Inverness Caledonian Thistle CEO Gardiner believes fan contributions will help Championship title bid as club enters crucial period
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Caley Thistle chief executive officer Scot Gardiner is convinced the “incredible generosity” of fans can equip manager John Robertson for a serious Championship title tilt next season.
Early season ticket sales have drawn an overwhelming response from the club faithful, with almost half of last season’s tally sold in the first seven days.
Coupled with donations of nearly £10,000 in the same week – £25,000 in all during lockdown – Gardiner feels Caley Thistle are now ahead of schedule in financial recovery and preparations for October’s big kick-off.
But the club strategist also made it clear that maintaining momentum would be “absolutely critical” in determining just what shape the club’s playing squad would be in when competitive action returns.
Describing the surge in sales as breathtaking, Gardiner told of individuals giving cash gifts in lump sums or by donating the full ticket price above the 75 per cent cut, or by rounding up payments.
“We’ve been simply overwhelmed by the response from Caley Jags fans,” Gardiner said.
“We’ve reached almost half of last season’s entire season ticket total already.
“This is way beyond what we dared to hope for and we are so appreciative. There is a lot of fear at the moment in Scottish football about fans not coming back and we’re no different.
“There is the risk they get used to not watching football and, secondly, there is economic pressure on everyone.
“To get this boost in sales and donations is extremely helpful. Hitting the same season ticket numbers as last season would just make such a massive difference going forward.
“If we don’t hit that number, it would certainly bring pressure upon us. To use the doctor and patient analogy, we’re emerging from a serious health shock and the next couple of months are going to be critical.
“We’re ahead of target at the moment, but we need to keep momentum and this incredible generosity going.”
With Shane Sutherland set to complete his pre-contract move to Inverness from Elgin City, Robertson has 16 players as it stands. But signings will be vital and the quality of capture will be governed by the response of supporters.
Gaining Premiership football through the play-offs or reconstruction would have brought ICT a £700,000 cheque. Instead, they will receive £60,000, the same as Alloa and Arbroath.
“If we can hit last season’s tally, it would absolutely boost John Robertson’s budget for next season,” Gardiner stressed.
“I sent the board an update over the weekend and copied in the manager, which I wouldn’t normally do. I was letting him know we were moving in the right direction.
“It’s a decent squad, but we need players. Right now, we can’t fill the bench. It’s vital we keep encouraging our fans to rally behind us.
“Every one of them is making a massive difference to this club’s future.”
Read today's full Inverness Courier here.
