Kelty Hearts not told about Inverness training deal pull out

The Highlanders, who will play in League One alongside the 'Maroon Machine' next season, announced last month that they would be moving their operations during the week to New Central Park.

The move was hailed by both clubs, with Kelty describing it as an "innovative agreement", but the proposal caused uproar amongst the Caley Jags fanbase.

In a statement released yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Inverness said they had changed their minds on moving their training base 135 miles to the south, and would "remain training at Fort George for the foreseeable future".

Although they have not released an official statement, Kelty, when approached by Times Sport, said that they have not been notified by any officials at Inverness to say that the agreement put in place has now been cancelled.

Caley Thistle, who also said that they could face administration if they don't source fresh investment, said: "The board of directors are in discussions with potential new investors into the club and remain hopeful of finding a new investor or new owners.

"However, in the circumstances we currently find ourselves in following the loss of the Statkraft contract at Caledonian Stadium which was worth seven figures to the club and given the new financial position of the club, it is also prudent to approach a suitably qualified insolvency practitioner to advise on how we may proceed should our efforts to find new investment fall short.

"For clarity, on the football front, we have decided to remain training at Fort George for the foreseeable future."

Inverness say they have abandoned plans to train at New Central Park next season. (Image: David Wardle.)

The venture that had been agreed by the clubs would have seen Inverness hiring facilities at New Central Park, including the artificial playing surface, on-site grass pitches, and offices for their coaching staff.

However, Fife Council own the pitch, which was installed in 2015 as part of the £7.3 million Kelty Community Centre project.

The council's community manager, Sarah Roxburgh, confirmed that the local authority had "not been involved" in the plans, but said they would "need to be involved to review current booking terms and conditions", and to "weigh up the impact that this may have on the availability of the community pitch to other users with any potential benefits".

READ MORE: Ground owners Fife Council were 'not involved' in Kelty and Inverness deal

Following Inverness' latest statement, Fife Council informed Times Sport that they had no further involvement.

In announcing the partnership, Caley Thistle, relegated from the Championship after a play-off final defeat by Hamilton Academical, cited "geographic challenges" in enticing players north as part of their reasoning for the move.

However, that prompted a furious reaction from their fans, with the ICT Supporters Trust describing it as a move that "rips the soul of the club out of the community".