ICT boss Hughes is taking nothing for granted
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CALEY Thistle boss John Hughes is taking nothing for granted after his club’s were handed Scottish Premiership openers against the league’s newcomers.
The Scottish Premiership fixtures released yesterday (Wednesday) gave ICT a new season kick off on August 9 with a trip to face Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park before hosting Championship winners Dundee just four days later.
Paul Hartley’s Dundee’s exploits have been overshadowed by Accies’ stunning play-off win against Hibs, which cost ex-ICT boss Terry Butcher his job.
The first Highland derby takes place at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on October 4.
January sees clubs wade through seven league fixtures, with two County and Caley Thistle meetings at either end of the month, although there are no cup-ties set for January next season.
Hughes insists his players can’t wait to return to the training ground next week and says the release of the fixtures has heightened expectations.
He told the Highland News: "It will be strange not having Hibs and Hearts in our league any more, but Hamilton and Dundee have earned the right to be here and they will be out to show that.
"We can’t wait to get started. We will get the process in place to make sure we are all injury-free and everyone has game time.
"Starting at Hamilton is one to look forward to. I know of few of their players and they are a really good side so we’ll not be taking them for granted. The game will be on the artificial surface, which will be something new, but we’ll be ready. We have a lot of work to do before then, but when the fixtures come out all the players, like me, are excited by the challenge that lies ahead."
*** See this week's Highland News for the full story and ALL ICT and Ross County's fixtures.
