Season preview: Caley Thistle
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After a campaign that exceeded all expectations, culminating in a first piece of major silverware and a European experience, where next for the Caley Jags? Sports Editor Jamie Durent looks at what this season has in store for John Hughes' side.
Last season was special and will probably never be repeated. Let us get that out of the way with first. Inverness took their David-beating-Goliath exploits into the stratosphere by finishing third and winning the Scottish Cup, thanks to dramatic goals in the semi-final and final that would leave Martin Scorsese mopping his brow.
It is only natural to query how the club can surpass such heady experiences. Wealthier clubs than Caley Thistle have strengthened heartily over the summer, plus the challenge presented by a rejuvenated Hearts side has to be factored in.
Inevitably, change in the playing department was bound to happen at some point after a few seasons of stability. Key figures like Graeme Shinnie, Marley Watkins and Nick Ross have departed, with the striker department having another reboot following Billy Mckay and then Edward Ofere leaving.
The new additions cannot be judged until two or three months into the new campaign. They need time to get their sea legs under them in the Highland Capital, rather than rash judgements based on the odd pre-season run-out.
Jordan Roberts has shown flashes of quality in the early days of his Caley Thistle career, while Owain Fon Williams, brought in as cover for an injured Dean Brill, acquitted himself well in the two legs against FC Astra. Nat Wedderburn has been steady, despite questions raised on signing a player from Cowdenbeath, and Dani Lopez needs games under his belt.
There is hope that their fifth signing, Congolese attacking midfielder Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo, can provide the pace and incision sorely lacking against the Romanians.
A solid start to the season will allay any fears that Caley Thistle have reached their glass ceiling. If they make it through the month of August – not inconceivable with Motherwell, Partick and Hamilton at home, St Johnstone, Celtic and Dundee away – the foundations will be there to kick on.
February arguably presents the toughest month of the season, kicking off with a potential Scottish Cup fifth-round tie. Follow that up in consecutive weekends with Aberdeen at home, then Celtic and Dundee away, you have the makings of a slide if winter exertions take their toll.
However, three of Inverness' final five pre-split fixtures are at home. Hearts, Hamilton and 'Well all have to visit the Highland Capital, sandwiched around away trips to Ross County and Dundee United. There is momentum there to be seized ahead of the final five games.
I expect Dundee's strengthening – including Caley Thistle cup hero Ross – to make them the league's surprise package this season and to nick third spot. But Inverness will not be far behind.
A strong run in one of the cups, plus a win against Aberdeen, whom they have beaten just once in the last nine, will go a long way to making it a successful campaign.
Prediction: Fourth.
Ins: Nat Wedderburn (Cowdenbeath); Jordan Roberts (Aldershot); Dani Lopez (La Roda); Owain Fon Williams (Tranmere); Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo (Étoile Fréjus Saint-Raphael).
Outs: Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen); Marley Watkins (Barnsley); Nick Ross (Dundee); Tarmo Kink (Levadia Tallinn); Edward Ofere.
Key new signing: Jordan Roberts
Netted three times, albeit against Highland League opposition, in his first three pre-season games in the blue of Inverness and could be another gem unearthed from the depths of English football.
Plucked from Aldershot, Roberts possesses pace, flair and a cannon of a left foot that will make him a valuable and versatile option for Hughes to play behind the main striker.
Could find himself playing wide left to begin with given Ryan Christie and Aaron Doran's impressive early displays, particularly in the Europa League. Will hope that the groin injury that curtailed his European experience does not keep him out too long into the season.
It is foreseeable that Roberts could see himself deployed in a similar way that Watkins was. His pace allows him to attack defenders in front of him from the wide positions, but he could also be used as a pacy option to get in behind defenders and give the midfielders a target to aim through balls at.
Player to watch: Aaron Doran
On his day, without doubt one of the most gifted players in the top flight. Always shows a willingness to be direct and get at players and more often than not has an end product, be it assists or goals.
His main gripe from last season was the lack of starts he received. Out of his 38 appearances last year, only 17 came from the start, yet a return of six goals and three assists cannot be sniffed at.
Hughes his shown faith in him early doors by giving him 90 minutes in both legs of the Europa League second qualifying round tie. Doran often looked like Caley Thistle's most dangerous player and had the better of the chances as his side searched for that elusive goal.
The departure of Watkins means there is a void for a creative and dangerous attacker to be filled. With the incentive of a new contract and a personal target of reaching double-figures in goal, there is no reason why Doran cannot claim that mantle.
Area to focus on: Contracts
With only four players – Gary Warren, Josh Meekings, Greg Tansey and Richie Foran – tied up beyond the end of this season, tying players down to new contracts early is crucial if the club's fabled core stability is to be maintained.
The fact that players do not have to wait until they are out of contract to negotiate with other clubs puts a little bit of urgency on this matter. Once players enter the final six months of their contract, they are free to talk to other clubs about their next move and it is an avenue we saw Shinnie use last season.
Ryan Christie's new deal may be the most pressing given that the figures talked about for his services would make most Premiership sides rush to the bank in a Securicor van.
The Scotland under-21 international is, rightly so, a hyped prospect, and Caley Thistle will hope he does not go the same way as Watkins, Graeme and Andy Shinnie in leaving the club on a free transfer.
