8-8-8 formula

[CaleyTennis85]

I know it's probably too early to discuss this as a) the window is closed and b) we need to wait for the club to be sold/bought but I was just interested to guage opinions on the 8-8-8 formula that Charlie Christie mentioned in the open meeting 2-3wks ago and seems keen to see implemented.

We have a very good core squad of about 21 but I am not really sure of who is under contract next season (are 8 players even under contract ).

I also don't really know much about the players in the academy but I am sure CC is confident of getting at least 4 through the academy otherwise he wouldn't have mentioned this formula .

And finally, I am interested to guage how much Highland League players would cost because we certainly haven't signed anyone for a fee ever as far as I know. As has been stated before, no HL club is just going to GIVE us players, it's only right that we put bids in for the ones we could be after (I presume Scott will know of some from his playing days at Nairn etc).

I really think the formula could be a viable option so I am interested to guage you guys opinions on this .

[CaleyCiuin]

8 hours ago, CaleyTennis85 said:

I know it's probably too early to discuss this as a) the window is closed and b) we need to wait for the club to be sold/bought but I was just interested to guage opinions on the 8-8-8 formula that Charlie Christie mentioned in the open meeting 2-3wks ago and seems keen to see implemented.

We have a very good core squad of about 21 but I am not really sure of who is under contract next season (are 8 players even under contract ).

I also don't really know much about the players in the academy but I am sure CC is confident of getting at least 4 through the academy otherwise he wouldn't have mentioned this formula .

And finally, I am interested to guage how much Highland League players would cost because we certainly haven't signed anyone for a fee ever as far as I know. As has been stated before, no HL club is just going to GIVE us players, it's only right that we put bids in for the ones we could be after (I presume Scott will know of some from his playing days at Nairn etc).

I really think the formula could be a viable option so I am interested to guage you guys opinions on this .

There are 25 players still in the team and two of them are out on loan at highland league clubs. 

[bdu98196]

11 hours ago, CaleyTennis85 said:

 because we certainly haven't signed anyone for a fee ever as far as I know.

that not correct, however we wont be signing anyone for a fee or otherwise until the club exits administration

To answer the question a mix of experience (journeymen), youth and either developing or early-mid career players is the only way we can proceed. However we have the challenge of contract duration to consider - too long and we carry burdens we possibly cannot afford if declines continue but not long enough and good talent leaves for free.

The bigger decision (when) around players is whether we retain FT status or otherwise, however I suspect that moving forwards regardless of L1 or L2 it'll be hybrid at best

Edited October 29, 2024 by bdu98196

[+Northern_jaggie]

North of Scotland beat Glasgow 5-4 in the Scottish Schools Cup to progress to the semi final. Hope these young lads are at least on the fringes of ICT’s radar!

[ymip]

Unfortunately all 5 North of Scotland goals were scored by County players.   

[bishbashbosh]

 

[+Northern_jaggie]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:03 AM, ymip said:

Unfortunately all 5 North of Scotland goals were scored by County players.   

A great spot ymip. It goes to show how well County’s scouting network is functioning!

[+Northern_jaggie]

A lad to watch - 17yo George Ewing of Wick Academy, who is a forward. He scored 27 goals for the U18s and played most of the last 10 games for the senior team with 14 appearances in total and 2 goals. Currently under contract at Wick for next season.
 

 

And a bit on the North of Scotland team winning the Scottish Cup

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/north-of-scotland-back-with-a-bang-after-ending-47-year-wa-379714/

 

[big cherly]

6 hours ago, Northern_jaggie said:

A lad to watch - 17yo George Ewing of Wick Academy, who is a forward.

Get the boy down for a look over. How I hate the Coonty being the first to soak up any talent in the highlands while we yak on about our youth squad. 

bc

Edited 23 hours ago by big cherly

[bishbashbosh]

4 hours ago, big cherly said:

Get the boy down for a look over. How I hate the Coonty being the first to soak up any talent in the highlands while we yak on about our youth squad. 

bc

The county setup is superb. Not saying ict is bad.

I have 3 grandkids in their academy. U14, u11 and u10. The coaching  is every Tuesday and Thursday. Winter inside the HFA. Mostly every 2nd wednesday there is a festival in Alness v ict, muir of ord, Tain, Dingwall soccer 7 etc, even under the lights in winter. 
when they get to u11 they play home and away against teams like, st Johnstone, Livingston ( main pitch and they open one of their food stalls for bacon rolls for the adults) partick thistle, Dunfermline, Dundee, Ayr Utd, morton, kilmarnock. I have watched them against the elite teams, Aberdeen, Dundee Utd, that was an eye opener.
Few weeks back I travelled to Dundee performance centre to watch u11 grandson v Dundee, what a facility that is. Wee fellow hurt his shoulder in a tackle and there was an on-site physio who checked him over before we headed home.

county have boys playing from Stornoway, ft William, Thurso, wick. That is some commitment for the parents.

I go back to the late 60’s early 70’s when all that was on the go was street league. I remember to this day Alex and Marion urquhart stopping in a car by the bught and saying we a starting a new league called “ street league”. Get a team together and a name and we will be back next week. Then John Beaton and Jackie Sutherland coaching on the bught shinty pitch on a Friday night, and travelling around Scotland in their cars for BB 5 a side Scottish finals, winners, and to Birmingham for the UK finals only to come 2nd. Or to Elgin to play for Inverness youth league select. A home game at one of the Inverness highland league grounds. 
Thought they were great days but OH to be an 11 year old in 2025.