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Press and Journal
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Caley Thistle cult hero: Nauris Bulvitis - Blood-soaked Terry Butcher used our Dundee cup celebration fury to fuel First Division glory
Latvian defender Nauris Bulvitis only knew of Terry Butcher's blood-soaked image playing for England when he made the loan switch to play under Butcher, the manager, at Caley Thistle in 2009. Bulvitis was playing for FC Tranzit in his homeland when a loan opportunity arose via a connection to ex-ICT midfielder Mark Holmes. The ex-centre-half admits his only knowledge of boss Butcher were the famous, gruesome images of the centre-back playing for England in a World Cup qualifier against Sweden, saying: 'I just remembered some pictures of Terry – a lot of pictures of his head… like, that's it. 'I knew that he was the captain of the national team in England, and that's it.' A chain of acquaintances led Inverness – who had been relegated the previous campaign and were rebuilding for a quickfire promotion effort back to the top-flight under Butcher and assistant Maurice Malpas – to Bulvitis. Former Caley Thistle middle-man-turned-agent Holmes was friends with Pavlin Panayotov, who represented ex-ICT defender Pavels Mihadjuks. Panayotov recommended Bulvitis. Bulvitis agreed to a loan switch to ICT – initially for six months, but later extended his stay for the full season. He said: 'Another Latvian player, Pavels Mihadjuks, was at Inverness the season before me and that's how I knew about Inverness. 'I had my contract (with FC Tranzit) in Ventspils in Latvia, and then I had this opportunity to go to Inverness, and for me it was a really big step, and it was very important for me, because it was the first time I got to move so far from home. 'I had played in Lithuania (for FC Saiuliai), but that was like only 100km from my home, so it was just like being at home. Inverness was my first real move away. 'I joined at the same time as (Spaniard) Dani Sanchez. 'At first, it was difficult for me, but Dani really helped me with the language and I soon settled.' Bulvitis added: 'I had a very good time with Inverness. It turned into an incredible season. 'I knew we had a good team, despite being down in Division One. 'Even from the first game, I had confidence we could reach the top of the league. If not first, we would be very close. 'I enjoyed my season so much with Inverness and the (experience with) the fans.' Any hopes of Caley Thistle winning the First Division title in 2009/10 looked a long shot when rivals Dundee were 15 points clear at one point. However, a defeat at Partick Thistle in late November was the Caley Jags' last league loss of the season, and they racked up a stunning 21-game run – including 16 victories – to become champions. The real key turning point, Bulvitis thinks, actually came the week before the Firhill defeat in November – when ICT blew a 2-0 lead to lose the Challenge Cup final against Dundee at McDiarmid Park… and the Dees' celebrations wound the Highlanders right up. Bulvitis told The Press and Journal: 'Dundee were a good side that season – but so were we. 'I remember we played them at St Johnstone when we lost the Challenge Cup final 3-2. I scored in that game and we were 2-0 ahead at half-time after playing very well in the first half. 'But Dundee went on to score three goals (including a Bulvitis own goal) to win the cup. 'Afterwards, Dundee were celebrating so loud… Terry Butcher told us to remember that! 'He said when the league season finishes, we will do the same – our last game of the season was home to Dundee.' It took until the second half of the season for Caley Thistle to really come to life, but when it clicked, it really clicked. ICT were confirmed league champions a few days before their penultimate fixture – when Dundee slipped to a midweek loss against Raith Rovers. On the Saturday, Caley Jags underlined they were too good for the league as they roared to a 7-0 rout of Ayr United. They then rounded off their campaign in satisfying fashion on home soil with a 1-0 win over Dundee, which meant they won Division One by a whopping 12-point margin. Bulvitis added: 'We had already won the league by the time we played Dundee – but we celebrated and were shouting. 'But, more than that, it was just such a nice feeling because the club was going back to the SPL.' Bulvitis admits he was worried the WEEK-LONG celebrations following the win at Ayr were going to hamper them for their grudge match with Dundee. He said: 'I remember we celebrated after the Ayr game because we were champions. 'We all came together in the pub. 'I was thinking the next game would be tough, because we'd celebrated for a week – but we were all so happy to be champions and we played a really good game.' Bulvitis had mixed feelings about returning to his parent club Tranzit. The stopper – whose playing career finished at FK Spartaks Jurmala in 2023 – said: 'I felt I wanted to stay at Inverness because they were back in the SPL, and I was really enjoying my time there. 'It was a good team and I had good team-mates. Everything was good. 'But it was a loan deal and my club in Ventspils had a new coach from Italy who wanted me in his team. 'I can't recall all the details, but I returned to Latvia. 'But I would say that Inverness year was the most important for me. 'After that season, when I came back, everyone in Latvia, including coaches and friends, said I had taken a big step forward and that I was playing much better and was a stronger player for my experience in Scotland. 'It was far more physical for me when I first moved over. 'I went on to play for Plymouth (in 2016-17) and the strikers in England and Scotland are really tough and physical. 'In Europe, you don't really face strikers like that, or certainly not back then – maybe it's different now. 'I enjoyed my time with Plymouth. 'Derek Adams signed me, and former Inverness manager Craig Brewster was there as the assistant. 'Not all of the season was good for me, but for the team everyone was happy as we were promoted to League One (finishing runners-up to Portsmouth on goal difference).' Bulvitis lived the international dream by making 20 appearances for Latvia during his career. With his experience of the Highlands, his only regret was not facing Scotland – and hearing the Tartan Army sing Flower of Scotland. He said: 'For me, the best games, the best atmospheres were always playing for your country. It's a dream for all boys. 'I was so happy to play for four or five years for Latvia. You don't get a lot of games in international football. I played 20 games. 'I had some really good experiences, playing in big stadiums. 'I've played against Ireland in Dublin in a friendly match (in a 3-0 defeat in 2013). 'But I would like to have played against Scotland. 'When you watch Scotland's games, there's a special atmosphere, and I like the Scottish national anthem. 'The supporters are great – they have very passionate fans. 'Because I played well for Inverness, the national team coach looked at me in a different way after that season. He gave me a chance to play.'
The National
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
I played for Inverness & had Celtic heartbreak three days later
The 17-year-old initially signed for the Highland outfit on an emergency one-game loan last weekend. Gill completed 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet as Inverness defeated recently-crowned League One champions Arbroath by three goals to nil. Read more: He then returned to his parent club three days later and played for Celtic's B side in their Glasgow Cup final loss to Rangers. Now, not long after experiencing heartbreak at Firhill, Gill has made the move back to Inverness, albeit for one game, as they take on Montrose in their final match of the season this afternoon. "The loan players that have come in have been brilliant," said Inverness boss Scott Kellacher. "Celtic have helped us out with (head of youth) Chris McCart, (keeper coach) Colin Meldrum and (B team coach and ex-ICT winger) Jonny Hayes. As much as it's other coaches at clubs, there are also players there, who have been here, that have helped us as well, and we trust. "I can't thank these clubs enough, because they have helped us out a lot and I'm grateful for that." Inverness have secured safety and know they will play their football in Scotland's third tier going into next season. Depending on today's results, they could finish sixth, seventh, or eighth in the table.
Press and Journal
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Scott Kellacher hails Caley Thistle loan players, including Aberdeen duo Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart
Caley Thistle manager Scott Kellacher has thanked Aberdeen for loaning duo Alfie Stewart and Alfie Bavidge for the second half of this season. Both played key roles in helping keep the Highlanders in League One, despite six-goal Bavidge being injured in March. Inverness travel for their season-closing game at Montrose on Saturday, with a chance to secure a sixth-place finish by winning against the Gable Endies. ICT, who remain in administration while Alan Savage's £800,000 offer for the club awaits shareholder approval, have called in favours this season. After being docked by 15 points when administration kicked in last October, Kellacher replaced Duncan Ferguson, charged with the task of keeping ICT up. That target was reached with last week's 3-0 victory over champions Arbroath. With such a young squad, loan players have added quality when needed such as Kilmarnock's Scottish Youth Cup winner from midweek Ben Brannan, Manchester United full-back James Nolan, and Ross County defender Connall Ewan. And champions Celtic have loaned ICT two goalkeepers. Aidan Rice stepped in to cover when Musa Dibaga was called up for Gambia, then his team-mate Marcus Gill has headed north to fill in for the now injured Dibaga. He's expected to play at Links Park too. Dunfermline Athletic, from the Championship, also assisted by loaning homegrown ICT starlet Keith Bray back to the club in January after he joined the Pars. Kellacher explained a range of ex-players and strong connections across the country have helped the club bolster their low numbers with quality under-21 loan talent. He said: 'The loan players that have come in have been brilliant. 'I can't thank Aberdeen enough, (Dons under-18 coach) Stuart Duff, Steven Gunn (Dons director of football) and (Aberdeen and former ICT captain) Graeme Shinnie getting involved to help us out. 'That's what you want, players who have been at this club helping out and asking their opinions. 'Alfie Bavidge played a massive part for us, and I was gutted to see him get injured but he was a big part of crucial games for us with the goals he scored. 'Alfie Stewart (with three goals and six assists) has got stronger for us as the season has gone on too. 'Ben Brannan coming in from Kilmarnock was thanks to (Killie manager Derek McInnes and (Killie assistant boss) Paul Sheerin, and we spoke to (former Inverness defender) Robbie Deas as well. 'That's the trust that you build up over years of speaking to people at different times, and trusting people. 'Celtic have helped us out with (head of youth) Chris McCart, (keeper coach) Colin Meldrum and (B team coach and ex-ICT winger) Jonny Hayes. As much as it's other coaches at clubs, there are also players there, who have been here, that have helped us as well and we trust. 'I can't thank these clubs enough, because they have helped us out a lot and I'm grateful for that.' A win over sixth-placed Montrose would see ICT trade places with them by Saturday night, which would lead to a cash boost in prize money. However, for Kellacher, as welcome as the funds will be, having ICT rise one more place to round off the campaign is what he's focused on. He said: 'Take the money out of it, we're a club that wants to finish as high as possible in every league and cup we're in. 'You want to be in there and get good prize money, so that means we'll be going out there on Saturday trying to win the game, because it's important to us to finish as high as we can. 'If we can get that extra bit of money coming in, that's a bonus.' And when asked whether their safe position might mean a chance for younger, fringe players to get the nod, he added: 'I think you go into every game looking to win it. 'As younger boys, you don't get anything given to you on a plate, you've got to work for it. 'Our main focus is on going down to Montrose and look to win the game with the strongest team we can put out on the pitch. 'If things go to plan, the young boys might get a chance, but we're not looking to change anything at all.' Caley Thistle have been boosted with 17-year-old Celtic B goalkeeper Marcus Gill available for a third successive match. With number one Musa Dibaga injured, Gill has played in the 1-1 draw at Stenhousemuir and last week's win over Arbroath.
Press and Journal
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
'English Premier League and Championship interest' in Caley Thistle's Musa Dibaga but goalkeeper could prolong Inverness stay
Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga could stay at Caley Thistle – despite interest stretching to the English Premier League and English Championship, according to his agent. The 25-year-old has been a revelation since being snapped up by ex-ICT manager Duncan Ferguson last August after leaving Bo'ness United in the Lowland League. Inverness were in turmoil following their relegation from the Championship last summer and needed someone to challenge Dundee United loanee Jack Newman, who had come in after the departure of Mark Ridgers. Ferguson, advised by assistant Gary Bollan and keeper coach Stuart Garden, granted a two-week trial to eager Dibaga, who was soon handed a one-year deal. And 14 clean sheets in 32 appearances for ICT showed the consistency which saw him called up for Gambia's recent World Cup qualifiers. Although he didn't feature, he's firmly in the Scorpions' plans. Inverness are in administration with owner-in-waiting Alan Savage waiting on approval from shareholders to accept his £800,000 offer. The club cannot enter talks with current players or transfer targets until they exit administration, which Savage hopes will happen imminently. Dibaga, named in the League One team of the season and the ICT fans' player of the year, faces three months on the sidelines due to a hamstring tear. And, speaking exclusively to The Press and Journal, Dibaga's agent Mark Agg-Jones – founder of agency firm AJ 100. – explained why he sees Inverness as the ideal fit for the goalkeeper should their off-field matters be resolved. He said: 'Musa and I have a joint vision – for him to have 90 league games under his belt at the age of 27. 'That's a picture that Scott Kellacher buys into. If he achieves those 90 games by then, the world is his oyster. 'He'll be an experienced goalkeeper, who has seen it and done it and, more importantly, done it under unique conditions. 'Very few professionals would have to navigate administration and the change of manager under the risk of your job – the whole shooting match within a very short period of time. 'This period has been absolutely key to his development. 'For us, if that future is at Inverness, that's great. I'm fully expecting the club to put a decent offer on the table as soon as they come out of administration. 'I don't want Musa to go to a big club where he won't play. We need Musa playing week in, week out. 'We want him to be a major part of any club he's at, and ideally that will be at Inverness. 'Hopefully Alan Savage will get administration out the way, keep the club trading, and he and the board can get the players looked after. If that happens, everything will be hunky-dory. 'It would be some story if the club can go for promotion to the Championship next season.' That 90-match goal for Dibaga is why, according to Bournemouth-based Agg-Jones, the chance to chase a big-money move to the highest divisions in England are not yet being entertained. He said: 'Musa's attracted interest from really high levels, including one club from the English Premier League, which is a real feather in his cap. 'There has been interest from the English Championship and well as other lower levels. 'But the last thing we want is Musa to be at a big club sitting on the bench. He doesn't want to do that. 'Does he want a flash in the pan career where he can cash in for a couple of years, or does he want a legacy? People to say 'remember how good Musa Dibaga was'. He wants that – that's so vital. 'He didn't think international football would ever be for him. He's so grateful for that opportunity. It's clear he will get more of that. 'International football was not on his agenda. He didn't know where his future would be a year ago.' On April 25, 2009, Bournemouth's 2-1 win over Grimsby Town kept the now Premier League side in the English Football League. And Agg-Jones said that brush with disaster for his chosen club, the Cherries, offers an extra lure for him to do what he can to assist troubled ICT, including arranging for three players to go on trial at ICT earlier this year. In March, Caley Jags head coach, chief executive Charlie Christie and the coaching staff ran the rule over Cumbernauld Colts goalkeeper Yan Gromov, right-back Diste Camara Sylla from Civil Service Strollers, and forward Malick Diakite from North West Counties League side Squires Gate. Agg-Jones added: 'Yes, I'm an agent and I have a duty to my clients, but that extends to the club. 'We're continuing to help the club, with a number of trialists going up there this year. Anything I can do with the limitations I have to help Inverness, I will do. 'I want to help as I believe Caley Thistle is a club that should aim to get back to the Scottish Premiership, and even aim for Europe again in years to come. 'It's close to my heart for a couple of reasons. 'One is because they gave our guys a chance, they were open to it. 'Secondly, my own club (Bournemouth) was in dire straits not so long ago. I was at the game with my dad where we were going to drop out of the Football League and the bucket was being passed around. 'Steve Fletcher got our scrappy goal and we got away with it. The rest is history. 'Incidentally, there is the link with Ryan Christie. I don't know Ryan personally, but I love watching him play. That link is self-evident between the two clubs. 'I'm looking every matchday for the results from Bournemouth and Inverness – the similarities are striking.'
