Latest news with #Kellacher
Press and Journal
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Paul Chalk: Which Caley Thistle players could be on the title charge with ICT next season?
Caley Thistle's preparation for next season has already kicked off – but who will be central to their bid for promotion back to the Championship? In a year when administration reshaped the squad – including the installation of Scott Kellacher as head coach – Inverness defied the odds to stay in League One. Bashed by a 15-point deduction last October when administration was triggered, ICT's largely young squad were asked to focus on football and forget the off-field matters as much as possible. Kellacher, who took over from sacked boss Duncan Ferguson, guided the side to 14 victories from 25 fixtures. Inverness rounded off the campaign with back-to-back wins over champions Arbroath and Montrose to finish seventh in the division, seven points clear of the relegation play-off spot occupied by Annan Athletic. Without the 15-point hit, ICT would have finished second in the league. While the club remains in administration, they cannot sign new players, but Kellacher is talking to current players who he feels can take them into the title hunt in 2026. Former club chairman Alan Savage has injected around £1million since last August, with an £800,000 offer to become the owner awaiting approval from shareholders in the next two weeks. ICT were well served this season by loanees, with Aberdeen's Alfie Stewart and Alfie Bavidge, Manchester United's James Nolan, Ross County's Connall Ewan, and Ben Brannan from Kilmarnock heading back to their clubs this summer. Academy graduate Keith Bray, the club's leading scorer with 11 goals, embarks on his new career at Dunfermline Athletic in the Championship, for whom he signed in January before being loaned back to assist ICT's survival fight. Captain Danny Devine has confirmed he's wanting to stay at the club, while goalkeeper Musa Dibaga's agent has signalled intention for the number one to thrash out an improved deal to remain at the Caledonian Stadium. Club record scorer and assistant boss Billy Mckay finished the term with three goals in three games, taking his tally over three spells to 117 goals. Mckay, a great servant to ICT, scored just five goals overall, although his role within the side changed, especially under Ferguson when he played in a deeper role. The 36-year-old forward will decide the direction for him over the coming weeks, but I'd envisage he will remain important, making an impact more from the bench, but that should not be overlooked, given how lethal he's reminded people he can be of late. The signing by Ferguson of midfielder Paul Allan was a cracker when the team badly needed another experienced player last August. The ex-Dunfermline Athletic playmaker, 25, won the League One title with the Pars in 2023 and he's a big creative spark in this side, with his nine assists only beaten by Fraser Taylor's 13 as he was at Arbroath on loan from St Mirren. Few ICT fans who were at Montrose in December will forget Allan's two late wind-assisted goals which earned a dramatic 3-2 win. I'd be stunned if Allan was not very top of Kellacher's priority list as deals are being offered. Next season, I'm expecting to see much more of midfielders Calum MacLeod, 18, Robbie Thompson, 21, and Shae Keogh, 18, with striker Ethan Cairns, 20, likely to be eager to hit the ground running after a year dogged by injury and illness. Defender Lewis Nicolson, 21, will also be available after his long-term knee injury with Ben Gardiner, 18, and Jack Walker, 19, keen to build up game-time.
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle owner-in-waiting Alan Savage confirms head coach Scott Kellacher 'will always have a role at the football club'
Caley Thistle's owner-in-waiting Alan Savage has confirmed head coach Scott Kellacher is a vital part of his long-term plans for the club. Scott Kellacher's future as Caley Thistle head coach has been confirmed by owner-in-waiting Alan Savage. Former Caley Thistle player and assistant manager Duncan Shearer, writing in his weekly Press and Journal column, said 'making Kellacher's interim role permanent should be the first order of business for incoming chairman Savage.' Some supporters have also expressed concerns over whether long-time coach and former assistant manager Kellacher was under contract at ICT. The 44-year-old Invernessian took up the head coach role last October when he replaced Duncan Ferguson as the club plunged into administration. A 15-point deduction handed out by the SPFL, allied with poor early season form, cast the Caley Jags to the foot of League One, just a few months after being relegated from the Championship. With striker Billy Mckay as his assistant and Danny Devine as captain, Inverness won 14 of the 25 games since then and maintained their place in the third tier last weekend, finishing seven points ahead of Annan Athletic, who are contesting the relegation play-offs. Savage has previously stated when delivering administration updates that he sees ICT progress next season, under his ownership, with Kellacher in charge, along with Charlie Christie still as the chief executive and experienced director Graeme Bennett on board. And Savage confirmed to The Press and Journal that Kellacher's future is assured. He said: 'Firstly, I want to place on record, my appreciation to Scott, Billy and coaches Ross Jack and Gordon Nicolson for delivering the target of keeping Caley Thistle in League One. That was crucial in terms of progressing our plans. 'With a largely young squad of players, Scott has positively led from the front to achieve results that, had it not been for the 15-point deduction, would have seen the club finish second in the division. 'I share Scott and his staff's vision of seeing Caley Thistle, with a core of strong young local talent, pushing for automatic promotion next season. 'Whatever happens at the club, Scott will always have a role at the football club. He's an employee of the company, so his long-term future is secure.' Savage, meanwhile, is hoping shareholders agree to his plea for 100% share transfers before administrators BDO hold a meeting on May 22 to propose a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) for the creditors' consideration.
Press and Journal
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle manager Scott Kellacher on why he is not taking a post-season holiday
Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher admits there won't be much down-time now the season is over – as he is already putting his plans for next term in motion. Saturday's 2-0 win at Montrose – thanks to Paul Allan and Billy Mckay goals – saw Inverness complete a challenging League One campaign in seventh place. When the administration-hit club were docked 15 points in October, they dropped to minus-three points. But they finished on 43 points – seven points ahead of main relegation play-off rivals Annan Athletic. With would-be owner and former chairman Alan Savage seeking full approval from shareholders following his £800,000 offer for the club before May 22, Kellacher is now seeking to retain as many of his youthful squad as possible for the 2025-2026 campaign. Kellacher will take a holiday – but, for now, he's getting down to the business of building his team, with midfielder Adam Mackinnon the only first-team mainstay under contract. He said: 'The hard work starts now. 'It is important to get it right, because we want to hit the ground running next season. 'You don't get a break in this game – but I wouldn't have it any other way. 'Football has been my life since I was four years old and was kicking a ball around. It is all I've known. 'I'm lucky I've got a family who understands that and lets me get on with it. 'I can't tell you how proud I am, and I told the players after the game. 'It is about the fans, too, and the staff behind the scenes pulling together, Everyone getting back behind the team. 'We knew even in my first game in October when we lost to Dumbarton, we would have something special. 'We lost 3-1 that day, but we played well enough, and our fans stuck by us that day and that's why I am over the moon for them. 'They knew if we got going, we could do something special. We have done something quite remarkable this season. 'I am so happy for everyone.' Around 500 Inverness fans made it a great atmosphere at Links Park at the weekend as they celebrated the club's survival, which was confirmed the week before with a 3-0 canter against champions Arbroath. There was also a large banner with the manager's name on it, showing their support for Kellacher. The head coach said: 'I got emotional when I saw the banner. 'It was great to see our fans as happy as they were. I couldn't believe it – there was easily about 500 at Montrose. That's incredible. 'That's what we want – we want a big following and have more at home, like we did last week with nearly 2,500 fans. 'We want them to see exciting football and everyone to be part of it.' One player who won't be back at Inverness next season in academy graduate Keith Bray. The 19-year-old midfielder, who netted 11 goals this season, signed a deal with Championship side Dunfermline Athletic in January before being loaned back to ICT for their survival fight. Kellacher praised the Isle of Lewis lad and backed Bray to excel back in the Championship – where he had limited game-time as a raw Caley Thistle talent two terms ago. He added: 'Keith has been fantastic, in terms of his attitude and everything he's given to this team. I am delighted he got his move. 'I've said in the past he's been like Graeme Shinnie when he signed a pre-contract with Aberdeen. He gave everything he had, too. 'That's boys who realise what this club has done for them – they gave them the platform- and hopefully Keith goes on to special things. 'He has given everything for the club. His contribution to the team has been fantastic. 'I hope he kicks on. Good luck to him. 'He's shown such quality. 'He just wants to play football. It will be a step up for him, but he's more than capable of playing in the Championship, there is no doubt about it.'
Press and Journal
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Montrose 0-2 Caley Thistle: Scott Kellacher reaction as ICT round off League One season on a high note
Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher thanked his 'brave' players after they rounded off their survival season with a 2-0 League One win at Montrose. The Inverness were club plunged into administration and hit with a 15-point deduction in October, but Kellacher replaced Duncan Ferguson and has guided the largely young side to 14 wins in 25 games. Last week's 3-0 victory over champions Arbroath kept them safe and this final result means they finished seventh, seven points away from the drop-zone, sending Montrose eighth. Kelty Hearts' 2-1 victory over Alloa is all that prevented the Highlanders from rounding off the most testing term in sixth position. With only a five-point deduction at the start of next season, all eyes will be on ICT to aim for the title, which was spoken about by Kellacher last week. Goals from Paul Allan and Billy Mckay earned the visitors maximum points at Links Park in what was a commanding performance on the whole, with plenty of easy-on-the-eye play to cheer their elated fans. Speaking straight after the match, Kellacher said: 'The performance was really good. 'We have really good footballers within the team, which helps. We were brilliant today. 'I can't thank the players enough for the effort and commitment they have given us throughout the season. 'They have been so brave – they are young boys, and it could easily have gone the other way. 'The players stood up, to a man, and been counted – they have been excellent. 'They played with a freedom and enjoyment on their faces today. We're all here to enjoy football. The players enjoyed it and so did the fans. 'Our job was to get safe, and we did that last week. 'We wanted to enjoy it and put on a performance. I felt we deserved the win.' To finish so clear of main relegation rivals Annan, who play off against League Two fourth-placed Elgin City next week, was another source of pride for Kellacher. He said: 'It didn't feel comfortable a few weeks ago, but the boys stuck with it and remained focused, even when we knew it would be hard. 'All credit goes to the players and fans. The way the club has pulled together is what we were wanting. 'We want to build this club into what it's capable of. 'We didn't hide the fact our aim was to stay in the league this season, but we have to aim for the title next year. 'It was hard with the 15-point deduction, but we got there in the end. 'We want to get back to the top leagues. We want to win it next season. 'I have a big smile on my face because I have enjoyed watching them play. I give them the freedom and I tell them what I want on the training ground and they take that on the pitch more often than not.' Kellacher now plans to talk contracts with players, while Alan Savage's £800,000 offer for the club should be decided later this month. The main team news for Inverness was between the posts, with number one Musa Dibaga out for three months with a torn hamstring. That meant a return on an emergency loan for Celtic B keeper Marcus Gill for a third successive game. The sole change from last week was James Nolan replacing Matthew Strachan. Gill was the first keeper called into action when he superbly pushed away a net-bound Aidan Quinn shot after Graham Webster's drive was initially blocked. Inverness took time to find an attacking mode, but they were aided by Montrose's inability to clear their lines on 19 minutes and Charlie Gilmour was not far off the mark with a drive turned wide by Keir Bertie for a corner. Keith Bray, who goes to Dunfermline Athletic in the Championship this summer after being loaned back following his signing in January, was keen to add to his 11 ICT goals this term, with Ryan Matthews on hand to deny him twice in quick succession. Allan, who scored two goals to win here late in December, then drew a decent save from Matthews from a 20-yard free-kick just before Kieran Freeman shot just wide at the other end. In first half stoppage-time, Inverness nudged in front when Mckay was picked out on the left side of the box and his cut-back was slotted home from close range from Allan. Alfie Stewart, in his final game on loan from Aberdeen, tested Matthews with a low shot, which the keeper saved just after the break. Then Mckay had an effort hooked off the line as ICT pressed for a killer second goal in front of the vocal away fans. The points were as good as in the bag on the hour mark though as Mckay lashed a searing 20-yarder into the bottom right-hand corner after Bray lined him up. The last chance came late on when Gill got down to divert a Webster shot wide for a corner. : Matthews 7, Webster 7, Watson 6 (Masson 70), Quinn 6 (Dillon 57), Freeman 7, Gardyne 6 (Sandilands 57), Williamson 6 (Brown 75), Bertie 6, Machado 7, Stirton 6, Pollard 6 (Wighton 75). Subs not used: Gill, Masson, Lyons, Maciver-Redwood. : Gill 7, Brannan 6, Devine 6 (Walker 82), Savage 6, Nolan 6, MacLeod 6, Gilmour 7, Allan 7 (Keogh 82), Stewart 6 (Thompson 75), Bray 7 (Longstaff 64), Mckay 6 (Cairns 64). Subs not used: Rebilias (GK), Ewan, Gardiner, Walker. Referee: Jordan Curran. Attendance: 1018. Man of the match: Paul Allan.
Press and Journal
01-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle's Scott Kellacher reveals plans to shape squad for next season ahead of push for League One title
Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher can't wait for this season to end – so he can start to shape his squad for a League One title tilt next year. Inverness thumped league champions Arbroath 3-0 last weekend which, allied with relegated Dumbarton beating ninth-placed Annan Athletic, ensured ICT will avoid a play-off at the foot of the table. Kellacher's young side will finish sixth if they win at Montrose in their final game of the season on Saturday, trading places with their hosts. Former chairman Alan Savage will find out before May 22 whether his £800,000 bid to buy ICT has been accepted by shareholders. Administrators BDO confirmed this week they will officially propose a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) to creditors on May 22 – with their approval the final step to ending the Highlanders' time in administration. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed for good news on that front, while Kellacher, who replaced Duncan Ferguson when administration started in October, will get down to business of getting players on board for next term. It's understood, of the main first-team, only midfielder Adam Mackinnon is under contract beyond this summer, so there's plenty of work to do, although contracts cannot be offered to new players until post-administration. Kellacher said: 'We will get Saturday out of the way and then sit down and speak to the players. 'We want to finish as high up the league as possible – that would be a great achievement. 'I think the situation is that we can offer contracts to players who are already at the football club. 'Obviously we need to wait until we're out of administration before we can try and speak to anyone else, so we'll be looking in-house first. 'We would have been doing that anyway – whether we were in administration or not, we would have been looking in-house first because the players deserve whatever comes their way because they have been brilliant. 'It's obviously not ideal in terms of trying to get players in, but there will be players out there who are desperate to come to this football club and play. 'It's our job to try and recruit the right ones to make sure they fit into what we're trying to do. 'That's the hand we've been dealt, we're not going to worry about that or feel sorry for ourselves. 'We'll be doing everything we can to make sure we've got things in place to move forward.' Injured goalkeeper Musa Dibaga is thought to be high on the wish list, with the stop-stopper's agent this week telling The Press and Journal, he hopes a deal can be agreed. Had ICT not been deducted 15 points for plunging into administration, they'd be in second spot going into this final weekend. Kellacher says keeping as many of the group together will offer them a great foundation to go for glory in 2026. He added: 'If we can keep a good number of this team together and add a few to help, we should be up there challenging. 'If you add on the 15 points we were deducted, we'd be second in the league. 'We'd have given ourselves a right good crack at it this season, but circumstances took over and it was out of the players' hands. 'We don't just want to stay in League One next year. We're a club with ambition and we want to get back to the top league. 'It might take us a while to get there but if we make small steps, that's what we're after. 'I won't hide the fact that the players have done so well, and proven how good they are in this league. 'I would like them to have a really good crack at trying to win it (the title). 'What they've had to go through this year in terms of trying to keep us in the league, it's a whole different situation that some people will never go through. 'We've won our own league in our own heads by staying up, but I would like a good few of them to stay around and try to see if they can take us to the top of the table.'
