Eagle4Caley

On 8/12/2023 at 9:44 PM, Robert said:

He’s got a groin injury (from Tm4tj’s excellent preview). 

Aha...I missed that

I guess he picked that up in the Dumbarton game...oh well someone HAS to step up and command the centre.

2 hours ago, Jaggernaut said:

There have been instances of other players downing tools to force a change of coach or manager. Now, I'm not saying our players would even contemplate doing that and I'm sure that everything in the club is happy and rosy, but there must be a reason why the coaches say the team is slow to start and low on energy? Is it the training? The tactics? Lack of fitness? Or lack of good quality coaches?

What is puzzling me is the absence of Sean Welsh...last seen completing a full game in the Scottish Cup Final, not even mentioned currently...anyone know if he is injured? We seem to be missing a leader in midfield and one in the back four [did people see Robbie Deas being highly commended in his match in the SPL last week at Kilmarnock, he's not been replaced]. No sign of Duffy or Ram [will he ever be fully fit]. And the subs bench looking thin already? In all the games we've lost we have had chances to get something out of them [it seems from reports] but our defence looks frail.

Sometimes margins between success and failure are small

Two weeks before the Airdrie game...lets hope we use it wisely!

Whilst it was a disappointing result, I won't get to fussed about going out of the cup, given that we seem to have tried to give as many players as possible game time, in what has been almost a pre-season style campaign after a late finish to last season

Sure in the end, peoples views are often affected by the result, but given many comments on this match and what I heard about the Dumbarton game, there have been enough elements to be quietly happy about, and with a bit of luck we might have picked up more points, but obviously we seem to have start slowly in the last two games, and mixing up the team for game time has obvs had a disjointing affect. 

Absolutely no point in people calling for Dodds head after two poor games, given his record here and him just signing a new contract. Likewise Defence obviously needs to sharpen its game, but Devine, Duffy and Delaney have all been strong performers [if not consistent enough]. the Nicholson injury sounds a blow, but other youngsters look promising, and the new boys all look useful

I did wonder if Airdrieonians would be this years Queens Park given two strong seasons in the League below..I will find out more at the end of August went I pop up there for the away league fixture. 

Happy with that result, not fussed at all about the performance, from comments above it was a bit mixed, but it is after all almost a 'pre-season friendly' given this is just the 3rd competitive game since the players returned. Most importantly we picked up no injuries, this time last year Max Ram lasted just 14minutes before coming off, in a pre-cursor to what became an injury hell for the club. Good to see MacGregor get a decent run out, he could be an important figure this season.

12 hours ago, Duke of Inverness said:

Thing is we're left guessing about them. I appreciate confidentiality, but surely there should have been some update about them last season.  Even if it was only so we could wish them well on social media or something. 

They both may well have taken some heart from that from fans. 

Again, it's about ICT hierarchy looking uncaring about their people and fans. 

Hold on, let’s remember that the Club gave both players a years extension to their contracts, when the likelihood was they might not get back on the pitch in that season, that is hardly being unfair, given that iCT arent a rich club.

Obviously what we don’t know is the extent that either the Club or the players carry some sort of ‘medicare’ insurance cover for injuries and operations that are almost certainly going to be via private healthcare. I would imagine given the lower end of the pay scale that anyone playing in the Championship is on, a player relies heavily on the help the PFA can provide, who as the Player Union seem to provid little support on contracts [maybe non- payment and disputes but not negoiations], so it is good if the pFA have been able to help Walsh

I get the comment on the club’s communications skills…. A simple statement in good time addressing the contract situations of both players might have quelled some of the disquiet amongst some fans. It shouldn’t be difficult, and Gardiner has been adept at putting out long statements from time to time

Meanwhile, I’m delighted to see the signing of Adam Brook who sounds a promising addition, and without the injury history that is attached to many of our players

On 7/1/2023 at 1:28 PM, Robert said:

Nathan Austin has joined East Fife from Kelty. As mentioned on the squad thread Jay Henderson is now at County. Kai Kennedy has been released by Rangers. 

Be interesting to see where Kennedy ends up, he did alright for us, and was defo the pick of the bunch for Falkirk when we beat them in the Cup, I liked the way he kept going and didn't hide when things when against them. We are too far North for him to come back, but would love it if he did

11 hours ago, IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER said:

You could wear it to Selhurst and nobody would notice ?!!

I think they would be rather admiring of it, and it would certainly stand out as this years Palace shirt is a 'half and half' design.  Mind you I haven't had a Season Ticket for 2years, for various reasons, so haven't been there for a while.

I love that new shirt, wasn't such a fan of last years [although it probably worked quite well for leisure wear], this years looks a proper football shirt

21 hours ago, Robert said:

Our New Year “derby” is Airdrie away!!

https://ictfc.com/ictfc-fixtures-2023-24-released/

I've been keen to visit this impressive stadium for a couple of years now, and have booked travel for the August game already. Flight up, overnight coach back!   I'm ridiculously excited!

29 minutes ago, tm4tj said:

Jake Davidson (RB) signs on a 2 year deal from Queens Park. 

Jake Davidson

Ooh that's good news in my book, a recognised RB on a 2yr deal, with a decent seasons experience at a promotion chasing club, allows Carson to focus on Right Midfield and Duffy challenging Delaney for 1st choice CB alongside Devine [I'm assuming Max Ram will continue as understudy initially], gives options to push Harper into midfield if JD goes LB [and we can still run a backline full of 'D's].  If Macgregor gets back to full fitness, midfield starting to look OK, but would be nice to hold onto Allardice. 

On 6/11/2023 at 12:24 PM, The Mantis said:

Ah yes, his two brothers Andrew and Graeme also featured 

Bloody hell, yes it was Andrew playing for Brum!

On 6/8/2023 at 5:37 PM, Caley Mad In Berks said:

No one has mentioned Charlton Athletic (The Valley).  Also, the Bristol Rovers friendly mentioned by IHE wasn't at their own ground. From memory, I think it might have been in Bath?

Yes...I went to Charlton and saw us win 1-0 if I remember...and you and I went to Birmingham City's ground [David Shinnie was in their team]

I've also done Ayr, Livingston, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Partick, Celtic Park [League Cup Final], Stenhousemuir [for Queens Park] Hampden [4 times]of course, Kilmarnock got thwarted by Covid, Hearts called off by High Winds...not bad for a South Londoner [IMHO]

On 5/26/2023 at 10:47 AM, bdu98196 said:

Given next season we Dunfermline and DUtd who are easily going to be stronger than the Cove and Dundee they replace, if County or Killie did drop down too then it shows how badly we have failed this and last season in 2 very weak league line ups.

I know Dunfermline will have the momentum of a promotion [as had one could Queens Park], but how much stronger will they be 2 years on from relegation. Neither Kilmarnock or Dundee Utd can honestly be said to be anyting other than yo-yo clubs, but yes they all have a little bit more money than us....Ross County would be a threat. Obviously its a blow that we missed out on the play-offs they way we did, but I bet no-one saw Partick's strong showing in the play-offs, so promotion for us that way not a given. But I think it's very unfair to say we failed this season when we had more than a first team out through injury for such long periods...no team in any league could carry that cross and expect to be successful.

But we are in the Cup Final, and no one can take that away from us [especially not Queens Park] ...Obvs the odds are stacked against us but win or lose I shall enjoy the day

What a lovely trip up! In the company too of CaleyMad and his son!

Probably the difference was we could finish our chances and Falkirk couldn't despite our charitable acts to give them a couple of chances [don't do that against Celtic boys]. Shaw desperately unlucky, and I was impressed by how simple and effective Henderson kept it with great delivery too. Duffy impressed as well, I don't think Kennedy ever beat him? [TBF to Kennedy who was getting boo'd for being an 'ex, he kept going against us for 90mins and always looked a threat...not bad for a 20year old]

With me whooping with delight in the stadium at Palace also winning, I had the surreal moment of being recognised by and thus being introduced to Yngwie

So onto the final, flight up already booked, but Hotel and Flight-back costs, leading me to book an overnight coach return!

Meanwhile I'm up for Part II of the 'most important game of the season'.... against Ayr

On 4/19/2023 at 10:22 PM, Caley Mad In Berks said:

Simples isn't it :-

ICT beat Dundee and Ayr to finish on 60 points

QP lose to Ayr, lose to Morton and draw with Dundee to finish on 58 points

Dundee lose to ICT, lose to Cove and draw with QP to finish on 59 points

PT draw one of their last 3 games to finish with a max of 59 points

ICT are champions, no need for play-offs

What odds would I get on that prediction?  Oh, btw I picked the winner of the Grand National too!

Cove Rangers have beaten Dundee this season...so, maybe, possibly

11 hours ago, STFU said:

Hopefully we chuck it in the last couple of games as I can't afford the play off matches

Maybe we wont need the play-offs anyway

Yes...I am a bit giddy

10 hours ago, Satan said:

If we make the playoffs it will be another set of nerve shredding battles against teams we've struggled with all season.

Then again we now have form on our side...

Last nights result was one of those that makes this season possibly legendary, I was at another match, with more than one eye on my phone, we went behind, I went 'ahhh!, but still had a sneaky feeling, that on a night the whole season could be defined by, we would get something

Last weekend, I looked at the upcoming fixtures and realised that we could still claim AUTOMATIC promotion...highly improbable one might say, although only Cove beating Dundee away actually is. Claiming the 2nd spot is do-able [and highly desirable]

And of course we could blow the whole thing

I might be certifiable! BUT in a season when we beat a side that had beaten us 4 times already, and where we might get to the Scottish Cup Final despite being knocked out, virtually anything can happen...that decision to book flights/hotel for the last match of the season looking better as every match goes by

49 minutes ago, CELTIC1CALEY3 said:

Hamilton is a massive challenge after what has been achieved so far.  They really are a tough nut and it is quite remarkable that Tuesday's game represents by far and away our biggest challenge this season. Meantime congratulations to the Club for the result today.  We need everyone to play out of their skins on Tuesday.

It's quite remarkable that no points againts Hamilton are the difference between us challenging for automatic promotion rather than pushing for a play-off place, and could yet cost us that too.

Also remarkable that Partick just a couple of games ago looked challengers for title and yet we could catch them.

Anyway great result again today, without Henderson. We could do with having Duffy back soon to give us the option of pushing Carson forward, if required to give Welsh or Allardice a breather

Nice!   I have hotel booked already, just need to know day & time of match so I can sort the flights out

A nice bonus, interesting to see 3 ex-Caley players in their team

Let's hope Falkirk don't rename themselves Hamilton for the duration of the match!

12 hours ago, CELTIC1CALEY3 said:

The litmuss test now will be whether we can beat Queens Park next Saturday.  We have successfully avoided playing Hamilton on the 29th April following last night's performance so also need to work out how to beat them when it is re-arranged.

Yes that double blow against Hamilton after a great away Cup win might have cost us a play-off place ...just hope when I come up for the last match of the season against Ayr it will be winner takes the last Play-off spot! [I feel it in my bones].

Terrific performance on Friday...especially Duffy on the RB position allowing Carson to operate as a No.10 which was so effective ...plus great wing play on both sides

On 2/19/2023 at 9:10 AM, forresjags said:

Shaw's attempted pass was wayward but Hamilton picked the ball up in their own half. There was still plenty of time for Devine, Welsh etc to make a decent challenge. 

The turning point was Billy missing a sitter and Daniel inability to control a football when one on one.

Sounds like some of our best players up front and in defence had a mare after the first 25mins...not sure how this is BD's fault?   Put it this way was last weeks great win and performance down to the players or BD? {or Both}

6 hours ago, Caley Mad In Berks said:

Fantastic result.  Well done lads.  I can now relax and watch Scotland hopefully turn over Wales at Murrayfield.

A good day all round then Sandy

Sounds like it was a very solid performance

I'm not sure how many times we've had Welsh AND Allardice in the same team this season, add in D Mackay and Henderson across that line and we look strong. Couldn't believe my eyes to see Deas on the bench, I imagine it'll be  few games before he starts, but that would be our strongest backline back together. Just need some forwards back to help Billy Mac [I'm assume allowing Oakley to leave to find some form at Morton is linked to the prognosis on long-term injury victims returning]

A definite morale booster, and technically we are unbeaten in 2023, can we build on this? Be nice to continue past the next round of the Cup. League wise it's Interesting that we are the same number of points off a relegation play-off spot as we are the top spot, are we looking down or up?

I can't decide if this is good news or bad. If we get more injuries and lose, obvs not great...it's match one would call a 'free hit' and since we weren't due to play next week, a competitive game might be good [not sure if playing on their 3G pitch is great for tender limbs?].....of course if we win tomorrow, beat Livi next week with Samuels scoring on a surprise return, and win the following match against the Accies everything will feel great!   Surely that wont happen? and yes I am certifiable!

In a league where literally anybody can beat anybody, where home advantage rarely seems to be one, is a draw away from home a bad result? Especially coming back twice from being behind. I'd say that it was pretty decent, given that surely RR by dint of averages must beat us eventually!  Yes you could argue that if Hamilton and Arbroath can win away etc etc, but an away point is still good in my book.  We are slowly getting bodies back, we've scored 12 goals in 4 matches, we kept a clean sheet against the league leaders just recently [a team that played us off the park in the previous meeting].....are we putting on dazzling displays each week, perhaps not.... are we hanging on in there after a torrid winter with an injury crisis, yes we are! two points off the play-offs, 9 off automatic promotion {with every side above us to be played twice again] with the likes of Ayr, Dundee and Partick to be played twice again. We don't have any financial advantage over any other side in the mix, Is the likes of Henderson making a difference? I'd say yes [as was Shaw until he got injured], we've not lost since his arrival which is also helping Billy Mac [and Doran is making a contribution]. The management must be confident of seeing Samuels, Sutherland and Walsh back soon to let Oakley go, and suddenly our subs bench looks a whole lot better. Who knows we could soon see Allardyce,  Welsh and D Mackay in the same midfield.

Do I think Dodds is the right guy for us, I'm not sure...the guy who gave us a real buzz was Neil McCann, but he didn't want to stay, but we have Dodds, he can get us going on good runs, he needs to able to stop the bad runs quicker.

I still think we have a chance this season and I'm booked with my wife to come up for the last home game of the season...I kinda of feel it will be  good trip

Yes...I know I'm certifiable, but I'm still loving supporting Caley {but then I support Palace too, so I know what rollercoaster experiences feel like]

4 hours ago, tm4tj said:

Maybe Austin Samuels is nearing a return from injury.

Imagine if Samuels, Sutherland AND Tom Walsh all came back soon, in good fettle