Darren Dods

Darren signed for the club during the 2004 close season on a one-year deal which he later extended to the end of 06/07. He began his career with Hutcheson Vale Boy’s Club before signing for Hibernian in June 1991. He was at Easter Road for seven years, making 65 appsearances, before moving to join St Johnstone in July 1998. He was part of the Saints team that lost in the 1998 League Cup Final against Rangers, going down 2-1 at Celtic Park.

Darren also won five Scotland Under-21 caps. Standing at 6' 2" Darren, or 'THE MACHINE' as the fans have now dubbed him is a very commanding and dominant figure in the defensive unit.

Season 2004/05 : Darren gave a lesson to every squad player that when given a chance in the first team you grab it with both hands - and this is what happened. With Stuart McCaffrey's sending-off against Kilmarnock, he was drafted into the side for the next game against Dundee on 26th October, played extremely well and went on to play in every game thereafter. He struck up a tremendous defensive partnership with Grant Munro in a back four that hardly changed after the Dundee game.

Darren is a no-nonsense type of player who uses his height to his advantage and does the simple things very well. He can also be dangerous in the opposition penalty area and scored his first goal for the club on 12th March 2005 at Tynecastle with an excellent near post headed goal. Without doubt Darren was one of the finds of the season.

Season 2005/06 : Darren continued his excellent form in 05/06 and missed only two games – for one he was on the subs bench (unused sub) V Alloa Athletic in a CIS Cup 2nd Rd. tie in August and then in December against Hearts. Very dominant at the back and does the simple things superbly well. For a big lad he is also very nifty on the deck.

Darren took over as captain of the side when Stuart Golabek was out through injury. He reached his first ICT milestone by making his 50th appearance for the club in the 1-1 draw against Celtic in Inverness in December 2005. During 05/06 he was second top appearance maker with 43 appearances. He won the Matchday Programme and Supporters’ Player of the Year and shared the the Highland News/Acorn Signs Player of the Year Award with Craig Dargo.