Inverness Caley Thistle head coach Scott Kellacher calls potential in extra prize money a bonus as he prepares side to wrap up League One campaign in style at Montrose
Although some may think there is nothing for Inverness Caledonian Thistle to play for this weekend against Montrose, the club’s accountants will be keeping their fingers crossed for a victory.
The Caley Jags secured their League One status for next season by beating Arbroath 3-0, which coupled with Dumbarton’s win over Annan Athletic means that Inverness cannot drop back into the relegation play-off.
However, just one point separates Kelty Hearts in sixth, and Montrose in eighth, with Caley Thistle right in between them.
Based on last season’s prize money, there is a £7000 difference between what is awarded to sixth and eighth, so that is what is potentially on the line for Inverness.
Last season, Kelty Hearts earned £108,000 for finishing in sixth place in League One. Queen of the South received £104,000 for finishing in seventh and Annan Athletic were given £101,000 for finishing in eighth.
For a club that will still be in administration for at least three more weeks, every penny counts to put them on a stronger footing for next season.
“Take the money out of it, we’re a club that wants to finish as high as possible in every league and cup we’re in,” head coach Scott Kellacher said.
“That means we’ll be going out there on Saturday trying to win the game, because it’s important to us to finish as high as we can.
“If we can get that extra bit of money coming in, that’s a bonus.”
Kellacher has already said he will be putting out his strongest squad to try and win on Saturday, and that number will include the return of goalkeeper Marcus Gill on loan from Celtic in the absence of injured fans’ player of the year Musa Dibaga.
Ben Brannan will also be back with the club days after lifting the Scottish Youth Cup with parent club Kilmarnock, and Kellacher made sure to take time to thank the clubs who have assisted ICT with loans this season.
“The loan players that have come in have been brilliant,” Kellacher added.
“I can’t thank Aberdeen enough, Stuart Duff, Stevie Gunn and Graeme Shinnie getting involved to help us out.
“That’s what you want, players who have been at this club helping out and asking their opinions.
“Alfie Bavidge played a massive part for us, and I was gutted to see him get injured but he was a big part of crucial games for us with the goals he scored. Alfie Stewart has got stronger for us as the season has gone on too.
“Ben Brannan coming in from Kilmarnock was thanks to Derek McInnes and Paul Sheerin, and we spoke to Robbie Deas as well.
“That’s the trust that you build up over years of speaking to people at different times, and trusting people.
“Celtic have helped us out with Chris McCart, Colin Meldrum and Jonny Hayes. As much as it’s other coaches at clubs, there are also players there, who have been here, that have helped us as well and we trust.
“I can’t thank these clubs enough, because they have helped us out a lot and I’m grateful for that.”
