UPDATE: Petition against Inverness Caley Thistle training move to Kelty Hearts’ Fife ground hits 1,600 signatures
A petition calling for Inverness Caley Thistle to scrap plans to move first team training to Fife has topped 1,600 signatures.
Fans furious at the decision to disengage their heroes from the city for all but match days launched the change.org campaign on Friday last week following the club’s announcement.
The relegated League One newcomers believe they can make substantial savings and attract better players by moving 135 miles south to rent Kelty Hearts New Central Park for training.
The club’s board say it has become increasingly difficult to attract players to the Highlands in recent years with transfer targets often put off by the geography.
But fans, who are set to meet in high numbers tonight at an ICT Supporters Trust have expressed anger and disbelief at the move and say it rips the soul out of the club.
The petition reads: “Following the decision to move Inverness Caledonian Thistle's playing base to Kelty in Fife, we are calling for the board to immediately reconsider.
“Inverness Caledonian Thistle has the potential to be at the heart of the community within the city, giving a source of inspiration to young footballers and young football fans.
“To move the team's training will rip the soul out of the club's relationship with the city, which needs to be nurtured rather than torn apart.
“Living in or near the city helps create a sense of community which leads to ICT tops being worn around the city, the opportunity to interact and show how much the club means to Caley fans and helps support the Inverness economy.
“ICT fans, and those who live in Inverness, who are opposed to such a disastrous decision are encouraged to sign to share frustrations with the board, and to encourage them to reconsider immediately.”
