ICT say 'hugely positive discussions' ongoing with potential new investors

Last week, Caley Thistle warned they might be forced into insolvency

Author: Liam RossPublished 14th Jun 2024
Last updated 14th Jun 2024

Caley Thistle have confirmed "hugely positive" talks are ongoing with potential new investors after fears the club were on the brink of administration.

Last week, the club said they were set to approach an insolvency practitioner to advise on how they may proceed, should they fail to seek fresh investment.

However in a statement released today, ICT say tickets for the 2024/25 season are now on sale and urged fans to get behind the team.

They also confirmed CEO Scot Gardiner has tendered his resignation and Chairman Ross Morrison has left the club.

After the club were relegated to the third tier of Scottish football, plans to move training to Fife were met with a furious backlash and later scrapped.

Next season's squad will feature 'more Highland' players

In a statement, Caley Thistle outlined how the last few weeks have been "difficult for everyone connected to the club."

They said: "The Board of Directors at ICT would like to thank the fans for their patience at this difficult time.

"Firstly we can confirm the resignation of our Chairman and Board member Ross Morrison.

"He leaves with our sincere thanks for the dedicated service he has given to the Club and we are indebted to him for his passion, tireless effort and crucial investment in the Club.

"We can also announce that our CEO Scot Gardiner has tendered his resignation, which has been accepted by the Board. Scot is now serving his notice and will be continuing to help the Club get through this difficult period.

"Following the continued restructuring of the club, including a revised football model and budget to take us into and beyond season 2024/25, the club is pleased to announce the sale of Season Tickets for this coming season today, our historic 30th Year Anniversary year, with special thanks to Caley Jag Stewart Coghill for the brilliant 30th Anniversary logo.

"While the last few weeks have been difficult for everyone connected to the club, as a Board and as a club, we now respectfully ask the supporters to rally around the team and the management, and a squad which will feature more Inverness and Highland players than we have had for many a long year and if ever we need the fans, it is now.

"The striking new commemorative 30th Anniversary Puma ICT kits will also be revealed over the weekend and with hugely positive discussions currently ongoing with a number of potential new investors, we hope the Caley Jags fans can also rise to the occasion when we need you the most."

Fan reaction

The ICT Supporters Trust have outlined how they feel they "have been heard."

A spokesperson said: "The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the club will soon be at an end. Inverness Caledonian Thistle is still here, now waiting to be backed by a fanbase stronger and more unified than ever.

"As a support we called for change, and we have been heard.

"The Supporters Trust board has been in dialogue with the club and has been provided assurances that the ongoing financial viability of the club and its senior management changes will soon be concluded.

"The first competitive game of the season takes place in just four weeks’ time, therefore with these assurances from the ICTFC board of directors, we feel it is time to move forward.

"We are therefore asking all Inverness Caledonian Thistle supporters to reunite behind the club, renew season tickets and purchase club merchandise.

"Only by doing that can the club we love continue in the short term, while new investment is completed.

"Our request for a democratically elected representative of the Supporters Trust board to join the club board still stands and we hope that this will now be seriously considered.

"We look forward to receiving updates on the club’s financial situation, the playing and coaching staff, and the youth academy."

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