michael m

Why?

First game of the New Year!

Happy New Year to Thistle fans far and wide - may 2019 be a whole lot better than 2018!

I'd be surprised if any after Joe and Steven Craig. Before that there's only two Ian Cameron's?

Perhaps not the best choice of ref - he was kicked off the list for accepting bribes on European trips if I remember correctly. Mr JRP Gordon of Newport Upon Tay! If you listen to Robert Reid's banter at hospitality one of my favourite lines he comes away with is that of ref Jim Renton who, according to Robert, thoroughly deserves to live in Cowdenbeath. That always makes me laugh!

Sad to report that a key figure from our League Cup Final success on the 23rd October 1971 has passed away. The name Bill Mullen might not mean a lot to many but he was the referee for the match and I had the pleasure of chatting to Bill on many occasions about the game, one which he remembers with great fondness. He always expressed his delight at the game and the manner in which both sides played the game and was always happy to chat about that match. Bill passed away yesterday at the age of 90 and l wish to pass on my deepest condolences to his family. Referees today sometimes get the rep of being a bit robotic but Bill was the complete opposite.

Thistle 2 Falkirk 0 - both goals scored by John Buckley - the second Chic took to the byeline before putting his foot on the ball, stopping and looking up before placing it right on Buckley's napper while the Bairns defenders just stood back and watched (with great admiration!)

I just love this topic!

I read that the office is closing early today (at 3pm). This is for staff training - to be honest I thought the team recruitment had made a nice steady start but I suppose if needs must we look at every avenue to boost the squad - Statto for centre half obviously and Gerry B will no doubt still lead the line but I'm not overly certain the best roles for Ross and George.

Can't recall a gangly winger called Maria!

Thursday - Craig Thompson Sunday - John Beaton positives - neither are Andrew Dallas!

Is Douglas Clark a new team? An amalgam of car Giants Douglas Park and Arnold Clark?

Partly the hero! He was the ref - the Lino was Stuart Stevenson!

The ref supervisor on Saturday was Euan Norris - a former grade 1 ref

Have long held the belief that any drawn game should be settled by a giant game of Ker Plunk in the centre circle! Now THAT would be a tense affair

Not quite accurate - every game we've won we've played that formation but we have lost some too!

Fraser injured against Celtic.

How do you know I'm not this season?

My guess is that the assistant ref was unsure if Dunne got a touch on the ball and didnt want to flag as it would have been a goal if he didn't. He would then alert the ref via his mic of the fact that he has some doubt about the validity of the goal and wanted a chat. They would then discuss whether Dunne did get a touch and the ref would confirm that he did so it was then it became offside.

Many have tried but Kris is extremely happy at Firhill and has had no desire to leave so far - but he has told me he has had many offers previous

That’s only because he had a bag of ice on his knee as prescribed by physio - said he played pain free today

Referee IMD Foote and as Robert Reid eloquently says in his Boardroom Banter should be IMD Flute!

Soon? Been there a while you know

In complete contrast the players and management think colt teams in this cup is a tremendous thing and they really felt it very worthwhile - must say I look forward to seeing how our young lads get on against experienced campaigners and I hope the competition remains in its current format - or at least similar

Yes there is - 7.40 start and it's a lovely sunny night!