Kelty Hearts insist ‘unique partnership’ with Inverness Caley Thistle ‘makes sense’
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League One side Kelty Hearts are delighted to be in a ‘creative partnership’ with Caley Thistle which sees the Inverness club switch its first-team training base more than 130 miles away to the Fife club’s facilities.
ICT fans have expressed anger at the move and some commentators have made their feelings known on the social media announcements by both clubs.
• Inverness Caley Thistle Supporters Trust attacks decision to relocate first team training to Fife
Caley Thistle sent shockwaves through the local football and business communities yesterday with the move, saying it was necessary to counter the high cost of accommodation in the city and difficulties in attracting players to Inverness. It came after Inverness’s relegation to League One was confirmed last Saturday.
The ICT board views it as a means to tap into and compete in the central belt player market and attract a better calibre of players, while cutting expenditure substantially in the face of reduced income.
A statement by their new landlord reads: “Kelty Hearts Football Club are delighted to announce an innovative agreement with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC which will see the Highlands club move their training base to the New Central Park Stadium, Kelty.
“This creative partnership will see ICTFC hire the NCP facilities, which include a 3g pitch, onsite grass pitches and offices for their coaching staff, as a training base during the week.
“When the two clubs originally started exploring this concept, ICTFC were still playing in the Championship, however next season will see them also playing League One football, but it still makes sense for both clubs to forge ahead with this unique partnership.
“We would like to thank [ICT] chairman Ross Morrison, the board of ICTFC and [ICT] CEO Scot Gardiner and his management team for considering this unique SPFL partnership and agreeing on the possibilities and benefits for both clubs.”
It is unclear how long the deal is for.
The Kelty Hearts announcement has attracted more than 100 comments on Facebook.
Fraser Morrison stated: “I can understand why you're delighted. Nobody who supports ICT is though! What an absolute shambles we are.”
Nicol Adie said: “Congratulations Kelty you've played a blinder. Getting one of your competitors to fund your season. It hurts me to say it but I hope you finish above us in the league, that might just let the ICTFC board know how ridiculous this plan is.”
Ronnie Forsyth commented: “This makes no sense at all from an ICT point of view.”
Rob MacJackson stated: “The worst and most insane footballing decision in my lifetime absolutely bonkers and it will destroy Caley Thistle and it’s staff and the fans… stupid on every level!”
Ross McGuire commented: “ICT are a laughing stock. Don’t care about fans, young players, community building or the city itself. The board has run them into the ground and now we have to listen to this rubbish about ‘innovation’. Garbage.
“Well done Kelty Hearts. You got something out of Inverness, as you should when the chance arises. It’s us that should hang our head in shame.”
Callum Laing said: “They have done this so they can attract more players who may not want or are unable to relocate to the Highlands.”
