Scarlet Pimple

Just a quick comment about injuries. When they are bad enough they can have some devastating psychological impacts that can also lead to daily depression, even deep, unquenchable anger. It's the constant pain and depression factors that are the hardest to overcome. In the early days, just after the injury happens, just getting about within a small area , such as a home, is a constant struggle. Also being a usually very fit person these injuries can bring you down to a different level of challenge. " Why me?" is a question one asks on more than one occasion .Irrational, of course, but your mental and physical systems are altered because the effects of a bad injury restricts you in many different ways, ,reminding you of your vulnerability and new frailty. In this circumstance, just getting dressed and preparing to go out is difficult and the thought of going "all the way down": to the club is a major thought, even a worry. When you are there (at the club, say), for sure the pain is likely to increase because you are moving around and the question is .." Am I inspiring anyone at all, and how long can I stand the cold and the drizzle, etc, etc? Oh well. next time I will stay at home and rest...etc. Some of these injuries to our players have been really daunting and some DO take a very long time to heal and can re-occur at any future time. And that's a buried fear that can nag at you even as time goes on. You think you are finally oiver the hump and one fall can just ruin your day. Please go easy on injured players .I think most of them would much rather be back on the park, playing for their team and their wage instead of hanging around waiting for a miracle to happen to make their day.

Butcher ...no! .......Never. The way he handled himself, both before and after, his departure reeked of "lack of class and appreciation for his paymaster, ICT" His thoughts were not counselled, thoughtful and mature but more like those of "The Donald" than anyone else I can think of. Sitting with the Hibs Board at our game at Easter Road was crass and showed how much he had gone behind our backs to secure his new position, how chuffed he was at himself and how little he really cared for ICT, The Board and the fans. Hughes--yes, but with strings attached, mostly financial ones. And a contract that makes darn sure he never is allowed to call the shots against the Board and the club in like manner as to what happened "last time". The Board should have had his contract prepared by a very good and astute Lawyer who trusts nobody ! Let's face it people make mistakes and can be forgiven but if it happens again and you are not prepared and forewarned then that's your fault, not his. I think John Hughes would come back, chastened, and fully understand that he is no longer young and that he is not as sought after as he thought he was ? Will it happen? Doubtful at best. Richie will stay because he has a family and has started to build a house unless he is financially very well off. Lastly does he have the pull at this time to fix the problem? However, the truth appears to be that, frankly, none of us know what financial penalties will befall the club to achieve that position. So, I don't envy the situation left to the Chairman and members of the current Board of Directors at this crucial juncture of our season.

I'm afraid that Paterson is now a manager with a very wee team in the East and says he is happy in his work. With having relapsed in the past would it be wise to even think of hiring him?

I have always liked Fisher from the moment when he took the ball by the scruff of the neck out on the left wing, saw an opportunity and sure as heck knew where the goal was. And, "bingo", it was a corker of a shot which bulged the back of the netting. I can never understand why he was not played more often. It's this kind of opportunism and determination that would have helped ICT weather the storms better than they have done. Just my opinion but who picks the team anyway.........?

This reflective article on the "Up and Down" of Hibernian F.C. might fit into this thread neatly. http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39614199 It's a commentary, basically, by Neil Lennon on the vagaries and benefits of demotion and promotion as it relates to Hibernian F.C. It's very interesting and instructive how this seasoned player and Manager assesses the ups and downs of Hibs downfall and resurgence. Especially the last paragraph which is sobering indeed and could depress some fans but might help gird the loins of really faithful and true fans of ICT to tighten their belts and grin and bear it with hope in their hearts if push comes to shove. My view? In an attempt to put a positive spin on relegation it should serve as a salutary lesson in how to do things completely differently in order to offset unusual and very challenging circumstances. I enjoyed it because Neil Lennon is no dummy and he has a good dentist.

Why not designate Charlie as assistant manager and both he and Richie can then SHARE the responsibility for the remaining games? At least that would oblige Mr. Foran to have to consider an alternative way to the finish line and share the load and the stress of his unwelcome position. It's needs must when the Devil drives, folks--and there is no time to lose now. James, get the horses round here pronto. Right now I feel really sorry for Richie since it does seem that the Board has HUNG HIM OUT TO DRY!. Are THEY out of ideas as well? Where is the experienced help? At first sight it does appear that the way he is being treated by the Board of Directors is as shameful as it is neglectful. Is the kitty so incredibly empty that an extra pound spent here and there matters that much at this crucial stage of the history of ICT? If the kitty ran out with J Hughes' departure why were the financial ramifications, that might result from these circumstances relating to J Hughes, not already foreseen long before this and some term included in J.H's contract to offset the possibility of that happening? That's not Richie's fault so, who can he turn to in his hour of need? Anybody? The Board?...Is he viewed as disposable Kleenex waiting for someone to pick up, put in the garbage can and then the lid is slammed shut + End of story? It's not guilt that I see in Richie's face. HE has done his very best and I feel certain about that. So why should HE feel guilty about anything? No man or woman can do more than their best efforts. It's frustration, bemusement, fear and disappointment I see. More devastation than guilt don't you know?What can one expect from a gentleman like Richie who has no previous managerial experience? WHO was his right -hand man, pray? Nobody forsooth. Sorry, I'm quitting now because I am steaming mad at this fiasco and afraid to continue.

A few months ago Hartley was the pin-up boy in our football scene having had considerable success elsewhere. So what happened ? He was is a bit of a rough diamond though and his appearance is/has not been exactly managerial......a bit scruffy, like, and he definitely needs a haircut? Maybe his attitude was that of being "one of the boys" rather than the manager? Then he was in our frame to be hired so what happened?. If nothing else I think it shows the unpredictability of lauding a former player who really does not have much experience in Management. So, when the dirt starts to hit the fan, do emotions take over instead of deep thinking and caution? Hasn't Hartley nearly had a bust up with a player or players as well? There's something in my mind about that but I can't quite remember? Hartley in for us ?--- My opinion is ... No !! Who now thinks that approaching John Hughes again would be a good move? I was upset at the awful way in which J Hughes left and the amount of money he seemed to be able to get out of our club. But what if the Board decided that a rapprochement is required ("needs must when the Devil drives") and offers him a deal in which they get him on board and agree to a salary that recoups the financial outlays that they had to cough up when he left. Am I mad? Looks like it, eh? But,.consider this...... a. Everybody makes mistakes and everybody deserves a second chance? Right? And he is not stupid so perhaps a chastened man has learned a lesson and humility can take over? b. This man is not in a position of negotiating strength because he is still in football, which he says he still loves to death, but his position is, well, lowly in the general scheme of things and he must now fully realise that his services are NOT in great demand elsewhere. c. Really, are we in a better position? Anything but !.-- So brutal honesty and frankness could sink in deep with both parties, leading to a greater understanding between them and a more considered approach to each other from both? In short, a better working relationship based on a much higher plane of thought and reflection by both him and the Board of ICT on the rights and needs of both parties. i.e. a greater willingness to compromise and, for sure, if J.H wants to come on board he would have to do this. OR he can stay where he is in obscurity. If a very frank and honest talk took place between the Board and Mr. Hughes, during which it was stressed that complete openness, honesty and realism must be the order of the day at all times from now on, then who knows what can be achieved? d. What about his contract at the club he is at now? Well, that could be stumbling block...unless he is willing to dig into own pocket to help the transfer process along?

Thank goodness for IHE and his often brilliant sense of humour. The last two or three posts split my sides open with laughter. Now back to the reality of the SPL with this article to which we can add: No!! Not another bad reffing decision. And AGAINST Celtic too..NOOOOOOO! Who would have thunk it? http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39615167

Mannie--he's talking about your Duckies again.

So, if there is such a crucial dispute by Richie on whether or not the goal was in or out, and who was, or was not, to blame then why doesn't he say, "Look, I'm absolutely furious and we need cameras on the goal line......"

Next?

Unless----the relegation of ICT will necessitate the injection of funds into the club from the directors? ---- "Ulp--didn't think of that when I joined the board, don't you know ! "

Well, I'm glad that we seem to have got that sorted out. But I regret to say I remain unconvinced that there is absolutely nothing wrong here in the officiating that doesn't deserve intense scrutiny and fixing permanently. If you don't have fairness in this part of the game you might as well shut up shop and throw the ball to a bunch of wee boys or lassies, depending on which set gets there first. As I look at some of the decisions seen on the videos this term alone, it just seems that every time there is a chance for the refs to blow against ICT they are onto it in a flash. When was the last time you saw a ref consulting with his linesman nearest to the action? At the risk of sounding like a broken record I have to admit that rarely is their ever a dispute on a foul in North American Ice hockey because ;- (a). They have cameras which have zoom capability built in along with replay capability together with real time video replays on screens in the floor behind the player's benches so that the coach of each team can review the action as well. Then the ref goes into a huddle with his two linesmen and studies the video. If they still can't make up their minds they immediately phone the Head Office in Toronto and ask them to adjudicate by reviewing the video and render a decision. Rarely is the result challenged because this is as about fair as you can get. The video shows every angle from cameras both directly above the goal and to the sides of it plus along the sides of the rink etc,. It's a very realistic and professional way of adjudicating issues. And I have hoped that the SFA would put cameras at least along the goal line so what is stopping them.? Afraid that the referee's deficiencies and incompetence will be highlighted or is it the cost? Imagine the SPL worried more about the cost of a couple of cameras rather than the fairness. Opinions on the need for cameras please?

Was that ANOTHER poor decision from the ref today when the press and other fans seems to suggest that the ball was not over the line when Fon Williams scooped it up? If that goal had not ben given then ICt might have won that game? At least according to Martin Dowden--see below. And I have had a sneaking feeling for some time now that the power brokers who run Scottish football have not exactly been overjoyed at the success in recent times of the jumped up little team with heart from the north whose courage and hard work have put the major monied teams such as Celtic and Rangers in their place. And have these feelings somehow trickled down to their appointed referees accompanied by a nudge-nudge, wink-wink do you think? Mmmm? Based solely on some of their decisions against our team that I have seen, which were absolutely unbelievably wrong, who knows? http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39536661

Wel,l Row S, in this environment and at this time we need positivity that's for sure.. So keep it up.

The difference in referring to a special meeting, compared to a standard weekly Board Meeting, as being highly suggestive of the fact that the members of the Board are wanting a decision to be finally made about firing him (or finding another position for him within the club) is like suggesting that they have never previously communicated and discussed the whole issue between each other prior to this point. Which is really rather ridiculous. Right this minute it evidences as much indecision and severe hand-wringing as much as anything. And, if they did have this special meeting, they would most certainly have to have another manager's name in front of them on which to make a decision wouldn't they? After all, they can't sack Richie if they have no one to put in his place? IF they did have this other potential Manager agreeing to take over what incentives did they offer him to do this? On that point it does seem likely that there are few really attractive things on offer though? Therefore, if they did have a special meeting we might reasonably conclude that they were finally very seriously about to make a decision as to whether to release him or keep him on. But the absence of that at this point might equally suggest that they are still desperately hankering to find a way out of sacking him or changing his duties from Manager to ...what? And, if they do fire Richie, who are they going to put in his place? John Hughes? That's the $60,000 question and no mistake. This Board seem to be in a cleft stick type of situation in which they have a very unenviable decision to make and it has to be be taken sooner rather than later. And drifting to the end of the season without having made it Is as possible as the reverse and could be fatal for the future progress of ICT. Clinging on in the Premiership might well happen but what about next season and the one after that?

To the fan who decries and downplays Richie's past performances with ICT you need to take a close look at past videos. If you put the shirt on, your performances might pale into complete insignificance compared to what he has achieved in his career as a player. He scored some absolutely incredible goals and was an inspiring figure when in full flight--.i,e to those who were willing to learn from his example! Whatever has happened after his appointment as manager we may never really find out but I'm sure that if he DID get a strip back on he would not be making the mistakes made by some of our current team and would still be an example to his team-mates. It looks as if that will never happen so it's "grin and bear it " time. No wonder Billy looks totally exasperated, since he rarely ever seems to get the ball...... As for the Canadian brew, Molson Canadian is a very good one but now I find Ironhorse somewhat more pungent and it's brewed in British Columbia which helps.

What Scotty said, almost word for word. The St J. manager is smart! In one stramash in their penalty area it appeared as if all their players , minus the goalie, was in there as well. Meaning little chance of any strike getting through that mass of legs, hence no score, In parts ICT played very well but had no penetrating power of any note. Cole was carded unfairly but let's hope he learns his lesson not to throw verbal dirt at the ref...can't win. Score against ICT was higher than St.J's overall stuffy play deserved. Penalty against ICT was, well, soft.

Richie does not appear, at first sight anyway, to have the managerial presence to be successful at inspiring the team at this juncture of the season. It also appears as if he is very unlikely to quit. For one thing he has a family to support ! ...... 'Nuff said. To prove to the current playing staff and the fans how much bottle he really does have, however, he should get the match day kit on and join the troops on the field. Even for one match, as I have suggested before. He can then shout encouragement and advice to them together with showing to them his undoubted hard work ethic and fantastic skillset which always was dynamic. In short he will be back in his element where he can inspire and impress. On the assumption that he is still physically fit, what does he have to lose? Very little, except that he does have a lot to gain. Richie doesn't seem to have much support, so..... " turn the tables on them!, old chap!" Even if he is not so fit as he used to be, maybe he could stay the course for at least a very hard-working first half. Then no player, or management, could accuse him of not having the courage to strut his stuff and prove to the players how much he knows about the game. And set an example, too, of how to take the bull by the horns when the chips are down. i.e. An inspirational leader who can fight with extraordinary measures when ordinary measures have failed. His stock will rise, his words will be heeded and the troops should respond in kind. There is NOTHING like leading by example. Someone to look up to and emulate........ In real time, NOT in hoity-toity hot air and hyperbole. However, If he were to turn down such a suggestion because "managers don't do that because they might lose face", then the club should seek another manager immediately. Why? Because nothing is going to change and the clock is really ticking now.

To release Richie now would cost the club a lot of money. And from what I see as to the sparse crowd in the stands there just can't be the revenue stream available?

Got you going though Guys, didn't I? ........ But, undeterred, if battle scarred, I'll be at my normal place tomorrow looking at Don's video in front of my computer. Unless the Donald lobs over another Cruze missile and it goes off course due to the hot air generated in this thread that interferes with it's guidance system. Could happen ....

Well, it looks like it is over to you Caley D. for an adjudication. I've used up my "last word". The video I saw was the one for the overseas fans which showed a view from lower down the park on the left side of the players. Doofers Dad said earlier that angles from the BBC show different scenarios. Doofers Dad is a very reflective gentleman and doesn't go in for histrionic remarks, remaining calm and factual. Thus he doesn't claim, for example, as some have done earlier, that Brad "never even touched the ball." DOH! Some folks on here, some of whom should know better, make Smart Alec, abusive comments at the remarks I made but no one has specified the rules regarding penalties and detailed conclusively why it was, in their view, a clear-cut penalty. Their comments are more histrionic than explanatory. Manfer, my specs are fine thank you and my last trip to the ophthalmologist a couple of months ago elicited the following remark "considering your age your sight is remarkable." and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So I now invite you to explain the penalty rules that apply in this case since you clearly feel that my knowledge base on this issue needs updating. Maybe you are right and I look forward to your detailed comments. My point was that he went for the ball and my video shows he got it fair and square and in the way I described it. The other videos on here also show, in plain sight, that Brad did get the ball and then the other player's momentum made him fall over Brad's legs -- NOT his feet which had already passed the Killie player's legs. The Killie boy was not injured in any way so there was NO direct contact, nor deliberate intent to injure, from Brad. These are facts, not emotional reactions. This was an impetuous and harsh decision from a very poor referee and it might easily relegate our team this season. So think about that, true non-swimmer fans, before jumping into a very deep pool without your lifebelt.

This is my final word on the penalty incident V Kilmarnock. I finally found my match password in the wastebasket and used it to go to Donald's video again, the video for overseas listeners, and reviewed the incident SEVERAL more times just to make sure I didn't miss anything.Here is what I saw :- In the outfield, quite close to the Caley end of the pitch, Kilmarnock dispossessed our player fairly and then passed the ball forward into open space for his player to get. The Killie player quickly latched on to it and started his run towards the goal. At which point in comes Brad at speed and deliberately went directly for the ball, NOT, the player. In fact, had Brad stayed upright on his feet instead of doing his thing, that player would by now probably be a flat pancake and, yes, that WOULD have been a fair penalty. Brad hit the ball BANG-ON. It bobbled and immediately got tangled up in the Killie player's boots with force and went OFF him and out for a bye kick to ICT. Brad did not appear to hit the player's legs at all with his boots since by then the Killie lad was already airborne AND if the ball had not hit the Killie player at all then it would have gone straight out into touch for a throw-in to Killie. To the doubters :- There is too much at stake here... 2 lost points is a massive downer and this goal could completely ruin our season and relegate us to even think of this being an April Fool's joke. There was no intent whatsoever showing on this video by Brad Mackay to stop, or injure, the Killie player and the tackle was actually fair and well executed. Unless the rules say that a SHORT sliding tackle which is specifically directed at, and gets, the ball is a crime then he is not at fault. Why Brad Mackay is being pilloried by some folks on here is ridiculous and unfair. And so is this penalty award to Killie. Remember that the ball was so close to the moving Killie player's feet that any tackle against the ball would have upended him, regardless. My blunt assessment is that the referee made another blunder just because the attacking player fell down despite the fact that he was never actually touched. I suggest that a link to the incident on video should be put up here so that others can judge the issue for themselves. It's not at all like what some folks imagine. It happened very quickly so, for me to fully appreciate it, I had to focus on different points in the frame each time I re-run it to get the actual full picture. So I have written to Mr. Kenny Cameron asking him to please review the video very carefully and if necessary request the SFA to rescind the goal. I believe this video clearly demonstrates what I claim, above. If you agree you can do the same. Thank you.

12th man. .....Thanks for providing the video shot of Brad's tackle in which you say he got to the ball first. I tried to open the video link you provided but each time it closed immediately before I could see anything happening. The heading above the link stated "Advertisement" . Go figure.