Robert

A goal and an assist for Roddy MacGregor for Queens Park today, and two for Jordan White for County.

Ferguson has said we will build from the back, so the tactics will be the same. However, with our youngsters, whilst we must accept that they will make mistakes in games, there is plenty enthusiasm and pace. We should play to our strengths and, from what I saw in the Clach and Nairn games, that’s using the pace of guys like Bray, Thompson, Mackay and Brooks to stretch teams and make space that we can exploit. We need to play to the strengths our players have, not try to fit them into a system that doesn’t suit them. I look forward to hearing the post match views of those who have travelled all the way to Annan, and hope they have an enjoyable day.

HT 0-1 FT 1-2 ICT B Mckay Annan A Smith Crowd 300

Ali Nixon has joined Strathspey Thistle.

David Wotherspoon has joined Dunfermline.

I know it’s pre-season but that’s an embarrassing result, and worrying given the season proper starts on Saturday. How can we limit Raith to 1 then get battered by Brora?

It’s been reported on another Forum that there is a problem with the new (SFA, I think) system for registering players which basically is not working right and is delaying registrations of signings by all teams.

Brad Mckay has joined Brechin City, joining up with Kevin McHattie and Anthony McDonald.

Thanks for posting. Based only on the highlights, 1-0 flattered us. A different ref could easily have let the disallowed goal stand or given a penalty for the challenge by Haspell. We will get a better feel for where we are when the cup games start on Saturday.

For me, the key thing is not the ownership of the Battery Park company itself, but the agreements that are in place to deal with the proceeds if the appeal is successful and the company is sold on. If it raises, say, £3m, what happens to that sum? How much, if any, goes to Cameron, Morrison and Munro (eg paying off loans, charges on assets etc) and how much does the club get? Cameron was said to be gifting the ground, but whether that remains the case we don’t know. I’m sure any potential investor will be needing to understand this and it may well be a key element of the negotiations, which do seem to be dragging on.

And the full draw: NORTH OF SCOTLAND CUP - FULL DRAW - 2024/25 First Round: Brora Rangers v Ross County Clachnacuddin v Strathspey Thistle Forres Mechanics v Rothes Fort William v Lossiemouth Golspie Sutherland v Inverness Athletic Halkirk United v St Duthus Invergordon v Wick Academy Nairn County v Inverness Caledonian Thistle Ties due to be played Wednesday 21st August 2024 Second Round: Brora/Ross v Invergordon/Wick Golspie/Inv. Ath. v Halkirk/St Duthus Forres/Rothes v Fort/Lossie Nairn/ICT v Clach/Strathspey Ties due to be played Wednesday 4th September 2024 Semi Finals: Brora/Ross/Invergordon/Wick v Forres/Rothes/Fort/Lossie Nairn/ICT/Clach/Strathspey v Golspie/Inv. Ath/Halkirk/St Duthus Ties due to be played Wednesday 18th September 2024 FINAL Due to be played Saturday 12 October or Sunday 13th October 2024

Drawn away to Nairn in the North of Scotland Cup first round on Wednesday 21 August. Time TBC Win that and it’s Clach or Strathspey on 4 September, in theory at home. Semi final is 18 September and final 12 or 13 October.

It all really depends on whether those relevant parties insist on receiving what they are owed, either upon any investment taking place or at some point down the line (eg conditional on Battery Farm approval). I still think there is a deal that can be done.

But knock off £100k (if the rumours are true) for Gardiner, understand the reduced wage bill and accommodation costs, revitalise sponsorship and fan engagement, and suddenly the gap has closed a bit. Yes, it would still be a loss, but take away the legacy of past bad management and it becomes a less daunting proposition.

What a change in tone from Ferguson though: has someone had a word? He is praising the youngsters and talking them up. Now we need him to keep that up.

Good first half performance, second half pretty even. Well taken goals and we could have had a few more before the break. Some rough challenges by Nairn. Picks for me were Bray, MacLeod, Thompson and Mackay, but all the players worked hard. Yes, MacLeod made a poor pass which led to the Nairn goal, but these things will happen with the youngsters as they learn, and otherwise he was controlling the midfield. I was within earshot of Ferguson and he was positively encouraging and coaching the youngsters, which was good to hear. Raith will be a tough challenge, but there is hope. Gilmour will be back for it. Nicolson a month or so away from returning.

I’ve not bought yet. Hopefully he is gone within the two week extension.

That’s exactly the type of message Ferguson should be giving our young players and it will boost their confidence. His interview on Saturday will have done nothing for them. He needs to learn how to get the best out of people, and fast!

I’m getting that too. Delighted I must have passed the test!

Don’t know. They describe us as League 1 and many of our team are under 18 anyway!

Strathspey Thistle are advising that they are playing us in Grantown at 1930 on 18 July: Thursday July 18 H Inverness CaledonianThistle 19.30 Pay at Gate

Thanks for keeping this going Gringo.

Forres got a 3 point deduction in the Highland League last season for fielding an under 16. I’d imagine the same rules apply in the leagues. Ferguson also said there may be one or two leave and one or two come in.

Apparently Ujdur has been sold to Queens Park.

He’s a bit heavier and slower, but strolled through the hour or so that he played for. He was talking the Clach defence and midfield through the game too. He made a couple of heavy challenges on Brooks, but it was all sporting. I should have said earlier that Gilmour was on the pitch before the game going through exercises so hopefully he’s nearly fully fit too.