Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1994
• Manager:Terry Butcher

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Butcher distraught at relegation

23 May 2009 - 17:28:27

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Inverness Caley Thistle boss Terry Butcher was almost in tears after seeing his side relegated from the SPL.

A 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Falkirk sent the Highlanders down, with the game swinging on the first-half sending-off of Caley stalwart Ross Tokely.

Butcher told BBC Scotland: "To lose in the manner we did in the last game is hard to take.

"Everything was going according to plan and then all of a sudden the red card comes out of nothing.

"I've only seen it once, but I thought there was doubt about it being a clear goalscoring opportunity. It was very difficult then - we had to reshape and regroup.

"On Sunday and Monday we'll start talking to players and preparing for life in the first division because we want to bounce back.

"I had a good chat with the board - we get £250,000 as a parachute payment - we're debt-free and the board are determined to back us and get us back up.

"There's still money there and there are players we want to sign for next season so we can rebuild and restructure to get promoted again.

"I just feel absolutely gutted for everyone connected to the club. There have been a few tears, because it means so much to people and everyone has given so much."