Inverness Caley Thistle’s administrators BDO say they had to toe the line between cutting costs and staying competitive in League One as five players leave Highland capital
Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s administrators say that they could not afford to let too many players go if they wanted to remain competitive in League One this season.
It was confirmed on Wednesday evening that manager Duncan Ferguson, along with his assistant Gary Bollan and goalkeeping coach Stuart Garden, had left the club.
That same night Scott Kellacher was installed as head coach in the meantime, with Billy Mckay taking on a dual role as a player and Kellacher’s assistant, supported by Charlie Christie and the academy coaching staff.
The next morning, five players followed suit: Adam Brooks, Wallace Duffy, Flynn Duffy, Cameron Ferguson and Jack Newman; but no non-footballing staff at the club are expected to lose their jobs at this time – although some people’s hours and exact roles may change.
Administrator James Stephen said that drastic cuts to the playing squad would defeat the purpose of what they are trying to do, which is ensure the club survives and can be taken over by a new owner.
“It is a combination of Alan Savage’s ongoing commitment and also about keeping a squad together that has the remnants of being able to compete,” he explained.
“We would defeat the purpose of what we’re trying to do if we trimmed the squad down to a very thin amount.
“We’re not carrying a large squad – we’re probably down to 21 players un terms of full-timers. Injuries could catch up with us.
“I’m reasonably comfortable, looking at where we are cashflow-wise and with Alan’s support, that we’ve taken the right decision in terms of getting a balance between cutting costs and keeping the team competitive.”
Caley Thistle’s crowdfunder will remain open for the foreseeable future, with any funds raised going towards paying the running expenses that keep the football club functioning.
That said, with the costs that have been cut and the continued backing of Alan Savage, BDO expect the club’s financial picture to be stable over the coming months as they attempt to find a buyer.
In the meantime, focus will turn to clawing back the points deficit that ICT have to make up on the pitch, starting with a trip to nearest rivals Dumbarton this weekend.
Sitting 12 points behind Saturday’s opponents, it will be a mammoth task for Caley Thistle to claw back the gap and reach safety before the end of the season, but the administrators have asked for everyone – including supporters – to rally together to make it happen, and they are happy with the early signs they have seen.
"It's clearly a difficult time for the club, its staff and the city,” Stephen continued.
"It has achieved a lot in its short history. The main aim is to preserve the football club going forward.
"We have asked Scott Kellacher and Billy Mckay, who have long affinities with the club, to take over the first team and they are very enthusiastic, keen to do it, and see it as a great challenge to take the club forward.
"There’s a real desire to achieve keeping us in the league. That would be a magnificent achievement given we have been deducted 15 points.
“All I would say to the fans is ‘please come to the games, please rally around – show your support’.
“The club is still here. We have a period of stability. We need everybody in the community to be with us on this journey.
“That’s all I would say, other than to thank the club staff for the way they have dealt with us over the last couple of days. It has been a really difficult time, but everybody is pulling together which is really heartening to see.”