Head coach Billy Dodds aiming for play-off qualification as soon as possible to release pressure on Inverness Caledonian Thistle squad
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Billy Dodds wants Caley Thistle to strip away the pressure in the Championship run-in by sealing a promotion play-off spot at the earliest opportunity.
The resurgent Inverness side have tucked away six goals in crucial back-to-back victories over leaders Arbroath and promotion rivals Raith Rovers.
After 11 winless matches, the two triumphs were all the more transformative given Partick Thistle’s slump to three straight defeats.
Third in the table approaching tomorrow’s visit of John Hughes’ Dunfermline – also rejuvenated after a 4-1 victory over the Jags – manager Dodds sees huge value in putting the play-off issue to bed quickly. A pressure-free Caley Jags would then be well-placed to make mischief and prey on any slip-ups by Arbroath and Kilmarnock above them.
“We have to try to cement it now,” Dodds said. “I would prefer it earlier so it takes the pressure away. I don’t want to be going into the last couple of games needing three or four points to make sure we are in the play-offs.
“I want to get it done now. The earlier we get results, the more we are going to enjoy our football. It has been a couple of huge results, but I want to keep it going now.”
While spirits were never broken during the poor run, Dodds admits that breaking the poor run has lifted the mood inmeasurably.
“We all know that if you are losing games, it’s quiet. It’s human nature, even when you remain positive,” he said. “When you win games, there’s a difference in the atmosphere. There’s a different mindset.
“I just want to see where it takes us, but I want it to be done now. I want to relieve pressure, like every other team in this division will want to do.
“Around the club and the training ground, it has definitely notched up a wee level, but every player at my disposal knows they can’t just turn up and beat Dunfermline. They have got to be concentrated in every department.”
Winger Sam Pearson is on under-21s duty with Wales.
