Inverness Caledonian Thistle enters the new League One season with a clear objective: promotion back to the Championship, a challenging ambition for captain Danny Devine and his squad.

Despite being tipped as bookmakers’ favourites for the League One title, the Caley Thistle squad remains grounded, refusing to be swayed by external expectations. Their focus is solely on the demanding journey ahead to achieve their ultimate goal.

The club faces an initial hurdle, starting the campaign with a five-point deduction, a situation outside their control that the team is determined to navigate successfully through resilience and strong performances. This sets a unique test from the outset of the Scottish football season.

The highly anticipated Scottish football League One campaign kicks off this Saturday with Inverness travelling to New Central Park to face Kelty Hearts, marking the official start of their quest for ascendancy.

Captain Danny Devine emphasizes the squad’s unwavering determination to secure a return to the Championship, highlighting a collective resolve forged from past experiences and a clear understanding of the promotion race.

While confident in his team’s capabilities, Devine also acknowledges the strength of their rivals, specifically naming Hamilton Academical as a primary contender for the League One crown despite their own challenges like a transfer embargo.

Devine asserts that Hamilton’s transfer restrictions might not diminish their competitive edge, drawing parallels to ICT’s own experiences with youthful squads and proving that perceived disadvantages can be overcome in the pursuit of the title challenge.

The captain underlines that past adversities, such as the 15-point deduction that previously spurred them on to avoid relegation, serve as powerful motivators, reinforcing a winning mentality within the squad as they embark on this crucial season.