andy Shinnie, who was at full stretch to turn a ball goalwards. Armstrong blazed a loose ball high over the bar at the other end when he should have done better with the defence struggling to cover him. It was Shinnie that should have broken the deadlock after some neat play when he strode onto an outswinging cross from Doran, but his diving header was straight down the keepers throat and the chance was wasted. With twelve minutes remaining, Ryan Esson earned his corn when he grappled with a deflected Rankin shot from close range and eventually pounced on the ball before it squirmed over the line. Close call! The long awaited return of Richie Foran was a welcome sight with ten minutes left on the clock and he looked eager to get involved, and he livened the last few minutes up, but it was United who pressed at the death for the goal which would steal the points, but it never came. Full Time 0-0 A draw was just about right although Inverness did create the better openings, but some woeful shooting and heading kept the score blank. The only winners from this game were Motherwell who jumped above Inverness into second place after beating Celtic 2-1. So, it's onward to Dingwall for what has now become a very meaningful game given County's recent surge of form and Inverness' apparent reluctance to kill off games. Interesting weekend ahead. tm4tj MotM:- goes to the quality player that is Andy Shinnie. Not able to get on the scoresheet last night, but his close control was a joy to behold. Danny Devine was solid at the back as was Josh Meekings and Nick Ross had one of his best games as well, so onwards to Dingwall and it's all to play for. 27th Feb 2013 Scottish Premier League Tulloch Caledonian Stadium Inverness C.T. 0 - TEAM: Esson, Raven, G Shinnie, Devine, Meekings, Doran, Draper, Tudur-Jones, Ross (Sutherland 80), A Shinnie, McKay (Foran 80) SUBS: Reguero, Laing, Polworth, Pepper, Taylor Booked: Meekings (16) Sent Off: none Dundee Utd 0 - TEAM: Cierzniak, Watson, Douglas, Dillon, McLean, Gardyne, Flood, Rankin, Mackay-Steven, Daly, Russell (Armstrong 38) SUBS: Banks, Ryan, Millar, Dow, Thomson, Souttar Booked: Flood (68) Sent Off: none Referee Brian Colvin Attendance 3413

Late drama at Shadows gig Inverness forced a dramatic last gasp equaliser which abruptly wiped the grin off a disgruntled Derek Adams' dial, and it had appeared only a minute earlier. This was the finish to end all finishes as Richie Foran drove home the ball with the last kick of the game to bring Adams to the verge of tears. It was a bright sunny day for the early kick off and the low sun would play a part in the action as the game reached a crescendo. The early action was a bit hectic with Inverness controlling the flow of the game without being too creative and County were chasing shadows for most of the first half. Billy McKay broke the deadlock with a superb volley after Foran nodded a ball back across goal. Rocco Quinn returned the compliment with an equally impressive strike then some bizarre goals swung the game in favour of the Dingwall side. Richie Foran appeared to glance a McKay shot with his face, wrong footing Mark Brown to put the visitors ahead once more. A huge deflection off David Raven saw an Ian Vigurs shot loop high over a stranded Reguero and the crazy sequence continued as a Richard Brittain free kick found it's way into the net after everyone missed it in the box, including Reguero. Game over you would have thought, Derek Adams certainly did, but after a thunderous forty yard strike by Owain Tudur-Jones was pushed away, the resulting corner saw Foran snatch a deserved leveller as he turned a Meekings header into the net to send the Caley Jags fans into hysterics. It was a frenetic opening half hour with neither side creating much although Inverness had the upper hand. That would change after half an hour whem Billy McKay scored a superb opener. Doran's free kick was headed back across goal by captain marvel Richie Foran and McKay swivelled some fifteen yards out to volley a beauty behind Mark Brown high into the net off his right hand post. It looked at this point that Inverness would sweep County aside but they almost equalised near half time when a Brittain free kick rattled Reguero's post with the keeper ensuring the ball stayed out. The loose ball found Vigurs slamming a shot goalward but it was brilliantly blocked on the line and Inverness broke swiftly to the other end. McKay had rounded Brown but his shot from a tight angle was also blocked on the line. Foran headed the corner just wide as the half ended with a flourish. It would be a taster of what was to come in the second period. Half Time 0-1 Less than five minutes into the second half and County drew level with a stunning goal of their own. Kovasevic was afforded too much space on the right and as he rolled the ball across the edge of the box, Quinn matched McKay's effort to curl the ball across Reguero into the roof of the net from twenty yards. County then looked the more likely to go on and win the game as the Inverness midfield disappeared and the Staggies new found belief saw them pressure the visiting defence, but they held firm with some frantic defending. A rare foray forward saw Andy Shinnie turn sharply in the box but Brown saved well low to his left as Inverness started to come to grips with the game again and when McKay tried a shot from distance, part of Richie Foran diverted the ball beyond a stranded Brown, from a suspiciously offside position, although Ross Tokely pulling Richie back could have seen a penalty given. Inverness were back on top now and looked likely to stretch their lead but it was the home side who threw a spanner in the works when Vigurs strolled forward some thirty yards out. He tried a long distance shot which Raven tried to block but all he succeeded in doing was to loop the ball high over the outstretched Reguero and into the net. If you thought that one was hard to take, the next one was even tougher. Vigurs was handed a free kick after a soft Raven challenge and Brittain drove a low curling ball into the six yard box. It's one of those ones where everybody is frightened to touch the ball and as nobody appeared to, it ended up in the back of the net. That cheered up Mr Adams, but his grin was swiftly removed a minute or so later. Inverness surged forward one last time and a vicious Jones thunderbolt from nigh on forty yards saw Brown struggle to keep the swerving ball out, and from the corner that followed, Meekings header landed near Foran and he scooped the ball goalwards. Nobody is sure who scored it, Roberts might be brave enough to try and claim it, and the elation drained rapidly from Derek's face as the game was over. Full Time 3-3 Not the most technically brilliant game, but it was accepted cup tie fare and two sensational goals a bit of controversy, a one man pitch invasion, flares and a greetin faced git just made my day. You couldn't write this........oh well someone has to and the dramatic end to the game just rounded off a hectic cup tie with it all to do again in the replay at Inverness. A draw was a fair reflection on the game and if the replay is half as enthralling then it will be worth watching. tm4tj MotM is going to Richie Foran who cropped up in the right places at the right time and boy, did he enjoy those goals. 1st Dec 2012, Scottish Cup, Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall Ross County: 3 - Quinn (49), Vigurs (85), Brittain (90+3) TEAM: Brown, Kovacevic, Tokely, Boyd, Fitzpatrick, Brittain, Kettlewell (Fotheringham 81), Vigurs, Quinn, Morrow (Ross 78), Glen SUBS: Fraser, Munro, Cooper Booked: none Sent Off: none Inverness C.T.: 3 - McKay (30), Foran (74, 90+5) TEAM: Reguero, Raven, Warren, Meekings, G.Shinnie, A.Shinnie, Draper, Tudur-Jones, Doran, McKay, Foran SUBS: Esson, Sutherland, Pepper, Roberts, Cooper Booked: Draper (80), A.Shinnie (90) Sent Off: none Referee: Craig Thomson Attendance: 5077

Astra-nomical days in Romania People often refer to an extraordinary, yet fleeting occurrence as a JFK moment. When Inverness CT went in a bowl in Switzerland for the Europa League draw in June 2015, it was hardly a life changing event, but I will never forget where I was when the news filtered through from home as to who we had drawn, and where we were headed. I was sitting in a square in Salzburg having lunch as you do! European qualification had already been guaranteed before the Scottish Cup Final, a draw at Dundee clinched our historic third place. Will we ever see the likes again? Perhaps in hindsight I shouldn’t have stayed away from Dens Park, but I was obsessed with my 500th ICT game being the Cup Final, and that was what happened. I wrote about the joy of that Cup Final in an article “It’s my club”, which was printed in Football Weekends magazine in 2016, and can also be found elsewhere on my blog. The first paragraph of that piece is well with recounting here; “A man down, pegged back by an equaliser, Inverness were struggling, it felt like we were on the ropes. Was the Scottish Cup dream about to end? It was Falkirk we were playing after all, a known bogey team in years past. They traditionally beat us in most August encounters and had knocked us out of both cups, as well as relegating us in one season. Indeed that painful occasion was the last game between the two teams in May 2008, seven years ago. However, this was May 2015, a different generation of player with none of the mental blocks that we the fans associate with the name Falkirk! The clock was ticking down on a sun drenched Hampden, when suddenly the ball broke to Marley Watkins, still well inside our half, but he started to run, and run with the ball toward the goal he sped. A little turn inside, he shot, it wasn’t his best ever effort, a trundler, but the pace caught out the Bairns keeper Jamie MacDonald who merely diverted the ball into the path of the on rushing James Vincent, who had sprinted from our box! It fell beautifully for him; Goooooooooal!! We had just won the Scottish Cup! A club just 21 years old at that stage had just won the oldest trophy in world football! (FA Cup is an older competition, but the Scottish Cup trophy is older!). It’s a trophy bigger clubs have craved for 114 years without success, or waited more than 100 years to win for the first time ever”. Nearly five years on it still seems incredible, a boy’s own story, something they can never take away from us. That cup victory was undoubtedly the pinnacle for the club, but for a more global citizen, one obsessed with football in certain lands around the world, getting to see my team in Europe had always been my dream. So much so, when Inverness went to Denmark in 2007 for pre-season training and a couple of games, I had to be there. So one July evening I sped down the railway tracks from Copenhagen to Sjaelland, and the quaint town of Nykobing Falster for the clubs first ever game on foreign soil. We were five strong that night (Don Taylor, his wife and son amongst us) as Liam Fox claimed the first ever ICT goal outside Britain in a 2-1 loss to Nykobing Falster Alliance. A few days later, our number had grown by one as David Proctor scored the only goal of the game against much tougher opponents in FC Nordsjaelland from Farum near the capital, a club who would not only end up playing Queen of the South in Europe five years later, but continue a journey towards being one of Denmark’s top teams. Given I was in Denmark for friendly matches, (I have only ever been at one ICT friendly in Banff!) you can imagine how keyed up I was when I knew my club name was going into a UEFA draw. I was prepared to go almost anywhere (Israel was my only no go at that time, Kosovo has been subsequently added to the list), but I was more dreaming of Almaty in Kazakhstan (as far east as we could go!), or any of our Nordic neighbours especially Iceland or the Faroe Islands, the possibilities were endless, all very exciting as the Welsh would say. Having won the Scottish Cup we were nibbled onto the Second Round directly, and with so many “and/or” potential pitfalls from Round One we could have drawn, it would make for very short notice booking. As it was, I was sitting quaffing a glass of chilled white wine over lunch in the Plaza de Mozart in Salzburg when the news filtered through the Tyrolean mountains to my mobile that we hadn’t drawn and and/or” but Astra Giurgiu. I hadn’t a clue where in România Giurgiu was, but the club name was familiar to me as they’d had a few European outings previously, one with Celtic rang a bell. I also learned that St Johnstone were going to Armenia, information of amusement for the sender as he knew I was travelling with an Armenian lass. My boss back in Edinburgh is a huge St Johnstone fan, both home and away, as well as every European game he could possibly get too (He has only missed one in Minsk, Belarus because of the lack of time to get a visa!). While I had no direct number for him, I was immediately messaging a colleague back home in the office with information to pass on, as St Johnstone were Yerevan bound in just over two weeks, a lot sooner than our tie. He called me that night and took more information and was all booked long before I walked back into the office the following week. I had always regretted that none of my bunch of fellow ICT fans had been up for going to Denmark, but okay those were friendly matches. I was more dismayed that none of them could go to Romania. I knew there was going to be a fine away support but I started to have second thoughts as I didn’t really fancy the Bucharest to the banks of the Danube and Giurgiu on my own, having by then looked at a map and discovered the location of Astra’s home town. Then my luck started to turn, and from a most unlikely source. Luciano, a Brazilian friend from Porto Alegre, who works as a translator for FIFA amongst others, wrote to me to say he had a Romanian colleague who would be more than willing to help me. By the end of that day we hadn’t just arranged that Razvan was picking me up at the airport, but he’d happily drive me down to Giurgiu, nip across to Bulgaria for a meal, as well as share the game with me, and he wasn’t even into football! Wonderful little things like this keep happening to me through life, football opens doors and starts new friendships, I am a lucky man. I went ahead and booked my trip, Thursday to Monday, and as luck would have it, two Romanian top tier games were scheduled for that weekend in the capital, I was going to get my fill of football in a country I had never set foot in before. Romania was a land I was reasonably well versed with courtesy of my dad’s brother and his wife, who worked at the British Embassy in Bucharest during the Ceausescu years, and some of the stories they told left a marked impression on a young lad! One that always amused me was that they used take advantage of the “diplomatic bag” to run a well stocked shop in the basement for the embassy families as the Bucharest shops were largely bereft of anything worthy of eating! I have for a longtime sighted my aunt and uncle as the pioneers of my love for travel. They led a fascinating life, having met and married in Beirut during the ‘50’s, a city they described like Paris back then, as well as working in Baghdad well before it disintegrated. Unfortunately I would only had the pleasure of visiting them at his last posting ahead of his retirement, much nearer to home in Lille, long before the Euro Tunnel had breathed life into this northern French city. Ahead of flying out, the 2015/16 campaign for Scottish clubs had got underway and my boss had enjoyed his time in the Armenian capital even if the heat was searing, but his team had come home with a fine 1-0 win. The following Thursday in Perth though, Scottish football hit a new low when Euro novices Alashkert won 2,1 and went through on the away goal rule. Another week on, and a car load of us sped up the A9 from Edinburgh for the first leg of Inverness v Astra tie. Looking back, it still feels a slightly surreal thing that we hosted European football, but a good crowd had turned out for the occasion. The lack of commercial exploitation of this game, or indeed the cup final has always rankled with me. The club produced a half and half scarf for an embarrassing debacle, when the visitors were some sort of Liverpool kids team, unworthy opponents for the Testimonial of Barry Wilson. A huge crowd turned out that night in the rain, many to pay Barry respects, but others believing they were going to see at least one or two well known Reds players. The Anfield kids got a right good going over with a 5-0 home win! A similar scarf or even a pennant would have been good, a worthy souvenir to mark the game, but instead the club decided to merely ramp up the price of a normal edition of the programme by two pounds, and that was it. Then before the game, we were faced with the slightly odd scenario of a newly signed goalkeeper thrown straight into the team, Owain Fon Williams. Somehow this became the news which rather overshadowed the game itself. Those who’d taken us to glory the season just past were worthy of their moment on the European stage was my opinion, and remains that way to this day! Astra were skillful, cute, streetwise and downright depressing in the art of time wasting and game management, “skills” that developed from periodically tumbles to an almost constant occurrence every time someone got too close or dared to tackle, as we powered up the second half pressure. Astra are not known as Darcii Negri (the black devils) for nothing! Their manager Marius Sumudicahad, (who was subsequently banned for two months that season for his involvement in match fixing) had been a bit mouthy in the run up to the game, and that side of the gamesmanship continued in the days afterwards too. The whole occasion sits with me in the pantheon of dull memories, like the League Cup Final with Aberdeen, both games occasions where the fans didn’t have a whole lot to hold onto and think, “If only”. Yet we were by no means second best, and matched the Romanians in every department without manufacturing any absolutely glaring opportunities, but we did have more shots on target. As it was, the game was decided by a dubious free kick awarded midway through the first half on the edge of our box, where Constantin Budescu, who jostled with our Ryan Christie as man of the match, whipped an exquisitely taken free kick up and over the wall into the net beyond the flailing new keeper. Owain had been too far to one side of the goal, offering Budescu an all too tempting large slice of the goal, but it was a great strike, even if the feeling at the time was this was a goalkeeping error. Before anyone was packing their bag for Romania, the day after the first leg in Inverness, we were back in a pot in Neon for the next round of the competition, part of an “and/or” duo with Astra that paired us with West Ham United. Given this was our first Euro campaign I can honestly say this brought a feeling of disappointment, after all who wanted an Anglo-Scottish clash, albeit a high profile clash! I am sure I wasn’t alone in wanting somewhere more exotic than London, where we’d already been for a friendly with Charlton Athletic. Of course, we could only concern ourselves with any such travel arrangements if we could get by Astra, and that was going to be a tall order. The full Europa League draw had also brought the possibility of my Kazakh charges Kairat coming to Scotland for the first time to play Aberdeen. They had shown St Johnstone the way absolutely thumping Alashkert 3,0 in Almaty and were almost certainly looking to be in the next round. The Dons just had to do their part of the bargain and see off Croatian side Rijeka, a tricky tie without doubt, but they had stunningly won the away leg by a similar score, so the Kazakhs were coming, barring a total collapse by one of the three-nil winners! It was an early morning start with a 6am flight to Amsterdam to catch a connection onward to Bucharest on the morning of the game. With the time difference it was technically an 8am start Romanian time, just 11 hours before the kick off. I have never set off abroad wearing a football shirt before, but the pride in this instance, knowing my team were playing that day in some far off land was wonderful. Sods law of course that the only person who made any comment to me before I boarded the plane was a Falkirk fan, still looking to vent about how we taken their cup away! Once I was in my seat I did see two more Caley Thistle lads board the plane, and I can only assume they were on the next leg too, but I never saw them again! The entire journey had gone without a hitch, and upon clearing customs at Bucharest airport, Razvan was already awaiting my arrival. Timescales even allowed for us to swing by my hotel to check in, drop my luggage in the room etc after all it would be a late return following the game. The drive down to the Danube seemed to whizz by, we had plenty of chat, but burning away within me was anticipation and excitement about the game. Everything had been going smoothly until we hit the city limit of Giurgiu, (pronounced -jure jew) where the entire inside lane was wall to wall trucks, and this continued in such a line all the way to the Romanian border post just before the bridge across the Danube to Bulgaria. The problem was, this old crossing was in the process of being upgraded, and the road was down to a single track, meaning only one side could move at a time. The odd way they had chosen to do that was to allow traffic to move for around 30 minutes in one direction at a time! While cars weren’t even attempting to go across as much, once we were through passport control it was a case of switching off the engine and waiting for four lanes of traffic to fight it out to merge into one solitary line for the crossing. It was boiling hot, and with the windows down it was no use, thank goodness for the air conditioning. There was no turning back, we were technically in no man’s land between the two countries and I was already fretting that if it was like this on the way back, how ironic would it be to miss the kick off stuck in a traffic jam so close and yet so far. Once it was our turn to move we eventually manoeuvred between two juggernauts, but generally you weren’t going to argue with them. With the border formalities on the Bulgarian side complete, we were off in the direction of nearby Ruse, the town on the opposite bank to Giurgiu. This was first venture to Bulgaria, but little did I know at that time, my next partner would be from here, but not only that, she had spent a lot of her earlier life in Ruse. A little more than fifteen months later she’d be sitting with me at Fir Park, Motherwell cheering on Inverness! The world revolves around small coincidences and fates, making them part of the magic of life. Razvan and I had time to walk around Ruse a little, the centre was nice, if not spectacular, followed by a rather splendid meal sitting outside near the town square, with my one beer of the day! I suspect I was the only fan taking in the pre-match rituals in Bulgaria! I was always conscious of the time, nervous about getting stuck on the bridge going back, but thankfully the queue was considerably less going north and we were headed for the Stadionul Marin Anastasovici with plenty of time to spare. The stadium was actually on the outskirts of Giurgiu, quite close to the main Bulgaria – Bucharest highway, so I never did see any more of the town other than the football ground. We parked up and initially headed round behind the main stand, but the only place for the visiting fans was two caged areas on the opposite side of the ground, so we joined a queue of happy ICT fans to buy our tickets from a wee garden shed at the end of the road. Ticket prices, like the meal in Ruse, were jolly cheap. I have no recollection exactly how early it was that we arrived, maybe 30/45 minutes before kick off, but the whole Invernessian gang were here and in absolutely fine voice they were too. Many were a wee bit worse for wear, as I am sure the combination of beer and the heat had taken its toll a bit on some. I am unsure if anyone actually knows the exact number of visiting fans, somewhere between 500-600 I reckon, maybe circa 500 travelling under official parties, but the Bucharest newspaper the day after put it down as 600. After all, if the club were only counting official party fans we had the odd rogue DIY traveller like me, coupled with my very own Romanian ICT fan for the night in Razvan. The cage was a frustrating nonsense and trying to take some keepsakes was a bit of a nightmare through the wire, but going outside the cage near the pitch only brought admonishment from the stewards if you lingered too long. Thinking about it, were any Astra fans, save the official party in Inverness? They certainly didn’t make themselves heard. Here in Giurgiu, the club quickly realised that bringing souvenirs round from the club shop in the main stand to the juice bar for the away fans was going to render significant sales. We for sure drank the fridge dry and pretty much cleared them out of shirts and scarves! I have to confess as Gary Warren led the team out from the far corner beside the Astra lads (see cover photo), I had a lump in my throat, this occasion was more magical for me than the cup final. Never in my football supporting days, spanning 47 years now, did I ever think I would see my team playing competitively in Europe, and the pride was swelling an emotion within me. The game started at an extraordinarily sedate pace, perhaps given the heat and how early it was in the season, but we settled immediately, passing the ball around without fear or intimidation. Indeed, while Astra fans were here in reasonable numbers, it was the away fans who were making all the noise. In the first half, had VAR been around Warren would have won us a penalty, wrestled to the ground in the box, but as usual the ref just played on in those days. Minutes later, just ahead of half-time, Ryan Christie had a brilliant shot that was just tipped over the crossbar superbly by the keeper. Christie, still a youthful lad, grew into this game and commanded the midfield ahead of more illustrious players on the Astra team. We continued to press for that all important goal to level the aggregate, and a lot of the danger was stemming from Ryan. He found himself sandwiched between two Astra defenders in the second half having taken the ball down exquisitely in the box, but this time it was no penalty. In the end Astra held firm, it ended 0-0.There was absolutely no disgrace in narrowly going out to this Romanian side who were on the way to the greatest season in the clubs history, winning the league title for the first time. West Ham were sent packing in the next round, not just in 2015/16, but the very next year too, and in all 4 games the Hammers couldn’t beat Astra once. The applause at the end of the game for our Euro heroes was loud and passionate, the players came over to thank us and stayed longer than normal applauding back all with a mixture of pride and frustration written all over their faces, we had come that close. It was a relatively quick transfer back to Bucharest, with a hug and all my thanks of gratitude to Razvan, who had been incredible. He would call me occasionally in the coming days to make sure things were going well, and even invited me on a trip to the Carpathian mountains to visit his father, but I needed to see Bucharest before venturing any further. I slept like a log that night, disappointed that we had gone out, but we are still unbeaten away from home in Europe! I had earmarked Friday as my Bucharest culture day, and the city has a lot to enjoy and see. I had read that it has been described as Paris of the East, and aside from a smaller Arc de Triomphe, which was under maintenance scaffolding in 2015, a lot of the central areas buildings had a whiff of Paris. One building that certainly didn’t feel Parisian was the Palace of Parliament, the enormous construction undertaken to appease the megalomania of the Ceaucescu’s, a place that was at one time merely their home! I really enjoyed my days in the city, it had a wonderfully relaxed feel, wonderful restaurants too. On Saturday night I had arranged to meet a longstanding Bucharest friend Alexandra and her partner. While I had danced around many buildings in the area of the old town, I hadn’t been down these narrow streets before I met them, and it was only subsequent to my trip and seeing videos of the Inverness fans that I realise that this was where the Caley Thistle fans had all congregated, enjoying the relaxed traffic free, cafe society and the fine selection of local and International beers, as well as giving the locals a few recitals of the Highlanders song book, “Sweet Caroline” et all. By Saturday night, if any ICT fans were still in the city, I never saw any. Earlier in the day I had met two lads in a cafe who’d actually stayed in Giurgiu and they described it as “dusty”! I was on my way to Dinamo’s stadium when I bumped into them, but they weren’t up for coming to see the Saturday afternoon game between FC Voluntari and Pandurii Targu Jiu! Voluntari were new into the top flight, and although not from Bucharest, they were sharing with Dinamo Bucharest for the season because their own ground didn’t meet the necessary requirements. The Dinamo stadium was where our very own Romanian hero Marius Nicolae was playing his football at the time. The two lads who’d decline a game in the sun were probably the wise ones as this was a horrible 0-0 draw. On Sunday night, I decided to unearth another ICT shirt, wearing it to the Stadionul National to see Steau Bucharest v CFR Cluj. If any ICT fans were still hanging around my shirt would have been a way of starting a conversation, but it also helped to blend in with the Steau faithful whose colour scheme is similar, if a tad more red. Alas I suspect that Sunday night I was maybe the last Inverness fan in the city, as no ICT shirts were spotted, but our TV appearances in Romania had made the locals become familiar with our story, and most spoke great English! I was disappointed when the teams were read out, upon discovering that another Caley Thistle “cult” player of yesteryear, Gregory Tade wasn’t playing. Asking the guy next to me about him, he told me Gregory was being rested by the manager so he could play in the Champion’s League in midweek against Partizan Belgrade! Our Gregory had done well for himself! I still recall him, long before he played for ICT as an awkward lad trying his best up front for Stranraer, but he always seemed to miss more opportunities than he scored. Gregory had just joined Steau that summer having transferred ironically from tonight’s opponents Cluj. I used the zoom on my camera and spotted him loafing in the posh seats in the main stand. It was a pity I hadn’t seen either Marius or Gregory play, but what were the chances of the two big clubs of Bucharest seeing their attacks being led by ex-ICT players at the time we played in Romania! Did either of them head down to Giurgiu to watch us? More likely they watched on TV as it was live in Romania, unlike in Scotland, which was scandalous, but should we be surprised? For the record, I watched my third draw in four days, but at least this time the game had goals in an entertaining 1,1 draw played out in a fantastic stadium. At breakfast in the hotel ahead of going to the airport the next day, the news was playing quietly in the corner and scenes of Inverness fans in Bucharest appeared, as well as clips of us in the stadium in Giurgiu, as part of the morning sports bulletin. I asked the waitress what they were saying, so she stopped and listened to the last seconds of the piece and turned to me and said “they are in awe that so many people had come from such a small city to cheer their team”. I flew out of Bucharest with a very wide smile. The footnote to all these European games in June/July 2015 was two weeks later in Aberdeen, where I had written a piece on Kazakh football for the programme and was given free tickets for the centre stand. I finally got to see and meet some Kairat fans as they held firm amid a Dons whirlwind of efforts near the end to knock the home team out. My yellow and black jacket and broad smile gave me away at the end as people scowled out! Somehow I had played witness to three Scottish teams going out of Europe that summer, and none were as unlucky as Inverness. Will we ever see the likes again? That is why we are football fans, the strength to dream is hidden in the unknown variables of our beautiful game. This piece is dedicated to all the Caley Thistle fans who ventured to Romania, and Denmark in 2007. These were days to remember. Thanks to James Rendall for this look back at our greatest achievement to date. Football adventures with James Rendall And, just for an extra celebration, you can relive the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday as Inverness go to Hampden to play Falkirk. The game can be found on the Inverness Caledonian Thistle facebook page with Kick Off at 15:00

#TogetherNess - The Caley Jags say Thank You to the NHS and Key Workers The Caledonian Stadium lights up to say thank you to the NHS and Key Workers The Caledonian Stadium was an incredible sight to behold in the early hours of this morning as the Main Stand was lit up in stunning blue light to say thank you to the NHS. The club came together with Inverness based KBE Event Services to run a number of stunning smoke and light programmes which entertained the unsuspecting traffic on the A9 and Kessock Bridge. The climax being the NHS tribute in blue. ICT CEO Scot Gardiner commented: "The KBE Event Services team began work at 7pm and on my arrival back at the stadium for the final touches at 11pm, it was still too light due the fantastic clear skies. It was all wrapped up just after 2am as we had to wait for real darkness but it was definitely worth the wait and the results are amazing." "It was just a shame that we couldn't shake hands as we all had to social distance the entire evening. We will have to do that in the future once we get through all of this and get to work with Kai and his team once again in the future. It was worth it to say our small thanks to the NHS and the key workers doing so much for the Highlands and beyond."

Ayr we go Ayr we go Ayr we go..... Saturday 5th October sees Inverness Caledonian Thistle make the trip south to Somerset Park to face Ayr United in the league. At 205 miles it marks the second longest journey ICT and their home based fans face on league business, only seconded by trips to Dumfries. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Supporters bus to Ayr Bus to Ayr leaves Caley Club 8.45 ...Stadium 9.00 ....Sat5th Oct . Book on Facebook or 07462 218717 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBO55 years young ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mr Caley Jag is our scribe this week with this Preview for you....... On that travel basis alone their fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a better showing than the last display their team put on against Patrick Thistle when they were roundly defeated 3-1 at the Caledonian Stadium, some professing that the team didn’t turn up at all. That defeat brought the team and fans firmly back down to earth with a bang and the reality of another hard slog in the Championship hit home. Form Up until that point the Caley Jags were unbeaten in 6 games in all competitions recording 5 wins and 1 draw while Partick had only recorded wins in the league cup and 2 draws in the league, so form was firmly turned on its head. Our current points total of 13 from a possible 21 sees us sitting in third spot in the league 4 points clear of Dundee but 5 points behind Ayr Utd. In stark contrast Ayr United sit second on goal difference behind Dundee Utd having gone on a 5 game winning run in the league and recording only one defeat at the hands of Dundee back on the 10th August. Somerset Park has become a daunting venue for teams to visit this season and none to date have come up with any answers and walk away with any points. Ayr lost manager Ian McCall to Championship rivals Partick Thistle a couple of weeks ago and it was he who guided Partick to that win over the Caley Jags last weekend. Sandy Stewart is the caretaker boss of the Honest Men and McCall reckons he is the man who should get the permanent position at Somerset Park. He also reckons that Ayr are the best team in the Championship, but their size of squad will curtail their ambitions. Anyway, not his problem now that he has fecked off to the big money at Firhill, bloody wee Jobby. All competitions since start of the League cup on 13th July over 90mins. Ayr: WLWDWLWWDWW ICT: DWWLLWDWWWWL It’s certainly not a game to pick for your coupon that’s for sure unless you’re chasing the odds with the bookies only slightly favouring Ayr United arguably on their recent league form and the fact they are at home. Teams Inverness welcomed Brad McKay and Mitch Curry back to training last week following bouts out with injury and it remains to be seen if they’ll be fit enough to feature in any capacity. If not, they may get a run out against Brora Rangers on Sunday in the NoS Cup final. James Keatings remains out with ankle ligament damage while we await news on whether Tom Walsh will back in the team line up after he missed out against Partick. There’s no new injury concerns since the defeat to Partick unless the weekly mystery injury strikes. Ayr Utd – Life after Lawrence Shankland seems to be doing just fine at Somerset Park. With 5 wins on the bounce, Ayr would appear to have little worries ahead of this encounter. We do seem to be a bit of an Achilles Heel for the Honest Men, but that can't go on forever. Stevie Bell will be another couple of weeks before he is ready and the experienced Mark Kerr is a major doubt. Jamie Adams, Frank Ross, and Andy Murdoch are out with injuries. Other than that I expect United to be on similar lines to the last few weeks, and why not, it's working well. Here's Robbo ahead of the trip to Ayr. Championship fixtures this weekend Alloa Athletic 1-0 Dundee United Ayr united v Inverness CT Dundee v Arbroath Morton v Dunfermline Partick Thistle v Queen of the South ICT News Chief Executive Scot Gardiner sheds some light on the clubs financial situation ahead of the EGM on the 3rd October on BBC Sport Former director Graeme Bennett on what he hopes to hear/see from the forthcoming EGM can be seen in the Press & Journal ICT EGM – 3rd Oct Here's the Inverness Courier story after last nights meeting. On the back of the EGM, there will be a SUPPORTERS OPEN MEETING to be held on Tuesday 8th October, with arrival from 7pm for a 7:30pm start. Trip down memory lane 24th April 2010 Ayr United 0 - 7 Inverness Caledonian Thistle Team: Esson, Proctor, Munro, McBain (Bulvitis 26), Tokely, Hayes, Morrison, Duncan, Foran (Sanchez 64), Odhiambo (Eagle 71), Rooney Scorers: Hayes, Rooney, Foran, Odhiambo, Sanchez, Eagle, Morrison For me, this is arguably one of the best away games I have attended as a football fan and one of the best Caleyjag and I have been to together. Second last day of the season saw us guarantee the title and a return to the top flight at the first attempt under the tutelage of Terry Butcher. Chants of 'shoes up for the Caley Jags' while holding our shoes over our heads was a particular laughing point for me along with being on the pitch after the game calling out for TB to appear and address us. Aye, the sermon from the stand was brilliant! Sad news breaking with the passing of Hugh Crout, the former Caledonian FC President. “His partnership with his close friend, the late Alex Main, as team manager, was a winning combination at Telford Street. He was a real gentleman and made many friends in football, continuing his love for football by supporting ICT right up till the end. The highlight was seeing the club lift the Scottish Cup in 2015. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.” Some more sad news coming from Greg Tansey is that he will have to retire from football due to ongoing injury problems. You can read more on this in the Press & Journal. Greg played a major part in the making of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, the Scottish Cup Winners, and he was one of the sweetest striker of a ball in the game. We wish Greg all the best for his future, wherever that will take him. Thanks for the memories Greg. Here's how Greg announced it on twitter....... Every footballer knows when they sign their first professional contract that it will eventually come to an end. Today is that day for me, an injury that I have been fighting for 2 years now has ended my career. On Sunday, The Pat Munro North of Scotland Cup Final against Brora Rangers FC ?3pm kick-off ?️Mosset Park, Forres ?️Adults: £10, Concessions: £5, Stand Entry: £2 Tickets available from the turnstiles on the day of the match (Cash Only) Info ? https://ictfc.com/match-info-north-of-scotland-cup-final-20… If you like a wee flutter, our partnership with FansBet can offer you something. Just click on FansBet to get started. "Remember to select CaleyThistleOnline when you register and you’ll be helping us support ICT fan causes." FansBet are partners with Supporters Direct Scotland and already have many impressive stories of giving back to and empowering fans, ranging from funding away travel, share purchases, backing safe standing projects and many more. 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ICT Edge Out Cove A minutes silence was held ahead of kick-off for John Beaton, who has sadly passed away. John had devoted his life to football in this area for some 50 years and will be sadly missed. More about John on OFFICIAL SITE. John Robertson made only one change from the side that started against Raith Rovers with fit again Brad Mckay returning to right back with David Carson moving to midfield. Charlie Trafford dropped to the bench to accommodate this. Inverness came from behind to squeeze past Cove after an entertaining encounter in the tropical heat at the Caledonian Stadium. Jordan White, James Keatings and substitute Nicolay Todorov were on target for the Caley Jags with Mitch Megginson netting twice for Cove. He was a busy lad and was also red carded before the end of an eventful night. All the best to Connor Scully who had to leave the field after damaging his ankle. He was taken to Raigmore for an X-Ray to determine the extent of his injury. Results last night leave the table looking like this with Raith Rovers beating Peterhead 3-1 and Dundee idle. Inverness face Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday in a game which will decide the Group D winners. Mitch Megginson returned after injury to lead Cove onto the pitch on a roaster of a night in the Highland capital. James Keatings was first to show as he dragged a shot wide in the third minute. Jordan White also missed the target as he volleyed over after Coll Donaldson and Aaron Doran contrived to create the opening for him. Twenty minutes gone and first real threat from Cove as Jamie Masson's effort is blocked for a corner. Daniel Higgins header is flicked wide. Mark Ridgers was called into action to deny Megginson and at the other end on the half hour White headed onto the post from Doran's cross, the closest of the game so far. He would not be denied soon, although he maybe knew little about it. Jordan White opened the scoring when a Mckay header cannoned off him and into the net. White, Jamie McCart and Tom Walsh all had decent efforts but the game was level ten minutes later when Megginson scored just on the interval. Half Time 1-1 Worse was to follow for the hosts just after the break when Megginson scored again, but Keatings squared the game ten minutes later from close range. It was nip and tuck now with both sides going close. Megginson almost nabbed a hat-trick as he tried to chip Ridgers but the keeper stood tall to deny him. Walsh brought out a superb save by keeper McKenzie as he drove into the right side of the box as Inverness probed for the winner. It came from substitute Nikolay Todorov as he headed in another great cross from Walsh to put the Championship side ahead. A Red card was shown to Megginson for a late challenge on James Vincent with a little over quarter of an hour to go. Kicking the ball away in the first half doesn't seem like such a good idea now Mitch. Doh! Donaldson headed another Walsh cross wide as the game edged towards a close and a late surge by Cove saw the ball in the net although it was ruled out for hand ball just before the final whistle ended the contest. Phew! As expected, Cove were not coming along to make up the numbers and Inverness were forced to up their game to get through this tie. Tom Walsh was once again a constant threat and Nicolay Todorov scored again coming off the bench. Caley100 had this to say after the game: 'Best thing about tonight is the result, And..... the subs! We looked like we were playing in 2nd gear! Really! Cove looked sharper for most of the first half and probably should have been leading. Our goal was a wayward header from Mackay that i'm pretty sure came off White's ass'. Uncharacteristically, he did see some positives though: 'Subs, including Macgregor who was so direct and almost scored a beaut, Walsh was dangerous, the rest were pretty ordinary.............. More match reaction. Robbo Quote "Space doesn't score goals" Date: 23/07/2019 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 1000 Referee: David Lowe Inverness CT: 3 Lineup: Ridgers; B Mckay, Donaldson, McCart, Tremarco (C), Doran (Curry 64), Carson, Vincent, Walsh, Keatings (MacGregor 69), White (Todorov 63). Subs (not used): C Mackay; Harper, Brown, Trafford. Scorers: White (38), Keatings (55), Todorov (71) Booked: MacGregor (90) Sent Off: none Cove Rangers: 2 Lineup: McKenzie; Yule, Milne, Redford, Higgins, Scully (Brown 81), Park (Burnett 80), Glass, Megginson (C), Scott, Masson. Subs (not used): McCafferty, Wood. Scorers: Megginson (45, 46) Booked: Megginson (52), Redford (84) Sent Off: Megginson (73 ) a

Cup of Cheer In a pulsating Cup derby Aaron Doran put the visitors ahead with a fantastic goal after thirteen minutes, firing home from range. It remained that way at the interval but substitute Ross Stewart pulled the tie level soon after coming on. Brad McKay lashed Inverness ahead but Josh Mullin squared it in time added on to send this tie to a replay on Tuesday 19th February. The draw took place after this game and here are the fixtures. Aberdeen v Rangers/Kilmarnock Dundee United v Inverness /Ross County Partick Thistle v Hearts Hibs v Celtic ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inverness boss John Robertson sprang a handful of surprises by giving starts to recent injury victims Mark Ridgers, Tom Walsh, Coll Donaldson, Carl Tremarco and Aaron Doran. Jordan White would spearhead the attack. Shaun Rooney made the bench along with Nathan Austin, and Darren McCauley. County's former Inverness players Billy Mckay and Ross Draper started for County along with Kenny Van Der Weg. The effervescent Michael Gardyne would be the provider with Brian Graham the target man. Josh Mullin and Declan McManus were on the bench. A cagey opening few minutes as both sides jockeyed for position was ended when Billy Mckay dipped an angled volley over the bar after five minutes. Inverness responded by winning a corner but the ball to the back post produced nothing and Michael Gardyne looked to be the danger man for the hosts as he forced a corner at the other end after a good run forward. Jamie Lindsay drilled a deep cross wide of the target from the corner. A bit of a midfield battle ensued as the sides struggled to get to grips with the game and Liam Polworth won a free kick as Van Der Weg handled on the edge of the box. Joe Chalmers forced Fox into an excellent save as he curled low to the near post, however the visitors kept the ball around the County box, and when Aaron Doran latched onto a headed pass forward from Tremarco some 25 yards out. He turned and whipped a vicious half volley low behind the outstretched Fox for a superb opening goal. Gardyne broke into the box after 25 minutes but his shot was blocked at the expense of a corner. Gardyne took it himself but Mark Ridgers came out to gather the cross confidently. Gardyne was at it again and his floated cross caused problems but was turned behind for a corner which Ridgers gathered again. It was Gardyne against Ridgers now and Mark turned a stabbed effort behind for a corner, diving low to his right. Inverness broke forward and Tom Walsh almost emulated Doran's strike but Fox made a brilliant diving save to deny Walsh a second Inverness goal. County were racking up the corners after a Brian Graham shot was deflected wide but again it came to nothing better than a free kick for the visitors. A ball forward saw Fox have to block from Tom Walsh as the Inverness wide player sped into the box and flicked the ball goalwards. A few moments later Walsh saw an effort deflected for a corner as the Caley Jags pressed for a second goal before the break. Yet another great break forward by Doran who fed Brad McKay but the wing back saw his cross cut out for a corner. As Inverness gathered momentum once more, the first half drew to a close with the visitors on top. Half Time 0-1 There were no changes at the interval and County would be playing towards the Jailend after the break, and that usually inspires them to greater things. Scott Fox had to make an unorthodox stop to deny a piledriver from Carl Tremarco, the keeper eventually keeping the ball out with his knees as the ball fizzed goalwards. Great effort from Tommy. Ross Stewart replaced the ineffective Brian Graham and within a couple of minutes he drew County level after some untidy midfield play saw Gardyne drive the ball into the box where Stewart volleyed home. Doran spurned a glorious chance to put Inverness back in front but he mistimed his header and sent it wide when he should have hit the target. It was end to end stuff now in typical derby cup-tie fashion. Liam Polworth flashed a powerful shot towards the County goal that was head deflected for a corner. From the resultant corner Brad McKay found the ball at his feet a few yards out and he smashed it high into the net. Walsh broke down the left but his shot was a bit ambitious and it went well wide. County won a free kick just outside the box after Chalmers upended the dangerous Gardyne, but after the shot was blocked County were penalised and the danger was over. Carl Tremarco was having a magnificent game at the back and was putting his body on the line time and time again as County threw balls into the box, but the wee man stood firm. Substitution for Inverness as Doran was replaced by former Coleraine player Darren McCauley as Ridgers mopped up another ball into the box. Almost a chance to get a third as a ball is flicked into the six yard box but it runs through to Fox. And as the rain started to fall a mistake at the back by County let Walsh speed forward. He lashed a shot to the top corner but Fox pulled off another great save to deny the Inverness man. Shaun Rooney had replaced the injured Coll Donaldson by now and we re-jigged at the back with Brad moving inside. A loose ball some 30 yards out found Chalmers but it was wasted and McManus wasted an effort at the other end. They would not be denied though as our defence parted and Substitute Josh Mullin squeezed the ball through the exposed Ridgers in time added on. A dangerous free kick by County was wasted as they looked to get ahead in added time with Inverness now hanging on a tad, but the late comeback by County was just enough to earn the Dingwall side a replay as time ran out. Inverness were best served by Aaron Doran, Tom Walsh, Coll Donaldson and Jamie McCart, but none better than Carl Tremarco. The biased Bill Dodds gave the TV MotM to Michael Gardyne who was undoubtedly County's most influential player. Another frustrating night for Inverness who have held the upper hand in all four derby's this season with little to show for it. On BBC Sport:- Inverness CT manager John Robertson: "It's just about being street-smart. They stopped. "You just keep defending but they've let Josh Mullin through and he's scored. That sums up our season. We've been in the lead and given away a goal at the end. We now have a replay to play so we'll just get on with it. "We felt we were getting close to that third goal which would have finished the game off. We didn't see where their goal was going to come from. That's the difference. That's why we're fourth in the league and County are top." Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson: "We always felt there would be one more chance in the game. Josh is well onside and does great to finish it. "The players never know when they're beaten. Sometimes it's not pretty and you have to put your shoulder to the wheel and the players deserve all the credit for that. "I don't think either us would have wanted a replay. We're delighted we're still in the hat." Robbo after the event.............. Date: 11/02/2019 Venue: Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall Attendance: 2800 Referee: John Beaton Ross County: 2 Lineup: Fox; Fraser, Boyle, Watson, Draper, Lindsay (McManus 86), Van Der Weg, Gardyne, Spence (Mullin 67), Graham (Stewart 55), Mckay. Subs (not used): Munro; Grivosti, Murray, Wallace, Scorers: Stewart (55), Mullin (90+1) Booked: Watson (68) Sent Off: none Inverness CT: 2 Lineup: Ridgers; B Mckay, Donaldson (Rooney 80), McCart, Tremarco, Chalmers, Walsh (Trafford 85), Polworth, Welsh, Doran (McCauley 77), White Subs (not used): C Mackay; McHattie, Austin, MacGregor, . Scorers: Doran (13), B Mckay (65) Booked: Welsh (25), Chalmers (77) Sent Off: none a

Oh Well! Managerless Motherwell make the journey to Inverness this Saturday with caretaker boss Kenny Black still at the helm since the departure of the popular Stuart McCall. That's not the only issues at Fir Park as the club's owner John Boyle has placed his 70% shareholding in trust in the hope that the Well Society can raise the necessary funds to buy them, although other interested parties are monitoring the situation. Off-field concerns may be clouding the on-field problems, but Motherwell generally perform well up here and an entertaining encounter is anticipated. It's been a mixed international break for Scotland with an important win over Ireland in the Euro Qualifying campaign offset by a lesson from an impressive England in a 'friendly'. Ryan Christie also came on as a substitute in the u21 international draw away to Switzerland, but it's time to turn our attention back to the domestic scene for the visit of Motherwell. The Steelmen have had a horrendous season by their own recent standards, winning only three of their first thirteen games with one drawn, but that was against Celtic. They ended a run of five straight defeats by beating Dundee United in their last game, an Iain Vigurs goal deciding who won the points. That victory was too late for McCall who had resigned on the 2nd of November after that losing streak. Kenny Black will be the man in charge and he has done his CV no harm with that win over the Arabs as he looks to steer the Well away from the bottom end of the table. Our last game before the break saw us jump above Hamilton after a well deserved 4-2 win over the Accies. It was an important win for a number of reasons. Billy McKay learned how to score again, James Vincent notched one and we went top of the league for a few hours. We still managed to concede a couple of preventable goals, but our goals for was the best so far this term. There has however been some concern in the camp as the outstanding Graeme Shinnie does not wish to sign a new contract, according to his agent Clive Hart, and that has upset the apple cart. John Hughes was less than pleased after the revelation and Shinnie's agent has been blamed for stirring the pot citing "unprofessional and disrespectful" conduct towards Inverness Caledonian Thistle. It's fair to say that Shinnie will more than likely be playing elsewhere next season with a number of clubs interested in the 23 year old, Aberdeen and Rangers allegedly amongst the domestic clubs keeping an eye on the situation. Shinnie signed for Inverness in 2009 and is currently captaining the side in the absence of Richie Foran. Carl Tremarco will be pushing for another start, and if he does, then I would expect Shinnie to play his part further up the park in left midfield. Aaron Doran played in midweek in the development league when a Callum Ferguson goal saw Inverness beat Dundee United. It's fair to say he (Doran), along with Nick Ross and Danny Devine will start on the bench as Marley Watkins continues to impress. James Vincent scored and looks to be getting back into the groove and the goal will be an added boost for the much injured James. All in all, similar line-up to last outing is on the cards. Happy days! Who's throwing a sickie this week Inverness captain Richie Foran seems to have been out forever and will miss out again. No fresh concerns for Inverness, although Ross Draper has a one match ban to serve. Ryan Christie returned from Switzerland unscathed after coming on as a sub in the u21 international. Motherwell have loaned defender Adam Cummins to Ayr for a month. Steven Hammell requires a minor operation to resolve his groin problem. Likewise Jack Leitch has undergone surgery on his cruciate ligament and will be out until Spring. Craig Moore has recently recovered from similar surgery, but is unwell. Former County man Paul Lawson, Bob McHugh and Stuart Carswell all picked up knocks in recent Development matches and won’t travel this weekend. tm4tj prediction:- Looking at the table you could be forgiven for imagining that this could be anything other than a comfortable home win. I don't buy into this though. Motherwell are not that far removed, personnel wise, from the side that performed so well last season. Yes they have had a disastrous start to the season but the tide has possibly turned with last weeks battling win over United. Iain Vigurs has always been a threat to Inverness. The fans love to hate him, and he seems to accept the challenge and usually comes up with something to shut us up. Billy McKay got back on track last week with a couple of poachers goals, but his all round play was mighty impressive. With Draper out, that opens the door for Tremarco at full back with Shinnie in midfield. Hughes has other options though, and a keen bench champing at the bit. Four goals against Hamilton has whet the appetite, let's hope the international intermission has not put us off our food. I'll go for a narrow home win.

Finish with a flourish This Sunday sees the last game of a traumatic season being played at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with 5th place up for grabs and the £80,000 that goes with it. Our rivals for that place are St Johnstone and it's them that pay us a visit early on Sunday afternoon. For Inverness a draw will be enough to secure the money, for Perth, nothing but a win will be sufficient to climb above us. The finale to the season has been something of an anti-climax for Inverness since the league cup final with only two wins since that day, and those were against struggling bottom six clubs Ross County and Partick Thistle. Over the same period the Perth club have totalled five wins, beating Dundee United twice and a sparkling Scottish Cup semi-final triumph over Aberdeen. Our last game saw Motherwell hold on for a 2-1 win in midweek. Inverness were somewhat overgenerous in the first half and presented Motherwell with a two goal cushion at the break. Graeme Shinnie's deflected effort gave us some hope and despite creating the better chances in the second half we failed to level the game, and with defeat, our chances to climb to fourth in the league ended. St Johnstone fared better against a Celtic X1 in a see-saw game that ended all square with the sides sharing six goals. One disappointment for Tommy Wright was an injury to hot-shot Stevie May and he will be assessed before Sunday's game. The Perth side have bigger fish to fry in a weeks time when they take on Tayside rivals Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final and Stevie May will be crucial to St Johnstone's hopes of winning the cup. It's made for him surely. He wears No 17. The games on the 17th, it's an omen I tell you. In the three meetings this season, Inverness have come out on top twice by single goal victories. The first game though saw St Johnstone thump us 4-0. May, Mackay and Maclean (twice) scoring the goals that knocked Inverness off the top of the Premiership. At the turn of the year, Inverness were eight points ahead of the Saints. The points gap is now down to one. Our quest to play like Barca has not always had the desired effect and has in fact contributed to a number of squeaky bum moments where we end up rushing pass backs and clearances as the opposition suss out our ball retention tactics. This has resulted in at least half a dozen freebies for our opponents, Dundee United being particular benefactors on a few occasions where Brill and the defence fell short with pass backs and clearances. Yogi's determination to see this through has not gone down well in some quarters but on the other hand I saw no complaints when we beat Ross County twice in Dingwall. Those games were played with a bit more swashbuckle and panache. Let's see a bit more of that and see if we can finish with a flourish. Swashbuckle and panache.................sounds like a dodgy firm of solicitors. Inverness defender Josh Meekings and captain Richie Foran remain out through injury. St Johnstone striker Stevie May and defender Gary Miller face late fitness tests after picking up knocks against Celtic although they are not as seriously injured as originally feared. Tam Scobbie and midfielder Murray Davidson remain out. tm4tj prediction:- The season is dying on it's feet now and despite a fantastic start to the campaign and great cup runs it's all gone a bit flat as speculation surrounding the squad and management suitabilities abound. Still, it could be worse. Look at the village pub team from Dingwall just managing to stave off a relegation play off game thanks to the haplessness of Terry Butcher's Hibernian. You couldn't script this could you! As for our own game, maybe a scoring draw to keep everybody happy. 1-1. We have our annual nutters out walking and cycling across Scotland and they will make the stadium before kick off having marched/cycled around 160miles from Motherwell..........as I said, nutters. To end the season on a more poignant note, and put all of this season into perspective. It was with great sadness that the announcement of the passing of Elena Baltacha was met at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and St Johnstone FC. Bally sadly passed away after battling liver cancer at the tender age of 30. She had reached the top of her chosen sport of tennis and was British number 1 for three years. The link of course with both clubs was her father, former USSR international footballer Sergei Baltacha who played for St Johnstone making 90 appearances before moving to Inverness Caley in the Highland league and then when Inverness Caledonian Thistle came to fuition, Sergei was the first manager of the newly formed club. Rest in Peace Bally, our thoughts go out to your family and friends.

Cruise Control Inverness went back to the top of the league after Celtic briefly took over by virtue of winning the early kick-off at Kilmarnock by 5-2. By ten to five Inverness had restored themselves ahead of Celtic after cruising effortlessly past a surprisingly subdued Hibernian with a scoreline that flattered Hibs somewhat. A Billy McKay double and a Richie Foran strike were the counters, but in all honesty Hibs could have had no complaint if that score had been doubled but it ended 3-0 to the League leaders. A rather tepid first half gave way to a more entertaining second half as Inverness opened the throttle out and tore into Hibs with a bit more guile, the introduction of Ben Greenhalgh injecting some much needed pace and trickery to the front line in a game that was dying on it's feet. Inverness started with the same eleven that went to Pittodrie as our mysterious injured trio were revealed as Foran, Doran and Warren, but all three took their place in the starting line up. Hibs had been in fine scoring form prior to this game and were looking to better their attempts at winning games in the North, but as it turned out, they had nothing to offer and many misplaced passes and schoolboy errors littered their play throughout the ninety minutes. A sizeable away support were looking for their side to continue their five game unbeaten run but with defending like that it was never going to happen. The biggest certainty was that Billy McKay would get on the score sheet and he duly obliged after just eleven minutes, a terrible mix up in the Hibs box between Nelson and keeper Williams gifting Billy a simple tap in for the opener. Vincent had released Shinnie down the left, his cross took a slight deflection, but when Nelson stepped out of the way, the ball bounced off a startled Williams to the feet of McKay who bounced the ball into the empty net. Comedy defending, McKay not interested in that though, 1-0 to the homesters. McKay should have made it two six minutes later. Once more Vincent was the supplier as he knocked a ball into McKay as he sprinted towards the box. Billy took it brilliantly on the run, but he screwed his shot wide from the angle with only the keeper to beat. Willie Collum was doing his best to ruin the spectacle stopping the game at every opportunity and it had the desired effect as the ball was pinged back and fore and in and out of play. The pitch could not be blamed for the poor control, especially from the Hibees, but neither side dominated the next spell of the now untidy game. Paul Heffernan benefited from a long ball out of defence headed forward by Collins but he slammed his shot well wide, justice seemingly done as he appeared to be a yard offside, the watching officials unable to read the rules. Big Ross Draper slashed at a volley at the other end, but was nowhere near finding the target as both teams struggled to find any fluency; thanks Mr Collum. James Vincent was booked after half an hour, possibly exacting some revenge for an earlier Hibernian misdemeanour as he rashly upended Ryan McGivern, and this was the pattern for the rest of the half as the game bordered on tedium, with Inverness always one step ahead of a struggling Edinburgh side. Inverness were forced into a change as Vincent took a knock and he was removed for his own safety as much as injury, Ben Greenhalgh replacing him, and he would stake a claim for a regular berth with some old fashioned wing play. Half Time 1-0 The second half saw a vast improvement in the game as the home side upped the tempo and Hibs simply went into reverse, but not before Draper made a timely intervention in the box to slow down a sporadic Hibs attack, Tom Taiwo lashing the loose ball high, wide and not very handsome. Just on the hour mark, Inverness doubled their lead with a superb strike from captain fantastic Richie Foran. Doran sprited clear on the right and his deep cross was brilliantly kept alive be Greenhalgh, who headed back from the goal line and onto the top of the bar acrobatically. The headed clearance eventually fell to Foran after Nick Ross cleverly let it run through him, and Foran blasted the ball high past a diving Williams for number two from sixteen yards. The Inverness machine was purring beautifully now and David Raven, not normally noted for his goal scoring exploits almost added a third goal. Fortunately for Raven, Dean Brill acrobatically kept out his clearance header much to the full backs relief. The goal of the game came two minutes later, a Draper headed clearance found Billy McKay running towards the Hibernian box. With plenty to do, McKay turned the defender and lashed a fabulous strike behind Williams from twenty-two yards out; what a belter, and Billy dented claims that he is only a penalty box striker. Greenhalgh arrowed a useful ball into the box and McKay got his head to it, the keeper stopping it low down at his near post. Inverness were now cruising and it was a case of how many. The afore mentioned goal machine David Raven almost got a goal at the right end this time, his long swinging cross landing on Williams' crossbar. Greenhalgh and Doran were by now tormentors in chief and Hibs were being torn a new one as Inverness turned the screw. Doran was unfortunate not to score as Ben jinked his way down the left and fizzed a great cut back across the box, Dorans low strike was incredibly turned away by Hanlon going the wrong way, but sticking out his big toe to divert the ball for a corner, some clearance. Collins made Dean Brill work with a late header low down to Brills' left, but he was in no mood to concede and dived down to keep the ball out and deny Hibernian a consolation counter. Full Time 3-0, going on 6. A game that saw Inverness return to the top after a superb second half display and the introduction of Greenhalgh certainly warmed the fans up after a miserable first forty-five. Another three points and another clean sheet as the visitors failed to trouble the scorers and one strange substitution. It appears that having more than one Ross in the side can be a tad confusing. With Ross Draper about to be summoned, Nick Ross made his way to the touchline to get some instructions, but ended up on the bench after thinking the name Ross was his, when in fact it belonged to Ross Draper. Confused.Com. Anyway, it mattered not as we won convincingly in the end. Nick did receive a booking at one stage for simulation. In all honesty, I don't think that is part of his game, but Collum thought otherwise and carded him, just another way of showing his incompetence. The Long Man got on the park for a few minutes, but only at half-time for a chat with Ryan Esson. Aye Owain, it's not always a good idea to go to a bigger club. tm4tj MotM is not always easy to pick and it's not always about who scores lots of goals. However, a quality display by Billy McKay all over the park ensures that he gets my vote, and his second goal was a peach. Richie Foran ran him close with another all round display and a good goal to boot. The defence was rarely troubled and no need for any of them to look for plaudits, but once again as a unit they were brilliant. Ross Draper had a solid game in midfield and the introduction of Ben Greenhalgh gave us a glimpse of things to come. Aaron Doran was strangely subdued in the first half, but certainly woke up in the second and was unlucky not to score. I suppose the only mystery remaining is will McKay get any assistance up front from big Toby, but on this form he doesn't need it! All in all, a good team performance and back on top for now, just how we like it; pleasing. Date: 28.09.2013 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 4261 Referee: Willie Collum Inverness CT: 3 Lineup: Brill, Raven, Shinnie, Vincent (Greenhalgh 35), Warren, Meekings, Mckay, Draper (Agdestein 89), Foran, Doran, Ross (Polworth 79) Subs (not used): Esson, Devine, Tremarco, Williams Scorers: McKay (11, 61), Foran (59) Booked: Vincent (29), Ross (37) Sent Off: none Hibernian: 0 Lineup: Williams, McGivern, Hanlon, Nelson, Robertson, Craig, Collins, Stevenson, Taiwo (Zoubir 62), Heffernan (Vine 67), Thomson (Stanton 80) Subs (not used): Murdoch, McPake, Tudur-Jones, Forster Scorers: none Booked: none Sent Off: none

Hearts young guns in town Top versus bottom on Saturday, but don't be fooled by this. With Hearts being penalised from the start of the season, they are in a slightly false position and are doing their damndest to steer clear of relegation. Give Hearts their fifteen points back and they would be level with Celtic and St Johnstone, so no place for complacency against the youthful Jambos. Ginger Jaggy has been looking into this fixture to produce this preview for you................ With four games gone Caley Thistle sit proudly on top of the SPFL Premiership table but face arguably the greatest threat to our unbeaten start this weekend. This Saturday will see a maroon invasion as the kids of Hearts try to continue Mission Impossible which is certainly right on track. From a deficit of -15 the Jambos after last week’s battling 2-1 win over a fancied Aberdeen team has the likes of St Mirren, Kilmarnock and County looking over their shoulders on -8. So far Terry has only used two of his new players and so the starting eleven has a very familiar look to it. Dean Brill has continued where Antonio Reguero left off and apart from 2 goals in Glasgow last week has looked unbeatable between the posts. Of course he has been helped by having a back four that flourished so well last season and keeping the structure of Raven, Warren, Meekings and Shinnie has reaped great dividends. Midfield is similar but everyone wondered how we would fare without Andy Shinnie, but he has been brilliantly replaced by James Vincent. Aaron Doran has become the main playmaker and he still creates goals just like he did last season but more importantly he has started getting goals to add to his vital contribution he brings to the team. But with more faces on the bench Terry has options this year giving us all a feeling that this season may just be even better than last season. Our opponents couldn’t be further from our cloud nine feeling as the distinct threat of losing the football club still looms very large. The fans have backed the club fantastically with sell outs against Aberdeen and Hibs while taking a large following to Perth and to Firhill against Partick. With the predicament they are in and an excellent gesture from our football club it looks like the away stand will look pretty full. The club has kindly offered to donate £5 for every ticket over the average attendance of 650 to the supporters fighting fund. It is a win/win situation with more hearts fans making money for their own cause but also adding to the home coffers with a larger attendance. In fact look out for some Watford supporting Caley Thistle fans in the home end to see how we roll up North. Everything seems to be against the capital side with a transfer embargo stopping them buying players until next summer (if they make it out of administration) meaning they can’t strengthen to fight relegation in January and of course have a -15 points disadvantage. But the clouds are parting with the Foundation of Hearts being given preferred bidder status and with that momentum the kids are going off like Usain Bolt in 100M race. Defeat to St Johnstone was tight but then wins over Hibs and Aberdeen plus a late equaliser at Partick has the gap now down to under 3 wins. So for fans expecting us to cash in on Hearts misery, we need to be wary of the wounded beast that makes Hearts more dangerous than ever. Usually I do a head to head comparison between the two teams but due to Hearts predicament it won’t come in to play with the squad being so different. Instead I will give you a brief fact file on some the kids. Hearts skipper is Danny Wilson who will be suspended after a strange outburst involving sheep in the tunnel last Saturday. So I expect the key trio will be Jamie Walker, Jason Holt and Callum Paterson who are excellent talents that will give the Jambos an attacking threat. Holt plays in the Andrew Shinnie role and is already being courted by Nottingham Forest. He can score goals and is the teams most creative asset playing between the lines. Jamie walker is an outstanding talent who has pace and trickery on the flanks and an eye for scoring wonder goals with two long range strikes already this season. Finally Callum Paterson may not be the most natural of forward players but his header against Hibs and the help he is receiving from club legend and former Inverness boss John Robertson means he can’t be underestimated. Along with Wilson, Kevin McHattie is also suspended and Ryan Stevenson is out long term. Mark Ridgers will deputise if Jamie MacDonald fails a fitness test. Inverness have one injury concern, Marley Watkins is out injured for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. Apart from that, the continuity will carry on and Butcher should be fielding an unchanged side once more. I expect the three points to stay in the Highland capital on Saturday but it won’t be easy. Both clubs have momentum at the start of the season but Inverness being more experienced and with the very small and youthful Hearts squad being taken all the way by Raith in the league cup it may be difficult for them to recover properly. I predict a hard fought 2-0 win in the end with Foran and McKay netting the goals.

Congratulations to Andrew Shinnie, who becomes the thirteenth winner of the annual CaleyThistleOnline Player of the Year award. The race to become the CTO Player of the Year went right down to the final day clash with Ross County, but Shinnie picked up points in the matches against Motherwell and Dundee United to take an ultimately decisive four point lead over Billy McKay which he didn't relinquish. Shinnie is a very deserving winner, having scored 16 goals for the club this season, won his first Scotland cap, and been nominated for the SPL Player's Player of the Year award as well. His wonderful form has earned him a three year contract with Championship side Birmingham City, where hopefully he'll make a big impact. In winning the trophy, he follows in the footsteps of Bobby Mann, Barry Robson, Stuart Golabek, Liam Keogh, Ross Tokely, Craig Dargo, Barry Wilson, Don Cowie, Ian Black, Jonny Hayes, Ryan Esson and Roman Golobart. Andrew's brother Graeme, meanwhile, was Player of the Month for May, his first such award this season. He received 76 votes, 6 ahead of his sibling, with Josh Meekings in third. Meekings' strong finish to the season means he ties for third in the overall standings with Aaron Doran. Overall quantity of votes cast for each player in May: (Used to decide Player of the Month) Player 04/05 11/05 19/05 TOTAL Graeme Shinnie 15 38 23 76 Andrew Shinnie 27 32 11 70 Josh Meekings 16 24 26 66 Billy McKay 39 3 42 Chris Hogg 20 8 5 33 Richie Foran 11 16 27 Antonio Reguero 5 1 19 25 David Raven 4 10 14 Aaron Doran 4 4 8 Ross Draper 4 3 7 Nick Ross 5 2 7 Charlie Taylor 4 4 Owain Tudur-Jones 1 1 Danny Devine 1 1 Player of the Year Points ~ Final Standings : 2012/13 (Player of Month also highlighted in monthly column) Player AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY TOTAL Andrew Shinnie 11 10 5 6 6 3 1 6 48 Billy McKay 1 8 8 16 1 5 5 44 Aaron Doran 3 1 6 9 1 16 36 Josh Meekings 1 1 13 1 13 6 36 Richie Foran 21 10 3 34 Owain Tudur-Jones 3 3 2 12 5 6 3 34 Ross Draper 11 6 3 1 4 4 3 32 Gary Warren 5 3 1 4 7 6 5 31 David Raven 9 10 5 5 29 Antonio Ruguero 1 8 3 8 3 23 Graeme Shinnie 3 3 1 1 8 7 23 Ryan Esson 8 3 1 12 Danny Devine 8 8 Charlie Taylor 5 5 Andre Blackman 5 5 Conor Pepper 3 3 Philip Roberts 3 3 Nick Ross 3 3 Players of the Year - All Time Month Player 2000-2001 Bobby Mann 2001-2002 Barry Robson 2002-2003 Stuart Golabek 2003-2004 Liam Keogh 2004-2005 Ross Tokely 2005-2006 Craig Dargo 2006-2007 Barry Wilson 2007-2008 Don Cowie 2008-2009 Ian Black 2009-2010 Jonny Hayes 2010-2011 Ryan Esson 2011-2012 Roman Golobart 2012-2013 Andrew Shinnie

Can we get through the EuroDoor After a quite remarkable season for a number of reasons, the final piece of the EuroJigsaw will be put in place after the last games of the SPL season are played on Sunday. The EuroDoor was left ajar after last weeks disappointment against the Arabs, but we have another opportunity to step through that door with a season defining derby against Ross County on the Sabbath. It's still a bit complex, but a Caley Jags win will put our minds at rest. Unfortunately we will have to do that at Dingwall, never an easy place to get a win at the best of times, and against our local rivals, who are still seething from the earlier games played this season. St Johnstone are the other team involved in the Euro shootout and they host Motherwell where they require a win to put pressure on us, but that is against second placed Motherwell, it couldn't be tighter. Plenty of posturing and gamesmanship going on in the press this week in the build up to the games. Derek Adams can hardly bring himself to say our name in public, shame really as he and his side have also had a fantastic season and it is incredible to think that both Highland teams will finish at the business end of the table with sleeping giants from Edinburgh and Aberdeen languishing in the bottom half of the table and The Rangers only able to compete in the third division. Ian Vigurs has been bumping his gums all week looking to put a spanner in the Inverness works. It's a pity that such a talented player resorts to making these kind of statements, but I suppose he gets as good as he gives when the Caley Jags fans affectionately chant his name during these derby games. Transfer subject Richard Brittain took a nasty twist of the knee last week but has confirmed that the injury is not as serious as first feared which is good news for him with St Johnstone and Ross County still at loggerheads over his signature although he will be out at least until the start of pre-season. On the theme of missing players, St Johnstone defender Fraser Wright has been cited by the SFA for an elbow incident against Celtic and will miss their crunch match against Motherwell. We fare no better with Richie Foran and Ross Draper both suspended; it's all happening this weekend. Much has been said about the derby's played out this season. Tremendous entertainment and drama has already unfolded before massed crowds and the last second equaliser in the cup sparked scenes of mass hysteria and histerical observations as Derek Adams was full of seethe, seemingly unhappy about his side being pegged back in the time added on to the time added on. This crucial game will be played out on a field similar to the terrain covered by the Highland Marchers, that intrepid bunch of Internutters who are at it again, walking from the penultimate game to the final destination. This year it's only twelve miles between Inverness and Dingwall, but no, that's not sufficient for these madmen who have hiked over the sea to Skye and back before Sunday's game, just to keep it interesting. Well done to all taking part and you can give them a cheer as they complete the last few miles on the Sabbath from Strathpeffer to Dingwall in time for the early kick off. With Brittain, Foran and Draper missing, the midfield battle will be an intriguing one and it won't be for the faint hearted on County's congested tattie field of a battleground. Conditions look as though they may be dry as well which will make it a fiery surface with more sand on it than Nairn beach. Wet conditions will turn it into a quagmire. Let's hope that both sides can conquer the obstacles in front of them and produce another cracking Highland Derby. The world of football will be watching nationwide and what better way to bring the season down than a full blooded spectacle with a Euro prize waiting to be won or lost. Some players will be playing their last games for Inverness and they will be looking to leave on a high. Andy Shinnie is Birmingham bound and leaves us after a fantastic season where he was capped for his country and was short listed for Scotland's player of the year. Antonio Reguero has proven himself as an able deputy for the oft injured Ryan Esson and he has been tempted down to Kilmarnock. Chris Hogg has won his personal injury battle and recently returned from a career threatening injury but will depart after this game and Shane Sutherland and Gavin Morrison will be looking for new clubs. Let's give them a send off to be proud of. Terry talks to Auldy Boy ahead of the crucial County derby. ***Latest Team News*** Inverness as stated above will be without influential captain Richie Foran and Ross Draper, both of whom have picked up too many yellow cards and are suspended. Gary Warren, the fans player of the year is out injured but the signed on again Ryan Esson made the bench last week and there are no other major concerns for this one. Ross County will miss their captain Richard Brittain who twisted his knee against Motherwell. Defender Branislav Micic and goalkeeper Mark Brown remain out and Rocco Quinn is a major doubt. tm4tj prediction:- They don't come any tougher than this one. Major players missing out through injuries and suspensions and Inverness needing a win to ensure European football. County needing a win to get one over their Highland rivals and to come out of the shadows. Sometimes the tension and expectations can get too great in this type of game and it passes some players by. However I expect both sides to give their all here and it would be no surprise to see both sides having to settle for a point apiece. I'll go even further and suggest that St Johnstone and Motherwell draw as well thus handing the Euro spot to Inverness. There, I said it! Fingers crossed. :ictscarf:

The scene is set for Mr Brown's Boys Inverness take on Mr Brown's Boys on Saturday, three days after Bomber won his first game in charge of the Dee in his fourth game as interim manager. He has stopped the rot though, with four points in the last two games after Dundee had suffered four straight defeats and it would complete a decent enough week or so for the bottom club should they upset Inverness at the weekend. In midweek, a battling 2-1 win for Dundee against St Mirren after coming from behind showed great character from the relegation threatened club. That was on the back of a determined draw against St Johnstone last midweek and a tremendous bounce back after the derby cup quarter final defeat to the Arabs at the weekend. It was only their fourth win of the campaign which sees them fourteen points adrift of the Buddies, but it would take more than a miracle for Dundee to get out of this one methinks. Inverness are boosted by news that more players are about to pen new deals on the back of Gary Warren extending his contract. Good news for Inverness fans as the players follow the managers example by staying in the Highlands. These players were revealed as striker Billy McKay and midfielder Ross Draper, with Owain Tudur-Jones another target. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ydth8T0Ctsw?list=PL30A0B5E92F18F713" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Great to have them on board for another season or two, but rumours abound that Andy Shinnie may be going South after the summer. Great disappointment if so as Andy has quality in abundance and deserves a shot at another level of play and pay, I just wonder if Birmingham City are the best ones for that opportunity. Best ask Rooney.........that's Adam, remember him? Currently on loan from Birmingham at Swindon Town. Tread carefully Andy, but good luck whatever. Inverness have put eight goals past Dundee already this season whilst conceding twice in the two games so far. Dundee's goal difference is 43 goals worse off than ours and that tells it's own story. However, they have only lost eight more goals than us. Scoring goals is where the massive difference is with Dundee only hitting the back of the net 18 times on SPL duty. But, if you take into consideration that our goals have dried up recently then this game is not quite as one sided as league positions would have us believe. We only have one win to boast about at Dens park, that being the 1-4 in October. On that night in the city of Discovery, Billy McKay scored a double with Gary Warren and Andy Shinnie adding two more. The inevitable goal from Colin Nish was Dee's reply but in the end they were well beaten, but not without a fight. Judging by performances that night, Nicky Riley is worth keeping an eye on. The tricky winger looks comfortable on the ball and is capable of scoring as well as providing for others..........like Nish or Baird. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R-8hJ0R47yE?list=PL30A0B5E92F18F713" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> ***Latest Team News*** Inverness defender Chris Hogg played his first 45 minutes with the u20's last Sunday after his horrific knee injury last year. Good to see the Hoggmeister getting back on the pitch. Simon King is still out and Phillip Roberts is nursing an injury. Aaron Doran was subbed last week after a knock but should make the squad and Graeme Shinnie's suspension for the joke booking last weekend does not kick in until the game against County next week. Dundee have Stephen O'Donnell, Mark Kerr and Jamie McCluskey still out. Declan Gallagher returns after suspension, and striker Carl Finnigan should keep his place on the bench after recovering from injury. I believe this is the same Mr Finnigan that was involved in our relegation when he played for Falkirk........ tm4tj Prediction:- Banana skin alert! This one has slippery surface written all over it as John Brown stamps his robust style on the Dundee team, despite objections from large numbers of their support. Yes we have scored eight times, but momentum has changed, and our goals are not so easy to come by recently although our defence has been solid. Neither the Arab's or the Gudgies were able to penetrate our Ryan. That tempts me to hope for a win, but a draw might be the unwanted result in the push for European football. First the Highlands, now Europe............who would have thought it? :ictscarf: