Manager made his mind up who he wants at Inverness Caledonian Thistle next season
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MANAGER Duncan Ferguson says he has already made his mind up on which players he wants to remain at Inverness Caledonian Thistle next season.
The majority of players in the squad are set to be out of contract at the Caledonian Stadium when the 2023/24 season has been completed.
It is believed only Adam Brooks, Charlie Gilmour, Luis Longstaff, Billy Mckay, Lewis Nicolson and Nikola Ujdur have contracts which will continue after the end of the season.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are set to play their final game of the regular season against Greenock Morton on Friday night.
Inverness require a better result against Morton than Queen’s Park have against Airdrie on Friday night to avoid the relegation play-off.
If Inverness or Queen’s Park finish in ninth place, they will face Montrose in the League One play-off semi final, with the first leg at Links Park on Tuesday night with the second leg to be played on Saturday.
The winner will face either Alloa Athletic or Hamilton Academical in a two-legged play-off final for a place in the Championship next season.
Ferguson says he made up his mind who he wants to stay at the club next season several months ago.
He said: “I made my mind up four or five months ago, the club have my thoughts on it.
“That is ongoing with the club and obviously because of the situation I’m not sure how far they are down the line with the contract offers.
“There are a lot of players out of contract and not many players in contract, we are behind the curve in recruitment, we are still waiting to see how the season will pan out.
“The club knows my thoughts on the players we want to keep. I’m sure the club are getting on with it or waiting to see if we are in the play-offs or secure our position in the Championship.”
Ferguson, joined the club as manager at the end of September replacing former boss Billy Dodds, on a three-year contract.
He says whatever happens to Inverness at the end of the season, he plans to be at the club next season.
He said: "As far as I know, I'll be here.
“That will be down to other people to decide, but I have a three-year contract, so will be here for the three years.”
Ferguson accepts there would be financial implications if Inverness go down along with its current cashflow problems.
But a decision on the appeal is not expected for a number of months.
Ferguson knows staying in the Championship and avoid dropping to League One is vital.
He said: "If any team is relegated from any division, there are financial implications. That's the same for us as it would for any club, even in England's Premier League.
"We're hoping we can stay in the division on Friday and we go from there.”
