Robert

In the unlikely (but not impossible) event that we win the cup, at what stage would we enter the Europa League: is it the last knock out round before the group stages? If so, and we lose that, do we parachute into the Europa Conference group stages? I’ve not paid much attention to how these competitions work, but curious about what the unlikely scenario could be.

11 players under contract, including 3 youngsters, so we need a lot to resign or to find a lot of gems in the coming weeks.

I missed the first 20 minutes as it took 105 minutes to get from Perth City Centre to the A9 courtesy of those blasted roadworks. Don’t think I missed much though! I thought the Ayr goal was offside but tight: need to see it again. I was proud of the guys after the break. Some were dead on their feet but gave it 100% and I think that’s why Allardice and Welsh were subbed. Devine was struggling before the break so I assume was injured. The introduction of Carson and Samuels changed things, as Shaw was excellent in the wide role and Carson showed why he’s really a central midfielder. I hoped we’d kick on and get a winner but Ayr caught us, despite seeming happy to play down the clock at 1-1. I thought Samuels was onside when he “equalised” but it was too little too late anyway. A rollercoaster of a season. Should we have done better in the league: yes. Did injuries impact our position: undoubtedly. Did our tactics let us down: yes, particularly “hoofball”. Have we a great group of players who give 100% and deserve praise: yes. Roll on the cup final. I expect a heavy defeat but in a one off game anything can happen. Hopefully planning is taking place for next season as we will have quite a bit of rebuilding to do, on and possibly off the park.

Tonight is really as big a game as Saturday’s. We must win or our league season is over. I hope we get a similar crowd to the numbers who went to Glasgow and support the players to another win. I hope no one is assuming we will win. It will be a tough match with the same prize at stake for both teams. I just hope our recent attitude and form continue and we get the win that keeps our league season going. Come on ICT!

I really hope that comes true!!

The club’s statement, also indicating we may get ticket news tomorrow: https://ictfc.com/club-statement-scottish-cup-final/ I fully understand the comments above but I’m definitely going. Who’d have thought when we “lost” to Queens Park on 31 January that we’d be at Hampden on 3 June for our second Scottish Cup final in eight years! I also think it is time for the small number of negative posters on here to recognise the (albeit unexpected) achievement and be more positive in their posts. Yes, they may want a change of Manager or in the Boardroom, but now is a time to enjoy the moment. Goodness knows when it may happen again. That said, we must focus on Friday and get the win we need to get into the play offs.

I’ve watched the goals now and have voted: Player of the Year: Billy Mckay. Young Player: Nathan Shaw (as we had him the full season whereas Henderson joined at new year). Goal: Billy Mckay: first v Livingston.

1730 is confirmed: disgraceful! https://ictfc.com/scottish-cup-final-date-and-time-confirmed/

1730 is confirmed: disgraceful! https://ictfc.com/scottish-cup-final-date-and-time-confirmed/

Voting is now open on the club website. I must admit I hadn’t realised Samuels is as young as he is, as he is one of many eligible for the young player award, although with the injury he had he will not be a contender. Shaw is also in the young player category. I suspect there will be many varied views on here as to who the winners should be. I’ve not voted yet as I need to watch the goals, but should we either have a poll on here or post our own views? The link: https://ictfc.com/2022-23-ictfc-player-of-the-year-awards/

8000 is low, 10000 may be enough. I assume the club will prioritise season ticket holders again, but the number made available to each needs to be more than 1. I attend every home game, but my wife hates football but wants to come to the final. I need to be able to get 2 tickets as a result, and to sit with the person I attend games with, who’s wife also wants to attend. Many will be in the same boat. 50/50 is unrealistic but we need enough to cope with our likely support, whether regulars or fair weather fans and glory seekers. Hopefully all is confirmed quickly.

Shocking if true. We should get at least the 14000 we sold last time with some being returned if not sold within x days of the match.

They better not: my hotel is booked! Get in quick as prices are rising.

It will be disgraceful if the SFA make the game a lunchtime kick off. Another kick in the teeth for those of us not in the central belt.

I felt we didn’t expect to have Deas this season which is why we brought Delaney in. Dodds actually called Delaney a “young Deas” despite there only being a year or two between them. I’d be delighted if Allardice stays.

I agree, we have some key players out of contract who we would ideally keep. If not, recruitment is key. I make it one defeat in 12 since the Hamilton double defeat, with 9 wins and 2 draws, so we have done better since the injury situation eased and the likes of Deas and Allardice returned. Just how we’d have done had we had fewer injuries we will never know. For me, the cup run has been great and I’m relishing the final, but our most important game is on Friday against Ayr. It is simple: we must win it. Regarding Dodds, his record in 2023 justifies an extension in my opinion. We do seem to have a strong team spirit and a never say die attitude, which is great to see. If we did make a change, who would actually want to take the job?

Now on the club’s website: https://ictfc.com/match-report-falkirk-0-3-ictfc-29-04-2023/

Ross Draper for Elgin yesterday in the 94th minute to ensure they cannot finish bottom of League 2.

We’ve nothing to lose at the final so the players, backroom team and fans just need to enjoy the experience and if we exceed our expectations it will be unbelievably brilliant. I was hoping for Rangers as I think they’d be more likely to underestimate us, whereas we have upset Celtic over the years in the cup so they will treat us as a serious threat. Looking forward to ticket details and getting the weekend planned.

I hope this is coherent as just back at hotel after a celebratory afternoon and evening! On a sample of 1, I like VAR! Watching it back, it was a penalty and taken well by Mckay. Falkirk then troubled us and should have equalised but hit the post at an open goal after Ridgers and the defence got in a muddle, but the second came at the right time. A great ball by Henderson and perfect finish by Mackay, who loved it! Probably his best game for us this season too. The third also came after a spell of Falkirk pressure, and another lucky escape for us, with Mackay picking out Mckay who finished well. Shaw hit the post twice and was unlucky with both. A more comfortable result than we maybe deserved but a thoroughly deserved win. Well done to all 16 who played and to the backroom team. A shout out to the singing section also. I just hope everyone there today comes on Friday evening for our must win game against Ayr. Now time for sleep!

Back in the hotel after a few beers. Hearty breakfast planned then a bus to Hampden in plenty time to see the build up. Just watched a humorous film on the BBC app with two of our 2015 heroes, Doran and Devine. BBC saying we’ve 5000 fans tomorrow. Let’s make it a noisy crowd to show the players our support and see them through to a win. Thankfully not heading back up the A9 until Sunday so time to enjoy or drown the outcome. Come on ICT. Make this our time (again)!!

Thanks for the reports. I’m with DD. Whilst standard business practices may have been followed, it leaves a sour taste that the failure of the concert initiative has left local businesses out of pocket. The club and concert company may have done nothing wrong legally, but misjudging they potential revenue has been costly for many and has damaged the club’s reputation. The club may not have suffered financially but how do you put a price on reputation and the potential loss of future revenue as a result? It is also worrying that they don’t see the disconnect with fans. Hopefully the good fortune of the cup run, allied to the penny maybe dropping over how fans feel about those in charge, will see them work hard to stabilise things and start to rebuild broken bridges. Anyhow, my focus now is on tomorrow. A win will yield a big payday which we need!!

3k was the last I heard but that was in the Chairman’s statement a week or so ago, so it is hopefully a lot more now. We were outnumbered in 2015 so will be again.

A lack of hype here too which is why I started the thread! I’m looking forward to a great weekend in Glasgow.

Less than three days to go. How are we all feeling: confident, nervous? I know there is a theory that, after being reinstated, our name is on the trophy. I don’t subscribe to that. Saturday will be tough as Falkirk could hold their own in the Championship and probably be in a similar position to us. Their recent form is mixed so we are clearly favourites. Mckay and Donaldson, along with on form Kennedy, add some spice. If we approach the game correctly, and do not under estimate Falkirk, we should be good enough to get through this, but it won’t be plain sailing. Without Carson, we need to see the best of Duffy and I think it is a game for Doran: he will invite fouls from Mckay and Donaldson. I’d start with: Ridgers Duffy Devine Deas Delaney Henderson Welsh Allardice Shaw Doran Mckay The hotel is booked so either a celebration or a drowning of sorrows will follow the full time whistle (whether after 90 minutes, 120 or even penalties). Hopefully a celebration!