Arbroath crunch game Apr2025

[tm4tj]

Massive Game

 

We have talked about big games before, but this one is absolutely huge in the thirty year history of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Only two games left of the regular season and we still need to ensure we avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs. We face Arbroath at home on Saturday and then make the trip to Montrose the week after and these two games could determine our fate. Musa Dibaga is out for the last couple of games as is Alfie Bavidge. Luis Longstaff returned after injury last week and played half a game.

Prior to the game, and three years on from his passing, a few of us will be raising a glass to remember Big Stew in the Innes Bar from 1:00pm. Pop in to say hello and share some stories with us. 

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Match/Ticket/Bus/Bar94/Info

Hospitality Available

Bring a friend for £5

ICTFC PotY VOTING

Wayne Addicoat RIP

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Sad news released by the club today to announce that former player Wayne Addicoat has passed away at just 45 years of age RIP Wayne  His passing will be acknowledged with a minutes applause ahead of kick off against Arbroath.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC are saddened to hear of the recent passing of former player Wayne Addicoat at 45 years-old. 

Wayne played for the club from July 1996 until May 1999, making 54 appearances and scoring 4 goals. 

The club send its condolences to Wayne’s family at this sad time and we will be holding a minute’s applause before this Saturday’s match against Arbroath. 

 

 

Four meetings already this season and we have yet to win one. Closest we came was in the League cup game that ended goalless with Arbroath winning the bonus point after the penalty shoot-out.

2025

Apr 26th	League (League 1)	? - ?	H	-
Feb 8th	League (League 1)	0 - 3	A	1,500

2024

Dec 14th	League (League 1)	0 - 2	H	1,531
Oct 5th	League (League 1)	0 - 1	A	1,381
Jul 23rd	League Cup (Group D)	p 0 - 0	H	754

Final quarter of the season: W L  D L  W L  D ? ? 

Forget the rest of the season; it's what happens over the next two games that will define our season. As well as we have done to give ourselves the chance to stay in this division, we have faltered over the last few games with injuries, suspensions and administration taking it's toll on the squad. Only the two wins in this last phase, but both were emphatic. A 4-1 win in the re-arranged game at home to Stenhousemuir and a brilliant 3-0 win at Cove. A disappointing home defeat to Annan was followed by another disappointing home draw against Alloa. It got worse the week after as QotS battered us 4-1 and following the win at Cove, Kelty dumped us 0-2 in the Highlands, another three points lost. We almost pulled off a good result away to Stenhousemuir last Saturday but a 91st minute own goal left us with just a point after Billy Mckay had scored his first goal for three months earlier in the second half. Thems the breaks, as disappointing as they are. With three minutes to go, we were sitting in 7th place in the table until Montrose equalised against Dumbarton and Stenny levelled with us.

Looks like we will be without big Musa again so I for one won't be holding my breath. I believe we are hopeful of acquiring Marcus Gill again. I also doubt very much that Arbroath will be sending up a second string starting XI this weekend like they did last week at Annan. They would have been as well not turning up instead of the embarrassing 5-1 defeat they were dished out by a team with a goal difference of minus 23, the worst in League1. Scott Kellacher does not want to make anything of this, however, I'm happy to do it for him. Meh!

Kelty are at Cove, Montrose are at Alloa and Annan are at Dumbarton. All tricky away ties at this stage of the season.

Pos	Team	Pld	Gd	Pts
1	Smokies	34	19	63
2	Cove	34	16	53
3	Queen Sth	34	3	51
4	Stenny	34	4	50
5	Alloa Ath	34	8	48
6	Montrose	34	-6	40
7	Kelty	34	-7	40
8	Caley Jags	34	2	37
9	Annan Ath	34	-23	36
10	Sons	34	-16	17

 

Last Six: D D W W W L  

The two draws were both 1-1 against Dumbarton (h) and Kelty (a). Three wins on the bounce v Cove (1-0), Montrose (0-1) and the title winning defeat of Stenhousemuir (4-0). Last week was the embarrassing loss to Annan at Galabank where they made seven changes to their line up and were thrashed 5-1 by Annan. It goes against the grain to be honest especially as they can still influence relegation places by their bringing the game into disrepute tactic. It's certainly not in the spirit of things and unless they field half a team this week then it smacks of dishonesty. When you leave players out with the quality of Fraser Taylor, Scott Stewart, Sam Stanton, Ryan Dow, Tam O'Brien, Aidan McAdams...... yer havin a laff guys.

 

 

Remembering Stewart Anderson who sadly is no longer with us having departed three years ago on 13th April 2022 aged just 52. A few friends of 'Big Stew' will be remembering the Big Man and having a peedie dram in his absence before the Smokies game. Join us if you like as we reminisce about better times ahead of kick-off and fondly get the craic with Big Stew in the Innes Bar from 1:00pm onward. Many a pre-match aperitif was had with Stewart before heading to the game with ample shouting juice absorbed into the body and boarding the taxi at four minutes to three (and still making kick-off).

As you can see, this painting was done by Stewart's brother, Blair. What a fantastic instantly recognisable image that captures the energy and passion, and epitomises this Gentle Giant of a character.

Cheers Stewart, missed by many  Slàinte Mhath

Here's the new barman sampling some of the wares in what could be described as a 'lock in' back in the day. Never one to shirk a challenge Stewart could easily demolish a peedie dram or equally a 31/2 pint tumbler of the black stuff in one go. A gentleman and a scholar who will be forever in our thoughts. I'm not sure what he would have thought about the current situation the club finds itself in, but I bet he would have had a few choice words for those that have contributed to our demise. More pics to follow once preview posted.

[caley100]

Excellent preview and wonderful reminiscing of our great buddy and 1 of a few no longer with us!

[Scotty]

8 minutes ago, caley100 said:

Excellent preview and wonderful reminiscing of our great buddy and 1 of a few no longer with us!

Only bar I know that had Highland Park on optic just for the big man. 

[The Mantis]

1 hour ago, tm4tj said:

boarding the taxi at four minutes to three (and still making kick-off).

Nothing has changed then

Looking forward to commemorating the big man and it just happens to be my 500th ICT game.

[big cherly]

I look forward with intrigue to Saturday’s match. It’s not the ‘last chance saloon’ as there is the final scheduled game at Montrose to follow.

My mind say's just concentrate on beating Arbroath (fortune favours the brave), however I’ll find it impossible to blank out what’s happening at Dumbarton. 

Don’t expect Arbroath will be so lax as last week, that said they have secured the league top spot, so for me, they won’t be going full tilt.

Three points would be a large step to avoiding the playoffs. A single point would normally be a reasonable result against this Arbroath team, but taking in missing/injured players, it may be not loosing on Saturday is part of the journey we need to take staying in this league. 
I’ll be there anyway to cheer the players on hoping it’s the final match at the stadium this season. 
bc 

Edited April 25 by big cherly

[Yngwie]

4 games against Arbroath this season (including league cup) and we haven’t laid a glove on them. Lost them all and we haven’t even scored a single goal. The margin of defeat also grew each time. Since the last match our form has deteriorated and we’ve lost key players.

ICT to win!

Edited April 25 by Yngwie

[Duke of Inverness]

Always subscribed to win your own games and you won't have to worry about others. 

Tomorrow though I just hope Dumbarton win!!

And hopefully Cove still have 2nd place to play for next Saturday. 

Edited April 25 by Duke of Inverness

[tm4tj]

Marcus Gill confirmed as our keeper again this weekend.

[tm4tj]

The big pint

 

Wet the head

 

A few blasts from the past...

[tm4tj]

The supporter trust said:

Bar 94 open from 12 as always!

Got a few items for auction tomorrow and we are expecting a busy one so get down early and secure a seat!

Don’t forget that Stagecoach run buses at 1pm and 2:15pm from the centre and will take you back ten minutes after full time or at 6pm.

Come down and enjoy a pint of @DogFalls before pushing the boys on the park for a big performance!

[+Gringo]

I don't think I've ever been so nervous before a football match....and I won't even be there. Hopefully this group of lads will be fired up for this one. I sincerely hope the home support put in an away performance and get right behind these lads. Support, NOT booing, is all important today. 

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne and send sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Big Stew gave us so many happy times when we were up for a game. Such a great guy who is sadly missed. The memories will never die.

Come on ICT. 

[+CaleyD]

Got a good feeling about today....but if ever there was a time when the fans needed to be the 12th man, this is it.

[+CaleyHedgehog]

I'm sure the team will get out there and do their very best today. it would be fantastic if both sets of results allowed us to secure safety today. 

Enjoy the game everyone - this team has really pulled out the stops this season and they deserve a party at the last home game.

You are amazing, titanium, and unbeeelievably good boys! Thank you for turning what we thought was going to be an awful year into an entertaining fab one. 

C'mon Caley

 

[Robert]

There should be a decent crowd there today.

Let’s all get behind every player from start to finish and help inspire them to get the result we all want and need.

Dumbarton can do us a favour but we can’t rely on that.

It’s in our own hands and we can do it.

 

[+CaleyD]

Traffic down around that area is crazy today, so allow plenty time to get there.

[CELTIC1CALEY3]

At least Dumbarton are taking Annan seriously...https://dumbartonfootballclub.com/match-preview-dumbarton-vs-annan-athletic-2/

[Ronaldo]

Up and at em boys!

[+Moogthurso]

Today is where we see Kells handle the setbacks and get a result even with a very weakened team.

 

Cmon Caley Jags.

 

We can win everything with kids.

[Duke of Inverness]

Won't be there today, but good luck to the Caley Jags

[Yngwie]

Fantastic first half for us.

[buckett]

2-0 up at half-time.

Arbroath manager will be raging at them right now so they'll be looking for a fightback.

Have to say though, if we don't see this one out we deserve to go down!

 

[STFU]

Feel like we're playing well within ourselves.  Get a third to kill it then a game against Morton for sixth place next week.

[STFU]

...and Billy Mckay obliges.

[Caley Mad In Berks]

Wonderful, well done boys, keep it up. Dumbarton doing us a favour too.  Happy days.

[Yngwie]

Superb 3-0 win, well done ICT.