Manager Ray McKinnon addressed the media ahead of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Betfred Cup Group C fixture this coming Saturday and stated that whilst pleased with the performance and result against Cowdenbeath in midweek he was not getting carried away with one performance.
Ray said, “We are still building as a team, still building the trust within. We have just started gelling as a team and getting everyone working together. That only comes with games and it will take time but we are pleased with the start. Tuesday was good but it is still early in the season.
The Manager didn't want to single out anyone but praised the whole team’s performance. When pressed on new signing Nick van der Velden’s potential impact he said, “He brings experience, he has a good footballing brain and he is athletic and strong. Everything we look for in a player. On Tuesday he showed flashes of his ability and I don’t think he gave the ball away in the 25 minutes he was on the park. You could see the vision in a couple of passes also and he isn't far from being ready for a full 90 minutes.”
Hat-trick hero Simon Murray was also mentioned and the Manager said, “He was buzzing after the game and he is still buzzing about the dressing room this morning! Simon is a good lad who works hard and he took his goals well so I am pleased for him. It is always good for a striker to get goals but I was also pleased for everyone who got the goals that their performance deserved.”
The trip up the A9 promises to bring significant results in terms of final group positions and the Manager knows the importance of the right balance of respect for the competition and preparation for the season ahead stating, “It’s the balance you have to achieve. It is still about building our fitness but it is also about progressing in the Betfred Cup. We will probably have to beat both ICT and Dunfermline to guarantee qualification so that will be our aim. We also know that the guys are still working towards full match fitness for a long hard season and we are mindful of that also.”
Looking towards the opposition, Ray knows what he is about to face having watched Inverness in their recent fixture versus Cowdenbeath.
He said, “Inverness will be a big challenge on Saturday. They are a big strong physical team. Inverness have continuity with a lot of the same players still involved this season and we are rebuilding so there is no pressure on us and I am looking forward to it. We want to win but regardless of the result, I will not read too much into it as it is very early in the season. We will go up there and do the best we can and if we can get a result great, but, if we don't, we will keep rebuilding.”
That rebuilding continues and the renewed confidence and upbeat feeling around the Club were observed and mentioned by the media and the Manager confirmed it is part of the job he had to take on quickly.
“We are trying to create an environment where everyone is happy and wants to come to work - everyone - not just the players. Training has been good so far but bad results will come and it is how we respond to these results that will determine where we finish the season. The team is building partnerships- Willo Flood and Lewis Toshney on the right and Stewart Murdoch and Paul Dixon on the left are two examples. These guys need to get to know each others’ game but it will come. I am pleased with the start and looking forward to the match versus Inverness.”
Ticket info:
Tickets for this match are available both in pre sale as well as at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on the day of the game.
Prices are as follows:
Adults: £15
65+ & 16-25s: £10
Under-16s: £5
Briefs are still available in person at the Tannadice Ticket Centre. At the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, cash sales will take place from the kiosk located at the end of the South Stand. Card sales need to be done at the Ticket Office located at the front of the Main Stand.
