Sneckboy

Would I be right in assuming this is Ibra Sekajja's least game in an Inverness shirt? He's just not been good enough it seems. Fair play to the manager for not going for a full-term deal and instead offering the lad a chance to see what he could do. No big deal and no surprise, he's 22, a striker and has scored 1 goal! And none in over 3 years!

Laurence, I understand your frustration at the SNP not going away after the referendum defeat, but it we are fortunate to live in a society that practices democracy. If anything, the Nats have been rejuvenated after the vote and many now believe the inevitable is closer than even dyed-in-the-wool-nationalists could have thought. Despite the voting system (in the Scottish parliament) having a combination of first past the post and list candidates (to ensure an outright majority is unlikely), the Scottish National Party WILL, I'm sure, do just that - assemble a majority government in 2016. And, as is their right, and basically their raison d'etre, they'd have every right (assuming it was included in their manifesto - which it will be) to call another Independence referendum. That's democracy. And with a UK General Election in 4 months time, and inevitably with the same old parties ruling us by career politicians at the helm, I reckon the disillusioned people of Scotland will vote in FAVOUR of a split this time! Incidentally, 55% v 45% is not a comfortable win. Think of a football team. 6 against: 5 for. That's the equivalent percentage. If one of the 'against' members jumped-ship - would that suddenly make the Pro-independence faction 'comfortably ahead'? Of course not. It shows what a fine line there is - but it's a line the supporters of Scottish home rule only have to cross once - and whether it be in 4 years, 40 years or 400 years, it IS inevitably going to happen. Laurence, you need to wake-up and smell that Speyside Whisky!

Game tomorrow (Monday 22nd) at 1pm - away against Hamilton Accies on their artificial turf. They're 'flying' in this league at the moment and sit top with 37 points. We're 16th with 10 points. The've also got the meanest defence in the league, whereas we are the team with the least goals scored....so if the lads can pick up their first away win in this game, it would be quite an achievement! http://spfl.co.uk/reserve-and-youth/development-league/development-league-table/

I agree Bughtmaster about the use of retrospective evidence in cases of 'simulation'. It needs to be wiped out. I would have applauded Saints boss Tommy wright if he hadn't toed-the-party-line and said he admitted his player took a dive and he'd be internally fined. But, fair play to the St Johnstone fans on their matchday thread. I've only read the first 3 pages but stopped reading when it was apparent that all 'concede' that the boy went down very easily. They are worried that because it was so blatant, they may well see the player getting a two match ban for his acting if the SFA take action. One fan actually commented that he was so embarrassed by his players antics that he didn't celebrate the goal - and another posted that he was so disgusted that he hoped the penalty would be missed. Refreshing to read those opinions.

web

Just one today - I've probably missed someone! Highland League Dale Gillespie (Brora 1-1 Fraserburgh) and one from Friday night, Welsh League Jason Oswell (Cefn Druids 0-2 Newtown)

I agree Renegade. I too, also understand that Wick and Clach were the only teams eligible to 'step up' at the time the Pyramid was agreed. But I'm fairly sure Brora will, or as you say, have addressed, their floodlights issue. I just can't see them NOT winning the Highland League! Despite the rumours, I doubt any club wouldn't want promotion to better themselves. If Brora refused it would be an utter embarrassment to north football after all those years of campaigning to 'open up' the leagues and have a merit based system - and our 'first' champions say 'no thanks'! As I said in an earlier post on this thread, if Brora don't want to be a part of it, then go elsewhere! The Highland League is no longer just 'The Highland League', it's now part of the Scottish football system and I'm delighted at that. There are also 'mutterings' that many Elgin supporters would bizarrely welcome a return to the Highland League! Well...that would be some encounter! Brora v Elgin - with both teams trying to lose!!!

Totally agree. The days of big, bulky, put-it-about centre-forwards are passing. The likes of Kevin Kyle! Limited (understatement) in ability but can 'cause problems'! More recently, Spain have shown that being small in stature is no burden to playing at the very highest level. The following players are all 5' 9" or under and have recently won World Cups or Europeans! Pedro, Iniesta, Navas, Villa, Xavi, Fabregas, Senna, Cazorla, Alba, Mata. And that's just from Spain! I'd imagine that will be the only 'critisism' of Christie (from watching scouts) - that he needs to bulk up. But does he? A word often bandied about for a player like RC is 'mercurial' - and those type, don't need to be gym-bunnies. I know he's often called 'wee Ryan' on here but he's actually not small in stature and it's usually more a term meaning 'young' Ryan. However, I'm not convinced that he needs to be lifting weights etc. - his function is different to that, of say, Nick Ross, who's in a more combative role in midfield and who hasn't quite filled-out for that position - he's been of the same physique for years! Maybe that's why he's drifted out of the picture under Hughes - despite being a terrific local talent. I'd say, we keep nurturing Ryan - this time last year he was making his debut, so we have to be careful not to over-play him. I certainly hope he'll be with us for a few years yet.

It (the Christie in top 100) got a mention on 'North Tonight - STV News' last night. Although I'm sure that Ryan is destined for big things, sometimes these lists of predictions can come back to haunt. The list concerning Christie is by the website fanzine In Bed With Maradona, but STV had a '14 for '2014' list this time last year. The 14 players to look out for in the year just ending. I've never seen such poor predicting! http://m.stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/inverness/257293-fourteen-for-14-our-list-of-young-players-to-watch-out-for-in-2014/ And the link to Adam Evans being 'bigged up' as the next great thing! http://m.stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/inverness/257611-fourteen-for-14-adam-evans-inverness-cts-new-speedy-forward/ There's just something about Ryan Christie that makes me feel confident he'll become a top player. Although, I don't think he should be considered yet for the full national team.

Thank goodness I restrained myself from posting on the Saturday night after a few beers! I was absolutely fizzing! Perhaps we'll hear no more - for legal reasons - so in I will be returning to the ground for games. However, I don't think I was having a 'melt-down' in any means. I've got more friends who are NOT fans of ICT than I do actual fans.They haven't had much ammunition to 'have a go' at me with recently, so the pitch incursion was easy meat as I've always stated that ICT's stadium is an environment where you are free from the ills of the bigger clubs. We don't do spitting, flares. sectarian chants or throwing coins or missiles - but fans on the pitch, for me, is worse. It just strikes a nerve with me. Too much liberal tolerance. I'm also currently having trouble with 'that type' aged youths in my street - and those on the pitch are of a similar age - I'm probably just frustrated in the 'breakdown in society', and this incident was simply a manifestation of that. I didn't realise one was allowed to run on the pitch with impunity! I must try it - clearly, we've all got one go! A straight life-ban would eliminate it immediately. People need to (literally) know their boundaries. I'm maybe stuck in the dark ages but there are too many apologists willing to give them another chance - so other 'youngsters' who 'know their rights' will be okay! At what age is it deemed un-acceptable to invade a football pitch? Or is there an age when it is acceptable? It's never 'acceptable! Even if I've sunk so many pints pre-game that my mental age is 12, I still know what's intolerable behaviour. I understand the other incident this season was outwith the control of the club, but I imagine this will be 'swept under the carpet'! I've bookmarked this page for the inevitable future when a drunken hooped Celtic fan(s) breaks onto the pitch and approaches one of our players.

I'm a huge fan. I doubt it'll happen for a few years but I think he's destined for the Scotland national team.

Elgin have disappointed since entering the Scottish League. They've only had one decent season of reaching the play-offs in fifteen years. Fair-enough if the jump was too big, but the other Highland club elected at the same time, Peterhead, have proven that it's certainly possible to get promoted - and do it again despite the setback of a relegation from tier 3. For me, Elgin have under-achieved. I'm sure they're heading for the play-off! Maybe some time back in the Highland League would do them no harm. AlexJones - justr to clarify, the Lowland v. Highland play-off is not a one-off game at Hampden, it's a two-legged affair - as is the 'final' between the winner and possibly Elgin. As for Brora. I don't think they can refuse to compete in the play-off. I think they could simply fail to comply with upgrading their facilities, if they didn't fancy progressing. And It doesn't look like the 2nd placed team would simply fill-in. I would imagine if they (Brora) deliberately 'threw the games' against the Lowland League team, the SFA would not be happy and would possibly look at sanctions - ban them from the Scottish Cup ? or some other measure. A more draconian punishment would be to expel them from the Highland League. Frankly, If they're competing in a completion that potentially promotes teams to higher levels, and they have no ambition to participate in such a structure, they should either be removed or remove themselves into the North Caledonian League or the North Region Juniors (West) set-up. The Highland League clubs democratically voted to 'embrace' the Pyramid System. I think by 16 votes to 2. Although some feel their arm was behind their back and they had no choice! At present, there appears to be no provision for runners-up to take the place of a reluctant winner. The Lowland League team (if they meet the standards) would progress to the game against, say, Elgin. And, if either 'Champion' doesn't meet the standards, there's simply no play-off and Elgin remain in the SPFL! Well, that's my interpretation! Here's a good summary:http://www.highlandfootballleague.com/News/Item/434_The_Pyramid_System_and_how_it_affects_the_SHFL.aspx

Interesting to see that Scotland have a home fixture lined-up for March against Billy's Northern Ireland! Obviously, I hope he's still with us - and it would be great to see him line up (or play some part) against Scotland. No doubt he'll open his international account in this particular game - that sort of thing tends to happen in football! I think it will be the first time an ICT player has played against Scotland. (if he gets a game)

spider

Never mind the stewards and this blame culture. What about individual responsibility? Yes, every club has it's scum, but have you, or any of your friends ever thought it appropriate to cross barriers and violate the playing area? The 'abuse' I've had over the weekend via texts etc,because of that incident...and not one comment about the score-line! It hasn't gone unnoticed. So embarrassing. There were 2,700 at the game and a couple of blokes get on the pitch. If that was replicated at Parkhead, there'd be 60 odd guys over the barriers. Awaiting a statement from the club or I won't be going back.

Incidentally, the fans who ran on the pitch...we should set an example and ban them for life. That would certainly make any other morons think twice about doing it and embarrassing the club and likely costing us money and reputation. Yes, they looked 'young' but were clearly 'old' enough to be attending football games unsupervised on a Saturday afternoon - they need to be held responsible for their actions - which it would appear they've not had to do much in their lives. If it had been a couple of Celtic fans we'd be up-in-arms, so no double-standards. We don't want that associated with ICT.

Unfortunately, I think the days of Richie being our talisman are behind us. He's obviously taking a while to regain fitness after what's clearly been a bad knee injury. These things often take longer to recover from at 34-years-old than at 24-years-old! But I feel he'll be a peripheral figure when he's fit for selection. Initially he's going to be so far off the pace - he's going to need a few Development League games, one would imagine. On a different note, has Ibra Sekajja just not been good enough? His contract is up soon and he's hardly featured!

I would regard Partick as a bogey team. If we played Barcelona 6 or 7 times and kept getting turned over, I wouldn't necessarily define them as a bogey team - they'd simply be beating us because they are a better team. However, that isn't the case with Partick. My definition is: a team that you usually struggle against, despite being 'better' than them. By 'better', I mean, you consistently finish ahead of them in the league. It's been a long time since Partick finished ahead of Inverness in the Scottish football 'pecking order' yet they have a superior head-to-head record. That paradox is why I'd consider them a 'bogey team'.

Perspective is required! Yes, it was a chastening defeat but we're in a great position. 16 games is effectively the half-way point in the 33 game 'regular' season and we've got 32 points. The season we finished 4th, we had 25 points at this stage. Last season when we ended 5th, we managed to beat the points tally that secured us 4th place, when our final total was 57. And 57 is a 'handy benchmark' as it's exactly 1.5 points-per-game. We're currently averaging exactly 2 points-per-game thanks to the spadework in the early part of the season - we mustn't let one result undermine that. Those 32 points we worked so hard for haven't gone away - we just didn't add to them yesterday! Corresponding stage after 16 games: 2004/05 13 2005/06 19 2006/07 20 2007/08 19 2008/09 17 2010/11 26 2011/12 12 2012/13 25 2013/14 32 2014/15 32

Indeed! All-Premiership Partick v Inverness is higher profile than the all-Championship, Rangers v Raith. Even QOS v St Johnstone should be a higher billing.

Please don't ask questions like that! You might tempt me!

Do you think he was offered the job but insisted he had Maurice Malpas as assistant, but was refused, so withdrew his candidature? Or could there have been issues around his current 'gardening leave' at Hibs?

Quality Yngwie! But that's an old photo of me!

Next month's game against St. Johnstone - the pay-what-you-want experiment will be ICT's 900 competitive fixture. (assuming no postponements in the interim) Game 1,000 is obviously a bit away but the 1,500th goal milestone will probably come next season.

Gazing into my crystal ball...three-years-hence...a young starlet, carefully nurtured, has developed into a natural predator. Calum Ferguson leads the SPFL goalscorer charts with 17 strikes. Doran and Tansey have 4 each. CaleyD posts "as commendable as it is to see young Ferguson leading the way with the lion's share of goals, it would be preferable, as I intimated 3 years ago, if the goals were shared around throughout the team." Merry Xmas.