Inverness Caley Thistle head coach Scott Kellacher makes the case for the Caledonian Stadium after talk of a possible move to the University of the Highlands and Islands campus

Scott Kellacher has set out the emotional case for Caley Thistle remaining at Caledonian Stadium after talk of a cost-cutting move to the UHI campus.

Rather than dabble in club politics in turbulent times, the ICT head coach has steadfastly worked to retain a focus on football matters among the football staff and players.

That was no different at the close of a week which began with dark talk of liquidation, before renewed hope of an administration exit.

In among it all, club financier Alan Savage raised the possibility of a move away from 7,512-capacity Caledonian Stadium, opened in 1996 and upgraded in 2004, to Inverness Campus.

Savage favours a smaller, cheaper purpose-built stadium rather than the current one which he described as “too big and costly to run”, adding: “Maybe in a few years we could move to Inverness Campus and have a fit-for-purpose stadium.

"With a bit of goodwill from HIE and Highland Council, and rich people in Inverness, it's not a big job at all to turn this club around."

Plain-talking Kellacher made it clear his preference was to retain the club’s roots on Stadium Road.

“I absolutely love this ground. It has been my life for the past 21 years,” Kellacher, player and coach under numerous ICT managers, said.

"The Caledonian Stadium is a very special place for a lot of people.

"There was always talk of the stadium being built in other places, but there have been special times and special games out there on the park - great memories.

“You can't get away from the good times. It's very important we realise that as well.”

Kellacher’s success in transforming the mood at the home stadium shouldn’t be underestimated, given his brand of free-flowing, entertaining football.

After yet another week of highs and lows off the field, he stressed: “We've tried to keep the boys focused on football.

"Hopefully, we will have positive news soon, which has been good to hear. The main thing is we, the staff and players, stay focused on what we're trying to do, prepare as best we can for Saturday. We won't get caught up with anything else.

"But it does spur you on. If there is any positive news coming out of the club, that's great for the fans, the players, the staff - everyone.

"This is a special football club, which has done so much over the years for the city of Inverness. It's important the fans keep coming along.”

Without the 15-point administration penalty, ICT would occupy fourth place this weekend, not visiting Alloa.

After last weekend’s unfortunate defeat to Annan, Kellacher will ask for more of the same from his players.

He added: “I know how hard every game is. We need to be at our best. Performance-wise against Annan, we didn't get what we deserved.

"We played some good stuff, but this is a different game and Alloa have been great this season.

"Hopefully we can kick on and see where it takes us come the end of the season.”

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