Sneckboy

Puzzling decision! As mentioned by HumbersideDude, this 'fixture' has netted a total of zero points..... They (SPFL) have just made-it-up-as-they go along, here. Furthermore, I don't see why it couldn't be replayed at the end of the campaign. Obviously, I'm clutching-at-straws here, as I don't think the 'infringement' impacted on the outcome of the original game. To my knowledge, it is only the second time this has happened since the SPFLs formation. The Peterhead v Ayr United game was replayed when Peterhead fielded an ineligible player. In that instance, they (Peterhead) played a suspended player - there really is no excuse for that - a poor oversight, as the SFA produce a list of banned players every Thursday/Friday. But this case was different, relating to players who'd been out on loan to lower league clubs. It seems that if a Premiership club lends players to lower division clubs, then they are considered to be away until the end of the season - unless they are re-registered back at their parent-club before the end of March. So, for example, if we stuck Ali Sutherland on the bench tonight - that would probably not be allowed. Even if he didn't come on. He's been on loan at Brora and has figured for them since March 31st, therefore he's deemed to be registered there until the end-of-the season (even though Brora's season's finished - ICT's has not). A bit of a minefield - and a dangerous precedent set. Ridiculous example here to show the farce - If we only needed a draw in a fixture, why not bring in Messi and Ronaldo. Neuer. Bale. (in theory). Yeah, we'd win - but, would lose the 3 points for fielding ineligible players. Both teams would be awarded zero points - mission accomplished.

I think that's still the case! They still have use of their section of the Bught next season, but after that they'll have to find a new ground! As you say, there doesn't appear to be any specific reason for the lease not being renewed.

Premiership Edward Ofere (Dundee United 3-3 Partick Thistle) Northern Ireland Premiership Curtis Allen (Cliftonville 3-2 Glentoran)

"I DON'T believe it!" But, Hughes will see this as justification/vindication/validation of his efforts recently - ta ta Raven.

Also a little surprised at this. However, it's in the record books now - and it's another accolade for the club - Inverness Caley Thistle's 11th time winning the award: Craig Brewster 3 Terry Butcher 3 John Hughes 3 Charlie Christie 1 John Robertson 1

Here's the article in full, as some may be restricted by the pay-wall. Am I detecting 'subtle' digs at Yogi?! Caley Thistle chairman frustrated to miss out on top six after increasing budget Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron is frustrated by his club’s failure to earn a top-six Premiership place given the extra money handed to manager John Hughes. The Highlanders have operated with the highest playing budget in the club’s history, but missed out on a top-half finish for the first time in four years. Cameron said: “It’s been a very challenging season. We’ve had horrendous injuries from day one, but that’s not an excuse. We took more players in and backed the manager on that front, but things just haven’t clicked this season. We usually operate with a squad of 18. This season it was 25 or 26, so the manager has obviously had a fair bit more money. But these things happen. All in all it’s been a reasonable season, so if we can finish seventh we’ll be happy. We’re looking forward to next season and getting back into the top six. We’ll always look to be in the top six, so we’ll go from there and see where it takes us.” Inverness were in Europa League action for the first time last summer, going down 1-0 against Romanian club FC Astra, and Cameron reckons the early start may have played a part in Caley Thistle’s problems. He added: “We’ve learned the injuries come in cycles. It’s been about four years since the last time we had it this bad so hopefully next season we won’t have a repeat. It could have something to do with the short pre-season, the players didn’t get a lot of rest. In a normal pre-season they’d get about five or six weeks off, to have a good chance to recover. I think they only got 10 days off, which isn’t great preparation for the season. But would we change it for the experience we had in Europe? No.” With only eight first-team players signed up for next season, Cameron is eager to get contracts tied up as soon as possible, with offers on the table for defender Danny Devine, goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and midfielder Aaron Doran. Cameron said: “We want it done as soon as possible. We’d like to get as much done as possible before the players head off. There is work to be done but things are progressing well.”

Jonny Tuffey kept a clean-sheet at the weekend, helping Glenavon win the Northern Irish Cup Final 2-0 against Linfield, at Windsor Park. Coincidentally (after the previous post), another of our former 'keepers who'll be playing in the Europa League next season!

Cheers, CaleyD - that does seem more realistic. I wondered at first, if it had been our previous attendance v Dundee United published in error. Obviously that wasn't the case. Instead, it does seem it was simply a first-digit 'typo' with 3,587 rather than 2,587 being published. However, all the 'recognised' football database outlets are 'using' the higher figure and that's what'll eventually be included in our official attendance stats. Yay! For the record, our average attendances since returning to the SPL/Premiership - (2 figures for clarity) and actual: 2010/11: 4,500 (4526) 2011/12: 4,000 (4023) 2012/13: 4,000 (4038) 2013/14: 3,600 (3558) 2014/15: 3,700 (3733) 2015/16: (currently 3,800) (3752) If my arithmetic is correct, we need 3,723 at the home game v Dundee to 'finish on' the rounded 3,800 figure for this season. And, beating last season, thus recording a second-consecutive 'rise' in attendances, requires an attendance of 3,419. An attendance of 3,380 or fewer would see us drop below last season's average - which would be a dreadful return following our once-in-a-lifetime season.

Free agent, Tony Reguero has signed a 3-month contract at Finnish club RoPS. Both their regular 'keepers are apparently injured, hence the short term nature of the deal. RoPS were runners-up in the Finnish league last season and so are in the Europa League qualifying rounds. Good luck Tony!

How many times?! The Premiership is tier-one of the SPFL. Then comes the Championship, League one, League Two. All are in the SPFL. Aberdeen, Alloa, Ayr and Annan. All SPFL teams, regardless of 'division'. The SPFL is NOT the 'new' name for the old SPL. It's now called the Premiership - not the SPFL, although it is the highest level of it.

Yeah, the excellent - and constantly up-to-date, What-Scotland-Wants website does indeed reflect a >47% YES vote on average, for polls conducted this year. http://whatscotlandthinks.org/questions/how-would-you-vote-in-the-in-the-scottish-independence-referendum-if-held-now-a#table I agree, with Kingsmills that (although the opportunity has not been ruled-out, in their manifesto) although/despite the SNP being overwhelmingly voted in again today, that in itself, is not sufficient to 'trigger' another Independence Referendum. As acknowledged by Sturgeon, it would only happen if the support for Independence was considerably above 50% and over a prolonged period of time (assuming the EU referendum opportunity goes against them). It could well resurface - indeed, the bookies are 'offering' a 50/50 chance of 'IndyRef2' happening before 2022, which is virtually the equivalent of this term of the Holyrood Parliament. We'll see what transpires. I'll try to stay up for a bit tonight to watch the reaction and results as they filter in - butt will enjoy Prof. John Curtis as always - he really is excellent!

Bryan Prunty has been released by Airdrieonians. https://twitter.com/bprunts9 It appears that the club are planning to go full-time next season - quite unusual in this day-and-age for a club in Scotland's 3rd-tier!

It's a bit like Hughes taking the credit for Butcher's work!

It seems that the journalist's tweet was misinterpreted as relating to David Raven! "In Tomorrow's Inverness Courier - an exclusive on the future of one out-of-contract Inverness star." It was Dean Brill. Perhaps 'Hearach's' rumour was based on this?...and Raven is still nowhere near being retained? Until any sources are given, I'll treat the 'rumour' as just that - but, I'd be delighted if it does prove to have some substance!