Duncan Ferguson awaits Caley Thistle fate amid ‘positive’ investor talks

The Inverness manager fears administration consequences - but there's still a chance for the League One club to escape administration.

By Paul Chalk

October 17 2024, 2:45 pm

In the spotlight, Inverness manager Duncan Ferguson. Image: Ross Parker/ SNS Group

Caley Thistle boss Duncan Ferguson is prepared for the worst – but good news might be on the horizon.

The board have held “positive talks” with Moray businessman David Anderson from Cullen, who works in the IT and finance sector and he will confirm whether he’s putting in a firm offer by noon on Friday.

The club confirmed on Thursday: “The board can confirm that the time for any interested parties to offer for the club has come and gone.

“We are currently looking at our position and will make an announcement in the coming days.”

PFA Scotland chief meets players

The Caley Thistle players have held talks with PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart and Ferguson, whose side host Annan Athletic on Saturday, admits it is a waiting game.

He said: “It is a difficult time for the players and behind the scenes.

“The players are meeting with the Scottish PFA and they are worried as they find out what the outcome could be.

“It has been tough behind the scenes.

“On the pitch, they have been very good. You can see they are playing for me and playing for themselves.”

<span style="vertical-align: inherit"><span style="vertical-align: inherit">Inverness boss Duncan Ferguson faces the media. Image: Ross Parker/SNS Group</span></span>

Ferguson will ‘keep fighting’ for ICT

Ferguson recently gave up his wage at the League One club, which could go into administration if a deal is not agreed.

The Caley Thistle boss said: “We want to fight for the club and stay in this division.

“Of course, administration, if it happens, is going to put us way back. We’ve just got to keep fighting.

“If you think someone is going to invest in the club, it gives you a bit of hope, doesn’t it?

“I keep fighting for my players. That’s the key for me. I brought a lot of players to the club.

“Staff who are working in the building, I’m going to try and protect as well. That’s why I gave up my wage.”

At today’s talks, Anderson was supported by Gordon Ritchie of GRM Marketing and Inverness businessman Don Lawson.

They discussed a potential deal, reported this week as being for £1.2 million, with interim chairman Scott Young, and directors Graeme Bennett and Gordon Fyfe.

ICT need up to £1.6 million before the end of the season and have debts topping £3m.

On the park, midfielder Charlie Gilmour is sidelined for up to six weeks with a broken hand he suffered when scoring in their penalty shoot-out SPFL Trust Trophy loss at Livingston.

On-loan Dundee forward Charlie Reilly is out until next month with a hamstring injury.