Inverness Caledonian Thistle want to noise up the league
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BILLY Dodds believes that adding a wealth of experience and vocal presence to a young Caley Thistle squad can help wipe out last season’s costly inconsistency.
The Inverness side’s promotion aspirations foundered on the rocks of missed opportunities last season, with a rash of draws costing the club a Premiership play-off place.
With proven trophy winners like Billy Mckay, Michael Gardyne and Kirk Broadfoot joining in the summer, though, Dodds believes those failings can be eradicated without diluting the verve and youthful energy shown last year.
Ahead of tomorrow’s league opener away to Arbroath, Dodds pointed out that the best teams he had played in were packed with captain types.
“Consistency will get us where we want to be,” the Caley Thistle manager stressed. “I hope experience helps and that’s why I brought those players in. Even in the six or seven weeks I was here with Neil McCann last season, I felt that we just needed that extra someone in certain games.
“I noticed it was really quiet on the park and us on the sidelines were doing the shouting to drive them on.
“I felt a wee bit of experience might help the younger ones and the players we’ve signed are talkers and organisers, good people for the young boys to learn from. I feel I have brought the right type to the club.
“We don’t want the experience of those coming to the end of their careers who might struggle or lack hunger. These lads are still driven. That was one of the ingredients that was missing.”
Dodds outlined the hard work put in on shape and other aspects after the Cove Rangers defeat in the League Cup, with much better on show in the narrow defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
The Caley Thistle manager has one or two late calls to make on undisclosed fitness issues.
“Arbroath is always a challenge and Dick’s right to highlight them being the best part-time team in Scotland. They are excellent and a hard nut to crack, but I am looking forward to it.
“It’s a challenge, but one we’re looking forward to. If you are not ready for the first day of the season, mentally and physically, there’s something wrong.”
