One Direction: United voice is needed to take Caley Thistle forward
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In his latest Friday column, sports editor Jamie Durent calls for unity to steer Caley Thistle back on the path to success.
SINGING from the same hymn sheet, reading from the same page, call it what you want. It just is not happening and people are suffering because of it.
If you are a Caley Thistle fan then you will have seen the contrasting messages put out by the club's board and manager John Hughes over the past fortnight. It does not take Hercule Poirot to see that there are some strong differences of opinion behind-the-scenes.
There is no doubt the Caley Jags have struck a few bum tunes this season. Missing out on the top six for the first time in four years, regardless of injuries, should be seen as unacceptable.
Some would argue that without the farcical split setup, that aim would be achieved. But only recent points picked up against teams in the bottom six have propelled them into that position. Where was this form earlier in the season?
What we have seen since then is an apparent blame-game that is being played out in the court of public opinion. Hughes comes out saying the squad needs more investment and that he was expecting contracts to be done by now. The board and chairman Kenny Cameron respond with the missive that Hughes has been backed greater than any manager in Caley Thistle history and that the top six was achievable.
That is not the image of two key figures singing in harmony. Omni-present turbo-roaster Wagner could hold a better note.
Whatever issues are rumbling on need to be resolved. And fast.
There are two pivotal groups here that are being affected: the players and fans. Many of the playing squad are in limbo, not knowing if they will be here next season or not. The core group that have re-signed will be wondering just who is going to accompany them next season.
Add to that popular, influential dressing-room characters like David Raven and Dean Brill, who are both desperate to play and stay, heading for the exit. Add to that club captain Richie Foran making noises that he may not be here next season. Add to that just eight players being signed up for 2016-17.
Fans will rightly be wondering just what is going on. They have a core of fans that regularly travel ridiculous distances on inopportune dates just to support their team.
They stuck two fingers up to the SPFL fixture boffins by still turning up for Wednesday's meaningless game with Hamilton Accies – a 340-mile round trip on a week-night. Regardless of number, the commitment of Highland football fans should never be questioned, given the excessive distances they clock up over the course of a season.
It is vital everyone pulls in the same direction. Situations like this do not breed stability. They end up with clubs ploughing into icebergs and going under. Just look at Dundee United.
The core reason behind Caley Thistle's success in the 2010s has been the well-documented unity, not just on the field but in all facets of the club. You just need to see pictures of the cup final celebrations as evidence.
Both sides have their points. Hughes is right to be ambitious. No-one wants to settle for being Scottish football's Steve Brookstein, a one-hit wonder now destined to roam around the pub circuit for all eternity.
But Caley Thistle, particularly in the modern era, have made their living off being frugal. They have had their fingers burned before by the excesses of previous regimes and the long-term health of the club, obviously, comes first. No-one will understand the financial limitations of the club better than the board.
What needs to be found is common ground. A shared objective. A long-term plan put in place to ensure that Inverness are not put in this position again.
Their song needs to be one that makes the supporters' hearts' sing. Not break.
