Latest news with #ScottKellacher
Press and Journal
30-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Alan Savage on 'innovative' Caley Thistle recruitment plans - including approach to Brighton chief Tony Bloom
Caley Thistle owner-in-waiting Alan Savage plans to forge a link with Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion as just one of several 'innovative' plans for the Highlanders. The former ICT chairman should find out after next Thursday's company voluntary arrangement (CVA) meeting whether his £800,000 offer for the administration-hit League One club has formally been accepted. The summit should draw a line under Inverness' stay in administration, and boss Scott Kellacher can then make signing moves for players – something they're not permitted to do at present. New contracts have already been agreed with existing players Billy Mckay, Danny Devine and Luis Longstaff, plus a host of pros aged 21 or under, while midfielder Adam Mackinnon is also under contract for next season. Having survived in League One during the 2024/25, despite an administration-induced points penalty, the 2015 Scottish Cup winners, hope to make it back up to the Championship in the new season, with financial issues behind them. Savage has a network of people working to attract talent to the Caledonian Stadium this summer. Producing local talent through the club's academy is also a priority, but Savage revealed how he is already using contacts to lure players north – and how he will lead the charge by contacting Brighton and Hove Albion's majority owner and chairman, Tony Bloom to try to forge a link. Bloom – who is set to take up a 29% stake in Premiership Hearts to the tune of a £10million investment – runs the company Jamestown Analytics for recruitment. Savage said: 'There will be a balance between the youth players and those who come in, but in the right proportions – we want to be a Scottish football club. 'Steve Paterson (former ICT manager) has got a contact in Manchester and his job is to find players who have maybe not made it at Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton and Bolton, for example, and find them a place in football – he might well be able to get us a couple of good players. 'One of my ambitions is for this area to be the Brighton of the north. I'm going to even write to Tony Bloom to try to see whether we can create a relationship with them. 'Clearly, they can find great players. 'I want the people who work for the club and all the fans and players to just stick to football and the basics, respect one another, and work hard to improve the club. 'We have enough contacts between Charlie Christie (interim CEO), Scott Kellacher, Steve 'Pele' Paterson, and (former director and ex-vice chairman) Graeme Bennett. 'They all want to be innovative, and we will take some risks in what we're doing, but if we take players in from different clubs, we will look after them.' Off the field, plenty of work is ongoing to try to bring in cash now and for years to come. Speaking at the latest Football Memories meeting, run by the ICT Community Trust, Savage highlighted several advanced plans to make the Caledonian Stadium more than just a venue for matchdays. He said: '(Costumes for the) Nessie and Nessa mascots are being made in Manchester. 'I'm also wanting to put a conservatory on the front of the stadium, so we can have a cafeteria. 'I'm also looking to see whether we could even start the North Coast 500 (516-mile road trip around the west Highlands) from here. 'New dugouts have been installed, and there's a new singing section in place. 'A lot of painting has taken place, and some new seating installed. 'It doesn't cost a lot of money, but it is us saying to fans that we appreciate their support and we want them to come back regularly. 'We're working closely with the ICT Supporters' Trust and we'll make sure fans are looked after here. 'On Sunday mornings, for example, we'd have the cafeteria open, and this area will become a focal point. 'We're thinking about building a stage at the back of the North Stand, so this could be like the (former) Ironworks (music) venue in the summer. 'There is no reason why it can't be the centre of the community. 'A lot of businesses have done well in Inverness, besides (Savage's own) Orion Group, and we want to welcome them to the party and ask them to put a few quid in. 'We have a lot of things going on here, which we hope can spin into income. 'It's just about reminding people in Inverness they don't need to support Aberdeen, Ross County, Celtic or Rangers – why not support your own club here? 'I think we can attract more fans, especially when you consider the way we played football here last season. 'Opposition clubs often told us we were the best League One club they played against.' Savage, detailed how the club have also spent money to ensure injured players have been taken care of. This is in sharp contrast to the treatment of former player Aaron Doran last summer, who had to rely on the efforts of fundraising friend Shane Sutherland for helping put money toward much-needed surgery. Savage said: 'This year, we've spent around £30,000 on getting injured players treatment. 'They've not been left like Aaron Doran was. 'We're going to treat people better, stick to the basics, and demonstrate it's a good experience here.' Savage hopes to be confirmed as the owner of ICT imminently and he underlined why he wants 100% ownership in a bid to take the club forward. He added: 'I've had some criticisms from some people, saying I'd be like a baron running the club – but the idea is that I want clarity, governance, and with no distractions. 'If it goes right, it will be my responsibility. And if it goes wrong, it will be my responsibility. I don't mind that. 'I don't like working with committees. 'I asked three other people to put 25% each in and they didn't, so I'm in the position where I'm funding (the club) 100%. 'Therefore, I can't be criticised for running the club in my own way.' Savage also confirmed the club will have new kits delivered and ready for the new season.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Historic SPFL club sign up 11 players and let seven leave as they prepare to rebuild after year of financial turmoil
They are hoping for a better season next year MONEY TALKS Historic SPFL club sign up 11 players and let seven leave as they prepare to rebuild after year of financial turmoil Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TO say it's been a year of ups and downs for Inverness Caledonian Thistle would be an understatement to say the least. But after surviving the drop against all odds and now preparing to exit administration, the club is looking to rebuild for the future. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 It's been a season of turmoil for Inverness Caley but it's ending on high Credit: Kenny Ramsay - Commissioned by The Sun 2 Alan Savage is behind a deal to get the club out of administration Credit: Ken Macpherson - Commissioned by The Sun Glasgow Scott Kellacher - who recently featured on our One-on-One series - was appointed manager in October after previous boss Duncan Ferguson left the club as they were unable to pay him and his players. At that point it looked as though Caley Thistle were doomed. They had been slapped with a 15-point deduction for entering administration and the financial outlook was grim, with club chiefs having knocked back a £1.2m bid to save them. As recent as March the club was at serious risk of going under as there were no serious offers to take them out of the doldrums. The economic issues meant they faced losing up to three-quarters of their playing squad. But last month a deal was agreed that would see them EXIT administration and a few weeks later they officially beat the drop thanks to a 3-0 win over eventual League One champions Arbroath. Inverness aren't completely out of the mire yet but the future looks much brighter now - and they have started planning for next season. Kellacher will aim to build on this season's seventh-placed finish and 11 players have been handed new contracts ahead of the upcoming campaign. Four stars remain locked in talks over extending their deals and a further three youth players have signed their first pro contracts. One player has been released and six loanees have returned to their parent clubs. Scott Kellacher on saving Inverness Caley Thistle from the brink, his Celtic days & meeting Al Pacino A statement from the club read: "Inverness Caledonian Thistle can now give the following squad update following the end of season 2024/25. "The club are pleased to confirm 11 players in total have agreed new contracts and three players from the ICTFC Academy have agreed their first professional contracts. "A full statement regarding the Academy players who have agreed their first professional contracts with the club will be released in due course. "The club can also confirm that striker Ethan Cairns will be released upon expiry of his current contract. Ethan had been with the club since he was 9 years-old and signed for the club full-time in 2021. In total Ethan made 22 appearances for ICTFC and scored once. Everyone at ICTFC would like to thank Ethan for his contributions while at the club and wish him the very best in the future. "Six loan players have returned to their parent clubs: Alfie Bavidge, Ben Brannan, Keith Bray, Connall Ewan, James Nolan and Alfie Stewart. We'd like to thank all the players for their contributions at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and we wish them the very best in the future. "The club would also like to place on record our thanks to Aberdeen FC, Dunfermline Athletic FC, Kilmarnock FC, Manchester United FC and Ross County FC for their assistance with loan players in 2024/25." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
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
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle Fans' Panel: Where does staying in League One rank among Inverness' greatest achievements?
Caley Thistle will kick off next season as a League One club – after administration and a 15-point hit failed to prevent their survival. With hopes high former chairman Alan Savage will become the outright owner later this month, there are now fresh fan hopes for ICT's future. Manager Scott Kellacher and captain Danny Devine have already spoken of going for the title in 2026, despite a five-point deduction before a ball is booted. In our final Fans' Panel of the season, regular fan Euan Bain joins The Wyness Shuffle's Stevie Riley to answer our three key questions. To start, just 'wow'. This has to be one of the greatest achievements in the club's history to come back from the massive points deduction and not only drag ourselves out of the relegation zone, but finish seventh. The team performed brilliantly ever since Scott Kellacher took over in October. We have looked to attack and win games which gives the fans a look into how a team built by him will play next season. There have been some brilliant individual displays throughout, but overall every one put in the effort and that is what pulled us over the line. : It's been a massive achievement finishing seventh in League One, and playing such attractive football. The team have shown a real togetherness and have put the off-field issues to the back of their minds on a Saturday afternoon which couldn't have been easy. The players, management staff and everyone behind the scenes at the club should all feel very proud of what we have achieved this season – and I thank them all. : My player of the season is Charlie Gilmour as he is absolutely crucial to how we play football. He connects the team in the middle, bringing the ball from our defence forward. In the few games he has missed ever since he joined, there is a notable difference without him. He goes under the radar sometimes because he does not score a lot, but watching him shows you why he definitely deserves the praise. There are a few candidates like Keith Bray, Musa Dibaga and Paul Allan, but for me it must be Charlie Gilmour, who's been superb in midfield and has turned into a leader in the dressing room. I hope we can keep the team together first and foremost. Most of our squad is out of contract, so we shall see who we can keep and maybe get some of the loan players back then I will make my true predictions… But currently I am hoping for a 'minus-five and we've won the league chant'! : We need to be challenging for the title or at least promotion back to the Championship. I believe in the management team, and with business off the pitch looking far healthier, that creates a happier environment to work in. We will lose players, but we will be an attractive option for a lot of players – especially hungry young ones who want to prove a point and show what they can do. I hope we utilise Scott Kellacher's contacts again next year, because the players he's brought in have all contributed to our success this season.
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.
