Supporters react after Inverness Caledonian Thistle are relegated to League One
FANS are coming to terms that Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be playing in League One next season as they were relegated after losing 5-3 on aggregate to Hamilton Academical in the Championship Play-off final.
A 2-1 defeat at New Douglas Park on Wednesday night, followed by a 3-2 defeat at the Caledonian Stadium yesterday, means Inverness will be playing in the third tier of Scottish football for the first time in 25 years.
Supporters took to the Inverness Courier Facebook site to react to the result and the incidents which took place last night.
Aileen Macleod says it was the worst season she has seen in all her time as a Caley Thistle supporter.
She said: “I am and always will be a supporter of Caley, unfortunately this season has been the worst I have seen.
“The team seemed to have no desire or fight to play some games, not all the players .
“It’s time for everyone to take a long hard look to ask themselves how this has happened. I wish all the players and all background staff all the best for the future. Time to fight back and return to where I know the team can be.”
Niki Mackintosh says she could understand the reaction of angry fans at full time, but says problems at the club can’t just be attributed to their current board.
She said: “Young lads disheartened and disillusioned which is fair enough. The problems with their club don't begin and end with their current board though.”
Mark Gowdie highlighted the number of empty seats at yesterday’s game, with attendance of 2863, in a stadium which has a capacity of 7512. He said it highlighted a lack of support for the club on what was a vital day for the club.
“Where were the fans? Crunch time crucial game and empty stands!”
Hayley Downie says the relegation will come as a huge blow to young supporters.
“Devastated for the young fans In Inverness. My boy will support the club no matter what though. Caley is his team.”
George Maclennan also agreed on the impact relegation will have on young fans.
“Feel sorry for all the young loons that go to Caley Park, game after game. And that's what their loyalty has got them.”
Ross County supporter William Miller says he has missed the Highland derbies and hopes that the days of Ross County facing Inverness Caledonian Thistle again will return soon.
He said: “As a Ross county supporter I’m definitely not going to gloat like some will do, quite the opposite.
“ I’ve wanted Caley back up in the Premiership, I miss the banter the singing and atmosphere of the local derbies.
“As a total outsider it seems to me it’s upstairs the Caley troubles come from and over a period of time, the managers and players face the wrath of the supporters but are they really that much to blame?
“Upstairs need a clear out and get hungry for success people in with the club in their heart. I wish the club all the best and hope this is a one year blip and you start climbing next season.”
William Calder says he has faith in Duncan Ferguson to get Inverness Caledonian Thistle out of League One next season and back into the Champoionship.
“I have faith in Duncan Ferguson he will pull us out and get us back where we belong myself and my son will buy our season ticket and support ICTFC all the way.”
George Maclennan believes if Ferguson gets the right backing from the board, he can get Inverness back up. But feel a change is needed at board level.
He said: “Big Dunc is not the problem! Need to clean out upstairs. I agree he will bring it back given the backing.”
However Jonny Campbell believes Ferguson needs to resign as manager following the club’s relegation.
“Ferguson is not a manager pure and simple.
“If he had any respect for the club and fans (which he doesn't) he would resign.
“He's more interested in his massive pay packet for doing an awful job. That's enabled by the pish poor board. Support the team yes but don't just be blindly loyal.
Andrew Mackenzie agreed saying: “He had plenty of time to turning around poor team selection.”
Chris Calder believes a change in manager and board is needed.
“Was always going to happen after Duncan’s Ferguson's honeymoon period. He may be high profile name but not right man for job. He only got it because of name. He only took it thinking it would be for spring board to bigger clubs if he succeed. Club needs big investment too though.”
Read more on the Inverness Courier Facebook site.