Inverness Caley Thistle boss confirms no players out of contract offered new deals yet
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MANAGER Duncan Ferguson says no players out of contract at Inverness Caledonian Thistle have been offered new deals yet as the club waited to see what division they were playing in next season.
The boss confirmed that a number of players who are out of contract had not been offered new deals yet as Inverness lost 5-3 on aggregate to Hamilton Academical in the Championship play-off final.
Ferguson said after the press conference yesterday the club was waiting to see what division they were playing in next season before offering new deals.
He confirmed yesterday: “No players have been offered contracts. The whole thing is up in the air because they are worried about what league they are going to play in. I have only around four or five players on contract. It is not easy to motivate a team when everybody is out of contract.”
It is believed the contracts of at least 10 permanent players at the club have now expired along with nine players set to return to the loan clubs.
Manager Duncan Ferguson says he has already decided preivously which players he wants to remain at Inverness.
So whose contracts are thought to have expired?
Danny Devine
Missed the Championship play-off final second leg against Hamilton Academical after suffering injury in the first leg. Played 33 times this season for Inverness and has been a regular at centre back.
The 31-year-old is believed to have a further year option available to his contract.
Aaron Doran
A horrible situation where injury is likely to bring Aaron Doran’s time at Inverness Caledonian Thistle to an end.
Since arriving on loan from Blackburn Rovers in January 2011 before signing permanently that summer, Doran will go down as one of the club’s most technically gifted players.
However, injury has blighted his career at Inverness. And with the news this week Doran is likely to be out for nine months after suffering a knee injury against Raith Rovers in April, it is unlikely the club will be willing to offer him a new contract under those circumstances.
Shane Sutherland and Tom Walsh left the club under similar circumstances last season. And while neither of those players had as long association as Doran did, it is likely the club will put his financial resources to other use.
Wallace Duffy
Arguably his best season at the club since he joined four years ago. Traditionally at full back but called into a more central position when required, played a big part in helping creating the second best defence in the Championship last season.
The problem he had in previous seasons was he was considered second choice to David Carson at right back. But with Carson now at Livingston along with Jake Davidson being sent on loan to Hamilton, he has found first team football more often and enjoyed the challenge.
Cameron Harper
If one player has impressed this season, it is the former Culloden Academy pupil, who has a rightful claim to be named the club’s player of the season.
Traditionally at full back, found himself playing further forward on the wing than previously, but adapted to it well.
Also a real danger charging into the box and providing an assist when required.
He would like to stay at the club, but his performances on the pitch this season could attract clubs at a higher level which would be too good to turn down.
Harry Lodovica
The 24-year-old arrived last summer on a one-year deal with an option for a further year. Has made 12 appearances in the total for the club, but hasn’t played for them in 2024 due to suffering a major injury to his ankle ligaments.
Cammy Mackay
Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s number two goalkeeper who came through the club’s youth academy and has been on loan at clubs across the north during his career.
Brief spells in the first team during his career, but has mostly been behind Mark Ridgers who has kept the number one jersey on a regular basis.
Circumstances in the play-off final may determine his future at the club next season. Whether he plays a greater role or could look to move on.
Roddy MacGregor
Another product of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle youth academy and a favourite with the fans. But injury has hampered the midfielder for the past two seasons. After only making 12 appearances last season and undergoing an ankle operation in August, he has only made nine appearances in total tis season as he looks to get back to full match fitness.
Mark Ridgers
No argument the goalkeeper is a big fan favourite and on his day the best goalkeeper in the Championship.
The Inverness native returned to his hometown club in July 2017 and has been ever present in the Caley Thistle goalmouth.
Around 280 appearances during his time at the Caledonian Stadium and over 90 clean sheets.
With 33 still young for a goalkeeper, other clubs may have a look at Ridgers and think he could do a job for them if the price is right.
Nathan Shaw
An unknown left winger when he first came from English National League outfit AFC Fylde in 2022. He really impressed during the second half of the 2022/23 campaign. Despite playing regularly this season, he suffered a hamstring injury in January. Manager Duncan Ferguson attempted to rush his recovery and played his in the 1-1 draw against Dundee United. But he only lasted 29 minutes before he suffered a reoccurrence of his injury, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
Austin Samuels
A striker who has failed to break into the first team under manager Duncan Ferguson. Only 12 games in total this season with his last league match the 0-0 draw against Partick Thistle in October. When available, he has been on the substitutes bench. Unlikely he will remain next season.
Loan players returning to clubs
Max Anderson (Dundee)
Morgan Boyes (Livingston)
James Carragher (Wigan Athletic)
Jeremiah Chilokoa Mullen (Leeds United)
Cammy Kerr (Dundee)
Samson Lawal (Livingston)
Aribim Pepple (Ross County)
Alex Samuel (Ross County)
Sean McAllister (Everton)
