| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ross Tokely | ||
| Date of birth | 8 March 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Aberdeen, Scotland | ||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||
| Playing position | Right back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | ||
| Number | 3 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1995–1996 | Huntly | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1996– | Inverness CT | 442 | (30) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 12:07, 27 November 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). |
|||
Ross Tokely (born 8 March 1979 in Aberdeen) is a Scottish professional football player, who currently plays for Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Tokely, who signed for Inverness in 1996 from Highland League club Huntly, is the club's longest serving player and holds their appearance record.[1] He also holds the distinction of having played and scored in every division of Scottish league football, from Third Division to the SPL since signing for Inverness,[1] and has worn every shirt number from 1 to 11.
Contents |
Tokely was signed by Steve Paterson from Highland League side Huntly in 1996.[1] He made his first appearances in the Inverness side that won the Third Division championship in 1997. Tokely gradually established himself in the side, usually playing at right back, although he has sometimes played in central defence or as a holding midfielder.
Tokely retained his place in the team as Inverness progressed through the Scottish Football Leagues to the First Division. During this spell in the First Division, Tokely committed an "overzealous tackle" on St. Mirren youngster Chris Kerr.[2] Tokely's challenge caused damage to Kerr's cruciate ligament and forced him out of the game for nearly 18 months.[2] Since this incident, St. Mirren fans have repeatedly barracked Tokely during matches between the sides, although this has also appeared to have motivated Tokely in those matches.[2]
Tokely also had more positive successes during this period, notably a fantastic goal against his boyhood heroes Hearts in the 2002 Scottish Cup.[3] Tokely hit a 20 yard shot into the top corner at Tynecastle as Inverness defeated another SPL club in the Cup, having won 3–1 at Celtic Park in 2000.[3] Tokely also scored the winning penalty in a shootout against Dunfermline Athletic in the following season's League Cup.
Tokely was part of the squad that won promotion to the SPL in 2004, by winning the First Division championship. Tokely reflected in 2010 that the match against St. Johnstone which clinched promotion was the highlight (to date) of his career.[1] As Inverness moved into the SPL, he retained his spot in the side, being awarded the number 2 jersey. After 10 years' service to the club, Tokely was awarded a testimonial match against Sheffield United.[4]
Throughout their five year stint in the top league, Tokely was an established player in the side. His longest spell out of the team came in 2007, when he missed a month of first team action after being sent off for an off the ball punch on Motherwell player Steven McGarry. As the Highland club unsuccessfully battled against relegation in 2009, manager Terry Butcher joked that he wanted his side to achieve more league points than Tokley's total of disciplinary points.[2] Ironically, Tokely racked up further disciplinary points as he was sent off for a professional foul on the final day of the season, against Falkirk.[5] Inverness went on to lose the decisive match 1–0 and were consequently relegated, with Tokely's dismissal idenitified as the "turning point" of the match.[5]
Nonetheless, Tokely retained his place in the Inverness side after their drop back down to the First Division, helping the club gain promotion straight back to the SPL in 2010.[6] He was made captain of the team for his 500th appearance for Inverness, a 1–0 win against Airdrie United. Tokely agreed a new contract with Inverness in June 2010, despite receiving offers from overseas.[6]
Ross took charge of Youth League side Farr United in May 2011 to achieve his coaching badge,
|
|||||