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Queen to visit Inverness No, not Elizabeth, nor Freddie Mercury, but Queen of the South are the visitors on Saturday to our new look stadium with the old portacabin gone and a shiny new shop installed within the walls. No tears were shed as the old temporary shop come ticket office was forcibly removed from the premises, many years after being installed. In it's place we now have a brand spanking new ticket office shop front to greet the fans as they approach the stadium. That's the good news. Unfortunately we still have the same old problems on the park with Robbo getting torn into his struggling side as we languish perilously close to the foot of the table. Another tough game ahead as we try to battle our way out of the slump. Gary Naysmith has a decent squad at his disposal. Notably former Inverness player John Rankin who captains the side. They also have something that we need, proven goal scorers like Stephen Dobbie, Derek Lyle and the latest addition of James McFadden the former Scotland international and scorer of that goal against France. Last time out we suffered another defeat with a second half slump away to Dumbarton. Connor Bell had given us an early lead but the Sons hit back with two second half goals to deservedly take all three points. That performance prompted Robbo to berate his half hearted performers in a frank interview after the game. Some like it out in the open, many fans would rather this was done behind closed doors. Whichever way you like it, the message was quite clear. Get your finger out or things will get worse. Queens went down for the second successive game, losing 3-1 at Paisley having lost out to Morton in their previous game. They sit only two places above Inverness in sixth place, but are six points better off than us with ten points. Three defeats in a row for Inverness and we find ourselves looking over our shoulders with only Falkirk and Brechin City below us. That's the statistic that hastened the departure of Peter Houston from Falkirk. I don't expect they will be at the bottom end for too long, so it's up to us to put a run of results together to climb the table. Not easy with visits to Falkirk and Dundee United coming up in the next two games. Gary Warren sits this one out after his sending off last week, the result of two yellow cards. It looks likely that we will be along similar lines to the one that played at Dumbarton. That's not going to help our shambolic defence. Owain Fon Williams played in goal last week and if he is not injured then he should start again. Difficult to predict who the back four will be as we have a different one every week and so far nothing has worked. David Raven missed out against the Sons with a virus allegedly. Midfield seems to be our most settled area but up front is a major concern with only Connor Bell getting pass marks although he appears to run out of steam around the hour mark. We still have long term injuries for Aaron Dorran, Zak Elbouzedi and Collin Seedorf. Gary Naysmith could be without winger Dan Carmichael who is reported to be struggling for fitness. Otherwise they will be pretty much unchanged from this side that went to Paisley last week. Martin (GK), Fordyce, Brownlie (Tapping 63), Kerr, Marshall, Rooney, Rankin Jacobs, Dykes (Kane 63), Dobbie, Lyle (McFadden 73) tm4tj prediction:- Defeat will be a disastrous result as we can not afford to lose more ground on the teams above us. With the bottom pair within two points of us, defeat could plant us firmly at the foot of the table, a position that on the evidence so far would be richly deserved. To be honest, I fear another difficult day and a draw would be a good result, but I'm not sure we are capable of that at the moment. With Queens fans elsewhere on social media bemoaning their comedy defending, this could be a classic encounter of two error strewn sides. Keeper Alan Martin coming in for plenty of criticism with young Jack Leighfield being touted as a suitable replacement for the butterfingered goalie. It all sounds rather familiar I have to say. Here's hoping we can eliminate the schoolboy defending or it will be a case of jumpers for goal posts and three corners a penalty for some.

Grim Stuff Inverness slumped badly against Livingston who were able to win the game 1-3 without having to try too hard. Our defensive frailties were exposed once more as we struggled to clear our lines with any authority. Nikolay Todorov was given the freedom of the box to slot home from a corner. Connor Bell scored a beauty from a tight angle to level matters three minutes later. Scott Robinson restored the visitors lead after some shoddy defending and it was no surprise when Craig Halkett benefitted from a couple of poor clearances to sweetly volley home and end the scoring. Connor Bell started with Ricardo Calder missing out through injury and the game kicked off on a sodden surface with just over 2000 fans looking on. John Baird should have opened the scoring inside a minute as he was slipped through by Iain Vigurs, but Neil Alexander blocked the strikers effort. It was looking good for the hosts as they stroked the ball around with Livi looking second best for long spells. It was a bit of a false dawn however as despite plenty of possession, we never really troubled Alexander thereafter. The sucker punch came after a corner from Livi. The home defence parted like the Red Sea. The ball landed on the foot of Todorov who found himself totally unmarked and he knocked the ball home from ten yards to open the scoring. The lead was short lived as Connor Bell chased a ball down the left side of the box from Vigurs. He turned inside and and from a pretty tight angle he caught Alexander out as the ball flew high into the net for a tremendous equaliser. Moments later we should have been ahead when Bell nodded home. However, the linesman flagged him offside, a poor decision by the official that would set the tone for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, that was about the only action of note in a half we dominated, but failed to get the upper hand. Half Time 1-1 The second half should have seen us take the game to Livi. Instead we were treated to a third rate display and more schoolboy defending. This time the finger will not be pointed at under fire keeper Mark Ridgers, but the whole defence should hang their heads in shame. Sloppy defending of the highest order gave Livi the opportunity to get back in front and they duly accepted the gift with Robinson poking the ball home from close range, again, without much attention from the creaky defence. The fans were expecting some sort of urgency. The fact that it never materialised made the game flat and it was no surprise that it was Livi that took advantage of another poorly cleared ball. Nothing wrong with the strike though as Halkett drilled a volley home from the edge of the box to part empty the ground. Many fans had seen enough by this time. It's not just the comedy defending, it's the lack of desire to do something about it and a complete dearth of quality that is cheesing most people off. I don't recall us troubling the keeper in that second 45 and the players looked resigned to defeat long before the end. Full Time 1-3 It looked promising early on but that never lasted. Livi were there for the taking but we were not capable of sustaining any sort of challenge and the table is beginning to take on a rather sinister look with Falkirk unlikely to struggle for much longer. Connor Bell was our liveliest performer with Vigurs, Trafford and Polworth controlling the midfield for long spells without causing too many problems for the visitors, who were much more streetwise and their no nonsense approach turned out to be for the best. This was a great opportunity for Inverness to settle into the Championship table, but a weak second half performance and defensive blunderland cost us dearly. It's clear that on this evidence it's going to be a long slog this season with far too many players not of the required standard to get us out of the League at the correct end of the table. At the moment, they look quite capable of getting us back to back relegation's. That's a mere 4 points out of a possible 18. It's not looking good at the minute. A dejected looking Robbo interviewed after the game. Date: 16/09/2017 Venue: Caledonian Stadium Attendance: 2007 Referee: Craig Charleston Inverness CT: 1 Lineup: Ridgers; Raven, Mckay, Warren, Chalmers (Tremarco, 78), Trafford, Polworth, Vigurs, Bell, Cooper (Oakley, 64), Baird (Mulraney, 71). Subs (not used): Esson, Elsdon, Calder, Donaldson. Booked: Trafford, Vigurs. Scorers: Bell (27) Booked: Trafford (35), Vigurs (67) Sent Off: none Livingston: 3 Lineup: Alexander; Lithgow, Halkett, Todorov, Mullin, Byrne, Longridge, Pittman, Robinson (McMillan, 64), Mullen (Penrice, 74), Mackin (Cadden, 59)Subs (not used): Maley, Jacobs, Carrick, De Vita. Booked: Mullen, Lithgow, Byrne. Scorers: Todorov (24), Robinson (52), Mackin (72) Booked: Mullin (43),Lithgow (45+2),Byrne (54), Sent Off: none a

The Eagle versus the Lion. The visitors this weekend are Livingston, a side we have had some great tussles with over the years as we came through the ranks together. Some common denominators are, Robbo once managed Livi, Barry Wilson played for both sides as did Davide Xausa, Mark McCulloch, Steve Hislop, Liam Fox, Coll Donaldson and the talented David Bingham. Just as we have come a long way since the amalgamation of Inverness Thistle and Inverness Caledonian, Livingston have also made an arduous journey since beginning life as Ferranti Thistle in 1943 and making their way to Livingston via Meadowbank Thistle. The clubs have had mixed fortunes since the heady days back in the late 90's. Both have tasted European football, both have dabbled in the Premier Division, both have had Barry Wilson, and both are back in the Championship. Livi almost tasted liquidation in 2009 and Inverness are noted for their ability to survive on a shoestring, but they will meet on league business for the first time since April 2006 when Inverness won 0-1 thanks to a Barry Wilson goal. Livi were so good in those days that not even Robert Snodgrass or Graham Dorrans could get a start. Richard Brittain and Wes Hoolahan did though. Inverness boasted some great servants of their own, with Dennis Wyness, Craig Dargo, Darren Dods and Ross Tokely all starting. Rory McAllister was a sub, (whatever happened to him). There was a league cup game at the same venue in 2015 where Inverness ran out 0-2 winners with Miles Storey and Danny Devine both scoring. Livi came up at the end of last season after winning the League 1 title. They will be without 27 goal Liam Buchanan who has opted to remain in that league with Raith Rovers (how strange). He is the biggest loss for Livi and it could be argued that keeper Neil Alexander will be their best signing for this season. The former Rangers and Hearts keeper returns to Livingston after a 16 year exile. His longest spell was at Cardiff City where he made 213 appearances. The form guide for this season shows that Livi have one win, three draws and one defeat. Unlike us, they have remained competitive in every game, their only loss was a 3-1 defeat to St Mirren. That results give them six points from the five games played, and they sit one place above us in the league. Josh Mullin and Dylan Mackin were the men on target in their last outing when they drew 2-2 with Queen of the South. Our last game against St Mirren went pear shaped as we gifted a couple of goals. We showed good character to get back on level terms twice, but eventually were beaten by the better side. Whilst it was pleasing that a striker scored (John Baird), it's a tad worrying that the defence once again contrived to throw away goals like they are going out of fashion, with Mark Ridgers not covering himself in glory once more. It's been a torrid start for Ridgers, but the whole defence need to give him a bit more assistance as he is seen as the scapegoat for numerous blunders in the final third of the pitch. John Robertson has three long term absentees, Aaron Doran, Zak Elbouzedi and Collin Seedorf. Carl Tremarco has returned to the squad after a couple of cameo appearances from the bench although he did not get on the pitch at Paisley, the intensity of that game maybe coming just too soon for our enigmatic left back given the length of time out after ligament damage. Gary Warren returned last week but even his appearance failed to steady the defence. Ricardo Calder is a doubt. David Hopkin, the former Scotland international has taken Livingston forward with a purpose. Winning the title last season by a massive nineteen points. The Livi Lions last line-up looked like this. Alexander, Lithgow, Halkett, Gallagher, Longridge, Byrne, Mullin, Pitman, Jacobs (Carrick 78), Todorov (Makin 61), Mullen (De Vita 78) tm4tj prediction:- As we all knew before the season started there will be no easy games in the Championship. Forget what has happened in previous years, this is a new build team where getting to know each other is a priority. Until that happens, we will not see the best of our new look squad although there are some signs that we are beginning to head along the right track. Livi have competed well in all their games so far and could easily have turned a couple of draws into wins. We will need to cut out the schoolboy defending and comedy keeping before we can contemplate winning games. The midfield is beginning to take shape and Liam Polworth is flourishing in a more direct role which will hopefully create more space for the main strikers to work. John Baird did score last week, so that particular monkey is off the back. We need to get bodies forward in numbers, especially at home and if we can cut out the errors, then we could reap the benefits and take all three points. I'll stick my neck out here and go for a 3-1 win, and that's allowing for the given comedy goal for our opponents. If the comedy is overpowering, then it could be a long day. The club are firing out Previews in style at the moment and here's the official one with some finer details from the ICTFC Website. Here's a bit of nostalgia for you. Cast your mind back to the old second division in 1999.........

Meeting up with old Buddies We lock horns with an old foe this weekend as we visit the Paisley 2021 Stadium (what's that about) to take on the Buddies. If you believe Alternative Maryhill then it could be a Victorian Architectural dream day out. Otherwise it will be a return to old haunts to renew the joys and banter of Paisley. I'm sure their followers will miss Ross Tokely, they really loved him, but we have a new villain of the piece for them to slaver over in Charlie Trafford. I'm sure he can fill that void. It's our biggest test yet as we take on St Mirren who ended last season in fine form after looking like certainties for the drop as late as March when they were in pole position for automatic relegation. They have made a solid start to this campaign despite a 4-1 derby defeat to Morton. That game hinged on a sending off and a couple of penalties. Since then they have easily beaten Livingston and Dundee United scoring six goals in the process. Our season began in earnest in our last Championship game when we beat Brechin City 4-0 at Glebe Park. That was our first League win of the season. The only downside of that scoring spree was that we are still waiting for our strikers to make an impact which is a tad worrying. Carl Tremarco made his long awaited return to action as a second half substitute last Saturday against Aberdeen Colts in the Fizzy Pop Challenge Cup. He came through that unscathed and kept up his habit of scoring goals, notching our final goal in a 4-2 win. St Mirren sit third in the table but just one point from top position which is occupied by big hitting Dunfermline Athletic. Our win last time out saw us jump a couple of places to seventh, five points behind the Buddies after four games. Inverness will be bolstered by the return of Jake Mulraney from International duty. It is hoped that Gary Warren should return after missing the last couple of games. Charlie Trafford is available after his red mist card last week, his ban only for the Irn Bru Cup competition. Longer term casualties are Aaron Doran, and Zak Elbouzedi with Collin Seedorf added to that list after injuring himself in a bounce game with possible ligament damage. It looks as though out of favour David Raven will continue to play a part with Seedorf out. Felitziano Zschusschen is out for another couple of weeks. Carl Tremarco made a scoring return last week and is available for selection but a place on the bench might be where he will find himself at this stage of his comeback in what will be a gruelling 90 minutes. St Mirren could have Liam Smith available. Gary MacKenzie, Harry Davis and Kyle Magennis are all reported to be struggling. St Mirren's player of the year Lewis Morgan was with the young Scottish team that beat Holland 2-0 in midweek and was in impressive form. Off the field of play, the young team have had their knuckles rapped as the board attempt to clean up their act and ban the culprits who are undermining the great work done by the rest. C'mon lads, the club needs your support, they can do without the aggro and damage that appears to follow you. Get behind the team in a manner that everyone will appreciate. Ultra fan behaviour is so last year! Latest board statement tm4tj prediction:- This is the toughest test yet and is possibly just too early for our restructured side. Gary Warren is a big influence on the park and the young defenders around him need his leadership and direction on the field. That is the area of most concern at the moment. Midfield has definitely improved with Charlie Trafford taking over seamlessly from Ross Draper and Liam Polworth flourishing in a free role. Strikers appear to be lacking goals at the moment but Robbo is confident that will come as others find the back of the net for now. St Mirren have an excellent squad just now and I fear that they might be the real favourites for promotion, certainly a play-off place is theirs for the taking. I don't see us winning this one although we have previously had a decent record against the Buddies. However, it's a whole new ball game now. A point would be a good return from a difficult fixture. Another excellent preview on the Official Website giving more detail. Here's a bonus video for you as Inverness defeated Banks O' Dee 6-1 in the youth cup.

King Carl's crowning comeback. Inverness breezed past the Dons u20 side at Glebe Park, Brechin to score their eighth goal at the same venue in just eight days. Riccardo Calder scored as early as the fourth minute and Liam Polworth added a second, with David Raven also scoring before the break. The young Dons stuck to the task and were rewarded with a goal when a short pass back saw the keepers clearance cannon off Seb Ross. Comeback king Carl of Tremarco was a second half sub and he crowned his day with a late goal. A bit of naughtyness and afters saw Frank Ross and Charlie Trafford go for an early bath before Bruce Anderson scored a last minute consolation for Aberdeen. Hardly a game to get the pulses racing, but it was great to see Carl Tremarco (@tommytremarco3) make his comeback, and he topped his day off by scoring the fourth for Inverness. It turned out to be a decent game though with opportunities at both ends of the park. Disappointing that the main strikers are still not scoring, but the win will breed confidence which is something that has been lacking recently. There's a full detailed report in the Highland News ymip from the middle aged team made these observations based on what he saw today. Very much a game of two halves. First half we looked pretty comfortable and had all but put the game to bed against a pretty shaky Dons side. Second half was very disappointing and highlighted how weak we are in defence. We also appear to lack a cutting edge up front. The goals we're scoring are coming from midfield. As far as I can see we have signed some very average players and look particularly fragile at the back. Communication between a very unconvincing keeper and similarly limited defenders looks very suspect and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Good to see Tremarco back and scoring. One player I do like the look of is Trafford but his needless reaction to an appalling tackle from Frank Ross which led to a red card for both players was totally unnecessary and hugely frustrating. I'm praying for an away game in Ireland in next round. Only chance of European football we're likely to experience for the foreseeable future. Robbo gave his thoughts And here is the Comeback King........... Date: 02/09/2017 Venue: Glebe Park, Brechin Attendance: ???? Referee: Alan Newlands Aberdeen U20: 2 Lineup: Mair, Harrington, Wells, Campbell, Mbayo, Roscoe, Hutchison, Frank Ross, McLennan, Seb Ross (Antoniazzi 79), McLennan. Subs (not used): Craddock (GK), Dangana, MacPherson,, MacKenzie, Ethan Ross. Scorers: Seb Ross, Bruce Anderson. Booked: none Sent Off: F Ross Inverness CT: 4 Lineup: Ridgers, Raven (Elsdon 84), Chalmers, Polworth, Baird (Oakley 81), Vigurs (Tremarco 72), Calder, Cooper, Mckay, Donaldson, Trafford. Subs (not used): Esson (GK), Foy. Scorers: Calder, Polworth, Raven, Tremarco. Booked: Trafford Sent Off: Trafford a

Back to Back at Brechin. Inverness are in action again at Glebe Park on Saturday in the Irn Bru Challenge Cup against Aberdeen Colts. This game could see long term injury victim Carl Tremarco make a return to competitive action. The tenacious left back has been out for four months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Motherwell back in April. Looks as though he will start on the bench. Gary Warren will sit this one out and Zak Elbouzedi and Aaron Doran remain sidelined. Coll Donaldson will get a start as will Alex Cooper. There's a full and detailed Preview on the official ICTFC Website.