Scarlet Pimple

Although costs have to be taken into account the fact of the matter is that emphasis should always be placed on quality first. Reducing reliance on deliveries from Glasgow and other far-flung places seems almost nonsensical and not good public relations....i.e local caterers should always be given the first opportunity to quote and give different ideas to the club's management before decisions become final. And possibly sharing the business between more than one local caterer would be fairer, create a better quality of product through competition and sort the wheat from the chaff to allow for the best value for money to be on offer to the fans. Not only that, but the local businesses would not feel excluded from Caley's business allocations in the catering arena and would fully understand that the club wants to use their services provided the quality is there always. And contracts should not be overly long so that quality can not be allowed to slip due to the development of complacency within the catering ranks. One season maximum and then reviewed to allow for renewal. The disabled should be a priority as to how to accommodate them. The goodwill alone cannot be underestimated when it comes to priorities of allowing them through crowded lines, at least one staff member allocated to check with their needs. e.g offering blankets, a hot cup of tea and that sort of thing. When you show compassion and kindness to the disadvantaged, people notice and will be empathetic to the club's need for their patronage which means greater income. Sure it's work but there doesn't seem to be a lack of volunteers for the club and , believe it or not, emotional uplift and positive returns will be received by the younger element when they help the old and disabled like this.The latter are people too and will enjoy the game and , especially, the interest in their welfare which older folks crave. To feel ,part of a thriving and vibrant club for a senior is a wonderful way to make friends and encourage sales of tickets. Now I'm off for my morning breakfast and cup of tea. Cheerio chappies and chapesses .

All in from the start ? Give it a "go" and see what actually happens. I favour that. Who knows? It might work. The wee clubs all have to come up against a bigger and better club in due course, no matter what. So, in order to make a few pounds let them vie with one from the start and the best of financial luck to them. Unless just the thrill of playing in the Cup is what the fans want, then going to a few games against a team of forest fairies may be best for them perhaps.

Methinks Caman's post was , well , made with part tongue in his cheek. Imagine having the cheek to be 100% tongued by someone?. Oh, and I say...bring back Fisher, He's a worker. The guy was given a rum "do" and all. I think that had he been kept in the squad for this season he would have produced panic in many defenses and he was not afraid to have his sights on the goal as well. Remember that goal he scored just before the season ended. That's the stuff to light a fire under our team. Up and 'at 'em lads. Up and at 'em.

Kingsmills Re your above post, made yesterday at 9.18 a.m. ..referring to the bookseller ...yes it takes all kind to make a world. Open competition for all, and that's the way it should be.

Great looking team of boys. Fit, sturdy, and full of confidence. It also looks as if they are enjoying their games and being a player for Caley Thistle. I wish I could go and cheer them on. Top of the Pops here , mun. Top of the IHE pops. Aye

Only Caman could think of that one. Camaaaaan, though , lets address this Suzie Q (Question) issue in a serious way because unless the man is not fit to play then he surely must be dressed and ready in the short term. Otherwise the club must be seriously found wanting. After all money doesn't grow on trees. Do you think he is also on drugs in addition to what you ummmmm.... suggested? Is Susie wuzee woosy?

Suzan is a magnetic but seemingly polarising figure. His video show nothing but magic from his speed on the ball to his goal scoring! What is the enigma of Schussgen really? Bring the guy in and give him a slot and a chance. If he has got magic in his boots he will electrify the fans, if not he will be asked to kindly depart. We can't afford players who are currently contributing nothing to this club at this critical juncture in their life and progress. Good luck to the man though. What was his injury anyway?

There is no guarantee that a move abroad would benefit him since the Canadian Whitecaps are a tough team to get hired into. He would have to play higher and harder than he might get away with here and the pace is not as slow as people think. He nevr was a major contribuitor with nus the last time out and hardly is a dynamic runner so is he approaching the zenith of his career perhaps? Let him play a couple of games this year and see what develops. But I would prefer the up and coming young fella from the 2nd team.. MacKay isn't it -- there's a young player that deserves another shot and will thrive I feel. Cheers SP

His remarks tend to indicate that Caley's part in the Highlands is over only over a few years whereas the merged teams have each had fairly long histories in the Highlands and made reasonably significant contributions to Scottish Football over many years. No one can reasonably be expected to start "at the top" so "history" is as much about early , humble beginnings, subsequent hard work, development and steady progress and constant interest and support from genuine fans and players often over many years. Now THAT, really, is the history of both Caley and Thistle. So, as far as I am personally concerned, I think his phraseology was somewhat of a downer and did not quite accurately portray all the interest, hard work and dedication of very loyal people over many years. But in, truth, it is merely a slip of the tongue in an otherwise interesting and forward-looking assessment of what is ahead for us. The challenge just to get back to the Premiership alone is daunting , especially when our income has been significantly reduced this season. G Rae does, however, bring to the club a solid appearance (no pun intended), a good speaking voice and delivery and presence which is to the benefit and leadership of the club. And at least he seems to be genuinely interested in development and steady progress on all levels. I.e he is using his brain first and his words and actions second but in concert with his thoughts. As we grin and bear it, we have no reason to think that we can't repeat the impressive progress of the past but it will be a real test of the mettle and passionate desire of all at the club to meet the highest standards of conduct both on and off the park. I hope the absent fans see this as a truth as well and flock back in droves to give the vital financial and hand-clapping support that is needed also to achieve this goal. That means teamwork, both on and off the park , at all levels. YES!

IBM ... it would be great if you can recant the rest of the young boys song......Smile? Sometimes I wish I was that young again.

Well done John. Thoroughly deserved. And glad to see you looking much more relaxed as well. Just tell the team that they are great listeners to your instructions and to relax and play with confidence.

Mulraney needs a few more games to get maximum composure into his game in vital situations like this. This was a speedy, pressure game and it probably was very difficult for him to fast stride in on goal,with great composure and delight at the prospects of scoring, knowing what was at stake. Since his movement elsewhere is great and he is providing chances for the forwards, we can wish him well. I think there was one very clear-cut chance for the forwards to score from one of his crosses but no one seemed to be close enough to the ball to take advantage. Sort that one out, John Robertson, please.

I'm very heartened by the positive progress now being experienced by our lads on the park. And very pleased for John Robertson too since he has not had his worries to seek since he took over. I get the impression that he is a down-to-earth, well-motivated man who is working very hard to handle and develop the players he has inherited and/but needs to develop further. His goal is to get the lads progressing with greater and greater confidence and in the process revealing their flair and their dynamism and thus enjoying their roles and their football step by step. This will also then please the fans who will, (as they appear to have done today away from home), support the team vociferously and encourage every positive move they try or achieve. The team will then know that they CAN take moderate risks without being creamed verbally both on and off the park. With confidence growing in the minds of the players they will now feel emboldened to take considered risks and grow by trial and error that will strengthen the whole team. Happier days ahead. And enjoy your footie, guys.

John Robertson seems to agree with my past suggestion that he strengthen the defence first and then start on the offence. It's sure paying dividends because the other teams can't beat us and, even if we don't come very close to winning the league, at least we will be able to stave off the awful shadow of further relegation and remain in a " steadily rebuilding mode". Away support seems to have been in great voice. Very encouraging all round. Definitely agree with the poster who suggested brining on the lad from the juniors (Reserve?) team.Nothing like showing all the up-and-comers that ICT wants them to progress fast and needs them.

To read that pies are imported from the South West of Scotland when Inverness businesses can be benefitting is ...well... completely bizarre. Who thought out that one? In what way can it be benefitting the club when local businesses can be used? Just think of the goodwill alone. I mean, when locals are first contacted goodwill come of it I am sure.

Because they probably think he is a winner. ICT + the Scottish Cup, like.? And he is available and probably at a modest enough salary consideration.

Then it could be stated that he's only replacing you, IHE. Haven't seen many comments from your perspective lately. What's up?

And if he is viewed as expendable in the near future who would the Manager put in his place? I think we have to accept that he is human and getting a wee bit older every day--an imperceptible process that is only noticed when you want to find an excuse to criticise or denigrate someone. In the meantime I feel that we should be thankful he is still willing to play a solid role at Caley Thistle and thank our lucky stars at this very difficult time that he is content to remain with us.

Very encouraging. Will re-inforce the confidence of the team and the way in which they relate to each other. Maybe this is the turning point we all yearn for.? Which position was Mulraney playing in today? Seems that he has progressed very well indeed. That's Robbo's influence I think. I feel for Robbo--such a difficult start for a man who was terrific last time out and doesn't have his worries to seek at this painful time of renewal. A Question for Biggin ........First, a warm welcome to the Forum....... Secondly, is your second name "Hill" or "The beguine". ?

Fair to middling.

I also assume that you can buy the tickets in advance like I did upon my last visit to Inverness. Except I need to find out whether or not the ticket office will be open during the days prior to a match?

Too far away for me to predict but.......I think the home crowd may be very good in the light of the recent performances, there seems to be a real gelling of the team. Mulraney's confidence soaring , etc.. Looking forward to it. P.S. Great highlights, Manfer, of the Dundee United game. Thanks for the reminder about the highlights being on the Report on a regular basis.

Forecast

Tears of sadness.

CIF 73 I will second that . After our Overseas Highlights were unceremoniously removed from under our noses without a sliver of an explanation, it would seem a good P.R . idea for the club to at least officially show us the thrilling incidents or goals in the matches. After all, we are a team that has tumbled but remain on the way up. and therefore it needs every word of praise and support that we fans can muster step by step up the ladder of success.