Relegation Day
Our Sportsound commentator had described the weather as overcast and the atmosphere as "funereal". Presenter Richard Gordon had warned that today's events were going to be "horrible" for one of the teams. Writing in the match programme the Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher had said his team had reached the "point of no return". But still, despite those portents of doom there were also signs of hope and optimism. A banner outside the stadium read "good luck lads" and, making my way through the turnstile, I overheard one Caley fan telling another that "our lads seem really pumped up for this." Inverness needed just one point - a draw - to stay in the Scottish Premier League...but it was not to be.
The turning point came about ten minutes from half time when the Caley defender Ross Tokely nudged an opposing player just outside the penalty box. One red card later and the home side were down to ten men. The second half goal from Falkirk sealed it and, as the final whistle blew, we came to terms with the reality of the situation. First Division football next season.
Yes I saw some people, mostly children, with tears in their eyes, but as the local fans filed out into the car park the mood seemed to be one of quiet resignation rather than anger or sorrow. The Zed family trio sat in the car making bitter jokes about those football reporters who had complained so often and so tiresomely about having to drive up the A9 to cover the games here. There was talk of voodoo dolls and trip-wires.
Then came the text messages of commiseration from friends and colleagues. Then the realisation that, next season, we wont be following a league competition that seems desitined to be won by Rangers or Celtic for evermore.
It might - just might - be a lot more fun. 
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