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Agree, but it sets a poor precedent and potentially ill feeling with other players. Personally, I sit in the camp that would say that if a player wants to be here, then they need to commit to properly moving here. Terry Butcher, arguably the best recruiter we've ever had (via Steve Marsela), was very strict on this. He had a formula for recruitment that went way beyond ability on the pitch, and it's no surprise a good few of his signings still live in, and are involved with, football in the area.

I believe it's a removal of the shackles, and still the same person at the controls. The amount of criticism I got from other clubs when we started doing more candid and fan driven social media was incredible. We were called unprofessional, a bad example, accused of dragging down the tone, etc. We even had clubs try and raise complaints via the SPFL and SFA because we'd "had a laugh at their expense". For me, ruffling the feathers of the blazers was a sign we were doing something right. It even spilled over to when I was on the tannoy. I forget the game, but it was a cup match and we beat County. I decided to play 'Another One Bites the Dust" as the exit music and I got a warning from the police for inciting opposition fans. So the next time we played County I played Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...and got a written warning. So next time we met them at home I played 'The Shadows'. At that point the match commander came to me and said "we're not going to win this one, are we" and I never got warned again I will add, I don't take all the credit. We had some amazing support on socials, especially matchday twitter, and I only ever applied one rule....never be deliberately offensive. Bouncing off other members of the fans media team was a real buzz, and hopefully they can find that again. The people on the other side of the computer get a ton of 5h1t from ours and opposition fans during the bad times (please remember there's a person on the other side), and having the freedom to be a fan and have fun on the club side really helps. Hopefully there is more positives than negatives for everyone to enjoy during the coning season.

Feel like I have had to write too many of these posts more recently. Gutted to hear earlier today that a staunch ICT supporter and good friend to all of us who used to frequent the Caley Inn and Innes Bar has passed away. https://williamtfraserandson.co.uk/notices/david-shields-inverness/ David "Uncle Albert" Shields was a gem of a man who I was proud to call a friend. He was on the receiving end of much of the banter from myself, Big Stu, Calum and others over the years and was nicknamed "Uncle Albert" by us in reference to the character in Only Fools and Horses after he had made one too many references to what he did in the Navy. He took it all in the good nature it was meant, even using @UncleAlbert as his login name on here, and we always had a laugh in both pre and post-match "get togethers". In terms of ICT he was a staunch supporter, and while fit and healthy, was always there to the side of the tunnel with his wife and fellow ICT stalwart Kay who was also - for a time - a moderator on here when I needed a few people I could trust to help out. Sadly, ill-health overtook Dave and I don't think he made it to too many games in recent years, but I will always remember one thing from quite a few years ago, when we were having money troubles at the club (sounds familiar). He and Kay bought and paid for a set of electronic substitute boards for the club. No fanfare just asked what was needed and then went and got them sorted out with the things they needed. Thats the kind of person he was, and they both were as a couple. Real good people, who were not in it for reward or recognition, just wanting to do what they could, where they could. Off field he was a friend to many, including myself and others on here, and a really close friend with Calum, Jill and their kids who called him Uncle Dave instead of Uncle Albert. Not sure who adopted who, but when they say you can choose your friends but not your family, in this case that is wrong, as they became family to each other over the years. David, thank you for your service in the Navy, no jokes this time, and thank you for being you. You will be missed my friend. I will likely have a nice wee (?) tot of rum tonight to celebrate your memory. I also want to offer our deep and most sincere condolences to Kay, his wife of countless years, and also to Calum, Jill and the kids, on behalf of me personally, and also my entire family who also knew and admired Dave. I hope the positive thoughts and memories of Dave may help lessen the grief they feel right now. Please feel free to share memories and pictures of Dave in this thread as I am sure there are a lot of stories and anecdotes to be told.

As you will have seen, we have now established separate areas for the Supporters Trust and the Travel Club who have started to make use of them to publicise events and add content. These are self-contained areas within the site and the management and moderation of them is under their control. Topics will appear in the main list of topics and calendar events will appear in the calendar sidebar. We have also added the fixture list for 2025-26 to the calendar and it will also be available in the traditional stats program. We are still looking for a sponsor for that part of the site to enable us to pay for an upgrade to the program, or for someone with mad PHP/SQL skills to deconstruct and reverse engineer the program we are using. Its classed as 'abandonware' from the original author and only one person (we know of) has taken it up and kept it modern. Easy option is to pay him for the updates, but the cost is high For now it will trundle along as it is. I am now starting the next stage of updates and as part of that some areas of the site may become unavailable at times, menus may change, and some unused parts of the site, or infrequently posted in forums may be merged into others. If you spot something not working for an extended period, or looking weird beyond a few minutes or hours, let me know. I want to streamline everything and remove any clutter and noise before we perform the actual software upgrade. All being well I hope to do the software upgrade at some point (later) next week or perhaps the week after.

It appears to be fairly common knowledge that David Wotherspoon is a target. Yes please.

Poor game with not much of note. Nairn will feel unlucky they didn’t beat us. Savage, Kerr and MacLeod were the players who caught my eye. I don’t think the right back or striker trialists would add anything to our squad, whilst Heredia was perhaps a bit more promising but not as impressive as he seems to have been on Saturday. Early days but work to do before the competitive games start.

Carlos Heredia was No10 trialist scoring twice. Dominican Republic player Charlie Frost was trialist No9. A North West Counties side, Nelson, scorer of 34 goals last season.

That is a wonderful tribute Scotty.

Stretching it a bit far, but half a century ago Bobby and Freddie Neild for caley and Brian and Alistair Black for the other lot.

LOL - The 'Wotherspoons' breakfast .... yes, very clever. I hear from a good source that he is indeed training with us today, so fingers crossed. Quite a few other trialists still around and apparently, we are being made aware of these through various people who have been around the club in our good years ... nice to hear about people pulling together for the benefit of ICTFC. Cautiously optimistic for the season ahead.

People getting offended on behalf of others always presented as a bigger challenge. A good example was when we changed the disabled/carer charging. Previously, it was the disabled person that got the free ticket and carer paid, but after discussions with involved groups it was suggested we flip it. The point put over was that everyone wanted to feel like they were contributing, and the only concession they wanted was if they required a carer to enable them to comfortably attend. The backlash did not come from disabled fans, but there was plenty of it from the wider fanbase. I think ICTFC may have been the first pro club in Scotland to change it, but others followed not long after. It's in the past, and we draw a line, but I know for a fact that there were funds ring-fenced (partly from disabled fan ticket income, partly from community funding) for work to make the west stand accessible, and properly covered*, so wheelchair users and those who couldn't manage the steps could be in among everyone else sitting over there. After Kenny stepped down, his successors denied the existence of those funds and the project never happened. As I said, in the past, but it's the kind of project that could be revived, and would benefit the club as a whole. *I was talking to one of the wind farm companies about recycling an old blade for the roof, and they were going to pay for the install. The bottom couple of steps would have been made into a platform, and a ramp installed.

The problem these days is folk are so easily offended by the slightest thing. They were never brought up in a world of Tom & Jerry, Roadrunner or Fog Horn Leg Horn. Poor wee mites bless um.

Wotherspoon would be a great signing if injury free partly because of his experience and especially his link up play with Billy. Yes please also!!

Had to check that you weren't joking They also had a match against Stirling Albion, with a changed team, but still all Trialists. Stlrlingshire Cup - 60 minute games - 3 games at Ochilview and 3 at Falkirk today. https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/fixtures/stirling-albion-v-dumbarton/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0k786vj1x7o ""Amazing day for the Trialist family," one X user replied to the club..."

Trialists 4-3 Sams

Strathspey Thistle 1-4 Inverness CT XI A Caley Jags XI made up of u19's, trialists and Academy players were at Seafield Park Grantown on Spey on Saturday 21st June to kick-start the pre-season circus. The Caley Jags won 4-1 with one familiar name on the scoresheet. Unfortunately not for us but Aaron Doran scored a second half goal for the Strathy Jags. Ben Gardiner had opened the scoring with a penalty after 26 minutes before trialist No10 knocked in a pair just before the break. Roddie's brother Sam Thompson fired in from a free kick before Doran notched his goal. That ended the scoring 25. Szymon Rebilas 2. Trialist 3. Trialist 4. James Clark 5. Jack Walker (C) 6. Sam Nixon 7. Sam Reid 8. Sam Thompson 9. Trialist 10. Trialist 11. Ben Gardiner SUBS: 21. Logan Ross, 12. Archie Kerr, 14. Kenzie Harkness, 15. Leo Walker, 16. Ellis Leighton, 17. Gavin Thomson, 18. Archie Beaton

This any use? ICT_2025_26_Fixtures.ics

SEASON 2025-2026 SQUAD With Administration under control and just the dotting of the i's and crossing of the t's to be scrutinised, we have started building a squad capable of getting us back into the Championship. Some familiar faces re-appearing in Joe Chalmers, last here in season 2018/2019 and guys like Paul Allan and Remi Savage coming back for more alongside our experienced players in Danny Devine, Billy Mckay, Luis Longstaff. There must have been a 'three for the price of one' offer on Ross' amongst our new faces in right back Ross Millen, GK's Ross Munro and Logan Ross from County. They will all blend in with our already established youths like Mathew Strachan, Calum Macleod, Robbie Thompson and Adam MacKinnon. We have also secured some talented youths/academy players on contracts which will see us through this season. Jake Davidson is still on the books although he was in re-hab most of last season. Big players that we will miss this season are Musa Dibaga off to Ireland and Charlie Gilmour off to Dunfermline along with Keith Bray. Lewis Nicolson has taken a break from football as he recovers from his injury. Ethan Cairns is off to Banks o' Dee. We also had to hand back some talented loan players who helped us through the Admin season. Take a bow Alfie Bavidge, Alfie Stewart, Ben Brannan, James Nolan, Connal Ewan and keepers Marcus Gill and Aidan Rice and a couple of keepers from the highland league in Martin Mackinnon and Corey Paterson amongst others. Full list below of established players and youths contracted for this season. More detail can be found on OFFICIAL ICTFC SITE Ross Munro GK Ross Millen Mathew Strachan Remi Savage Daniel Devine Joe Chalmers Luis Longstaff Paul Allan Billy Mckay Adam MacKinnon Robbie Thompson Calum MacLeod Jake Davidson (re-hab) Academy Players and fringe players signed on Pro contracts Logan Ross GK James Clark Ben Corner Sam Nixon Szymon Rebilas (youth GK) Sam Reid Ben Gardiner Shae Keogh Sam Thompson Jack Walker

Was Destiny Ojo the no 9 at Nairn? I heard calls of what sounded like Jojo, so presumably that was him. I must say I was not overly impressed but it is always hard to tell in one game, particularly pre-season. He scored 2 goals in 17 games last season.

I wonder who the other trialists Kel is looking to bring in are (this is mentioned in the Inverness Courier and P and J article) mentioning Alfie Bavidge loan bid/enquiry and the Ross Munro articles respectively. It seems to have gone quiet on these two but could Jordan Alonge and Dajon Golding be 2 of the trialists ? I see Destiny Ojo has played in Northern Ireland with Cliftonville so he could quite easily play at Scottish League 1 level but I will let Kel decide that as he's a better judge than me . I'd imagine Carlos Heredia could be signed up if he continues to impress this weekend and especially on Tuesday against Partick . As I have said previously, our squad is taking shape now .

Huisdean and Dave Lazenby also for the other lot, slightly earlier.

Went to Rothes as I imagined everyone would go to Nairn .Not far wrong I counted about 10 ICT fans .Enjoyed the game and got 5 goals .Was quite impressed with new signings as it’s early days .No 18 trialist certainly made his mark .Would like to see him get a chance .

First time involvement with our first team! Cole Thomson, Archie Kerr, Cameron McAllister, Archie Beaton, Gavin Thomson all featured against Nairn County Ellis Leighton, Alfie Reid, Jim Forsyth and Kenzie Harkness all featured against Rothes

At Rothes: Limited Report cobbled together from ICTFC X (Twitter accounts) An Inverness CT XI took on Rothes FC with one trialist and Academy players making up the squad already listed in the team lines. Alfie Reid (GK), Leo Walker, Ellis Leighton, Kenzie Harkness and Jim Forsyth. 24' GOAL! 1-0 Rothes have the lead at Mackessack Park through Ruairi Duncan’s header. 37’ GOAL! 1-1 We’re level in Rothes via David Wotherspoon! Good play from Ben Gardiner to set up for a cool finish from inside the box. HALF TIME: Rothes 1-1 ICTFC 53’ | 1-1 James Clark is replaced by Ellis Leighton 57’ | 1-1 Good play from Ben Gardiner as he forces a save from Stewart Black 59’ | 1-1 Billy Mckay’s effort from just outside the box goes just wide 63’ | 1-2 GOAL! Sam Thompson makes it 2-1 with a header at the back-post after meeting Trialist D’s cross in the box 65’ | 2-2 GOAL! Instant response from Rothes as they equalise through Kenzie Shepherd 68’ | 2-3 GOAL! We’re ahead through Robbie Thompson after a quick one-two with David Wotherspoon. 70’ | 2-3 ICTFC Subs: Sam Reid and Kenzie Harkness on, Joe Chalmers and Ben Gardiner off 78‘ | 2-3 ICTFC Sub: Jim Forsyth on, David Wotherspoon off 81’ | 2-3 ICTFC Sub: Alfie Reid on, Logan Ross off 83’ | 2-3 Billy Mckay sees his shot go just past the post. FULL TIME 2-3

I wouldn't read anything into players not being included. This will be as much about running the rule over trialists/younger players, seeing where new signings are at, and giving anyone who needs it a bit more time in the legs. It's possible, and very likely, one or two might have aches with being back training full time, but it's not the only/obvious reason for me.

The draw took place last night, and we are delighted to announce that the winner is Duncan MacAuley. You can read further details about the draw here: Season Ticket Prize Draw: we have a winner! Thank you to everyone who entered. The level of interest was amazing. If you have not yet renewed or purchased your season ticket, we encourage you to do so.

The draw took place last night, and we are delighted to announce that the winner is Duncan MacAuley. You can read further details about the draw here: Season Ticket Prize Draw: we have a winner! Thank you to everyone who entered. The level of interest was amazing. If you have not yet renewed or purchased your season ticket, we encourage you to do so.

Not sure if anyone different is running this or they have just become unshackled from the previous regime, but its been really entertaining to read these last couple of weeks. Well done to all involved.

I reckon the club’s social media chose which clips they wanted to use ages ago, and the management team were then instructed to find and sign players with names that match the clips!

Given we start on - 5 I’m hoping we will be in positive territory by mid August Excellent news today and we do seem to be getting a decent squad together early which gives them time together before the serious business starts.

Really pleased that we are supporting Jake in his rehab. The last 12 months were a dark period in our short history and here's hoping Jake is back playing in early January 2026.

Jake Davidson has signed his contract extension to January.

With tickets going on sale today, we contacted our members earlier about Aaron's testimonial, and a request for assistance the day before from Dale, our Head Groundsman. You can read the message in the Supporters Trust Board within this Forum and, whilst there, why not click to join the club, which allows you to comment on posts in the Supporters Trust section:

Following tickets going on sale at lunchtime, we issued an e-mail to members about Aaron's forthcoming testimonial match against Ross County on Saturday 5 July, and a request from Dale, our Head Groundsman, for assistance on the day before the game. You can read the full message here: Aaron Doran’s Testimonial / Pre-season Preparations We hope Aaron will get a large crowd on the day, and if you can assist Dale on Friday 4 July, please let us know, either by replying here on e-mailing us at [email protected].

That's why relegation clauses exist. I was more making an observation than a criticism as I get that we're still in a bit of a transition and some uncertainties remain, so we'll be proceeding with positivity, tempered by caution on the financial side. Signings so far all looking good. A couple more solid 'starters' and a few eager guys looking to get a spot and keep them on their toes and we'll be in good shape come the competitive games.

Good to have football again and it was a nice day out at Strathspey. Be nice for us to get back to having a fan pre season open day with a few things on in future.

Caley Thistle’s international trialist makes case with friendly double – while striker with high goal tally also gets a chance Under-19s and four trialists help get Inverness off to a fine start with a 4-1 warm-up win at Strathspey Thistle. by Paul Chalk June 21 2025, 7:20 pm Share0Comment Inverness trialist Carlos Heredia in action against Strathspey Thistle. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson. A Spanish-born flair player – capped 15 times for the Dominican Republic – caught the eye with a brace as a Caley Thistle trialist on Saturday. League One side Inverness, who are weeks away from exiting administration under Alan Savage’s ownership, kicked off their pre-season as their mainly under-19 team were 4-1 winners at Highland League hosts Strathspey Thistle in the baking heat. ICT fielded four unnamed trialists and all were given the full 90 minutes at Seafield Park against the Jags, bossed by former Caley Jags goalkeeper Ryan Esson. We can confirm though that Barcelona-born Carlos Heredia scored a quick-fire double after livewire Ben Gardiner had scored from the spot. After being three goals up at the break, a free-kick from academy graduate Sam Thompson made it four before – ex-ICT star Aaron Doran – who will have a testimonial match for his old club next month – scored Thistle’s consolation. Spaniard was star of the afternoon Another player on trial for ICT was forward Charlie Frost, who scored 34 goals across all competitions with North West Counties side Nelson last term. He was a danger and, with a little luck, could have got on the scoresheet too. The other trialists played at left-back and right-back. Heredia, 26, has scored twice for the Dominican Republic and is trying to win a deal, backed by his experience at Miedz Legnica in Poland, Wolverhampton Wanderers and MK Dons and Dominican professional team Cibao FC. Inverness trialist Charlie Frost rises for a header. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson. The attacking midfielder, who was also a threat on the left wing, kicked off his career in 2016 at CE Europa, a Catalan side in Barcelona, before moved to England to join MK Dons before Wolves. His last period of note was with Miedz Legnica and he impressed in Grantown with smart footwork, and eye for a pass and two goals, especially the second one which was a rifled shot high into the net. Under-19s urged to rise to challenge Head of youth and first-team coach Ross Jack took the team along with Gordon Nicolson and his message to the existing crop of under-19s is to rise to the challenge from any potential – or new – arrivals. He said: “It’s an exciting time for the younger lads, for all the players. “I’ve said to them rather than fear for their places in the team, just go and prove how good they are. “They should say ‘the club are taking bodies in, well I’ll show I’m better than them’. It’s all about believing in themselves, because we do. Strathspey Thistle’s Jordan Laidlaw (No 4) heads the ball into the ICT box. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson. “Fitness is going to be key this season for the first-team and the 19s. It’s massive. “The fitter you are, the better you play. “The trialists who came in acquitted themselves very well. They all got good game-time and I’m delighted with them all.” High tempo impress coach Jack Inverness will split their squads twice this week, with friendlies at Rothes and Nairn County on Wednesday, then on Saturday away to Clachnacuddin and Forres Mechanics. And Jack says the high energy shown by the team is an ideal starting point for the week ahead. He added: “You could see the fitness levels are very good. “Some of the football we played at times was also very good. “Fair play to Strathspey, I thought they played very well in the second half and put us on the back foot a bit. “We’ve come through unscathed and scored four goals. We were disappointed to concede one, but both teams had more opportunities to score. It was a great exercise. “The high tempo we showed here is how we aim to go on. We were pushing forward and putting pressure on. Sam Reid, of Caley Thistle, on the ball against Strathspey’s Filip Franczak. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson. “We have a busy programme of games this week, but that’s the way it has to be. “The first-team boys have taken the younger lads on, and made them welcome. They know they are pushing for places, but they are encouraging them. It will make them better. “Everyone is pushing one another one and looking out for one another.”

Yes, looks like he knows where the goal is. Few hat tricks. the cups to the right denotes MOM. wonder why a goal scorer has no club though. edit: he rejected a new contract offer. CHARLIE FROST Current Club: None Player Appearances This Season Date Match Score Goals CS SB YC RC MoM Sat 27/07/24 Thornton Cleveleys v Nelson 2-3 Wed 31/07/24 Nelson v Steeton 3-1 Sat 03/08/24 AFC Blackpool v Nelson 0-2 Mon 05/08/24 Daisy Hill v Nelson * 2-3 Sat 10/08/24 Nelson v Skelmersdale United 5-0 Wed 14/08/24 Nelson v Droylsden 1-2 Sat 17/08/24 Holker Old Boys v Nelson 4-1 Wed 21/08/24 Nelson v Darwen FC 3-0 Sat 24/08/24 Nelson v Bacup Borough 5-1 Mon 26/08/24 Garstang v Nelson 0-1 Sat 31/08/24 Maine Road v Nelson 1-3 Sat 07/09/24 Nelson v Euxton Villa 2-0 Sat 21/09/24 Nelson v AFC Blackpool 2-1 Sat 28/09/24 Ashton Town v Nelson 2-2 Sat 05/10/24 Bacup Borough v Nelson 1-0 Sat 12/10/24 Nelson v Route One Rovers 5-1 Wed 16/10/24 Darwen FC v Nelson (CUP) 2-4 Sat 26/10/24 Droylsden v Nelson 1-0 Sat 02/11/24 Nelson v Thornton Cleveleys 2-1 Tue 12/11/24 Steeton v Nelson (CUP) 2-3 Sat 16/11/24 Skelmersdale United v Nelson * 0-5 Tue 19/11/24 Southport v Nelson (CUP) 1-1 Sat 23/11/24 Euxton Villa v Nelson * 2-0 Sat 30/11/24 Nelson v Ashton Town 4-2 Fri 13/12/24 Lower Breck v Nelson (CUP) 5-1 Thu 26/12/24 Nelson v Garstang 6-0 Sat 28/12/24 Route One Rovers v Nelson 0-4 Sat 04/01/25 Maghull v Nelson 0-5 Sat 18/01/25 Nelson v Maine Road 4-2 Sat 01/02/25 Nelson v Maghull 2-1 Sat 15/02/25 Ashton Athletic v Nelson 1-3 Sat 22/02/25 Atherton LR v Nelson 1-3 Sat 01/03/25 Steeton v Nelson 0-1 Sat 22/03/25 Darwen FC v Nelson 3-1 Sat 19/04/25 Nelson v Euxton Villa (CUP) 1-1

First game tomorrow afternoon against Strathspey so I'd imagine we'll see trialists as well as the Under 19s get match time. I'd imagine Alonge and Lukiama to be 2 of the trialists if they are currently training with the first team squad .

Delighted this lad has signed on for another year. Might be the difference in achieving promotion position (direct or playoffs) this season. Best / most significant signing so far in my opinion. Still need a proper striker; not a kid! bc

Who would have thought that we would start the 2025/26 season at Kelty Hearts!!!

It’s great to see business being done this early and Allan and Savage sign on again. We still need some more new faces, either signed or loan players, but it gives optimism for the season ahead. I can’t wait!

Dumbarton’s team v Stenny today.

Given that he said in his interview that it was going to be hard on his family, I think he will be up for the majority if not the whole week.