Fan Review: Player belief helps extend Duncan Ferguson's unbeaten start
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Duncan Ferguson’s unbeaten start as Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager has extended to 5 games after an emphatic 3-1 victory at home to Ayr United on Saturday.
A brace from new signing David Wotherspoon and a Billy Mckay penalty put the Caley Jags into the driving seat before half-time, and despite an Ayr United penalty in the 2nd half, they held on to take all 3 points and jump out of the relegation zone.
Attending Saturday’s match was lifelong fan Sandy Sutherland, who contributes to fan podcast The Wyness Shuffle and as a singer-songwriter penned his own song for the team’s run to the Scottish Cup Final in June.
Sandy’s confidence has completely shifted since the appointment of Ferguson and believes that the current run of form isn’t just a new manager bounce.
“Some might say it is the honeymoon period still in full flow, for me this game showed it's maybe more than just a honeymoon period and more an effective change of direction.
“All across the pitch players seem to be raising their game, finding gears we didn’t think they had and being clinical in both areas of the pitch and showing it against some of the best teams in the league.
“While we’re down near the bottom every game requires 100% and nothing less.
“Ferguson said that himself and the players seem to be buying into that, as are the fans.
“His enthusiasm, passion and methods seem to be rubbing off on all involved.
“It would be great to see this run carry on for as long as possible and for us to get free and clear of the bottom two, Mathematically we are not so far from the playoffs.”
Sandy believes that this injection of confidence and belief showed on the park and great individual and team play made the task too difficult for Ayr United to cope with.
“Confidence has grown within the squad and it has shown in the quality of goals we have scored with the opener yesterday being another great example.
“Billy McKay did superbly well to latch onto a searching ball from Boyes and showed neat awareness to pick out Harper’s overlapping run which was knocked down by Carson for Nathan Shaw, his miss-hit turning into a great assist for David Wotherspoon who prodded it home from close range, like our goal down at Tannadice last week it was great to see us build from the back and have plenty players bombing forward to make the goal happen.”
Sandy also praised the effectiveness of the attacking threat going forward for the 2nd and 3rd goals which essentially confirmed the 3 points before the half-time whistle blew, but believed the difference in the 2nd half may have been substituting Dundee loanee Max Anderson.
“It was a surprise to see Max Anderson hooked at half time, he was an integral part of our first half performance, his range of passing and his reading of the game have been a big part of our resurgence.
“My hope is that it was precautionary due to him being on a yellow.
Despite Ayr’s consolation, Sandy didn’t believe the lead was ever under threat throughout the latter stages.
“A momentary lapse of concentration let Ayr back into the game. Akheem Rose was allowed to latch on to a pass in the box, forcing Ridgers to bring him down, and Jamie Murphy's penalty found the back of the net to offer hope.
“Despite a touch of nerves and an increase in pressure Ayr never offered anything clear cut in terms of chances and we saw the game out.
“Three goals, three points at home and finally out of the relegation zone, you love to see it!”
Looking forward to Dunfermline next weekend, Sandy is full of confidence that the unbeaten run can extend, though one minor concern he notes is the limited number of options available in midfield.
“If I have any concern, it is that we look very light for numbers in midfield.
“Anderson and Gilmour have developed an effective partnership over the last few games but we had no senior option on the bench with Longstaff deputising as a centre mid when Anderson was subbed.
“Lewis Hyde doesn’t seem to be fancied and we have no timescale on a return for Roddy McGregor or Sean Welsh, it might something that needs explored in January.”
Off the park Sandy is also happy and notes that Ross Morrison attending Saturday’s Supporters Trust meeting is a step in the right direction in creating more communication between the club and the fans.
“It was also pleasing to hear that chairman Ross Morrison was in attendance at the pre match fans meeting arranged by The Supporter’s Trust, along with Scott Young.
“Despite the turnaround of form on the pitch fans like myself have conveyed frustration and concern with matters off the pitch and that improvement is needed in communication between club and supporters, as well as the club’s long term financial future among other long-standing issues.
“I hope that the chairman has taken on board these concerns and will address them in due course, along with his directors.”
