Robert

A disappointing afternoon, and a lot of work to do before the competitive games start. County deserved their win, particularly as they bossed the second half with the wind advantage after a first half that was quite even. For me, Chin was the difference. We just couldn’t handle him whilst we’d no one who could trouble County. Too often, we were sloppy in possession or lost the duels for 50/50 balls, and County seemed hungrier. A lot to do before 1 August (and ideally before next Saturday as we could do with confidence boosting results in the cup).

Trialist 14 is Dan Mackay again. From where I am for the warm up, I think Trialist 15 is a different player to the one who played at Nairn and Clach.

Not seen any reports but we were playing them on Tuesday: https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/caley-thistle-to-help-opposition-prepare-for-champions-leagu-438723/

Sorry, didn’t spot that you’d included the kick off time 😂😂

The kick off time is now 1300.

I feel sorry for Steve Clarke. He seems a decent guy who was doing the best he could with the hand he was dealt, and I’m not sure that we can come up with a replacement who will be able to achieve more. His task was to get us to major tournaments, and he did that. Sadly, we failed at them, in part due to being too cautious and in part because in some positions we are just not good enough. I believe he has handled himself with dignity, including in his decision to step down, which I think is the right decision for him given the last few weeks. As others have said, our structure doesn’t seem to help the national team and young talent is stifled as a result. An example is Finlay Curtis, who is seen by many as integral to our national team’s future, but he’d to go out on loan from a poor Rangers team to get regular action. How many of our squad of 26 were first pick starters at their club sides? Not as many as we needed, and it showed. A disappointing campaign, but our fans were magnificent.

Ben Gardiner has also joined Brora.

What, with the third? I was distracted at the time but thought it was Mackay again but happy to be corrected. I don’t think we played as well as at Nairn on Tuesday, although we picked up after Mackay, Bavidge and the big no 20 came on, and probably deserved to win, although I wouldn’t have grudged Clach a draw. We defended poorly for their goal, and nearly gifted them a second at 1-1. Minutes in legs and no injuries, so mission accomplished, and still a few weeks to get sharpness up for when the main business starts.

Mackay again so we lead 3-1. Edit: ok, it was Shae Keogh.

Dan Mackay puts us in front. A very even game.

1 up. Think Paul Allan’s free kick went in without anyone getting a touch.

Strong line up. Presumably the trialists will get the second half.

Calum Ferrie has moved from Queens Park to Kilmarnock.

It’s always hard to tell before the season starts, so my ambition is more based on us consolidating ourselves as a Championship team than on who I think we will finish above. That said, I think Stenny will struggle without Naismith, whilst Morton and Queens Park are those I’d expect to also be towards the foot.

That’s excellent news. We are slowly building the squad and hopefully we can be competitive in the Championship, although my target is 8th or better! For me, the priority is now the defence as we need back up for Macleod, Devine, Savage and Boutin. On paper, we have options in midfield and out wide, whilst I hope we bring another striker in. I’d happily see us sign Joe Walters based on what I saw of him on Tuesday and he seemed versatile, playing at both centre half and right back. I enjoy the pre season friendlies but roll on competitive games!