Such has been their impact in the SPL since their promotion in 2004, it is all too easy to forget that Inverness were in the third division as recently as 1997.
Yet despite their relatively meagre resources – the club paid a rare transfer fee, a record £65,000 for John Rankin, this summer – they have been knocking on the door of the top six for the past two seasons and threaten to do so again this time round.
Simple hard work, allied to good team spirit, robust players and a little quality in the right areas are all that it has taken and, in truth, it would be a surprise to see them involved at the wrong end of the table over the next few months. Traditionally fortunate with injuries, a spate of problems could derail them but you wouldn't bet on it.