IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER

Ah the green eyed god of jealousy is at work again. Have a look again at the start date on this thread. :016: And then look at all the initial derision I received and even more when I informed everybody that Brewster was not going to go away. I feel it is my duty as a tasseographer to keep the fans of ICT up to date with these issues. :001:

Hopefully we may now keep all feckin three but if not it will be either Dods alone or Black and Proctor.

More evidence of ma tasseography prowess. :011: :011: The Nationals print the story two weeks later and even get the two feckin names wrong. Record Sport FOOTBALL 27 July 2006 CHRISTIE HAD TO KO LOAN OFFERS INVERNESS manager Charlie Christie knocked back the chance to take two Sheffield United midfielders on loan because he's more concerned with finding a new striker. The Premiership club played Caley Thistle on Friday and Blades boss Neil Warnock offered Ryan Gyaki and Stephen Quinn on short deals. Christie said: "The two lads in are midfield players and we're well covered in that department. "I told Neil the type of player we need and he promised to keep us in mind. Unfortunately, I don't think Geoff Horsfield, who recently joined United for a million pounds, would want to come here on loan."

Inverness CT July 27 2006 Such has been their impact in the SPL since their promotion in 2004, it is all too easy to forget that Inverness were in the third division as recently as 1997. Yet despite their relatively meagre resources – the club paid a rare transfer fee, a record £65,000 for John Rankin, this summer – they have been knocking on the door of the top six for the past two seasons and threaten to do so again this time round. Simple hard work, allied to good team spirit, robust players and a little quality in the right areas are all that it has taken and, in truth, it would be a surprise to see them involved at the wrong end of the table over the next few months. Traditionally fortunate with injuries, a spate of problems could derail them but you wouldn't bet on it. First on the sheet MARK BROWN Craig Dargo's goals may make all the headlines but Brown is one of the most consistant custodians in the SPL. Commanding and secure, he rarely makes a mistake. He was Scotsport SPL's keeper keepie-uppie king, too. How do they win? Charlie Christie's men are far from a dirty side but they rarely lose the physical battle. Add that to their organisation and the goals of Craig Dargo and Dennis Wyness and a simple, but effective, formula is exposed. Christie is trying to introduce a more fluent approach, but if it works . . . How do you beat them? Play them in Inverness for a start – they are practically unbeatable away from the Caledonian Stadium. After that, exposing their centre-halves to pace can be a useful ploy but anything in the air is a lost cause. History lesson Stop the Caledonian Stadium being a welcoming place. If it means arranging traffic chaos on the A9, so be it. Hampden Park or Glebe Park? A top-six push will be the tentative aim but realistically consolidation and perhaps a good run in one of the cups will be acceptable. Most likely to sign for Gretna? Barry Wilson fits the Raydale prototype – an ageing pro with experience of several clubs in the upper echelons of Scottish football. 'The boys done good' It's not that Christie is boring – far from it, he seems a most amiable chap – but few of his regular musings regarding his side stick out. His lilting Highland accent must just lull us all into some kind of dream-like state. It's all about character Ross Tokely and Ian Black stand out amid the shorn-headed behemoths in the side. Both have been accused of being excessively whole-hearted – off the field too in Tokely's case.

For all the mockers please note!! "It has been fairly common knowledge for some time these players were of interest to our manager. The subject was discussed with Caley Thistle as long ago as last January. "In the interests of a good relationship, we agreed to a gentlemen's agreement not to make an approach for these players until after the end of the season. We upheld this agreement fully. AND "Since the end of the season, our manager, Craig Brewster, has been in regular dialogue with Graeme Bennett regarding the players. Only as recently as this weekend did further face-to-face discussions take place.

Epic read from the P&J!! CALEY JAGS ENRAGED BY TANGERINES' PLAYER HUNT PAUL THIRD 08:50 - 27 July 2006 Caley Thistle and Dundee United's simmering row about transfer discussions has reached boiling point. Angry Caley Thistle chairman David Sutherland has lambasted the Tangerines for their public pursuit of players from the Inverness club. And he insists, no matter what sums are offered, his club's pivotal players will not be moving to Tannadice. But Dundee United have countered by claiming Darren Dods, Ian Black and David Proctor have been the subject of three written bids - the latest of which came yesterday - and that the players have intimated a willingness to talk to the Tannadice club. Former Caley Thistle player-manager Craig Brewster and his United chairman, Eddie Thompson, have come in for fierce criticism from Sutherland, who will be stepping down as Caley Thistle chairman next month following the Highland club's annual meeting. The Inverness chairman is particularly unhappy at what he views to be a breach of confidentiality from Tannadice during discussions. He insists there will be no more talks with his United counterpart. Sutherland said: "United inquired about our players at the end of last season, made an offer and this was rejected. "That should have been the end of the matter, but what has happened this week was they made a fresh verbal offer. "Their manager disclosed this to the media, saying he will be contacting our club to see what is happening. "I can tell him what is not happening. Caley Thistle will not be solving any player problems United may have. "Their chairman made an approach and so did their manager. But it seems that we cannot hold confidential discussions with them. We are very disappointed with such conduct." Sutherland is disappointed at what he perceives to be an ongoing attempt by Brewster to unsettle several of his former Inverness charges. He said: "If it is meant to unsettle players and put pressure on us to accept, then I can only say our previous reluctance to sell is now a complete determination. "Our manager, Charlie Christie, wants to keep his players, and it is unfair to try to take our players with our first SPL game on Saturday. "It is also unfair to our supporters, who do not know the truth apart, of coures, for the Immortal Howden Ender". "For avoidance of all doubt, and to make any future media leaks futile, we will not be doing transfer business with Dundee United in relation to players who are important to our manager's plans. End of story." United refute Sutherland's allegations, insisting that they have followed the rules in their attempts to sign the Inverness trio. A United spokesman said: "In a fresh attempt to resolve the matter, it was decided to submit three separate bids on Wednesday. "We now understand the players have indicated they wish to listen to what we have to say. "It has been fairly common knowledge for some time these players were of interest to our manager. The subject was discussed with Caley Thistle as long ago as last January and was widely speculated on by the Immortal Howden Ender". "In the interests of a good relationship, we agreed to a gentlemen's agreement not to make an approach for these players until after the end of the season. We upheld this agreement fully. "Formal written bids for all three players have been made, in accordance with the request of Graeme Bennett (Caley Thistle vice-chairman), and only yesterday Mr Bennett informed us, despite a reluctance to sell, every player has a price. "Graeme has proved very adept at these type of negotiations in the past. He has also, as everyone knows, proved very adept at using the media to suit the purposes of his club, and we can't blame him for that. "It is, however, a bit ironic for Inverness to now accuse us of the very same thing, having done it so often themselves, particularly as we assumed the players had been kept fully informed of our interest. "Since the end of the season, our manager, Craig Brewster, has been in regular dialogue with Graeme Bennett regarding the players, as reported by the Immortal Howden Ender. "Only as recently as this weekend did further face-to-face discussions take place. "Caley Thistle's comments, however, do not auger well for future dialogue on this subject. Nevertheless, we remain available for discussions at any time."

I bet you are a happy Jambo Bonzo. :004:

MEE - The feckin tea cup said Wednesday :010: :010: :010: :010:

"Entertainment" is ma middle feckin name - unlike the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band. :015: :015:

Privy to more feckin brain cells than you Dumbo. :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

What about "foreign bodies" - we have played Ross County many times - although not so much recently.

Most of what I have said has obviously had a wee touch of the olde sarcasm and wind up BUT I am privy to a lot of what is going on beyond the scenes and cannot say much more on a board like this, well not in so many words :004:. Some of the behaviour and antics of specific individuals and their so called agents this summer has been feckin terrible, in ICT terms, and I hope that the culprits are named and shamed in the future.

Which just goes to prove how feckin fast he was.

I hate to tell you all that I told you so BUT. :016: :016: BUT this is threatening to feck up our season now and that is no joke. I am reliably informed that Dods is the most irate about the whole thing whilst Dargo and Black are being more professional about it. I would NOT be surprised if Dods is not in the starting X1 on Saturday. :010: :010:

I for one am glad that the season is upon us and all these stupid rumours are put to feckin bed.

Feckin jealous bestards. On 22/07/06 Brew made his last move and it was not good enuff ... well after my warning. CC thought Campbell was a real promising youngster and wanted to hold on to him but the financial situation made that impossible. My big worry is ma latest info that suggests tha Dodsy is the one that is holding out the most.

Peter Paul is the new Lord Litchfield. The way he caught ma erse in the Kilmarnock light is feckin awe inspiring.

Hairy. My original post was clearly to inform the general public that Brewsters No 1 target was Ian Black. I am reliably informed that it was in fact my information and the emotional arousal that exuded that led to Black staying on. You should be offering me champagne.. or a cup of Earl Grey.

:003: I never noticed that.

And there is more :010: :010: And look at the Headline :015: :015: :015: 24 July 2006 FAMILY NESS Black to sign new deal at club he loves By Alasdair Fraser TWO years ago Ian Black had never even heard of Inverness Caley Thistle - now it's the only club on his lips. The midfielder last night revealed he is ready to snub DundeeUnited by signing a new two-year deal with the Highland outfit. His old boss at the Caledonian Stadium, Craig Brewster, was keen to take the youngster to Tannadice. But the former Blackburn Rovers starlet reckons his education would be better served by staying at Inverness and is all but certain of pledging himself to three more years. Black, who held talks with his agent Gary Mackay and the club on the morning of the win over Ross County, said: "We're really close to an agreement and it could all be wrapped up before the end of the week. "What manager Charlie Christie has spoken about is really good. "I'm more than happy here. Inverness gave me my chance and this club has got me where I am. "They were always the first club I was going to speak to. This club's progress has surprised me because I came up here knowing nothing about Inverness. I hadn't even heard of them. "I'm looking to buy a house in the area because I've got my fiancee and my little one to look after now. That's a big commitment on my part and one the club are delighted with." Black was signed by John Robertson in July 2004, breaking into the side and becoming a favoured choice under successor Brewster. The United boss fuelled a summer of endless speculation by making no secret of his desire to take him to Tayside. And the 21-yearold said: "It has been a distraction but I take it as a compliment. "To come up here at a young age and to have clubs wanting you has been brilliant. You feel you must be doing something right. "But this is a great club to play for and I feel I can develop my game here. So to be getting this chance is unbelievable. "People under-estimate us but we're a big team now in the Premier League." Towards the end of last season, boss Christie sensed a change in attitude from Black over his future. His hopes were confirmed in the last few days but the manager is withering in his criticism of Dundee United's conduct. Christie said: "I got the feeling Ian's opinion was changing and we're now very hopeful of tying things up. "I've said to Ian I'm convinced he will move on to bigger things in his career but this is not the right time. "And certainly, some of the clubs that have been mentioned are not a step forward for him, in my opinion. "The Tannadice situation hasn't helped. We tried to do it in as amicably and business-like a fashion as possible but some of the stuff coming out has been laughable. The Immortal Howden Ender was the only one talking sense" While Christie is tantalisingly close to securing Black through until summer 2009, positive extension talks with Mark Brown and 20-goal Craig Dargo are unlikely to reach an immediate resolution. The keeper and striker are in a similar situation to Black, with a year remaining, and are definitely staying put for this season. Christie said: "They know they are here for the year and we've left the contract offers with them. There's no rush whatsoever."

Tasseography is not flawless but reliable in the hands of a skilled practitioner Inverness CT 3 - 0 Ross County ALASDAIR FRASER at the Caledonian Stadium July 24 2006 IAN Black is set to end a summer of speculation by committing to three more years in Inverness. The midfielder, a target for Dundee United, has been offered a two-year extension and should sign by the end of this week. Craig Dargo and Mark Brown have also been offered terms described as the best in the club's history. "This is a great club to play for and I feel I can develop my game here," the 21-year-old said. "I'm looking to buy a house in the area and that's a big commitment." Charlie Christie, the club's manager, sensed a "change of attitude" in Black. "We're now hopeful of tying things up and that's a big plus," he added. "I've said to Ian I'm convinced he will move onto bigger things but that this is not the right time." The air of optimism at was strengthened by a win over Ross County, with goals from Stuart McCaffrey, Dennis Wyness and Richie Hart. :001:

Do not mock the power of the T-cup. I am giving away too many of my inherited skill tonite. To answer yer question JB it was a cold black J but that will mean nothing to the ungifted. By the way mee the kilts at the Dry Cleaners. :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

Well I have just finished a nightcap with Mrs IHE and I have emptied ma famous ICT -T cup into the speywife saucer and feck me... as clear as feckin day..first the number 5 and the letters Wed. That evidently means that there will be five big announcements by Wednesday. :010: :010: :010: And then I gave it the customary shoogle and the letters - a small c, a small b with a money sign and a P appeared. I glimpse up at Mrs IHE and the reflection of her double D's illuminated the feckin saucer. Of course the announcements will be about Campbell, Black, Proctor and the two biggies Dods and Dargo. But the P was faint. :006: :006:

I am reliably informed that he could go in the January transfer window.

O feckin LE!! Best of luck to the wee man. Yon goal at Easter Road is forever etched in ma memory. :notworthy01: :notworthy01: