2007–08 Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. season
Inverness CT's fourth season in the SPL
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. 2007-08 football season
| 2007-08 season | |
|---|---|
| Manager | Craig Brewster |
| Scottish Premier League | 9th |
| Scottish Cup | 4th round |
| Scottish League Cup | Quarter-final |
| Top goalscorer | League: Don Cowie (9) All: Marius Niculae (10) |
| Highest home attendance | 7,753 vs. Rangers, 20 January 2008 |
| Lowest home attendance | 3,420 vs. Kilmarnock, 19 April 2008 |
| Average home league attendance | 4,753 |
The 2007–08 season was Inverness Caledonian Thistle's fourth in the Scottish Premier League and 14th since the merger that created the club. They also competed in the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Cup.
Scottish Premier League
Caley Thistle finished 9th of 12 teams in the SPL, on 43 points from 38 matches. They managed only a disappointing −11 goal differential, from 51 goals scored and 62 allowed. It was a mixed season for statistics, as this tied the club's record for goals scored in an SPL season, set in 2004–05, but also demolished their record for SPL goals conceded by 14. But overall, it could be called a poor season for the Caley, with the lowest total points and lowest finishing league standing since their promotion in 2004.
The exception to this poor form, and the main reason for the team's survival in the SPL, was the month of December. A streak that included wins against Hearts and Celtic earned Craig Brewster Manager of the Month and Marius Niculae Player of the Month honors.
Scottish Cup
To go along with the lackluster league season was a short and poor Scottish Cup. Caley Thistle entered the tournament in the fourth round, and faced Hibernian at Easter Road. Dean Shiels scored a hat trick and sunk Caley's hopes for a cup run at the first possible point as the match finished 3–0 to Hibs.
League Cup
The League Cup provided a bit more positive news for Caley Thistle fans, as the club reached the quarterfinals for the second time in three seasons, on the strength of a 4–1 win over Arbroath and a 3–0 win over Gretna. The run stopped abruptly, however, away to Aberdeen, who beat Caley Thistle 4–1 on the strength of another hat trick (albeit including two penalties), this time from Barry Nicholson.
Results
All the results of the regular matches [1]
Scottish Premier League
Inverness CT v Rangers
| 4 August 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 0–3 | Rangers | Caledonian Stadium |
| 12:30 | Ferguson  16' 90' Novo 64' | Attendance: 7,711 Referee: Clarke |
Motherwell v Inverness CT
| 11 August 2007 Premier League | Motherwell | 2–1 | Inverness CT | Fir Park |
| 15:00 | O'Donnell 85' McCormack ((goal|90}} | Tokely 82' | Attendance: 4,259 Referee: Freeland |
St Mirren v Inverness CT
| 18 August 2007 Premier League | St Mirren | 2–1 | Inverness CT | Love Street |
| 15:00 | Miranda 19' Corcoran 55' | Cowie 58' | Attendance: 3,309 Referee: Collum |
Inverness CT v Dundee United
| 25 August 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 0–3 | Dundee United | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Dillon 46' Robson 58' 81' | Attendance: 4,178 Referee: Underhill |
Hibernian v Inverness CT
| 1 September 2007 Premier League | Hibernian | 1–0 | Inverness CT | Easter Road |
| 15:00 | Fletcher 2' | Attendance: 13,258 Referee: Smith |
Celtic v Inverness CT
| 15 September 2007 Premier League | Celtic | 5–0 | Inverness CT | Celtic Park |
| 15:00 | Vennegoor of Hesselink 15' 59' McGuire og70' | Attendance: 56,020 Referee: Thomson |
Inverness CT v Hearts
| 22 September 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 2–1 | Hearts | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Wyness 64' Brewster 90' | Black og34' | Attendance: 4,918 Referee: Tumilty |
Inverness CT v Falkirk
| 29 September 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 4–2 | Falkirk | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Wyness 7' 54' Duncan 32' | Milne 28' Arfield 47' | Attendance: 4,011 Referee: Somers |
Kilmarnock v Inverness CT
| 6 October 2007 Premier League | Kilmarnock | 2–2 | Inverness CT | Rugby Park |
| 15:00 | Koudou 1' Nish 56' | Ford og22' Cowie 61' | Attendance: 4,456 Referee: Brines |
Inverness CT v Aberdeen
| 21 October 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 1–2 | Aberdeen | Caledonian Stadium |
| 14:00 | Wyness {goal|58}} | Young 8' Tokely og62' | Referee: Smith |
Gretna v Inverness CT
| 27 October 2007 Premier League | Gretna | 0–4 | Inverness CT | Fir Park |
| 15:00 | Wyness 2' Cowie 75' | Attendance: 1,096 Referee: McCurry |
Rangers v Inverness CT
| 3 November 2007 Premier League | Rangers | 2–0 | Inverness CT | Ibrox Stadium |
| 15:00 | Boyd 1' Cuéllar 63' | Attendance: 48,898 Referee: Collum |
Inverness CT v Motherwell
| 10 November 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 0–3 | Motherwell | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Clarkson 15' 53' Smith 87' | Attendance: 3,608 |
Inverness CT v St Mirren
| 24 November 2007 Premier League | Inverness CT | 1–0 | St Mirren | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Cowie 6' | Attendance: 3,699 Referee: Allan |
Dundee United v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 1 December 2007 Premier League | Dundee United | 0–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Tannadice Stadium |
| 15:00 | Black 20' | Attendance: 5845 Referee: Brines |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Hibernian
| 8 December 2007 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 2–0 | Hibernian | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Niculae 42' 78' | Attendance: 4224 Referee: Clark |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Celtic
| 12 December 2007 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 3–2 | Celtic | Caledonian Stadium |
| 14:00 | Rankin pen' (41), Proctor 61' | Vennegoor of Hesselink 24', 26' | Attendance: 7004 |
Heart of Midlothian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 22 December 2007 Premier League | Heart of Midlothian | 2–3 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Tynecastle Park |
| 15:00 | Berra 62', Kurskis pen' (88) | Duncan 22', Rankin 90+3' | Attendance: 16202 |
Falkirk v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 26 December 2007 Premier League | Falkirk | 1–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Falkirk Stadium |
| 15:00 | Aafjes 34' | Attendance: 5265 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Kilmarnock
| 29 December 2007 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 3–1 | Kilmarnock | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Niculae 42', 76', Cowie 52' | Nish 87' | Attendance: 4169 |
Aberdeen v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 2 January 2008 Premier League | Aberdeen | 1–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Pittodrie Stadium |
| 15:00 | Nicholson pen' (82) | Attendance: 13327 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Gretna
| 5 January 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 3–0 | Gretna | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Niculae 34', 42', Rankin pen' (39) | Attendance: 3919 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Rangers
| 20 January 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 0–1 | Rangers | Caledonian Stadium |
| 14:00 | Darcheville 89' | Attendance: 7753 |
St Mirren v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 9 February 2008 Premier League | St Mirren | 1–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | St Mirren Park |
| 15:00 | Mehmet 75' | Munro 27' | Attendance: 3609 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dundee United
| 16 February 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 1–1 | Dundee United | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Paatelainen 84' | Buaben 68' | Attendance: 4087 |
Motherwell v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 20 February 2008 Premier League | Motherwell | 3–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Fir Park |
| 19:45 | Clarkson 7', 42', Porter 10' | Cowie 19' | Attendance: 4526 |
Hibernian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 23 February 2008 Premier League | Hibernian | 2–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Easter Road |
| 15:00 | Nish 3', Fletcher 5' | Attendance: 12552 |
Celtic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 27 February 2008 Premier League | Celtic | 2–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Celtic Park |
| 19:45 | McDonald 45', Samaras 61' | Niculae 70' | Attendance: 56787 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Heart of Midlothian
| 1 March 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 0–3 | Heart of Midlothian | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Karypidis 22', Elliot 33', 47' | Attendance: 4489 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Falkirk
| 15 March 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 0–1 | Falkirk | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Clarke 86' | Attendance: 4012 |
Kilmarnock v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 22 March 2008 Premier League | Kilmarnock | 4–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Rugby Park |
| 15:00 | Wright 37', Bryson 64' | Black 13' | Attendance: 5100 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Aberdeen
| 29 March 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 3–4 | Aberdeen | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Bus (o.g.) 20, Munro  90+10' | Aluko 7', Maguire 90+3' | Attendance: 5655 |
Gretna v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 5 April 2008 Premier League | Gretna | 1–2 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Fir Park |
| 15:00 | Barr 80' | McBain 71', Cowie 73' | Attendance: 431 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Kilmarnock
| 19 April 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 3–0 | Kilmarnock | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Imrie 10', Niculae 79' | Attendance: 3420 |
Heart of Midlothian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 26 April 2008 Premier League | Heart of Midlothian | 1–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Tynecastle Park |
| 15:00 | Glen 80' | Attendance: 15423 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Gretna
| 4 May 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 6–1 | Gretna | Caledonian Stadium |
| 14:00 | Imrie 1', McAllister 90+1' | Hogg 26' | Attendance: 3639 |
Falkirk v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 10 May 2008 Premier League | Falkirk | 2–1 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Falkirk Stadium |
| 15:00 | Higdon 28', Finnigan 68' | Wilson pen' (90) | Attendance: 5631 |
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v St Mirren
| 17 May 2008 Premier League | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 0–0 | St Mirren | Caledonian Stadium |
| 15:00 | Proctor 54' | Attendance: 3783 |
| Pos | Team
| Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation[a] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Falkirk | 38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 45 | 49 | −4 | 49 | |
| 8 | Heart of Midlothian | 38 | 13 | 9 | 16 | 47 | 55 | −8 | 48 | |
| 9 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 38 | 13 | 4 | 21 | 51 | 62 | −11 | 43 | |
| 10 | St Mirren | 38 | 10 | 11 | 17 | 26 | 54 | −28 | 41 | |
| 11 | Kilmarnock | 38 | 10 | 10 | 18 | 39 | 52 | −13 | 40 |
Source: Scottish Professional Football League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored
Notes:
- ^ Teams played each other three times (33 matches), before the league split into two groups (the top six and the bottom six) for the last five matches.
Scottish League Cup
| Round | Date | Opponent | H/A | Score | ICT Scorer(s) | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R2 | 28 August | Arbroath | H | 3–1 | Niculae (2), Wyness | 1,246 |
| R3 | 25 September | Gretna | H | 3–0 | Bayne, Wilson, Wyness | 1,717 |
| R4 | 31 October | Aberdeen | A | 1–4 | Bayne | 7,270 |
Scottish Cup
Hibernian v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
| 12 January 2008 Round 4 | Hibernian | 3–0 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Easter Road |
| 15:00 | Shiels 5', 53', 84', Morais  88'  | McGuire 88' | Attendance: 9622 Referee: Conroy} |
Club Records Set
- (+) Tied - Most SPL goals scored: 51 (also scored 51 in 2004–05)
- (−) Lowest SPL finish: 9th (previous was 8th in 2004–05 and 2006–07)
- (−) Least SPL points: 43 (previous was 44 in 2004–05)
- (−) Worst SPL goal difference: −11 (previous was −6 in 2004–05 and 2006–07)
- (−) Most SPL goals allowed: 62 (previous was 48 in 2006–07)
Transfers in
| Date | Name | Moving from | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2007 |  Ally Ridgers | Clachnacuddin | Free[2] |
| 1 July 2007 | Don Cowie | Ross County | Free[3] |
| 4 July 2007 |  Dean McDonald | Gillingham | Undisclosed[4] |
| 17 July 2007 |  Marius Niculae |  Mainz 05 | Free[5] |
| 14 August 2007 | Steven Watt |  Swansea City | Loan[6] |
| 31 August 2007 |  Zbigniew Małkowski | Hibernian | Loan[7] |
| 31 August 2007 | Phil McGuire | Dunfermline Athletic | Loan[8] |
| 31 August 2007 | David Proctor | Dundee United | Free[9] |
| 31 January 2008 | Dougie Imrie | Clyde | Undisclosed[10] |
Transfers out
| Date | Name | Moving to | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 June 2007 | Stuart Golabek | Ross County | Free[11] |
| 28 June 2007 | Craig Dargo | St Mirren | Free[12] |
| 1 July 2007 | Darren Dods | Dundee United | Free[13] |
| 31 August 2007 | Ally Ridgers | Elgin City | Loan[14] |
| 31 August 2007 | Zander Sutherland | Elgin City | Loan[14] |
| 1 January 2008 | Alan Morgan | Kilmarnock | Free |
| 17 January 2008 | John Rankin | Hibernian | £110,000 |
| 29 April 2008 | Stuart McCaffrey | St Johnstone | Free |
References
- ^ "Caleythistleonline 2007-08 results".
- ^ "Ridgers poised for Inverness stay". BBC Sport. 8 May 2007.
- ^ "Inverness line up County captain". BBC Sport. 1 July 2007.
- ^ "McDonald joy at Inverness switch". BBC Sport. 4 July 2007.
- ^ "Romania striker joins Inverness". BBC Sport. 17 July 2007.
- ^ "Defender Watt moves to Inverness". BBC Sport. 14 August 2007.
- ^ "Malkowski heads to Caley Thistle". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007.
- ^ "Transfer Window". caleythistleonline.com. 31 August 2007.
- ^ "Proctor moves back to Inverness". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007.
- ^ "Caley Thistle sign Clyde's Imrie". BBC Sport. 2 March 2008.
- ^ "Golabek & Bullock back at County". BBC Sport. 1 June 2007.
- ^ "St Mirren sign up striker Dargo". BBC Sport. 28 June 2007.
- ^ "Dods seals move to Dundee United". BBC Sport. 22 June 2007.
- ^ a b "Inverness duo farmed out to Elgin". BBC Sport. 31 August 2007.
