Culloden amateur coaching team named as co-managers of revived Inverness Thistle FC

Inverness Thistle chairman Martin Mainland (centre) confirmed the appointment of Ryan Macleod and Drew Martin as the club’s new management team. Picture: Niall Harkiss

The revival of Inverness Thistle FC has taken a further step forward with the appointment of a management team.

The pairing of Drew Martin and Ryan Macleod will take charge of on-the-field affairs for the club’s maiden season, it has been confirmed today.

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The ambitious Inverness-based outfit hope to secure a place in next season’s North Caledonian League, to compete in the sixth tier of Scotland’s football pyramid.

If accepted, they will be the first senior club to play under the historic Inverness Thistle name since the 1994 merger with Inverness Caledonian to form Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Co-managers Martin and Macleod take the reins at Thistle after 10 years running Culloden AFC together in the Inverness amateur ranks.

Having won a Inverness and District First Division league and cup double in 2023, the dynamic duo believe they are now ready to take their “closely aligned” coaching partnership into the senior game.

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Drew Martin (41), a former coach with Clachnacuddin’s youth set up, who also holds an HND in Sports Coaching and Youth Development, joins Thistle with over 24 years playing and coaching experience.

He said: “Myself and Ryan have a great working relationship and are very closely aligned in how we approach football.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity and although a lot still needs sorted off the field, I just can’t wait to get the boys on it.”

Newly appointed Inverness Thistle co-managers Drew Martin and Ryan Macleod. Picture: Niall Harkiss

His cohort, 27-year-old Ryan Macleod, brings experience as a community and children’s academy coach with Ross County.

A former goalkeeper with Nairn County, Clachnacuddin and Strathspey Thistle, he most recently played for North Caledonian League side Inverness Athletic.

He said: “I’m delighted to be given this opportunity, along with Drew – someone I trust with my life – and thankfully sees the game the same way as me.

“I’m buzzing to get stuck in. Although we have plenty to sort between now and pre-season, it’s a task I am relishing.”

The ambitious Jags added to their numbers behind the scenes with the appointment of Santosh Ponen and Stuart Fraser as sporting directors last month.

Inverness Thistle chairman Martin Mainland said of the appointment: “We are delighted to announce the exciting appointment of our new co-managers, Drew and Ryan.

“Both bring a wealth of experience and passion for the local game that aligns perfectly with our club’s vision. Their commitment to developing players and vision to see the project for what it is, are why we have chosen them.

“This isn’t something that will just have money thrown at it, both understand where we are as a club in our infancy and have their feet firmly on the ground, without lacking the ambition needed to help improve the club on and off the park.

“I am confident that Drew and Ryan will manage to get the most out of players, while we work towards achieving our goals and enhancing our reputation.

“I encourage all our fans and followers to get behind our new management team as we look forward to our maiden season.”

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