Head coach calls for fans to cheer Inverness Caledonian Thistle on to promotion in play-off final with victory against St Johnstone
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HEAD coach Billy Dodds is asking the fans to help Inverness Caledonian Thistle make history by becoming the first team to win promotion to the Premiership after six matches in the play-offs.
Inverness tackle St Johnstone in the Premiership play-off final first leg at the Caledonian Stadium tonight where a large crowd is expected to turn up.
Dodds says the team have been thankful for the support they have received from fans this season, and is asking them to get right behind the team tonight as they bid to get back into the Premiership for the first time in five years.
“A large crowd fits the occasion. That’s what comes with the territory when you reach finals,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to it, as I always do. My players are ready. It’s going to be a tough battle and we can’t wait. We have earned our right to be here and we will give it our best shot.
“We had 2200 here against Arbroath and they make a difference, they are the ones who can help us over the line.
“I am delighted we got that week and they have played a massive part home and away.
“I want the boys to make history.
“We would be the first team to do it after six play-off games.
“But to get back to the Premiership would be fantastic for the club.
“We want to be there and we have given ourselves a great opportunity to do it.”
St Johnstone ended the Premiership campaign losing 4–0 to Hibernian, although they did make six changes to the starting line-up knowing they would have to face Inverness in the play-off.
Having two days extra rest after their epic penalty shoot-out win over Arbroath, Dodds believes their victories in the previous two rounds of the play-offs can set them up to beat St Johnstone.
“We have momentum and confidence.
We are, however, up against formidable opposition who won the cup double last season.
“Although they’ve not had a good season, they still have good players, so we will have to be at our best.
“I am still positive going into these games because of where we’ve been and what we’ve come through.
“We had a brilliant start then never won a game for a long period of time.
“Suddenly we’re back in the groove and have had a brilliant run and end to the season.
“I want that to continue and you have to handle the ups and downs.
“We must remember St Johnstone were bottom of the league and they got themselves off to reach the play-offs.
“Callum Davidson, nor his team, will have wanted this. We are where we are, so we will get on with it.”
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