Kind of Blue

In terms of his (alledged) higher wages as compared to the rest of team - well none (apart from RH) are internationalists and he is a striker that has played at a high level. I would be disappointed if the rest of squad cannot accept that Niculae is a class act who will accordingly attract a higher wage. Time will tell how this signing shapes up, but for me it is a risk worth taking. The signing of a decent striker was going to result in the breaking of the wage structure, the club could not wait in the hope that someone at a lower wage bracket would turn up. All the other SPL clubs have made good signings - we risked getting left behind.

The last time I was as excited as this with a signing was when Pele was appointed manager. This has got to be the most ambitious signing this club has made in its short history. We've now got real competition for paces up front and things lok a whole lot rosier for the season ahead. A big :clapping03: to the Board and CC pulling this off. I also think that Dean will benefit from Niculae's arrival because the spotlight will not be on him and thus less expectation. Bring on the 4th August...

I agree that commitments should not be made (and that includes manifesto commitments) without full costings but Ferus Ewing at the election led many to believe that dualling would be an immediate priority. This differs significantly from the project being described as a long-term objective. It sounds to me like a bit of back-sliding going on. BTW, I'm not sure what you mean by me "of all people". I think you've got me confused with someone else.

Time will tell what sort of job the SNP make of running Scotland. What is clear so far though, is the harsh reality of goverment that requires decide on the many deserving and difficult issues. For example the dualling of the A9 was given prominence in the SNP manifesto but the only commitment that has been given by the SNP government is an objective for dualling to be done in the "long term". How long exactly is the long term - 5, 10, 15 years? There is also no accurate estimates as to how much it will cost to do the work.

Yes TB did have a kick about at the Caledonian Stadium at the start of the 97 election campaign. His presence did not go down well with arch Tory (and ICT fan) Jock Thornton who wrote a letter to the Courier complaining about the stadium being used for electioning purposes.

It's good to get handed an easier opening fixture for a change :017:

How about "Sit Down" by James :004:

Golly, thanks for your big contribution to ICT. I will always remember your goal against Dunfermline that kickstarted our SPL adventures.

I can see next season being tougher than this season and there won't be any obvious relegation candidate (and that includes Gretna). For next season Dundee United will be a far stronger and consistent team and they will be comfortable mid-table. Falkirk will do similiar to this season. Motherwell have been or are close to being bought over and may very well have a bigger player budget. St Mirren wll also have a bigger player budget now that their ground will be sold, they do however face the prospect of loosing influential players. Gretna will spend big in order to get 5 or 6 good standard SPL players, the question will be how quickly can these players gel. As for ourselves, if Dargo goes, that will be a very big hole to fill. As much as I would love to get a top 6 place, I think taking the above into account we will do well to finish 7th or 8th.

He's obviously not read your book, Charles.

A big :021: to the players and management for ensuring another well earned season in the SPL.

Agree with Kingsmills on the above.

No great loss, as far as I am concerned. We should have sold him last year.

Bonzo, your ridiculous "savage" comments prove beyond doubt that you're not an ICT fan. Is life that boring over the bridge that you must come on here and inflict your inane comments on us.

The signed match day ball from the day the 1st division championship was won - I'm open to offers :017:

There is no question that Rory has talent and the potential to become a important player for ICT. His performance against Celtic underlined the fact that he's got the ability. On the other hand he was very poor playing for the reserves last week; he did not look interested; he didn't chase for any ball and his control was appalling. Maybe playing for the reserves is below him but if he does not buck up his ideas then he will not mke it with.

Roscoe23, glad to hear it wasn't you. I don't think Roy has been at his best recently but I've no time for any fan who would loudly slag a player before he came on the pitch.

Roscoe23, was it you and your mates, by any chance, who were having a go at Roy McBain before he came on a sub.

I really hope SJ do it and stop the Gretna bandwagon.

GOOD :025:

A good well taken goal by Zander. Our number 11 played very well and looks to have a lot of potential. I was impressed with the centre back (no 5). Rory was very disappointing, he has got a long way to go and I now have severe doubts that he's got what it takes for life in the SPL.

Pele may fly next season with Peterhead but he's certaintly not done it so far. I feel sorry for Robbo but Livi shouldn't have been doing better than flirting with relegation.

Mantis, I'm sure my dad would have been at the game. I'll let you know if he can remember it.

Hart had an excellent game and deserved to win the MoM award. He must be given more starts if he can maintain that type of performance. I can't understand why Paatelainen did not figure in the game. We were crying out for his direct play and clever use of the ball.

The couple of times that I've seen Tokely playing centre back have persuaded me that he plays right back or nowhere at all.