Caley Mad In Berks

I will be there, booing LDZ. Well, that'll do his confidence no end of good. You sound like just the sort of supporter we need, I don't think. Why don't you try growing up?

Absolutely spot on, Sorted. As you will have seen in my comments in post no. 46 of this thread, I find myself in agreement with most of what you say in relation to Butcher's performance so far, and track record at other clubs. I think many of our fellow fans are too caught up in the general hype that surrounds him, stemming from his undoubted successful playing days. There's no doubt he has charisma. He just needs to show more management nous before he loses the goodwill of his flock of 'he can do no wrong' followers.

Frankly, I am disappointed in Butcher. I was at the end of last season when I was probably in a minority by blaming him for letting safety slip through our fingers. I still maintain that when we were virtually safe with three games to go, a decent manager would have adopted tactics in the final 3 games to ensure us staying up. I didn't agree with letting Vigurs and Wood go, replacing them with unproven players of no greater ability it would seem. As far as I can see his tactics, player aquisitition, team selection, and motivational skills still leave a lot to be desired . I hope he can prove me wrong, but his well documented track record in management doesn't fill me with confidence. I would guess that he and Maurice are costing the club considerably more than their immediate predessessors. I think they really need to step up to yhe plate quickly, to prove thet are worth it.

Rarely have I felt so let down after all the hype preceding a big game. Sounds as if we were not at the races. Promotion already beginning to look like a forlorn hope.

I grew up in Inverness in the 40s and 50s. Looking back, maybe with rose coloured specs, I found it idyllic. I remember when I was young feeling a great sense of pride at being born Scottish, and particularly from the north. That feeling has never really left me. I initially left Inverness in 1959 to go off to university, but it was still my 'home' until 1962 when I went off to Canada for nearly two years. I came back to Inverness in late 1963, but eventually left for good, for work reasons, in late 1964. In the early years I returned almost every year for holidays, and even after I was married the annual drive up to Inverness was a ritual, even when our family grew to include 3 children. However, I never thought of returning for good, although I did harbour some thoughts of retiring to the North of Scotland. However, senior management (she who must be obeyed), soon put the mockers on that idea, as she is not Scottish, and finds it too cold up there to live permanently. Nowadays my trips to Inverness are less frequent, having no relatives or friends still there. Only ICT or the occasional golf trip takes me there now. Last time I was in the centre of the city I found it really run down and depressing. If I ever found myself on my own, I doubt if I'd return to live in Inverness. If I were to live in Scotland it would be in Perthshire, or the Plockton area, both areas you will notice which are within easy striking distance to watch ICT's home matches. However, I will be forever grateful for my Scottish education and upbringing.

Elgin @ 2.60, please

H/T 0-0 F/T 1-0 ICT Foran RC Wood Crowd 4851 Yellow Vigurs

Another striker? Does this spell the end for Barrowman or Rooney?

Welcome to the forum. I'm not that far from London (half hour on the fast train). Apart from the ones already mentioned, there's also Sandykent not too far away, and I'm sure we used to have someone in Guildford. I wouldn't mind the odd getogether if you feel like organising something.

I tend to agree with Alex's more optimistic view of things. These accounts are certainly not those of a company in immediate danger of going under. I can offer this view with some degree of professionalism as I got my daughter, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor, to have a quick shifty at them. However, I think a good cup run is essential if we don't get straight back up to SPL.

There have been quite a few Scots play for England, the most recent, I think, being Gavin Hamilton who is mentioned somewhere else in this thread. In the 1970s Mike Denness captained England 28 times. He was replaced by Tony Grieg, who, born in South Africa, only qualified for England through his Scottish father. Another captain, the most famous, or contraversial of all, was Douglas Jardine of the infamous 'bodyline' series. He was born in India, and again, only qualified for England through his Scottish parents. Getting back on track, I think this Ashes series, although exciting, has been contested by the two weakest teams in many a decade. The Aussies have not yet recovered from losing Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist and an opening bat (whose name escapes me) all in one go. England are not the same without Pietersen, and they can't seem to work out who their best fast bowlers are. My money will be on the Aussies winning comprehensively down under, next time.

H/T 2-0 F/T 4-0 ICT Sanchez Albion n/a Crowd 951

Thanks to all who were at the game for posting their comments and assessments of individual players. It sounds as if there is fairly general agreement that Lionel is playing well and has fewer people continually knocking him than last year. Also, Munro seems to have got his act together this year. I haven't been up for a game this season as yet, but will be rectifying that fairly soon. I'm really looking forward to seeing the new boys first hand, and to make my own mind up about them. However, it sounds very encouraging at the minute.

Elgin, away, at 5,50, please

H/T 1-1 F/T 1-2 ICT Sanchez Dundee Higgins Crowd 5101

H/T 2-0 F/T 4-0 ICT Ross Stranraer Mitchell Crowd 1101

Good first post. It surprises me too how Miller gets in ahead of Boyd. I know he was ploughing a lone furrow, but his first touch was appalling any time he got near the ball. In a bizarre way it made me compare Miller unfavourably with Marius when he played for us, when his (Marius's) first touch was generally sublime.

H/T 1-0 F/T 4-0 ICT Foran Ayr Roberts Crowd 1951

Annan v E.Stirling, draw @ 3.50, please

Must have been 40's I think, because even I don't remember him. There was a MacIntosh at left half in Caley's all star team of 50/51, but I'm pretty sure he was Bobby. However, I stand to be corrected as the old memory is not as good as it once was!

Totally agree. I certainly wouldn't want to be any way associated with such a woeful international side. After the sending off (what an idiot having just got his first yellow card a few minutes earlier), Norway looked as if they would score every time they entered our half. I can safely say that was the worst Scotland performance I've ever seen (and I've seen a few). World Cup? Forget it. That lot wouldn't win the North of Scotland Cup.

Going back a few decades, local boy, George Ross, went straight from schools football, as a 15 year old, to Preston. He then stayed with them all his career. Also, didn't Ted McDougal go straight from Highland league to an English league team?

Let's hope he soars to the heights today, gets his claws firmly stuck into the Pars, and gives us some golden moments.

So its handbags at 10 paces between Johnboy and Scarlet! There's nothing like a good spat between two well repected posters. In this case, because of his 'outside' help, I think I'll back Scarlet.

Stranraer v Albion, draw @ 3.60, please