Harry Chibber

ICT optimistic as they sign fresh talent Published: 03 July, 2007 CALEY Thistle were expecting to complete the signing of Gillingham striker Dean McDonald yesterday evening after both clubs agreed a nominal fee for the player. The 21-year-old former Arsenal trainee was due to arrive in the Highland Capital for a medical before signing a two-year contract with Inverness. Caley Thistle's director of football, Graeme Bennett, told the Courier that he expected all the paperwork to be completed yesterday afternoon and subject to his medical, McDonald would officially become a Caley Jags player by this morning. "We have managed to get the paperwork sorted out with Gillingham and Dean is currently in the process of flying up today so he can undergo a medical," added Bennett. "There is a nominal fee involved, but we're delighted that the deal is now nearly completed." McDonald will be manager Charlie Christie's second signing of the summer having already secured the services of former Ross County captain Don Cowie on a free transfer, and he was pleased that his patience was finally rewarded by capturing a player who scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Gills in English League One last season. "I feel we've taken our time and it's paid off because I believe we're bringing the right type of player in," stated Christie. "What impressed both myself and Graeme Bennett was that straight away Dean expressed a real desire to come to Caley Thistle. "In the past, this club has brought in young players with potential and it has worked well, so hopefully it will continue to do so." McDonald and Cowie, however, seem certain to be the only new faces that fly out with the rest of the Caley Thistle squad on Sunday for their week-long pre-season training camp in Italy. Austrian duo Dominique Taboga and Benny Bauer were due to start training with Inverness yesterday, but their trial has been delayed after the former injured himself while preparing for his stint in the Highland Capital. Christie confirmed last week that 24-year-old centre half Taboga, who spent last season at Austrian Second Division side SC Kapfenberg, and Admira Wacker striker Bauer (20) were being given the chance to impress with the possibility of one or both players making the trip to Tuscany, but their trial has now been put on hold until Caley Thistle return home. "There was no point in them coming over when one of them was injured," added Christie. "We have now told them to come back over on 16th July, but it's not a huge blow. "We were only going to be having a look at them and also it might not work out, so I'm not too disappointed with the delay. "The two Austrian players are just one of four or five options we are taking a look at just now and we do have other avenues we can explore should it not work out." One option for Christie could well be a French central defender who is expected to join Caley Thistle for pre-season training when they arrive back from Italy. Meanwhile, former Inverness striker Craig Dargo has described his decision to call time on his Caley Jags career last month as "heart-wrenching". The 29-year-old, who scored 31 goals in 62 appearances for Caley Thistle, joined St Mirren on a free transfer last week, but praised the Highland Capital club's efforts as they strove to maintain his services. "It was heart-wrenching," he said. "I had two great years up there and I haven't got a bad word to say about anybody. "I was delighted with the efforts the club made to keep me and obviously I thank them for everything they have done. "It was a decision I just felt I had to make. It was right for myself and my family. "I considered all the offers on the table, but once I spoke to Gus (MacPherson, St Mirren manager) I knew this is where I wanted to be." Courier Link First of all Deano welcome to the familia... (Never gets old :023: ) Why would Dominique Taboga and Benny Bauer have to come over at the same time? are they the Brown and Thompson of Austria? Seems very strange! Who is the French defender? And lastly, although I am still annoyed at the way Dargo has left I was happy to see him acknowledge the club. There have plenty that have gone before him and not done so. Fair play.

What I like more than anything if we do make this signing it will raise the profile off the club and may attract more players and hopefully more fans. It shows that we are an ambitious club and players that previously didn't want to move because of our geography will possibly be more tempted!

An Ode to the Smo’ Twas doon by the inch o’ Abbots Oor Johnny walked one day When he saw a sicht that troubled him Far more that he could say A fanatic muslim b*st*rd Wiz doin what he’d planned And intae Glesca’s departure hall A Cherokee he’d rammed. A big Glaswegian polis Came forward tae assist He thocht “a wumman driver” Or at least someone half-pissed But to his shock nae drunken Jock Emerged to grasp his hand But a flamin Arab loony Frae Al Qaeda’s band The mad Islamist nut-case Had set hissel’ on fire And swung oot at the polis GBH his clear desire Now that’s no richt wur Johnny cried And sallied tae the fray A left hook and a heid butt Required tae save the day. Now listen up Bin Laden Yir sort’s nae wanted here For imported English radicals Us Scoatsman huv nae fear Oor hame grown Glesca Asians Will have nae bluidy truck So tak yer worldwide jihad An get yersel tae F***

MARIUS MADE IN HEAVEN ICT's swoop for Niculae INVERNESS LATEST By Craig Swan INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE are closing in on the biggest signing in the club's history in Romanian star Marius Niculae. The 26-year-old international striker is in the Highlands discussing a deal. Niculae, who has scored 12 goals in 28 outings at the highest level for his country, is in Scotland as the club's tie-up with former Romania star Gheorghe "Gica" Popescu bears fruit. Caley Thistle are currently trying to piece together a contract package for the hitman, who is available on a free transfer after a troubled year at German outfit Mainz. The figures suggested for Niculae's deal would rip apart Caley Thistle's wage structure but there are hopes a compromise can be reached to keep the player in Scotland. Niculae is also wanted by Bursaspor but cancelled a scheduled trip to Turkey and redirected to Inverness. Advertisement He said: "I've been offered a very big opportunity by Inverness. It is a big deal. "I'm hoping to get the chance to play well and score a lot of goals in the Scottish league. "If I can do that, maybe I can move on to a bigger stage in the country or England." Caley Thistle director of football Graeme Bennett admits the prospect of landing him is mouthwatering for the fans but realises there is still work to be done. Bennett said: "Signing Niculae would be a major coup for us. "He is a very high-profile player and his CV is right from the top drawer. When we first discussed the tie-up, we were under the impression it would be more about up-and-coming young players. "We didn't realise guys of this stature were involved. "It would be wrong to go overboard at this stage because there is still some things to sort out. "Even if we could get him over here for a year, it would be terrific for the club." Niculae was the golden boy of Romanian football with ablistering scoring record for Dinamo Bucharest after making his debut at 16. Portugal's Sporting Lisbon snapped him up when he was 20 and he spent four years there before moving on to Standard Liege then Mainz. Daily Ger This will probably be the tall boy spotted with Rory and Deano, he's 6ft something according to Footie Manager! Wish we would keep things out the press though

They just want the media coverage IMO.... if someone really wanted to kill a lot of people they would go to a shopping mall on a Saturday. Why go to one of the most highly secured places in Scotland?? and crash a car outside the building?? When they could have easily walked in?? They are either complete muppets (which I doubt considering one of them is a Dr) or were more concerned about getting on TV rather than killing a mass of people. Doesn't matter anyway Smeaton (Legend) has our backs covered!! :allhail:

Have Hearts not been linked with him before?

more... "McDonald played roughly over 30 games last season so a goal ratio of 1 in 5 but he was either subbed on or subbed off in games so it proberly is a goal every 4 games if you include the time he spent on the pitch. But you got to play to his strenghts because whacking the ball upfield is not going to be useful, play to his feet and he can do something, he might be worth moulding into a winger/striker so you can use him in more then one position."

From a Gillingham fan on another website: "Dean McDonald was very hit and miss last season and I feel with the arrival of Facey and with another striker likely to sign for us then McDonald going seemed likely. I was hoping that Dean McDonald will get given another chance because no reserve team really affected us last year and I feel Ronnie Jepson might consider moulding McDonald into a winger. If Inverness can get McDonald settled playing regular first team football and a good run out then you might see the best from him, But you need to sort out his attitude because he can get a bit lazy. I am curious what the transfer fee is because I have heard it is in the region of 30-60K."

what risks you muppet?? How about trying to sign a Romanian International and 2 Austrians... who'd you expect Henry?? f*ck sake!

I said 8th, think it will be a very competitive SPL next season RIG my comments on P&B were obviously wrong :015:

He's immense in Champ Manager 99-00 Out our league IMO and now it is in the papers I'm sure there will be plenty of others sniffing about

How do you think we'll get on next season?

The People's Champ!

Nice to see a positive step being made, could this boy be a better player than Dargo. He certainly looks sharper and has pace to burn but just need to hope he has the same intelligent play Delighted :003:

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We've got the players but just look badly organised... f*ck sake! 2-0

I don't know if this has been posted elsewhere

I've always thought he was pesh :023:

Easily over 450...

see first post in this thread .... same article, same player and same reason we are discussing it ....... you must need more beer HC :blah01: :023: :015: only read the 2nd page.. put it down to being a lazy ba5tard

Celtic's transfer target :003:

Ok, I'll be first.. shows lack of ambition and just reflects how little he thought of the club.. money grabbing w@nker

sorry mate maybe someday but not today

Duncan & McBain.. Duncan's work is becoming more and more appreciated but McBain seems to be public enemy number one most the time. I guarantee if you asked all the ICT players their favourite player to play with more than half would pick McBain because of his work rate and unselfishness. I think the main problem is the majority of the time he is played out of position on the left wing but when he plays in the centre I'd rate him ahead of Rankin or Black for his consistency. I'd be very interested to see what assist table for the team is, he needs to score more goals though.

didn't see it.. my bad :023: