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Not really the draw I was hoping for, but we are on a good run of form so lets hope it continues into that game. Should be a cracker and must be worth the TV showing after the last derby - yet another chance to advertise the hospitality and football in the highlands.

I'm happy with what we have, would rather see any money that is aside (if at all) for Jan signings put into the pot for getting players on longer term deals. We need to keep all or at least most of what we have. Also want to see early scouting to pick up some freebies in the summer, especially for positions we know we could be left short after the summer. Sad to have to think about players leaving and the squad for next season but given the financial state what choice do we have - hopefully a cup final will boost the funds for next year ;)

When I see the names listed it makes me shudder - when those that are touted are considered maybe Avril was just as good Kenny Dalglish - Too long out of the game and managed to spend £100M+ at Liverpool in 12 months to make them worse Graeme Souness - Too long out of the game Joe Jordan - Great assistant to Harry, but terrible record on his own Gordon Strachan - The only real choice IMO Walter Smith - Respected, good record but Levein was criticised for negativity - we will see much more of the same, plus hasn't got much of a record with younger players Alex McLeish - Another option, did well before and will be desperate to rebuild his reputation Billy Stark - Good with U21's, not sure about going alone at that level some others for me Lambert - poor start at Villa and might see this as a way out, plus has played in Europe in the past so understands continental football Collins - Again foreign playing experience Steve Clarke - Good start at W.Brom and has worked with some of the best in the game Paulo Sergio - I think he would have done a good job had he not just went to Cluj For me it should be WGS or Big Eck.

Dont want TB to get it, anyone outwith Celtic always collapse in form when the manager wins the award. Give it to Fenlon at Hibs ;)

On current form, right now I'd take anyone. Sadly the games wont be for 3 months so who knows what our form may be like, best draw would be Celtic V Hearts, then us V Midden, with the hope Hearts can produce a shock and thus provide the 'easiest' route to a trophy - but overall I'd say we have the potential on our day to beat all of the teams left!!!

No idea as to what exactly the OP is referring, but I'd suggest that ICT fans are not bigoted although can't say the same for some fans when they visit. Although I'd suggest that all ICT fans are united in despising tax dodgers and cheats.

Being more patient than some other fans, I was always 'keeping the faith' and waiting to see how things transpire. Hopefully this is just the start. Believe in Terry & Mo!!! We need to consolidate with a good result at the wknd then its the biggest game of the season IMO - chance for a cup final and against a team who on weekly performances look awful yet will undoubtedly raise their game to match the players 'abilities'.

If so then that's VERY short term (potentially) - the orcs could be back in 3 years taking that 2nd place, so in theory the Dons could only be one of the big 2 for that time - very short-sighted if that's the case. This could be one of few opportunities to revolutionise the system - longer it takes the further Scottish football will fall behind IMO.

he is an attacking creative player so should be allowed to play like that, this is what Arsenal produce for wide players. Obviously if he can gain some more defensive traits from TB then it will be a benefit as long as its not to the detriment of his natural game.

Apparently during the voting process to determine whether the voting structure of 11-1 should be overturned or not, it is reported that Aberdeen & Celtic voted against. It's obvious based on the distribution of money etc why Celtic want the status quo - but what is the motivation for Aberdeen? Am I missing a fundamental point as to why the Dons like the other 10 teams would benefit with a new structure in place?

Hope we do secure a full season loan, especially if the guy is enjoying his time in Inverness and living in the city. Sadly I think some Championship clubs may want him after Jan, so lets hope he likes the Highland life to tell Arsenal he'd like to stay a bit longer.

Maybe an unemployed manager who needs to rebuild his career such as McLeish, Strachan or Coyle may consider it but they would have to reduce their wage demands that they have for club football. I'd accept either of the first two. Most likely option - unemployed, decent record, low wages - Tangoman.

^ true, whatever happened to post match manager interviews - thats so the Beeb can keep the program short as possible, cutting costs and not infringe on EPL highlights schedule? SPL coverage has been getting poorer year-on-year - hate to say it but the days of Jim White and Scotsport would be a welcome return

After looking at the ICT V RC thread post match, and after last wk it seems this thread has died, so does this mean all the haters now accept that TB is building the foundations of something very positive - although still a long way to go, but we have the potential for a very strong season ahead. As a poster and fan who has taken some battering on this thread along with others for being 'happy clappers' its ammusing how after positive performances and results nobody reignites this thread to respond 'yes' and possibly admit they were too eager to call for TB to get replaced - although I still expect after the next poor result the anti-TB brigade will have it back at the top of the 'new posts' list ;)

Same team as last wk, same formation and same palyer attitude. Lets make sure we play Robertson the left wing and ensure he has plenty of the ball so he can give Rossco a very hard time!!!

Woop woop - trip to castle greyskull to play the third division team. Pressure will be on us to firmly avoid another SPL embarassment after Motherwell.

'lower leagues in England' - the majority of players in both squads are in either the English Prem or Championship with the rest being SPL, this is a much better state than the likes of N.Ireland and Wales who actually do go into the lower leagues. Looking at the senior squad all of the following players have played in Scotland then won moves to play at what can only be argued a higher level - Adam, Berra, Caldwell, S.Fletcher, Hutton, MacArthur, MacGregor. Maloney, Marshall, Miller, Naismith, Snodgrass - thats 12 (of that 12 only 1 plays outside the top level in England and 9 are EPL regulars), plus the others who are still based at home Webster, Mulgrew, Brown, Forrest is another 4 - that seems a decent representation of SPL experienced players IMO.

Well now Levein has made the 'bold' decission to call up Fletcher perform a U-turn based on the statements made in the media before and after the last games, I hope he continues on this positive thinking pattern and starts with SF up front whether be it lone striker or with Rhodes, Naysmith, or a.n other to support and not opt for the usual Miller alone with all the fire power on the bench until the last 5 mins.

Is it premature to think that number will be 13 after Fri when Rossco kicks lumps out of Roberts?

He looked a good prospect, did well against physically stronger players, ran and took on opponents, has good vision for the cross and other passes he made and took his finish well. I did think that after about 60mins he started to look tired, but with more games will come better fitness and overall I liked what I saw and think he can link well with Foran & Shinnie. Good bit of business by TB, hopefully he can sustain his performance level and kick on over the next few months.

In some supporters minds this is probably a good idea - gives them a chance to see Granty and Rossco in some form of ICT aligned shirt again as they seem to be unable to get over the trauma of them leaving and the club moving on.

This team has some good players, possibly when everyone is fit a squad thats better than the Scotland squad which made the last World cup in 1998, but they are being let down by the very poor tactics the manager employs. Leveins pig headed-ness will see that Miller continues to lead the line alone as an act of defiance against fans, media etc preventing Rhodes etc playing or changing formation. We are at home against a lower rated and quality team, so why leave a player like Adam on the bench when we already have quality like Brown and Fletcher missing - we should always play the strongest 11 not the 11 the manager wants in order to make statements, which I'm begining to sense is the case and people on her think the ICT manager is an ego-maniac!!!

Of course he will, he is stubborn to the core and now as the press, fans and other peers in football are calling for a change and giving Rhodes a start, Levein will stand firm and refuse to make changes. Its his way of showing authority whether he thinks its the right decision or not. Last campaign when we were 2-0 down against Spain, we looked strong when we took control of the game and pushed forwards, highlighted by the 2 goals scored against the worlds best team, there were times against the Czech team at Hampden when I thought they were there for the taking but we never pushed on and changed game plan. Yes not conceeding and remaining tight at the back is the first priority however we do leak goals and seem to always leave it too late to push forwards. With guys in the team like Forrest, Morrison, Maloney, even Hutton we have wide players that can really cause problems and get balls in the box, but not much use having those options if we continue to play narrow through the middle and expect Miller to lead the line.

So long as we keep persevering with Kenny Miller ahead of alternative choices like Mackie as a lone front man or Rhodes as a 2 prong attack (push Naismith forward liek he does at Everton behind Jelavic) we will not score goals. Levein has set out his position regarding Fletcher but looking at his style of play and how he performs weekly in the EPL then he would score against International teams, its a shame this cant be resolved as IMO him & Rhodes are the two best strikers Scotland have produced in decades. Rhodes and Forrest have to start on Tue, KM has missed far to many chances over the years as he isnt an instinctive finisher.

Can't believe its yet another campaign and we are persevering with Miller to lead the line, the guy doesnt have a great strike rate at club level far less Internationals - yes he works hard but if he is playing as the lone front man he needs to find the net. If we cant resolve the Fletcher situation then we have to give Rhodes the chance - its time for the new generation and by all accounts the biys record shows he has an eye for goal!!!