After a challenging season, ICT captain Danny Devine looks forward to next term's ambitions.
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s captain, Danny Devine, has made it clear that he wishes to continue his journey with the Highlanders following a remarkable escape from relegation in League One. The seasoned defender, who played a pivotal role in Inverness’s Scottish Cup triumph a decade ago, expressed immense pride in leading a predominantly young squad to safety, especially after facing a daunting 15-point deduction due to the club’s administration last October.
Impressive victory secures safety
Last Saturday, ICT secured a convincing 3-0 victory against the league champions, Arbroath. This win, coupled with Annan Athletic’s defeat to Dumbarton, ensured that Inverness was out of reach for the chasing teams. With one match remaining, a victory against Montrose could see ICT finish in sixth place, a remarkable achievement considering the challenges faced throughout the season.
Future talks and player contracts
As the season draws to a close, manager Kellacher is eager to initiate discussions with the current squad regarding their futures. However, the club’s administration status complicates matters, preventing them from offering contracts to potential new signings. Currently, only midfielder Adam Mackinnon is under contract beyond next month, leaving many players in limbo. Devine, who is in his second spell with ICT, remains optimistic that the club will resolve these uncertainties soon.
Aiming for promotion next season
At 32, Devine has been recognized in the Scottish League One team of the season and believes that the club should aim for a title challenge in the upcoming term. He stated, “Considering how well we’ve done this season with all the restrictions placed on the team, we would be sitting second without the points deduction. We are going into next season looking to win the league.” His determination reflects the collective ambition within the squad to push for promotion and improve the club’s standing.
Team spirit and resilience
Devine praised his teammates for their unwavering commitment to the club, emphasizing that despite the odds, no player gave up on the fight to maintain their League One status. “Not a single one of them did that. They all rolled their sleeves up and battled for this club, and that’s credit to them,” he remarked. The positive atmosphere in the dressing room played a crucial role in fostering resilience among the players.
Looking ahead to the final match
As ICT prepares for their final match against Montrose, both teams are aware that they cannot be relegated. Devine welcomes the opportunity to play without the pressure of relegation looming over them. “It’s probably the first game this year where we can just relax and go out there with no pressure and enjoy it,” he said, highlighting the importance of playing freely and with confidence.
For more updates on Inverness Caledonian Thistle and their journey, fans can visit the club’s dedicated news page and join the community on social media.
