Inverness Caley Thistle players hold meeting with Scottish PFA over administration fears

Duncan Ferguson admits his young squad will have experienced “shock” today as PFA Scotland CEO Fraser Wishart laid bare the dire implications of administration.

But the Caley Thistle manager will spend today lifting spirits and ensuring the squad is in the right mindset to begin the battle against a potential 15-point deduction that would accompany insolvency.

Ferguson, speaking as the Caley Thistle board held “positive” talks with one potential investor, made it clear he was preparing for the worst

It has been revealed today that Cullen businessman David Anderson, who specialises in the finance sector, held talks with club board members about a potential deal which could prevent Inverness Caledonian Thistle declaring administration.

The club also confirmed today that the deadline for bids from potential investors has now passed and will now consider what is the best way forward for Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The former Rangers, Everton and Newcastle striker described administration as an outcome “nobody should want” but vowed to stay on and fight to avert relegation even if administration strikes - so long as he isn’t told to go.

Annan Athletic visit Inverness on Saturday amid continuing dark clouds of doubt over the club

Ferguson said: “We're looking at administration, I'd say, so we need to pick up as many points as we can, especially if we end up minus 15 points.

"With the team we've got and performances, I think we can overcome that and stay in the league.

"It depends on how much the squad is cut by the administrator. It would be much more difficult with a much younger team.

“But the team from the last few weeks would overcome those 15 points.

"I just focus on my players. I am trying to motivate them and pick up the pieces. We will crack on and try to get wins.

"The players are meeting with the Scottish PFA right now and they are worried. It has been very tough for them behind the scenes.

“I think they will have been in for a shock. I’ve spoken to Fraser Wishart about what he had to say, but it is the reality unfortunately.

“We’ve just got to somehow get through it. They are young players and they have a long career ahead of them. They will get over it.

“I think we’ve done well in all the games, but certainly it can galvanise them.”

As for his own future, Ferguson was clear.

He is currently working for free, while also forking out his own cash to help withy player travel costs and numerous other expenses.

Ferguson vowed to continue to fight on, whatever happens in the next few days.

He said: “If administration happens, it will probably happen next week.

"I will then pick up the pieces if I am still here.

"If the administrator tells you to go, you go.

"That is the same for everyone in the building. I have not regretted coming here and I enjoy my job.

"I enjoy being with the players and that's why I am here.

"I am fighting for them, and I’ll fight on until told not to.

"They came here for me, so there is no way I am going to leave them.”

In fresh blows, midfielder Charlie Gilmour is facing six weeks out with a broken hand sustained after scoring against Livingston.

Loan signing from Dundee Charlie Reilly will miss another four weeks with a hamstring issue.

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