Bush

One very clear difference between CC's & CB's management style is only too evident when studying them from the dugout. CB is very quick to grab player's attention and give them a thumbs up or words of encouragement when they've contributed something positive to a passage of play. He also doesn't seem to offer too much criticism when something goes badly, just offers a few kind words suggesting a different approach to the player concerned. CC was very passive and quiet on the touchline and, whilst I don't want this to appear as a criticism (because it's not intended as such), I don't think his reserved, quiet character leant itself too well to doing what CB does - and to which the players seem to be responding!!

Dargo's move to St Mirren brings the difficulties that we face into sharp contrast. Dargo can't possibly believe that this is a progressive move in a footballing sense, so surely the most likely reasons for him joining them would be financial or location motivated. If it's financial that seriously bring into question GB's comments about the magnitude of the offer that we made him. If motivated by location, it just goes to show how much of a 'handicap' we face when signing players. CD had a successful couple of seasons up here, was adored by most of the fans but still couldn't commit himself to a contract here. Either way, we certainly don't have our difficulties or troubles to seek when it comes to bringin in quality new players. Would explain why most other clubs are perceived to more active than us. Maybe we are as active - just less successful in achieving the required outcome.

Seems to me that a lot of the resentment being expressed here surrounds the manner in which CD left, not that he has actually gone. However, I don't see how we can blame him for the way things panned out. Over the past two seasons, ICT got what they wanted from CD, and CD got what he wanted from ICT - the problems arose with the extended period that CD took to make a decision. However, this is a simple case of supply and demand. Demand for a pedigree goalscorer far outweighs supply and, on this basis, CD could afford to stall on making what is a very important decision for his future. Unfortunately, ICT had no choice but to sit and wait because the alternative was to stick an acceptance deadline on the offer and force a decision from CD. The club chose to wait, hoping the outcome would be positive but it wasn't. Hopefully, they will have had a plan B bubbling along in the background and a replacement will be in place before the start of next season. Even if there is I would expect that the initial thoughts will be that the new player won't full Dargo's boots, but that is something that ICT have to deal with. It has always, and will always be like that, we can only hope that they come onto a game and find a new level of form as so many other incoming players have in the past. Overall, I thank CD for his contribution to the ICT cause, express my disappointment on his departure and look forward with interest to who comes in. As for CD's future, I hope he gets what he wants and wish him all the best - as long as that's not to the detriment of ICT. Onwards and upwards. (as the Gallacher brothers once said 'don't look back in anger'!)

Whilst I agree that reduced prices, etc will inevitably lead to larger crowds, there is a balance to be had. Clearly, there is no point in reducing prices by X% unless attendances increase by more than X% - if it doesn't, then the club sees no nett financial benefit. The key to success is to encourage new support by other 'low cost / no cost' means. I actually came across a typical example of ICT's shortcomings yesterday. Whilst discussing my 4year old son's day at Nursery with him, he said that he would be having 'football friday' on friday this week (and over coming weeks). Upon further discussion, it transpired that representatives from Ross County were coming to his Nursery (in Inverness) to spend an hour or so with the kids, playing football, training, etc. Personally, I think it's a great idea, my son is looking forward to it and I applaud the Nursery for getting it organised. However, my first reaction was "Why Ross County and not ITC?". Response fron the Nursery was that when they asked Caley, they were advised that they don't do it. Now, I haven't verified the advise that the Nursery gave me (although I have no reason to doubt it's credibility), but this is a prime example of neglecting 'cost free' opportunites to enhance support, not just in the short term, but for generations to come. My son will, within the next year or so (when he can sit still for 90minutes) be attending home games with me and, even now, I am indoctrinating him into the Caley Thistle way but, for any kids at his Nursery whose parents are currently apathetic regarding football, there is the chance that they may end up crossing the bridge to go and see County. ICT, far from waiting for nurseries and schools to approach them and then saying no, should be actively pursuing these types of opportunities to raise their profile and secure long term support for generations to follow!

But surely the lack of confidence that you mention is exacerbated by pressure, ill-feeling and criticism emanating from the stands.

I'm not quite sure what's going on here, but we seem to be creating a situation when the club is going to self-destruct under the pressure and negativity that is being heaped upon it - pressure predominantly generated through this forum. I personally don't see this massive crisis that is being protrayed. Yes, we've had a run of bad form and some poor results - although I would say the 'unexpected' bad results only extend back two games (DU & Motherwell). Even then, you could argue that we struggled against Motherwell last year, so that should be no shock, and DU are somewhat rejuvenated under Levein. All clubs, particularly relatively small clubs like ours, suffer from variances in form - so it should be almost expected. We had a good spell in Oct/Nov when CC was named Manager of the Month, and we've now dipped a bit - certainly disappointing but not yet crisis territory. A bit of perspective and realism is required. We are currently one defeat and 3 points worse off than this time last season - hardly good reason to turn suicidal (or worse - turn on the team). I think most would consider last season to be a relative success (nearly gaining top six status) so I think we need to be a bit more supportive and encouraging at present. Positivity on this forum and from the stand is more likely to reap benefit on the park than persistent criticism, negativity and calls for CC's head! Over the last 12 years we've enjoyed massive success and phenomenal progress - but we must realistically expect that rate of progress to slow. We're not in a position to challenge for the league. It would be a massive ask to gain a European spot. We are possibly capable of a top six spot. Yes, in an ideal world, we'd push on from the last two seasons to bigger and better things but we live in the real world. We can't possibly maintain the same rate of progress as we have in the past - but that should not be considered failure. We need time to take breath, take stock and then push on towards greater things. In my opinion (humble and worthless as it may be) the club are doing fine. Progress has slowed, but not unexpectedly. We've had some tough games recently followed by a couple of poor results, but provided we compete with (and take something from) the forthcoming games against our genuine rivals (St Mirren, Falkirk, Dunfermline,etc) then the 'crisis' will be forgotten about and we'll be talking about the possibility of a cup run in the new year. Please, for the sake of the team - encourage, be positive and give solid support. Be the twelfth man!

I think there is always a danger that we can let the emotion of a couple of results carry us from the heights of joy into the depths of despair. It wasn't that long ago that we were all talking about a place in Europe and challenging for second / third / fourth place in the league (a bit more good fortune vs. Aberdeen and we would have been up there). But, we have to take a more tempered view over the course of the whole season. Whilst I would concede that the result (& possibly performances) in the last two games haven't been good, we played well against Hearts (perhaps should have won) and should have no shame in losing to Celtic and a rejuvenated Hibs team. It is over the course of the whole season that the team should be measured, and I believe that we have enough quality to finish in similar mid-table safety to the last two seasons (top six would be a fantastic achievement). The purple patch that we had when we nearly reached the dizzy heights of second / third was just that - a purple patch. Equally, a poorer patch of form that seems to have hit over the last two games should not have us running into blind panic. That said, if the poor patch continues in the games agains Falkirk, Dunfermline, St Mirren, etc. then it's perhpas time to show more concern. It's all about having reasonable expectations about what the club and team can realistically achieve. Given our current standing, financial capacity and (dare I say it) geographical location, I honestly feel that mid-table (with a flutter into the top six with a bit of luck) is the best that we can CURRENTLY hope for! A bit more positivity and appreciation for the guys on the park who are, on the whole, doing a good job.

NO WAY!!!

As an aside to Scotty's comments regarding pre-season tours, etc to Poland, I noticed that the club are now advertising forthcoming fixtures in the Inverness Courier bi-lingually - in English & Polish!! I know that the club have been criticised in the past for the commercial side of the business being slightly behind the footballing side in terms of progression, but I think this recent marketing ploy is to be commended. Infact, apart from this bi-lingual advertising, there seems to be a number of positive steps being taken by the club recently regarding commercial activity. Long may it continue!

Not sure how to add a link, but BBC have now confirmed that Gary McSwegan has signed until the end of the season, as cover for Dennis. He certainly didn't do much in his time at Dingwall but hopefully, as has always been the case in the past, players crossing the bridge become better players. Given that it is only cover for Denzil/Dargo, probably not the worst siging we could have made. Let's all wish him the best in Caley colours.

First post on this site - so please be gentle with me! I can confirm that McSwegan has definitely signed. Deal finalised late last night, according to a very good source from Tinkville. Presumably a quick transfer after the John Stewart deal fell through - just to ensure cover given our current injuries?