Fellow Fans,
The administrators say they’ve received “20 expressions of interest” to buy the club—and pigs will fly! Let’s be honest: how many of these are from people who are just here to take the “mick”? We know better than to get swept up in empty promises. Our club now needs real, sustainable commitment and a clear path forward.
As we face this critical moment, we need the administrators to approach things with a focus on stability and learning from past mistakes—not a quick fix like we’ve seen other administrators attempt with Scottish clubs. We’ve been staring into a financial abyss, enduring a steady freefall as chairmen and board members have scrambled for last-minute bailouts. Now, more than ever, we must put long-term stability first.
Historically, the club has only managed to turn a profit for six years out of its 30-year existence. Season ticket sales, merchandise, and hospitality revenue—which should form the backbone of our finances—have fallen short, leaving us dependent on emergency funding to survive. Now, we need a different approach, one that builds a stable club for the long haul.
Here are some points I think we can all get behind:
Balanced Budgets: We can’t keep spending beyond our means. We need a realistic budget that keeps us in the game without risking another crisis. A steady, manageable budget is the foundation we need to avoid the deep financial holes we’ve fallen into before. Let’s be transparent—do we, as fans, want to know the yearly budget? This could help set realistic expectations and build trust between the club and supporters.
Transparency We Can Trust: We, the fans, deserve to know what’s happening with the club’s finances. Quarterly updates, clear goals, and a Supporters’ Trust member on the board are the minimum we should expect going forward. We must ensure our voices are heard and our priorities as fans are respected in club decisions.
Ticket Sales Goals: This is where we can make a massive difference as a fanbase and community. How many season tickets must we sell to keep the club sustainable? Could a target of 3,000 season tickets be achievable? if we work together to bring more people on board. By spreading the word, bringing friends, and getting Inverness behind us, we can give the club a financial safety net and move away from the edge of that abyss.
Reliable Income Sources: We have been in this position by relying on a single benefactor or one-off funding sources. We must build consistent revenue streams through ticket sales, merchandise, and community initiatives. It’s our club; by supporting it financially, we’re ensuring it stays ours.
Stability Through Partnerships: Renewing partnerships with local businesses is crucial. Historically, local partnerships with companies like Inverness Medical and Orion brought in reliable revenue, independent of promotion or league performance, keeping us steady, no matter where we stood in the league.
Smart Transfers: We all want the best team possible but must build it within our means. A mix of youth development, local talent, and balanced recruitment can give us a strong squad without risking another financial freefall.
We’ve all given so much to this club over the years, and now it’s time to take the next step together. Let's rally around, bring our friends and family to matches, and get our community fully behind the club. If we do this, we can help ensure that Inverness Caledonian Thistle doesn’t just survive but thrives for years to come.
Let’s show up, support, and pull our club back from the edge. Together, we can build a stable, united Inverness Caledonian Thistle.