Goalkeeper says it was right for Inverness Caley Thistle to let former captain leave
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Mark Ridgers paid tribute to Sean Welsh after the former club captain left Inverness Caledonian Thistle last week.
The 33-year-old midfielder was allowed to leave on a free transfer, and would go on to score the winning goal for new club Queen’s Park against Raith Rovers last Saturday.
Losing an experienced player to divisional rivals for no fee caused some consternation among Caley Jags supporters, but Ridgers says he understands the move.
In fact, Ridgers fully supports the club’s decision to let Welsh leave given the years he had dedicated to Inverness.
“Sean Welsh had been here pretty much the whole time I have,” Ridgers explained.
“He is a great lad, and it was great to play with him for so long. He unfortunately had some injuries, but when he played he gave us his all.
“I think getting back down the road was one of the main reasons he left having spoken to him. The club didn’t stand in his way, and rightly so because he has served this club and he was our captain as well.
“I know from speaking to Sean that his family moved back down the road at the beginning of the year. He was always going to leave the club at some point, so the club haven’t stood in his way.
“Yes it’s disappointing for us, but fans have to realise that footballers are human beings too.
“His family and kids have been away from him. I obviously came back up from the central belt, so I know it’s hard being away from family, and Sean’s decision was about that I think.
“I have no idea what went on between him and the club, but I imagine it was along those lines.”
Welsh was not the only player to leave ICT last week, with Zak Delaney also being allowed to leave on a free, signing for another Championship side – Arbroath.
Caley Thistle’s options have been boosted by the arrival of James Carragher, and manager Duncan Ferguson has already confirmed he is looking to be active in the second half of the transfer window.
Ridgers certainly hopes that will be the case, adding: “Zak will be missed as well around the dressing room.
“The manager has ideas of players he wants, players he wants to stay as well, so (the departures are) one of those things that we can’t focus too much on.
“He has contacts, and he has already brought in James Carragher. I’m sure there will be a few more to come too.”
