The Board of the Supporters Trust would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting on Saturday and, in particular, Charlie Christie (Interim CEO) and Scott Young (SLO and Interim Chairman) for attending the meeting and speaking so openly about the club’s situation.

This note is a summary of the main issues discussed, and not intended to be a verbatim account of everything that was said. If anyone has any questions about the note, or comment about the venue, please contact us at info@ictsupporterstrust.org.
Board Member George Moodie hosted the meeting, and opened by summarising the events which had taken place since the last meeting in the Caley Club on 28 May.

Charlie Christie then made comments to the attendees, and this is a summary, including comments made in response to questions:
He came in as Interim CEO to help Alan Savage and to use his wealth of football experience to help the club as he knows what the club needs from a footballing perspective and, in particular, players should be treated properly.
He is not a financial person, so leaves those issues to people who understand them.
The club made a lot of mistakes under the previous regime, and a lot of what he has seen has been eye opening.
He recognises that people have issues with the club and ideas that may assist, and wishes they would come forward and speak to the club rather than using pseudonyms on other channels.
The crowdfunding appeal remains in place to assist with the club’s running costs. Funds raised will not be used to pay the Administrator.
Alan Savage indicated on Friday that he was planning to join the Board, and that Alan was very disappointed that his plan, involving other investors, had not been achievable.
The Board felt now was the time for a representative of the Supporters Trust to join the Board.
The Administrator has indicated that they are willing to look at both these appointments.
Going forward, there needs to be more transparency than there has been.
He believes there is a way forward for the team, and it can remain full time, 8 experienced players, 8 Academy Graduates, 8 other local players (eg from Highland League), avoiding accommodation costs.
There has been a lot of misinformation about the cost of the Academy. The cost to the club is between £25k and £40k per year. Taken over time, this has been more than covered by transfer fees. The Academy realistically can produce 3 or 4 players each year for the first team squad.
The Administrator will be in on Monday. Sadly that will result in pay offs. Football debts are not written off (eg player wages).
Administration will clear up the “grey areas”, many of which have needed to be sorted for a long time, and may lead to a healthier club going forward.
He believes the club can remain in League 1, and following restructuring should be aiming to be in the Championship within two years.
He agrees that the club needs to do more to attract younger fans, and has already been looking at initiatives with schools and Academy Graduates, whilst season ticket pricing for younger fans should be more attractive.
He agrees we should have a presence in the City Centre.
In response to a question, he confirmed that Administration means the club’s Bronze Licence is changed to entry level automatically, technically for three years. We need to be out of administration before the start of next season and he has been advised that there are derogations to the three year rule, so this issue is not insurmountable.
Scott Young made comments to the attendees, and this is a summary, including comments made in response to questions:
He explained that he came on the Board just over a year ago as a Fan first and foremost. He did not, at that time, expect the events of the last year, or to have become Interim Chair.
The Administration process was started following a meeting of the Board on Friday, with a letter sent to the Administrator, and the legal papers filed. Administration will take effect when the papers are accepted by the Court, probably around 1000 on Monday.
The Administrator is expected to be at the club on Monday or Tuesday, and will probably hold a Press Conference on Wednesday.
Once the Administrator is in place, the existing Board will have little say in the running of the club, but he hopes the Administrator will seek input from the Board and other key personnel.
The Administrator “will play things straight”, looking after the club’s interests.
The process is likely to take 12 to 14 weeks, during which time the club will be marketed, a Data Room will be set up allowing interested parties access to the necessary information, and the Administrator will contact interested parties and potentially interested parties.
Arrangements are in place for the club will run normally during this period.
The 15 point penalty will take effect immediately upon Administration.
There may be changes to the playing squad, but that does not necessarily mean it is the highest earners that are impacted as the club needs to retain a squad that can be competitive.
Only after the Board Meeting had finished on Friday were the Board aware of the Press Release about a possible offer: no offer has been received, but if one is received before the Court accepts the Administration papers, it will be looked at.
In response to a question, he advised that the writing off of the Director Loans would not have saved the club, as the running costs are ongoing. Discussions are ongoing with those involved, which gives confidence that issues will be resolved to help the club going forward.
The club has rarely made a profit, but we will come out of this with a better club and a clean slate, and will be living within our means.
In response to a question, he advised that, as far as he is concerned, Liquidation should be off the agenda.
The land ownership issues have been the main reason for interested parties not proceeding. Administration should resolve this.
In response to a question, he confirmed that the Charge held by Ross Morrison and Alan Munro over club assets remains in place, and allows them to determine who is appointed as Administrator. However, ongoing amicable discussions have been taking place regarding this.
In response to a question, he confirmed that there had been papers served on the club on behalf of Scot Gardiner.
Most communication in the coming weeks will come from the Administrator.
He highlighted that the club incurs significant security costs with the current provider and appealed for anyone with an SIA Licence to come forward.
Similarly, anyone available to assist on match days is asked to volunteer via the Supporters Trust: contact us at info@ictsupporterstrust.org.
George Moodie made closing remarks on behalf of the Supporters Trust Board.
In particular, he highlighted the work carried out by Trust volunteers to revamp Bar 94, highlighting that this is what can be achieved when fans are allowed to assist the club.
The Bar hours have been extended, opening at 1200 now, and for the first time it will be open after the game until 1800, during which time the Player of the Match presentation will be made. Hopefully being open after the match will be a permanent feature. The bar is being staffed by Trust volunteers, and some Board members have funded putting themselves through the necessary Highland Council training courses to become License Holders, which will allow the bar to be used outwith matchdays.
There is more work to be done to make it an even better venue, such as sorting the ladies toilet, better seating and tables, and a permanent PA system. All ideas and contributions welcome!
We have a new partnership with Inverness Brewery Dog Falls, which will be launched at the next home game on 2 November. As a result, we now stock two of their products in draught: Konventional Wisdom Lager and Inverness Black Nitro Stout.
George also highlighted that the Trust AGM will take place in December, and the papers have been issued to members inviting nominations which will further strengthen the Trust Board. Anyone interested is welcome to have a chat with one of the Board Members, with the closing date for nominations being 14 November. Skills that would be beneficial include fundraising, media experience and maybe even a lawyer given recent events!
George closed by thanking anyone and reminding them that the Trust’s success depends on the strength of its membership, with joining is easy (and only £5!) through the Trust website:
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