IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER

[/WE'LL SEAL RANKIN DEAL, SAY CALEY JAGS DAVE EDWARDS 08:50 - 12 July 2006 John Rankin's protracted transfer from Ross County to Caley Thistle should finally be completed before the weekend. Inverness had agreed a £65,000 fee with their Highland neighbours for the former Manchester United trainee, but then ran into difficulties with the player's agent, Tom Callaghan. Matters were further complicated by Caley Thistle travelling to Tuscany, Italy, for a training camp, but manager Charlie Christie believes a deal can finally be done. Christie said yesterday: "The John Rankin thing is still ongoing. I was in close contact with our directors from our training camp in Italy. "It hasn't been as easy as we had hoped, but transfer negotiations can sometimes be protracted. Things have progressed very well in the last 48 hours and I am very hopeful that something can be done in the next 48 hours." img] :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

Fer fecks sake..Rankin agreed to sign in December 2005.

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I am reliably informed that a final decision will be made within the next 24 hours.

There is always a substance involved in my posts. :003:

He is D delightful He is A amazing He is R rite good He is G graceful He is OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO D.A.R.G.O - Craigie Dargo

I cant stand sarcasm.

Not my usual dependent source but I have been informed that Brewster has asked if Proctor could join the Arabs on their trip to Denmark!! GTF :008: :008:

That post came "live" from Ian Black's new flat in Dungdee.

I like this Alasdair Fraser bloke - another cracking quote from todays' Herald: "In Tuscany, Pistoians have never lost a reputation for vicious behaviour earned in the 13th century from family feuds that brought countless street assassinations." :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: And it looks like Black hasnt changed: There was certainly a healthy aggression to the local side, but none to match the bite of Caley midfielder Ian Black. Black's running battle with a temperamental local referee intensified as half-time approached. Or was he trying to impress Brewster? :003:

A Yinited fan has said on P & B that the deal is definately off. :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: Oh in that case I stand corrected then!! :004:

Looks like we may well be signing the old song again this season...as predicted :011: 10 July 2006 - Daily Retard I'LL BE DARGO-ING NOWHERE CRAIG DARGO has given Caley Thistle a pre-season boost by insisting he is staying at Inverness. The 20-goal striker is yet to commit to an extension beyond summer 2007 but will sit down for talks with boss Charlie Christie on the team's return from Tuscany. Dargo, who hit two goals in the 5-0 defeat of all-Italy amateur champions La Fenice Pistoia, said: "I certainly feel sharp and in great shape and this trip to Tuscany has added to that. "I've scored five goals in the two games which gets the confidence going. I'll continue to work hard and if I can have a season like the last one I'll be absolutely delighted. "As far as the seculation goes, I can simply say nobody's been in touch with me asking me to sign for another club. "Maybe I'm a little older and wiser, but I just laugh about it all now. I've had it since my Raith days when big clubs from the south were supposedly poised to come in. "I'm here with Inverness, and glad to be, and if anyone wants me they'll have to come in and speak to the board and buy me."But my future's here for this season, definitely. I know I'll be here and I'm looking forward to it." HERALD ALASDAIR FRASER in Tuscany July 10 2006 Craig Dargo yesterday sent Inverness Caley Thistle fans the postcard message they all wanted to read – he is going nowhere this season. The striker is yet to commit to an extension beyond next summer but will sit down for talks with manager Charlie Christie on the team's return from Tuscany. Despite endless speculation linking him with clubs like Hibernian and Dundee United, Dargo admits he is amused and baffled by the widespread assumption he is intent on leaving. Whatever else the future holds, the former Raith and Kilmarnock striker is clear on one thing – there is no chance of him bailing out before the end of his current deal. While Caley Thistle are desperate to retain the player, Christie is realistic enough to recognise Dargo is entering a "huge season career-wise" and a repeat of the free-scoring antics of last season could propel Dargo to a whole new level on the club and, possibly, international front. Dargo, who scored two in a 5-0 rout of all-Italy amateur champions La Fenice Pistoia, is unfazed by all the fuss. The 29 year-old stressed: "Of course I'd love to achieve those kind of goals in my career, as any player would. "But form can dip, so, first and foremost, I just want to perform for Inverness. We want to make sure we get off to a great start in what is a really big season for the club. "If these other things come along, then great, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground. "As far as all the speculation goes, I can simply say nobody's been in touch with me asking me to sign for another club. "I'm here with Inverness, and glad to be, and if anyone wants me they'll have to come in and speak to the board and buy me. But my future's here for this season, definitely. I know I'll be here and I'm looking forward to it." Dargo managed to shrug off the pressure of failing to score for several months after his move to Inverness and is similarly untroubled by the pressure of now having to live up to high expectations. The striker said: "Obviously, last season was a great one for me personally – definitely my best in football. "If I can achieve similar feats this season, I'll be delighted but it's not all about myself. As long as we can do well as a team, I'll be happy. "I certainly feel sharp and in great shape and this trip to Tuscany has added to that. I've five goals from the two games which gets the confidence going." :clapping04: :clapping04: :notworthy01: :notworthy01:

Yip. The Addams family are happily living in Dungwall with their pet Hyena. :015: :015:

I know and I have proclaimed. :001: :001:

If I ever go on the wagon, which is highly unlikely, i will look fer a job in Dungdee 9 July 2006 I SIGNED AFTER AN AA MEET NEW Dundee star Andy McLaren finished his first week's training on Tayside then revealed his one-year deal was sealed at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. The former Dundee United and Kilmarnock winger, lured to Dens after quitting Morton, told of his special bond with Dee player-boss Alex Rae who has also overcome a drink problem. McLaren said: "Alex was one of the first people who spoke to me in The Priory when my problems first came out and I always appreciated that. "We were at one of our meetings a few weeks ago when we got talking and my move just came about from there. "I was leaving Morton and he had taken over at Dundee so it kind of went from there." McLaren also disclosed how Rae's words of encouragement helped keep him going after being axed at Reading for failing drink and drugs tests. Andy said: "I thought it was the end of my world, sitting in the Priory back then. But Alex was living proof people could come back from it. "The fact he had been through it and phoned me was a big boost. He just said to do what I was told and I'd be alright. "I always remember he did that for me." "There isn't much we have not seen in our time." :017: :017: :017:

AND FROM THE MALE VETERAN Caley Thistle winger Barry Wilson is guaranteed a special guest star at his testimonial - Alan Shearer. Wilson became buddies with the England and Newcastle legend while they worked for their UEFA 'A' licence at Murray Park this summer. Wilson said: "Alan's a great guy and he offered to do anything he could for me."

A double from Craig Dargo and strikes from Dennis Wyness, Barry Wilson and Stuart McCaffrey eased Caley to victory over the Tuscans. Christie said: "The dimensions of the pitch were a leveller but there was no doubt the opposition were slightly better andmore organised than in our 12-0 win against Montecatini. "They also worked hard and it was a good fitness exercise for our lads." The rout brings Caley's tour tally to 17 goals and none against but it was a fiercely contested tussle. For pace, fitness and organisation, the Italians looked light years ahead of Thursday night's thrashed opponents Montecatini. But it was still mostly one-way traffic for Inverness on a tight and fiery surface in baking temperatures. There was a healthy aggression to the local side but none to match the bite of Caley's Ian Black. Three misses in the first five minutes set a wasteful tone for the first half hour with Dargo going close twice and Russell Duncan firing just over. Duncan rattled the bar from distance in 13 minutes but strong defending kept the SPL side at bay until the 31st minute. Then a perfect delivery from Duncan found Dargo rushing in for a header in off the underside of the bar for his fourth tour goal. Home keeper Alberto Bastogi kept out a Richie Hart free-kick before half-time.And the pattern continued into the second half with Dargo lethal in 55 minutes. The striker finished off a wellworked move by sticking the ball high past Bastogi. Sub Wyness got in on the act 10 minutes later as Rory McAllister was tackled in the box. The ball fell to the hitman who coolly tuck away the third. Inverness were cruising in the last 20 minutes and Wilson stroked home the fourth from close in aftermore neat interplay. The Italians kept snapping away the Caley players' heels but McCaffrey scored with a header at the death to make it five. I am off to the Deed Poll office tomorrow to change my name to ALBERTO BASTOGI OF PISTOIA :015: :015: :015: :015: :015: :015:

For once I have to agree with TinkHyena but I reckon Rankin could well have the last say and the tinks wont like this: 9 July 2006 AGENT HOLDS UP RANKIN DEAL Alasdair Fraser Reports JOHN RANKIN'S dream move to Inverness is being held up by his agent's demands. The SPL side have agreed a £65,000 fee for Ross County's former Manchester United midfielder who won the SFL player of the year award last season. Rankin is desperate to make the leap to top flight football and is understood to be happy with the cash on offer. But his agent Tom Callaghan has sparked frustration by asking for an extra payment and delaying the deal. After watching his side crush Italian amateur champions La Fenice Pistoia Caley manager Charlie Christie revealed: "Our director of football Graeme Bennett has worked hard on the deal so it's frustrating this fresh hitch has crept up. "The latest is his agent has come back to us looking for something more. We made an offer that is absolutely acceptable to John and the frustrating thing is the player is happy - he wants the step up in his career. This is where the role of agents becomes frustrating. But as far as I know John is still keen and he'll be talking to his agent in the next 24 hours to make his feelings known."

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Feck me I know you are wee enuff to get under a turnstile but Under 12 - get tae feck. :015: :015: :015:

So what is the crack about the next game for the Sneck Azzuri CB? Inverness manager Charlie Christie, meanwhile, and his squad were yesterday preparing to conclude a successful Tuscany tour. The Highlanders play the second of two friendlies in Italy today but will put their feet up to watch the World Cup final on Sunday. The players were kept wide awake well into the early hours of Wednesday as Italy's World Cup semi-final triumph was greeted by chaotic scenes of wild celebration. Around their hotel in Montecatini Terme, the locals took to the streets in numbers, honking car horns and riding three to a moped with drinks in hand as they savoured the moment. Having been greeted so warmly in the picturesque spa town in a country where football is worshipped, the Inverness manager and his players have sworn loyalty to the Italian cause. In the countdown to today's clash with an amateur regional side, Christie said: "With everything that has happened for Italy in the World Cup, this has been a very special place to be." Caley Jags won their opening game against local amateurs Montecatini Terme 12-0 but Christie admits he is hoping today's opponents are a much tougher proposition.

INVERNESS ISSUE ULTIMATUM AFTER RANKIN HITCH ANDREW DICKSON 08:50 - 08 July 2006 Caley Thistle have warned John Rankin's agent he must lower his demands in the next 24 hours or they will drop their interest in the player. Despite agreeing a £65,000 fee with Ross County for the midfielder on Wednesday, Rankin's protracted transfer had still not been completed last night. Inverness director of football Graeme Bennett believes that is down to the 23-year-old's representative, Tom Callaghan, rather than the player himself. Callaghan had anticipated a rapid conclusion after Caley Jags made their first bid for his client six months ago but, according to Bennett, he is now responsible for the stand-off that has ensued. Bennett said: "There is no movement and we seem to be in stalemate just now. The agent is not letting things go through because he does not think it is right for the player. "He seems to think the terms we are offering are not good enough but whether John is saying that is another matter. I would suggest that the last section says it all

What a load of tosh. It is the agent being miffed with Tinkerville. Rankin has wanted to join ICT since feckin December last year.

Spot on ymip. The agent, as feckin usual, has made this deal stumble along. He is trying to hold the Tinks to ransom by claiming that Rankin is due a percentage of the transfer fee going to Tinkerville. That is on the basis that he is still under contract with them and they are selling him. But Rankin put in a transfer request. The deal is done, the squabble between the players agents and Tinkerville will probably go on fer some time.

For the benefit of the overseas contingent here is the Daily Retard report and some IHE conclusions. :003: :003: 7 July 2006 RECORD BREAKERS CALEY SLAUGHTER SORRY PART-TIMERS By Alasdair Fraser Montecatini 0 Inverness CT 12 INVERNESS romped to a club-record victory last night as they tore their Italian hosts to shreds. Montecatini Terme played in strips similar to those worn by Argentina, but their play was anything but silky as they fell behind just seconds after kick-off. Rory McAllister, who set another club record with the fastest goal, put Charlie Christie's side ahead after just 19 seconds. The Inverness youngster and team-mate Craig Dargo netted half their side's dozen with a hat-trick apiece. Caley Thistle may be viewed disparagingly as the honest toilers of the SPL but they produced all the cultured football in a region renowned for opera, olive oil and Renaissance art. The margin of victory surpassed the previous best of 8-1 against Annan Athletic. With their opponents looking more lower Highland League than the tour organisers' Scottish Second Division standard billing, the match quickly turned into a stroll. The heavens opened for a Scottish style downpour just after kick-off in a slightly surreal but spectacular Tuscan setting in the shadows of the hilltown peak of Montecatini Alto. Despite Italy being swept by World Cup fervour ahead of Sunday's Final, there were only eight spectators in evidence at kick-off. McAllister's header from an Alan Morgan cross was quickly followed by a thunderous Barry Wilson volley in two minutes. A brief purple patch from the hosts saw a scorching strike from Leo Cappablanca parried by keeper Mark Brown but Liam Keogh's simple sidefoot in 27 minutes and McAllister's equally easy effort minutes later, after the Italian defence went AWOL, made the friendly look like shooting practice. McAllister completed his first-half treble with a fine strike in 20 minutes. Ian Black's shimmy past two men early in the second half ended with a clinical shot past hapless home keeper Massimo Macchi. Number seven was rocketed home from an angle by substitute Dargo after the hour. There was thunder and lightening in the skies as Russell Duncan hit the eighth with the rarest of headers after 67 minutes. Dargo hit No.2 minutes later and, with a cleverly re-directed finish for his hat-trick, made it 10-0 after 77 minutes. Stuart McCaffrey's closerange finish two minutes later was followed by a Wyness effort, slipped into the net to complete the record haul. INVERNESS - Brown, Parratt, Dods, Munro, Golabek, Wilson, Keogh, McBain, Morgan, McAllister, Wyness. Subs: Fox, Dargo, Bayne, McCaffrey, Fraser, Duncan, Black. Parratt in at right back and Proctor excluded :010: Black and Dargo on the bench but both showed their worth when taken on :010: :010: Dods capitano and an Italian Machine :010: [move]READ BETWEEN THE FECKIN LINES :015: :015: :015:[/move]