AJS

Today was a major test and we deliver another 3 points and a clean sheet at a ground where we have limited success usually, to hear that we bullied a team containing the likes of Goodwillie, Rankin and Mackay-Steven is very promising and the rare good start can only add to the confidence in the team, nice to hear the supporters were given the chance to actually support today too.

Lewis MacLeod was the only one that really stood out for me when we whooped them at Ibrox last season, Templeton is a quality player on his day.

If he knew how to find the net and actually gave a monkeys while he was playing then maybe he wouldnt have such a hard time getting a new team. Greed is a terrible motivator. But its fairly obvious its been behind his.

Brill Raven, Warren, Meekings, Shinnie Foran, Draper Doran, Vincent, Ross Billy Subs: Esson, Devine, Tremarco, Williams, Polworth, Watkins, Agdestien

Does that mean no more sweeties on the way back up the road?

Pulled it out of the bag yesterday. Quality performance. Turned the Midden midfield inside out and kept his head even when things werent going his way. More of the same please.

In some style too

Day one and the title is already ours to throw away . In all seriousness though, the first half a complete and utter write off - nuff said. 2nd half we were much sharper, and just seem to step things up a gear. Penalty was a fair call imo, Vincent dispatched it well and was due a goal to couple his fantastic debut. Box to box, hard working, good passing and composed under pressure. More to come from him. Aside from one save from Harkins, Brill had little to do but his handling from set pieces and his urge to start attacks was a welcome sight. Plaudits to Doran, Raven, McKay and Draper who were the pick of the rest though everyone played a part in the 2nd half. Foran was even finding passes. The football was free flowing, the defence was solid but more importantly the chances were converted. Butcher was bold to say that the likes of Shinnie and OTJ wouldnt be missed and on todays showing his claims were justified. With Watkins and Allen still to come back and the likes of Williams and Toby still waiting in the wings there is a lot of potential within this squad. Off to a flyer, roll on 13-14

He will be too easy to find there.

Raigmore like Charleston ghetto Aged 7 and beyond Charleston ghetto still...there is no escape

Gutting news, he was ICT through and through and also just a lovely guy. Away days will never be the same without him. I think a minutes silence will be very appropriate for tomorrow, a reward for a man who barely missed a game home or away.

Play him alongside Billy. Hes a terrific centre forward, a menace in the air and with 10 goals to his name last season he still knows how to find the net. His richest vein of form last season was when he was deployed up front too. His double against United was when he was at his best. Agreed about his passing in midfield. Pretty diabolical at times

They said there is the possibility he could return if he overcomes his injury problems, Foran can play up front if we have injury problems there. Im glad we havent really gone down the loan route. It means all players are our own bar Brill, who we can sign on a pre contract come January time if we wish to. I see no point in bringing in players just to leave them in the reserves when we have enough of our own youngsters breaking through.

If that is what Terry is thinking id rather see Foran go up top, he is a menace aerially for defenders and Tobs isnt match fit yet. Would be unfair to throw him straight in.

Why bother? What more do we actually need? Well covered in goals, 3 good centre halves, 4 if Hooman comes back. More than adequate cover on the flanks both defensively and in midfield, also well covered in centre midfield and we have 3 strikers each with individual and defining abilities, we also have Richie Foran who can play anywhere when required. We also have the likes of Polworth, Christie and Cooper breaking through who deserve the opportunity to play if it is presented to them so again i reiterate what do we really need?

Esson Raven, Meekings, Warren, Shinnie Doran, Vincent, Draper, Williams Foran, McKay Subs: Brill, Cooper, Devine, Polworth, Ross, Greenhalgh, Agdestein Would put Wakins on the bench for Greenhalgh if he is fit enough to play.

Curtis Allen is who im most intrigued to see. His record was probably the most eyecatching of all the new boys and it will be fantastic to see him step up to this level.

Was impressed with Williams and Vincent against Raith. Sounds like both held their own yesterday with the latter putting in a top performance. Leaves the question of where captain Foran goes. Vincent and Draper would make up the midfield. Id be inclined to play Richie alongside or just off Billy. Hes a menace aerially and had a good run of form when further up the park last season.

Great result. Real confidence booster going into the start of the season. Any of the new boys stand out against stern opposition?

http://ictfc.com/news/club-news/984-tel-signs-viking-raider Confirmed on the official site, squad is set now, roll on 13-14.

Id like to get back into it.

Agreed with IHE, we needed another striker and one with some sort of a physical presence. Squad is pretty much set now.

So much for the temptation of Europe. If benchwarming is what is regarded as Europe i think id be a dab hand at it too.

I will admit that i was not a fan of the way we were doing business, thought it was a major risk and while there is no question it could have gone the other way in the end it left us with a 4th place finish and a stable squad finally achieved. Guys like Warren and Draper have now gone on to establish themselves as key players in the side. A few stragglers aside we have held onto pretty much everyone from last season and have added promising players to the fold who will be more than eager to prove themselves at this level. Some may become the next gems some may end up getting the dunt before the season even ends. They are coming into a squad thats out to repeat what they achieved last season which will also give an added incentive for them to impress Another positive is that we also appear to have a small group of our own academy players breaking through. Cooper, Polworth, Christie and Ferguson have all shown real promise over pre season amongst others and will hopefully get their chances over the campaign. On the back of last season i cant help but have faith in what Terry, Mo and Marsella are doing. They stuck with us despite offers from elsewhere and they clearly believe we are capable of progressing even further as a club. They have a particular way of doing business that keeps us recruiting while also keeping our financial books in healthy condition (probably the only team in Scotland who really take it seriously). I dont really have any expectations going into this season, my idea of expectations were blown away last year and has left me thinking that anything is possible going into any season, im just hoping for as fun a ride as last year...and sticking it to County.

Did Williams impress again? He looked dangerous against Raith.