Caley Thistle fan Daniel Hutcheson excited after Duncan Ferguson's winning start
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle's new manager Duncan Ferguson got his tenure at the club off to a winning start, after a 3-2 victory at Gayfield Park against Arbroath on Saturday.
Goals from Luis Longstaff, Aaron Doran and record goalscorer Billy Mckay were enough to hold off a late comeback by the Red Lichties, seeing ICT record their first league victory of the season.
The buzz of appointing new manager Duncan Ferguson was apparent with over 200 Caley Thistle fans making the 3+hour journey to the Angus coast for the match.
One of which was long term supporter Daniel Hutcheson (24), who made his first away trip of the season and was delighted with his decision after the full time whistle.
"The era of ‘Big Dunc’ is underway and it was a near perfect start.
"The performance as a whole was much improved, it seems as if some players have found a new lease on life."
Daniel thought that the collective effort and excellence from all over the pitch was notable and crucial in helping to get the three points back home.
"Aaron Doran who combined with Luis Longstaff was a constant problem from the Arbroath defence.
"It wasn’t 90mins of worrying about a ridiculous defensive error, instead it was the combination of Boyes and the very impressive Nikola Ujdur barely put a foot wrong all game.
"Billy Mckay and Nathan Shaw were causing a rollercoaster of issues for the Arbroath backline while Gilmour and Anderson weren’t afraid to get stuck into midfield battles.
"To a man, it was a great performance from the starting XI, the subs however did leave a bit to be desired."
With change understandable now Ferguson is at the helm, Daniel was not too worried that Caley Thistle just held on noting that it will take time to get used to new formations.
"There were still some weak points, the performances of those coming off the bench for one, but generally speaking it was much more positive and enjoyable watch than anything we’ve seen since the tail end of last season.
"Tactically, it was refreshing to venture away from the ‘4-2-3-1 followed by hoofball and hope’ of Dodds and Robertson before that.
"However the choice to go to what looked like a 5-Back was a bit too early in my opinion, the 4-4-2 setup was allowing us to get forward on the break effectively, as seen when the aforementioned Doran and Longstaff combined for the second goal.
"The substitutions made didn’t feel like they added anything to the game, however it should be remembered that Ferguson has just come in and will still be learning the players and their respective strengths and weaknesses."
Daniel is wary of getting carried away after one result however he believes that changing management and getting the fans back on board is the first positive step back in the right direction.
"Whilst ultimately, it is far too early to get carried away and assume that ‘Caley thistle are back’, this weekend was the first step in doing so.
"The fans seem to be behind the manager, and Big Dunc has shown a level of passion not seen for a long time.
"His record at Forest Green will no doubt keep a few on the side of caution, however that gig was a poisoned chalice and his CV wouldn’t be what it is if he was just another jobber.
"Time will tell, but if he can lead us to a string of improved performances like the one at Arbroath, then the club will heading the direction we’ve wanted since 2017.”
If you are a Caley fan and you would like to share your thoughts on a league game this season, contact me at craig.mclean@hnmedia.co.uk for a chance to feature.
