The accent was still the same but the words sounded different.
Terry Butcher has taken to borrowing phrases and speeches from historical figures, celebrated coaches and a TV chef to help inspire his Inverness Caledonian Thistle side on their way to the Europa League, but yesterday he spoke simply as himself. Given his capacity for quoting the likes of Winston Churchill in recent weeks, the Inverness manager might even be considered as one who has said the least on the subject of Europe.
The Englishman is entitled to take a more personal approach to the whole affair, since he will send his side out in their final league match of the season in Dingwall tomorrow but intent on breaking new ground. Butcher has never before directed a team into Europe as a manager but a win over Ross County will be enough to secure the last Europa League qualifying place. Even defeat would do should St Johnstone fall to Motherwell tomorrow.
There is some sense of comfort for Inverness since a place in Europe next season is in their hands, although Butcher very nearly shot out of his seat when asked what such a success would mean to him. "Where we are now is the best I have ever achieved as a manager," he said. "I have been to cup finals and the top six before with Motherwell, but I have never taken team on such a small budget so far. It has been brilliant. I was asking Maurice Malpas [his assistant at Inverness] the other day if he had ever been at a team as manager or coach that had got into the top four and he said 'no'. We are creating firsts and history here. If we do get to Europe, it would really be the icing on the cake – a very big cake indeed."
If one were to continue that analogy then Aaron Doran might be considered the cherry. The diminutive winger this week held further discussions with Butcher over a new contract and expects to sign a two-year extension soon. "There has been speculation but I had a good talk with the manager," said Doran, who has been linked with MK Dons. "We are both happy. It is a weight off my shoulders knowing it is going to be settled."
Since County's own European ambitions foundered with defeat by Motherwell last weekend, the Dingwall side have been cast simply as an obstacle which Inverness must overcome. Yet the ease at which the likes of midfielder Iain Vigurs have settled into the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season suggests their names should not be allowed to become lost in Inverness' narrative.
"Here at the club, we all know what a talented player Iain Vigurs is," said Mark Fotheringham, the County midfielder. "I am lucky to have played with some top players at Celtic and abroad. I know what coaches in Europe and England look for and value. Vigurs could easily step up to play abroad or in England; he's so talented, with tremendous skill and ability on the ball, as well as that will to win. He's learning the next bit now – how to be a leader."
Fotheringham – who has been told that he will be offered a new contract to remain at County beyond the end of the season – is likely to keep his place in midfield tomorrow, with both Richard Brittain and Rocco Quinn ruled out through injury. "What we do have is good choices," said Derek Adams, the County manager. "We have players who can come in like Mark Fotheringham and Stuart Kettlewell. Mark came on last Sunday and was exceptional."
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