Five things which could keep Inverness Caley Thistle's promotion dream alive
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Deja vu appears to be setting in at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Like last season, after a promising start to the campaign, Inverness have gone eight games without a win in the Championship.
Friday night saw them thrashed 5-1 at Partick Thistle with head coach Billy Dodds saying afterwards he now knows which players are good enough for his team, and who is not.
So what needs to change to save Caley Thistle's promotion dream? Sports editor Will Clark suggests five things which could save their hopes of reaching the top flight next season.
(1) The Kirk Broadfoot factor in defence. Experienced figure needed to tighten backline.
Last season, there were many sceptics to the signing of Kirk Broadfoot at the age of 37.
However, it proved to be a masterstroke in the back four and arguably, he was the player of the season at the club. A consistent figure in the back line, not only did he offer solidity, he was an influential figure to the other players in defence. Danny Devine became a better player during his partnership with Broadfoot as centre backs.
And even during their winless run last season midway through the campaign, Inverness were still a tough nut to crack, not conceding many goals despite failing to win matches.
In the last two months, Inverness have become too easy to open up.
Friday night against Partick Thistle, the defence left goalkeeper Cammy Mackay a sitting duck. Wallace Duffy and Max Ram at centre back allowed half a yard space to the Partick attackers in the box as they fired at will at the goalmouth.
Robbie Deas isn't set to return any time soon, so priority number one during the transfer window has to be bringing in an experienced centre back who can be an authoritive voice to those around him.
Too often, especially in the last two months, there has been a lack of communication in defence.
As Broadfoot proved last season, bringing in a player in the twilight of his career who has played at the highest level may not be a bad option. Leaking five at Partick and four at Greenock can't be tolerated in the second half of the campaign.
(2) Mark Ridgers back as number one
Mark Ridgers on form is arguably the best goalkeeper in the Championship. However, he has fallen out of favour at the Caledonian Stadium.
A mistake against Raith Rovers and then being substituted at half time against Greenock Morton in a 4-0 defeat in October, led to a publicised disagreement with head coach Billy Dodds.
Ridgers then lost his place as number one to Cammy Mackay. But I believe form is temporary and class is permanent.
Having the quality of a goalkeeper like Ridgers in the squad is a huge bonus to Inverness.
Also, he does carry authority with his defence and a positive outlook during matches which is required when things don't go their way.
Recent scorelines have been harsh on Mackay in goal. His performances have not been that bad, and in my opinion he has been extremely let down by his defence.
If the backline allows attackers to go unchallenged on the edge of the six yard box, goalkeepers are on a hiding to nothing. Firhill on Friday was a prime example of that.
I'm not sure Mackay has the authority which Ridgers does carry. Whatever issue, if there is an issue, between Dodds and Ridgers, it is time to let bygones be bygones and start afresh.
3 When is Scott Allardice coming back?
When Scott Allardice is on form, he is Inverness Caledonian Thistle's best player. The conductor of the Caley Thistle orchestra, the central midfielder has the ability to dictate games and turn them in his team's favour.
It was no coincidence last season when Allardice suffered a knee injury in January, Inverness's form nosedived when they went on a run of 11 matches without a win which stretched for three months. He only returned to the squad, albeit from the bench, for the play-offs.
This season, Allardice had to come off at half time in the 1-0 win over Cove Rangers on October 15 with a thigh problem. He hasn't played since and Inverness haven't won in the Championship since.
Allardice is a leader, in my opinion a future captain, whether that is at Inverness or not.
His absence in the centre of the park has been noted. Allardice's ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck and turn things around is something which is lacking with his other midfield team mates. As soon as he is fit enough, he has to be plonked straight into the first team and hopefully things will turn around.
4 Dodds needs to use Robbo's eye to find some gems.
John Robertson may have failed to get Inverness back to the Premiership during his second stint as manager, but there was no doubt he had an eye for some top talent. Now acting as sporting director at the club, him and Billy Dodds need to work together to find players during the transfer window who are determined to fire Inverness to better things as well as their own careers.
During Robertson's second stint as manager he brought the likes of Jamie McCart and Shaun Rooney to the club and both made a big impression. Their performances eventually saw them move to St Johnstone where they were influential in the Perth outfit winning a League Cup and Scottish Cup double in 2021.
Jordan White had a successful stint at Caley Thistle before moving to Motherwell where he failed to make an impact, but is now enjoying regular first team football at Ross County.
David Carson was an unknown when Robertson brought him from Morpeth Town, but he has become one of the club's best performers as has Robbie Deas who he brought from Celtic.
I was even impressed with Nikolay Todorov during his last season at the club and was disappointed he didn't stay longer. Tom Walsh was superb during his first season at Inverness and my player of the season for that campaign.
But this season's crop of new signings have failed to make any real impact, although as the season is progressing, Nathan Shaw has impressed as games have gone on.
However Caley Thistle carry out their transfer business, Robertson has a good track record of bringing in players who have a point to prove and go on to better things. Hopefully him and Dodds can find the kind of players required during the transfer window, especially if injuries continue to be a problem.
5 Billy Dodds must stay and board must be pragmatic about current situation
It happened last season and it is happening just now, there is discontent from the supporters about the long winless run Inverness Caledonian Thistle are on and whether Billy Dodds should stay as head coach.
Last season, Inverness went on a run of 11 games without a win, but Dodds managed to turn things around and help the club reach the play-off final, although it ended in defeat to St Johnstone. But there was a sense of what could have been after their terrific start to the campaign.
Currently, Inverness are eight games without a win in the Championship, with no victory in the Championship since October 15 at Cove Rangers.
However, Dodds is having to deal with an unprecedented injury crisis, with nine players out at present. It would be hard to see any head coach deal with the situation he finds himself in at the moment well.
Fans, and the board, need to be pragmatic with the injury crisis at the club. It might be a different scenario if Caley Thistle found themselves in the same form with a full strength squad.
But Dodds did take Inverness to a play-off final last season and deserves a crack to lead Inverness until the end of the campaign.
St Johnstone set the example last season by keeping on Callum Davidson as manager when their chances of Premiership survival looked desperate. He is now guiding the Saints to mid table comfort in the top flight. Too many times, clubs are too quick to get rid of management when things are tough.
With a lack of consistency in the first team squad due to the injury crisis, it is vital a strong figure remains in charge. I remain confident Dodds is that man.
