big cherly

Paradox, we want young fans more than anything, but the attraction for a lot of them that are not accompanied by their parents (young teenagers) is the attraction of experiencing an environment where they are amongst slightly older teens that behave more risky. That generally involves acting more unruly and following the ‘mob’ or ‘pack’ behaviour. Swearing and shouting is part of that behaviour. If the team improves we will I am sure expect to see the ‘heavy mob’ of the ‘young team ‘ return. As mentioned elsewhere they bring much needed atmosphere and noise to the game (and for the most encourage the team to play better). They bring that element of offensive language and behaviour we would normally not endorse or want to see. So do we want them to attend (taking all the negatives) or tell them to F off. Couldn’t resist the pun!!

Well endorsed!!

Ok tm4tj, please tell me who is responsible for identifying the culprits, apprehending them, taking and verifying thier name and finally ejecting them from the ground? I counted three ground stewards at the Montrose match in the north stand (seating along the wall between the field and the stand). Their responsibility (no legal authority), I expect is to try and prevent fans getting onto or at the pitch/players. (Hamilton game springs to mind). I do not see the stewards remit being responsible or have the legal empowerment to control the fans in the stands (or terracing were they available), and intervene where offensive chants or cursing was observed. It would be the police in my understanding that would have the powers and authority to enforce the Law, which may determine an offence has been committed. Can the club confirm? We can retread the clubs policy and announcement at the beginning of the games. Yes it’s all to the objective of getting the attending fans to respect a certain behaviour code, but as I say without any policing it is just background noise and no one really takes it seriously. Football is an entertainment that has its roots in the working man’s escape and right or wrong it retains a ‘course’ edge to the language ‘enjoyed’ at the games. Again not condoning it, just saying it’s difficult to change behaviour, police and manage (fund) when it’s been around football grounds as long as I can remember attending (1960’s).

I’m afraid the vile behaviour is endemic and applies to just about every club with a following of any number of fans where these ‘people’ (usually teenagers and older oaf idiots) can group and hide behind the ‘mob’. I’m not condoning it, quite the reverse, merely saying it has been around football grounds for decades and for all of those years I’ve heard the same hogwash announcements about bad language not being tolerated. Next to nothing has ever been done with the very few exceptions where one or two cases in Scotland where racist calls have been identified and those ‘fans’ banned by that club. (They simply go to another ground ). I wish it wasn’t the case, but until clubs put proper action to stop such behaviour (it cost money to police) it will I’m afraid continue.

I thought the Montrose goal was well constructed with good penetrating passing before their centre forward Hester cut past Devine and slammed the ball past Dibaga. Faults with Devine allowing Hester to get past him to easily and Dibaga should have also have done better (all be it he had next to no shot to deal with earlier). I thought the team were miles sharper in the second half and on another day we could have won the game. Whatever was said at half time the difference was there to see by everyone. Progress in my mind. Just a case of taking the good points from the match and develop them to apply throughout the 90 mins. Good to see and hear the fans engaged again with the team and club. Came away more please than disappointed🤔 bc

Oh for inspiration! First half against Montrose devoid of any creative midfield play that I can remember. Had to shake myself to stop nodding off 💤. Hopefully the second half injects some spark in play, tactics or individual courage.

Half time. A tough watch so far!

It’s absolutely meaningless and a hollow sound bite. The club’s security is a laughing joke!🤡

I understand the argument and case for the ST presented. Fair enough they duly represent the fans as the recognised artery between the club and fans. I personally don’t have any issues with this line, ‘It’s good to talk’ so the saying goes. It’s clear the ST also have to balance any communication in such a manner that doesn’t jeopardise that relationship. My own view for what it’s worth (none ST member), is that the Trust, in the short period I have observed, and I say it with due respect and no malice intended, have been too compliant and reactive to the debacle we have witnessed over the past two years. I have went on the record to say I believe without the ST ‘Kelty’ just may have happened. That said the ST were not the leading force behind the ‘revolt’. It was the fans that was the energy behind any action. The ST in my view only acted when faced with overwhelming pressure from the fans. Ie Boycott, season tickets, protest!! In regards the S7V and Ketan Kahwana takeover bid the ST (again in my view), were too eager to be seen to endorse this bid without offering any serious consideration to whether S7V was in any way a fit and appropriate company to take over the club. I would argue without (I exclude myself here ), some serious and knowledgeable people on this forum (probably most if not all ST members) the case and momentum for A Savage to get involved to stop the S7V takeover may not have happened. So my argument (all along) is I believe the ST should be more vocal in representing all the fans views and not just a select group of comrade individuals. For the immediate future it looks like the club is saved from a deeper hole that it would have been if S7V had succeeded. That said for every Alan Savage out there, their is a Ketan Kahwana. It can happen again! I will resist the invitation to sign up to join the ST, not that don’t think it’s a good organisation for fans to be and express their views, I simply prefer to support the club in my own way and be free to voice or state my opinion without any constraints. I close by wishing the ST well in future. bc

Fair point, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear from him in some shape or other!

STFU said; ‘I think we need to manage our excitement and expectations a little. Savage won't know exactly what the situation is until he's completed his audit and it's not only the financials that are a total mess.’ Yes, I expect Gardener’s lawyer has spoken to the Club Secretary and the lawsuit for wrongful dismissal has already landed on the ICTFC doormat. I still regard this as an example of clearing our feet of the dross and flotsam that put us in the position we find. It’s going to take I expect accepting cretins like Gardener (as possibly, some soon to be heaved existing board members) being compensated as part of the uncomfortable digestion for us fans in the coming months. It may be kept under the radar so not to rile too many, but I for one will breathe easier as soon as this lot are gone for good! bc

Well said DD, The Board are culpable here and played along willingly as you say, for far too long with Gardener’s antics and for the past weeks with dear old Ketan’s ‘fools gold’. There is more than a whiff of resentment in the statement with ‘Savage this and Savage that’, as though a few of them (Panos et al), maybe disgruntled the promise of Ketan gold is now off the table. In the murky world of football club boardrooms there will be always be infighting on who drives the agenda and direction of the club. For too long it’s been taken down the wrong road and change is now essential. A clear out is needed but deals will inevitably be done. Just hope whoever ever takes over the reins (P Thomas and his cohorts are too stained to survive too long) will see through what’s needed to be done. 🗡️🗡️🗡️ bc

We need Alan Savage to keep managing his company and not get swamped by ICTFC. It’s been by far the most successful business operation over the piece in Inverness. I’ve known him (at a distance) for over 40 years and he’s someone I respect and admire for what he’s done, but like to retain that distance. Having said that, let’s not quibble here. AS was the only prominent person with hard money to raise his head above the parapet and publicly question the Board since Morrison jumped boat. He saved the youth structure from folding (C Christie deserves a big mention here), called out Gardener for what he is/was (a repeated failed businessman), and finally had the ‘balls’ and courage to put aside any grudges and approach probable lifelong business and personal adversaries and strike a deal that would form a group with the money and experience to see though and kick out that charlatan Kahwana. Paraphrasing what someone else says mentioned earlier, businessmen are on the whole not nice people and mostly look at ‘what’s in it for them’ (that’s how the best succeed). I for one will be probably forever grateful for AS saving ICTFC. What form or shape in the future I don’t know, but I feel a lot better it’s people that work and live their lives here that for the next few years are in control!! Digging out my ICT colours from the bottom of my cellar! bc

Yes, thankfully the ST was that champion of rigour and question on behalf of the fans and not jumping to endorse the first snake oil salesman that came along!!

To be honest RiG, it doesn’t surprise me one bit. People generally are too keen to see an easy road ahead without checking the car or road conditions. To quote P. T. Barnum,,,, "There's a sucker born every minute"

That stalwart body of integrity and principle taking a clear and unambiguous decision to implement the SPFL association rules on one of their member teams not complying with proper financial management. Well, that would be unprecedented and risk unsettling a lot of other member teams chairmen and boards, not to mention attracting unwanted media focus on the SPFL committee's entitlement, perks and emoluments. Something like ‘standing up on a boat’ term frantically expressed by them.

“Wow”, All that and more from a guy almost too good to be true. Must have paid attention to one of Boris Johnson’s get-rich-quick presentation shows (Daily Mail) and picked up a few good tips about show and substance. ‘Banana boat and Moray Firth’ springs to mind!!

Agreed, but that was with Morrison and Gardener (football people) feeding scraps in the way of funding. Like it or not it’s Kahwana’s show now and he brings a different (none football) experience. After a decade of decline and going only down using the football experience guys, maybe it’s worth giving Kahwana a try! What is there to loose??

Well looking at it dispassionately, I would have to think Kahwana and DF will have some discussion on what players DF knows in the Merseyside and Mancunian areas that are struggling to get a game in the national league north (through injury or out of form), and keen to get a weekly game for half or a full season. Maybe some of Kahwana money mates know some players from the London area lower leagues kicking their heels that could do a job for us for a few months. I don’t think there is a lot of cash to throw around but Kahwana wanted a football club ‘toy’ so he knows (hopefully), he has to contribute to the on-field part!!

O yea of little faith, Ketan will come to the rescue. He promised us ‘case by case’ players. You’d need to be ‘nut’s not to believe in him coming good! 🥜🥜

A balanced and fair viewpoint DD from a footballing perspective. If I thought Katwana’s interest was solely in the interests of the club I might be tempted to align / agree with you. But let’s also be realistic here and accept Kahwana is here to line his pockets and the club is third or forth in line behind getting rich on the back of whatever asset or people can facilitate that aim. He admits never even knew ICT existed until one of his fellow money mates pushed it under his nose. Keeping or dumping SG will be calculated on the ability of him being able to help Kahwana achieve this. Bear in mind SG has a watertight contract and will not depart until he gets what he thinks he can get. You will get platitudes and nice words by the bucketload, but what the fans think will hardly register with Kahwana imho.

Mekwana-isms Figital = physical + digital gitsuckjockers=_ _ _ _ /_ _ _ /_ _ _ _ _ _ _

I agree! The fans have next to ZIP influence on how the club is manipulated by speculators who have no interest whatsoever in the football club other than a mechanism to a land grab of the surrounding area for development (with us indirectly funding it through grants). It’s the sell-on in two or three years after all possible money has been squeezed out of the Council, Scottish Gov and locals to some Thames Water type sharks that I fear we may head. However, whilst there is little we can do but watch, (since there is no appetite for a protest), we must continue to push the Press, Coonsil, Supporters Trust (?) to seriously and vigorously prob challenging questions to S7V. Additionally send out the message to any serious shareholder or potential investors looking on, ‘the fans will be ready to unite and return’ if and when the S7V scheme comes crashing down, to a plan with the interest of the football club at its centre.

Hope the lads do well. It may take a half a dozen games or so to get the best balance, but we’re right behind you.

Exactly DD, “I’m putting my money where my mouth is”. No he is not!! On what we’ve seen, he does not come close to be able to financing much. The money (as is mostly always with chancers like this fellow) is someone else or some groups Money. These people are happy to wheel and deal because the risk is with the funders - not there own risk. Where the funds come from we know most likely is Jersey. So a dead end in just where and how this money was generated. As I mentioned in another posting the money could be coming from Russian interests or rich UK dubious individuals that hold offshore accounts. I’ll use Huw Edward’s as an example. - The fact is we just don’t know how clean or not any funds forthcoming are. It may not be an issue to a lot of fans but for me it’s an uncomfortable position to be in. I see a lot of talk about lots of plans for building and entertainment that is to be on land that will be brought (?) back into the club ownership. RIGHT! 1) I understand all the profits from the new buildings and operations goes to S7V. What if any money goes to the football side? Rental of the land? 2) I envisage the Highland Council will be contributing (our council taxes) as part of ‘the deal’ as some form of other to the development. Ditto Scottish Enterprise (again our tax money). So S7V get us to fund part of his scheme and profits. 3) Once the land is back in the ‘clubs’ ownership ie S7V just what guarantees is there this land is not sold on at great profit for S7V to fly the kite in 3-5 years. I could flag up the relationship between the Board, SG and Ferguson but it’s all too ‘trust -us’ for me. Count your fingers if you shake Mr Makwana’s hand!!