Meet The Manager Night

[davemains]

just a wee reminder that Thursday 5th Sept at 7.30pm is the Jags Trust AGM. which will also feature a certain Alan Archibald, who will be attending for his first Meet the Manager night!

 

 

As it's the AGM, this event is for Jags Trust members BUT you can sign up on the night;

 

Individual - £10

Unwaged - £5

Family - £20

 

Hope to see you there!

[jags365]

Just a wee bump for tomorrow night.

[allyo]

These threads were big news when we were rubbish. Now no one has anything to say to the manager, coz we're not really worthy,

 

Seriously, can't make it but I hope it's well attended.

[The Arch]

Anything interesting come out of the meet the manager thing? Always interested to hear what comes out of these things.

[lady-isobel-barnett]

Anything interesting come out of the meet the manager thing? Always interested to hear what comes out of these things.

 

McCall was always good value. Would start off relatively cagey and end up being, let's just say, not over diplomatic. I can only imagine Archie being more guarded. Hopefully someone asked the two most crucial questions..... "Where's Henoc?" and "If he's not too busy can he run a raffle?"

[ian_mac]

If you weren't there we're not telling you!

[GrantB]

So no point in asking then?

 

Typical Jags trust behaviour.

[ian_mac]

So no point in asking then?

 

Typical Jags trust behaviour.

Pay your money or don't ask!

[Scamps]

Come on guys, you seriously not expecting a link to the JT site, where a full lowdown will be given, to appear here at some point today?

 

There's having excuses, then there's looking for them

[uberteeb]

What's the Jags Trust?

[GrantB]

 

Pay your money or don't ask!

 

I wouldn't give the Jags trust the steam off my piss.

 

Next time the EoS supporters club have a meet the manager night, I'll remember this thread.

[Fearchar]

What's the Jags Trust?

One of the biggest shareholders, and therefore the only means for fans to influence the company that is Partick Thistle Football Club Ltd. If fan-shareholders don't keep tabs on what's happening, then the club can only end up as the plaything of the wealthy. Look across the Clyde to see the result.

 

I wouldn't give the Jags trust the steam off my piss.....

Breathe deeply, now. That's it - relax and let the pressure of the urine go.

 

Alternatively, stump up a few £ thousand to cope with the next medical emergency at the club - just to show that you care as much for the club's progress as the trust, of course.

[GrantB]

One of the biggest shareholders, and therefore the only means for fans to influence the company that is Partick Thistle Football Club Ltd. If fan-shareholders don't keep tabs on what's happening, then the club can only end up as the plaything of the wealthy. Look across the Clyde to see the result.

 

 

Breathe deeply, now. That's it - relax and let the pressure of the urine go.

 

Alternatively, stump up a few £ thousand to cope with the next medical emergency at the club - just to show that you care as much for the club's progress as the trust, of course.

 

Oh dear.

 

Is this the same trust that fail to engage with the supporters and fail to communicate any of their activities outside their little clique?

[jagscast]

We attended this event last night. We requested to record it so it would be a simple matter of uploading the sound to allow everyone to hear but weren't allowed, so instead we took some notes on the questions and answers.

 

Most difficult thing moving from player to manager

 

A: Hardest thing is picking a team. Players think you have fallen out with them if you don't pick them for several games, always knocking on door asking why they haven't been involved. Time consumption is another massive difference. AA was reserve team coach, which made it easier to move to manager as he wasn't as "in the dressing room" as he would have been were he just a player. Getting changed with the coaches also meant there was a bit of a barrier, but with coaching it was coach and go home. Being a manager allows less time for coaching and more time for dealing with board, agents and all manners of other issues(I.E. being social worker to players)

 

Scott Paterson - Why did he bring him in?

 

A: When Jackie and Sid left it meant it was only Archie and Craig Hinchcliffe in the coaching team. While Archie had decided not to play himself, if there were injuries on the defensive side he might have to. This would have left CH to make decisions on the sidelines, something which he wouldn't have been entirely comfortable with. SP was doing youth coaching with Aberdeen when AA approached him to join PT. It was a lack of numbers which prompted AA to approach him, Board were surprised when he asked to bring him in. Thinks SP is a good coach, which has been proven by the training he designs for the team and is also a good friend - trust being one of the key components in a good management team. Thought the players would also take well to him due to the character of him.

 

When did he think he would like to be a manager?

 

A: He never thought about it until he got his serious knee inury. As he was the wrong side of 30 he started to drift his thoughts towards what he would do when he retired. He thought he would prefer to be a coach than a manager because of all the extra off field stuff that goes with being a manager. One of the biggest stress busters for him is actually getting on the training field and doing a bit of coaching.

 

Playing Squad

 

A:He was delighted to get so many players renewing. First thing he did when he took over as caretaker was instruct the signing of Foxy, regardless of if he got the job. Feels Foxy is an exceptional keeper and has the trust of the backline - something that is hard to achieve(see Bryn Halliwell). A solid back line was going to be crucial this season, regardless of division we were in. Feels the only thing we are missing is a striker, admit's everyone probably knows this. The reasons why he didn't bring in another striker was due to finance and also the closing of the transfer window in England being Monday while ours was Saturday. He had a target in mind who was waiting to see what happened on the Monday. If a striker came into that club then he would be out the door and heading to PT. Didn't name the player in question but still confident of landing him in January

 

Manager AA learned most from

 

A:John Lambie was different and wacky but he had a lot of good intelligent ideas. Learned a lot from Craig Levein, even though one of the first things he did was bin him.

 

Steven Lawless

 

A: Contract talks are ongoing, spoke with his representative this week. Thinks SL will wait and see what happens, as is his right, because he has started the season so well. Doesn't think him and ATS will sign new deals with the club, but stated that was one of the things with Thistle. Do well and you are always going to lose your best players. Is hoping that the fact Chris Erskine hasn't done as well at United is proof that the grass isn't always greener and that SL fits the system at Firhill and will have a team built to his capabilities.

 

Any interest in AA and SP from other clubs?

 

A: None at all. Good relationship with board so have no intention of leaving anytime soon. On a 1 year rolling contract which he's happy with.

 

Training Faciliities

 

A: Currently scouting for a new training complex. Currently having to move from place to place. 2 seasons ago we were at Glasgow Green but pitches were poorly maintained. Last season we were at Firhill Complex which was ideal but too small for an SPL club's needs. Looking for a grass facility, while Astroturf is really good to train on, grass is the optimum surface to train on for players. While he accepts Astroturf is a must in winter, not wanting to make it a permanent thing. Paul Gallagher wants all the goalkeepers together for training, but not always viable as there sometimes just isn't enough space on the pitch! Currently having to travel out to train, back to Firhill for lunch, then back out for afternoon session. Not ideal but something we just have to get on with. Osbourne nearly never signed because he saw photos of us training on Astro. Has had previous history with injuries so was reluctant to train on it. Also feels a lack of a proper "training facility" could be a negative in signing players. Cited St. Mirren as an example with their training ground in Ralston.

 

Sean Welsh

 

Should be O.K. for Aberdeen. Decision to make him captain was very hard to make, but believes Sean will thrive in captain's role and push him on. Leads by example and inspires players around him to be as good as him.

 

Under 20's

 

Some good players coming through. Chris Duggan scoring lots of goals. David Wilson is pick of bunch. Played him v Gateshead and felt it was probably unfair on him considering they just piled a team together, but did himself proud. Declan McDaid is a prospect. Played him v Limassol to get him around the team but felt he tried too hard and the occasion got the better of him. Jags fans have already seen Liam Lindsay last season in Dumbarton game and feel the Under 20's league will only help him improve.

 

3-5-2

 

Played this against Dumbarton as a trial and as neccessity due to injury crisis in midfield - McMillan played CM. Probably won't play it again as we struggle when we play with 2 strikers - cited Airdrie 2-1 game as the prime example. Had watched Hamilton dismantle Airdrie with 2 strikers, then did the same and struggled significantly. Doesn't quite know why, maybe due to the youth of the team. Thinks Baird works well with Doolan in a partnership, but struggles a little with doing on his own. Pleased Baird is getting into positions to miss, rather than a lack of opportunities. Very happy with the shape we play and the way it allows us to play.

 

Craig Beattie

 

Trained with squad in the week leading up to the Hearts game. AA was approached by agent to say he was available. AA allowed CB training facilities but told agent no concrete offer on the table as he had other targets. Agent didn't tell CB. CB turned up thinking there was a deal on the table. Trained all week with squad until Thursday. Thursday was the team analysis day, so only first team squad were involved in it. Craig Beattie never turned up the following Monday. That's the last he's seen of him.

 

Team Spirit

 

Think's the fantastic team spirit in the squad is due to them all being similar in age. They are good pro's who know each other's jobs and respect their ability to do it. The team stayed in shared accomodation down at Durham which helped in the socialising factor. There was no ability to "hide" in hotel rooms as everything was communal.

 

Gary Fraser

 

Gerry Collins recommended him to AA in March/April. Invited him along to pre-season expecting to sign him as an Under 20s player until he saw the ability he had. Thinks he fits the system perfectly and his range of passing is fantastic. Hopeful of keeping him until the end of the season as doesn't see him playing much for Bolton currently. Offered him a first team wage to sign for PT but feels people pressured him into signing for Bolton as he had turned them down in January. With hindsight he's probably made the wrong choice.

 

Henoc Mukendi

 

AA hadn't seen him play, only seen a little footage of him on DVD's. He was a gamble that was taken on the basis that he won't cost much money, if any at all. Thinks he's needs time to adapt to Scottish football but is currently down the pecking order.

 

Tracksuit or Suit

 

Tracksuit always on the bench because it's more comfortable, but had considered changing but it seemed to be a good omen.

 

Fixture changes

 

Doesn't really bother him, but feels footballer's are creatures of habit and prefer the 3pm kickoffs so they can prepare normally. Thinks while it's a compliment to be on the T.V. so much it's also a hindrance because it allowed Motherwell to prepare more to counter our strengths. Being on the T.V. also alerts teams to our players with lot's of enquiries into Gary Fraser after the two T.V. games.

 

Scouting

 

Currently no scouting system in place.

 

Fitness

 

Feel's the first team is really fit, which is changed from his playing days when the youth squads were always fitter.

 

Stuart Bannigan

 

Believes he will definitely earn a Scotand Cap. Been very impressed with SB. He got injured in pre-season, in a bounce game against Airdrie. Excelled in the Dundee United game despite only being half fit and having 1 week's training. Impressed with his attitude. Went on loan to Ayr United, did really well, then came back to Firhill and played to reserves, Didn't let it get him down and kept giving 100% while he might have been expecting a place in the first team. AA played him as a left back in the reserve squad where he excelled. Only played there because he didn't have a left back to play.

 

Social Media

 

Not a massive fan of Social Media. Doesn't like the "Facebook footballers" who think they have made it as teenagers. Implemented the twitter ban from Friday evening to the day after the game to avoid reactive posts right after the game. Spoke about the incident involving a Morton player and Thistle player where they had a good go at each other after the 2-2 game(think it was Wallace and Lawless?) Doesn't want players getting involved in petty squabbles publicly. Almost had to sack a couple of youth players for the tweets they have posted in the last few months as they just didn't have the common sense to read over what they were about to tweet. However, he does recognise the closeness between the players and fans built through the #wegotthis Says he hasn't fully banned it, just trying to avoid the reactive tweets after games in the heat of the moment. Conrad Balatoni proved his point when he posted the rules on Twitter in anger at them appearing.

 

Other

 

Feels under no pressure compared to last year. Had to get out the division last season which was a more stressful environment than staying up.

 

Had doubts about whether to take the job or not as didn't want to be remembered as the guy who blew the title.

 

His playing highlight was getting out of Division 2 with Lambie. Feels the club was toxic at that point and really needed to get out the league. Was insanely jealous of Danny Lennon getting to lift trophies and was delighted to get to lift it last year.

 

There was probably other things asked that I've forgotten about, but I hope this brief overview is helpful!

[Norgethistle]

We attended this event last night. We requested to record it so it would be a simple matter of uploading the sound to allow everyone to hear but weren't allowed, so instead we took some notes on the questions and answers.

 

Most difficult thing moving from player to manager

 

A: Hardest thing is picking a team. Players think you have fallen out with them if you don't pick them for several games, always knocking on door asking why they haven't been involved. Time consumption is another massive difference. AA was reserve team coach, which made it easier to move to manager as he wasn't as "in the dressing room" as he would have been were he just a player. Getting changed with the coaches also meant there was a bit of a barrier, but with coaching it was coach and go home. Being a manager allows less time for coaching and more time for dealing with board, agents and all manners of other issues(I.E. being social worker to players)

 

Scott Paterson - Why did he bring him in?

 

A: When Jackie and Sid left it meant it was only Archie and Craig Hinchcliffe in the coaching team. While Archie had decided not to play himself, if there were injuries on the defensive side he might have to. This would have left CH to make decisions on the sidelines, something which he wouldn't have been entirely comfortable with. SP was doing youth coaching with Aberdeen when AA approached him to join PT. It was a lack of numbers which prompted AA to approach him, Board were surprised when he asked to bring him in. Thinks SP is a good coach, which has been proven by the training he designs for the team and is also a good friend - trust being one of the key components in a good management team. Thought the players would also take well to him due to the character of him.

 

When did he think he would like to be a manager?

 

A: He never thought about it until he got his serious knee inury. As he was the wrong side of 30 he started to drift his thoughts towards what he would do when he retired. He thought he would prefer to be a coach than a manager because of all the extra off field stuff that goes with being a manager. One of the biggest stress busters for him is actually getting on the training field and doing a bit of coaching.

 

Playing Squad

 

A:He was delighted to get so many players renewing. First thing he did when he took over as caretaker was instruct the signing of Foxy, regardless of if he got the job. Feels Foxy is an exceptional keeper and has the trust of the backline - something that is hard to achieve(see Bryn Halliwell). A solid back line was going to be crucial this season, regardless of division we were in. Feels the only thing we are missing is a striker, admit's everyone probably knows this. The reasons why he didn't bring in another striker was due to finance and also the closing of the transfer window in England being Monday while ours was Saturday. He had a target in mind who was waiting to see what happened on the Monday. If a striker came into that club then he would be out the door and heading to PT. Didn't name the player in question but still confident of landing him in January

 

Manager AA learned most from

 

A:John Lambie was different and wacky but he had a lot of good intelligent ideas. Learned a lot from Craig Levein, even though one of the first things he did was bin him.

 

Steven Lawless

 

A: Contract talks are ongoing, spoke with his representative this week. Thinks SL will wait and see what happens, as is his right, because he has started the season so well. Doesn't think him and ATS will sign new deals with the club, but stated that was one of the things with Thistle. Do well and you are always going to lose your best players. Is hoping that the fact Chris Erskine hasn't done as well at United is proof that the grass isn't always greener and that SL fits the system at Firhill and will have a team built to his capabilities.

 

Any interest in AA and SP from other clubs?

 

A: None at all. Good relationship with board so have no intention of leaving anytime soon. On a 1 year rolling contract which he's happy with.

 

Training Faciliities

 

A: Currently scouting for a new training complex. Currently having to move from place to place. 2 seasons ago we were at Glasgow Green but pitches were poorly maintained. Last season we were at Firhill Complex which was ideal but too small for an SPL club's needs. Looking for a grass facility, while Astroturf is really good to train on, grass is the optimum surface to train on for players. While he accepts Astroturf is a must in winter, not wanting to make it a permanent thing. Paul Gallagher wants all the goalkeepers together for training, but not always viable as there sometimes just isn't enough space on the pitch! Currently having to travel out to train, back to Firhill for lunch, then back out for afternoon session. Not ideal but something we just have to get on with. Osbourne nearly never signed because he saw photos of us training on Astro. Has had previous history with injuries so was reluctant to train on it. Also feels a lack of a proper "training facility" could be a negative in signing players. Cited St. Mirren as an example with their training ground in Ralston.

 

Sean Welsh

 

Should be O.K. for Aberdeen. Decision to make him captain was very hard to make, but believes Sean will thrive in captain's role and push him on. Leads by example and inspires players around him to be as good as him.

 

Under 20's

 

Some good players coming through. Chris Duggan scoring lots of goals. David Wilson is pick of bunch. Played him v Gateshead and felt it was probably unfair on him considering they just piled a team together, but did himself proud. Declan McDaid is a prospect. Played him v Limassol to get him around the team but felt he tried too hard and the occasion got the better of him. Jags fans have already seen Liam Lindsay last season in Dumbarton game and feel the Under 20's league will only help him improve.

 

3-5-2

 

Played this against Dumbarton as a trial and as neccessity due to injury crisis in midfield - McMillan played CM. Probably won't play it again as we struggle when we play with 2 strikers - cited Airdrie 2-1 game as the prime example. Had watched Hamilton dismantle Airdrie with 2 strikers, then did the same and struggled significantly. Doesn't quite know why, maybe due to the youth of the team. Thinks Baird works well with Doolan in a partnership, but struggles a little with doing on his own. Pleased Baird is getting into positions to miss, rather than a lack of opportunities. Very happy with the shape we play and the way it allows us to play.

 

Craig Beattie

 

Trained with squad in the week leading up to the Hearts game. AA was approached by agent to say he was available. AA allowed CB training facilities but told agent no concrete offer on the table as he had other targets. Agent didn't tell CB. CB turned up thinking there was a deal on the table. Trained all week with squad until Thursday. Thursday was the team analysis day, so only first team squad were involved in it. Craig Beattie never turned up the following Monday. That's the last he's seen of him.

 

Team Spirit

 

Think's the fantastic team spirit in the squad is due to them all being similar in age. They are good pro's who know each other's jobs and respect their ability to do it. The team stayed in shared accomodation down at Durham which helped in the socialising factor. There was no ability to "hide" in hotel rooms as everything was communal.

 

Gary Fraser

 

Gerry Collins recommended him to AA in March/April. Invited him along to pre-season expecting to sign him as an Under 20s player until he saw the ability he had. Thinks he fits the system perfectly and his range of passing is fantastic. Hopeful of keeping him until the end of the season as doesn't see him playing much for Bolton currently. Offered him a first team wage to sign for PT but feels people pressured him into signing for Bolton as he had turned them down in January. With hindsight he's probably made the wrong choice.

 

Henoc Mukendi

 

AA hadn't seen him play, only seen a little footage of him on DVD's. He was a gamble that was taken on the basis that he won't cost much money, if any at all. Thinks he's needs time to adapt to Scottish football but is currently down the pecking order.

 

Tracksuit or Suit

 

Tracksuit always on the bench because it's more comfortable, but had considered changing but it seemed to be a good omen.

 

Fixture changes

 

Doesn't really bother him, but feels footballer's are creatures of habit and prefer the 3pm kickoffs so they can prepare normally. Thinks while it's a compliment to be on the T.V. so much it's also a hindrance because it allowed Motherwell to prepare more to counter our strengths. Being on the T.V. also alerts teams to our players with lot's of enquiries into Gary Fraser after the two T.V. games.

 

Scouting

 

Currently no scouting system in place.

 

Fitness

 

Feel's the first team is really fit, which is changed from his playing days when the youth squads were always fitter.

 

Stuart Bannigan

 

Believes he will definitely earn a Scotand Cap. Been very impressed with SB. He got injured in pre-season, in a bounce game against Airdrie. Excelled in the Dundee United game despite only being half fit and having 1 week's training. Impressed with his attitude. Went on loan to Ayr United, did really well, then came back to Firhill and played to reserves, Didn't let it get him down and kept giving 100% while he might have been expecting a place in the first team. AA played him as a left back in the reserve squad where he excelled. Only played there because he didn't have a left back to play.

 

Social Media

 

Not a massive fan of Social Media. Doesn't like the "Facebook footballers" who think they have made it as teenagers. Implemented the twitter ban from Friday evening to the day after the game to avoid reactive posts right after the game. Spoke about the incident involving a Morton player and Thistle player where they had a good go at each other after the 2-2 game(think it was Wallace and Lawless?) Doesn't want players getting involved in petty squabbles publicly. Almost had to sack a couple of youth players for the tweets they have posted in the last few months as they just didn't have the common sense to read over what they were about to tweet. However, he does recognise the closeness between the players and fans built through the #wegotthis Says he hasn't fully banned it, just trying to avoid the reactive tweets after games in the heat of the moment. Conrad Balatoni proved his point when he posted the rules on Twitter in anger at them appearing.

 

Other

 

Feels under no pressure compared to last year. Had to get out the division last season which was a more stressful environment than staying up.

 

Had doubts about whether to take the job or not as didn't want to be remembered as the guy who blew the title.

 

His playing highlight was getting out of Division 2 with Lambie. Feels the club was toxic at that point and really needed to get out the league. Was insanely jealous of Danny Lennon getting to lift trophies and was delighted to get to lift it last year.

 

There was probably other things asked that I've forgotten about, but I hope this brief overview is helpful!

 

Thanks for the feedback, out of interest who wouldn't allow you's to record it?

[Noel Edmonds]

I wouldn't give the Jags trust the steam off my piss.

This. It's a shame events like this are only open to Jags Trust membership, as that's the only thing putting a lot of people, including myself, off from going.

[GrantB]

Cheers Jagscast. :thumbsup2:

[Willjag]

Cheers Vinny.

[erty13]

This is they type of event / access I was expecting from the tag scheme.

 

Shame the club did this through the Jags Trust, who most of us want nothin to do with.

[Trotter]

Surprising elements to what I just read:

 

We don't currently have a permanent training base.

 

In fact we're almost 5/6 months from being promoted & we still don't have permanent base. I'd love to know if this is a money thing or just not been able to get what we want. Needs to be rectified ASAP whatever league we're playing in. Something that's worth investing in for the future of the club I'd suggest. Attract the youngsters away from the old firm where you can now justifiably point out that we'll play you, they won't- unless you're signed form another club!!

 

Scouting network.

 

Another damning statement. Surely to goodness the club knew Bobby Dinnie was going long in advance of it happening?

An appointment should've been made by now & that person has responsibility for appointing a network through their contacts? We could be missing out on youngsters already.

 

ATS & Lawless.

 

No surprise that Sinclair for the off. Quality left backs are few & far between & this lad has shown that he can hold his own from what I've seen so far this season. Just hope he goes South rather than lose him to certain clubs up here.

 

Lawless. Hate to say it, but take away Ross Co performance & he's not been any great shakes. Asking for a considerable amount of money I believe as well. Maybe he believes his own press after a solid 1st Div campaign? Probably in the minority on this board but think young players like Lawless are plenty in lower leagues but very few make it in top league. Reminds me a little of Stevie Murray when he first came through at Kille but was soon found out & career went downhill, including a brief, unsuccessful sojourn with us. Too small & lightweight for me. Good luck to him, hope his agent hasn't given him a bum steer.

 

Big Chris back next year to replace him anyway.

Edited September 7, 2013 by Trotter

[scotty]

This. It's a shame events like this are only open to Jags Trust membership, as that's the only thing putting a lot of people, including myself, off from going.

It was the AGM. It's usual that AGMs are only open to members.

 

This is they type of event / access I was expecting from the tag scheme.

 

Shame the club did this through the Jags Trust, who most of us want nothin to do with.

From what I gather the Jags Trust organised this. The club didn't DO this through them.

[BowenBoys]

Surprising elements to what I just read:

 

We don't currently have a permanent training base.

 

In fact we're almost 5/6 months from being promoted & we still don't have permanent base. I'd love to know if this is a money thing or just not been able to get what we want. Needs to be rectified ASAP whatever league we're playing in. Something that's worth investing in for the future of the club I'd suggest. Attract the youngsters away from the old firm where you can now justifiably point out that we'll play you, they won't- unless you're signed form another club!!

 

Scouting network.

 

Another damning statement. Surely to goodness the club knew Bobby Dinnie was going long in advance of it happening?

An appointment should've been made by now & that person has responsibility for appointing a network through their contacts? We could be missing out on youngsters already.

 

ATS & Lawless.

 

No surprise that Sinclair for the off. Quality left backs are few & far between & this lad has shown that he can hold his own from what I've seen so far this season. Just hope he goes South rather than lose him to certain clubs up here.

 

Lawless. Hate to say it, but take away Ross Co performance & he's not been any great shakes. Asking for a considerable amount of money I believe as well. Maybe he believes his own press after a solid 1st Div campaign? Probably in the minority on this board but think young players like Lawless are plenty in lower leagues but very few make it in top league. Reminds me a little of Stevie Murray when he first came through at Kille but was soon found out & career went downhill, including a brief, unsuccessful sojourn with us. Too small & lightweight for me. Good luck to him, hope his agent hasn't given him a bum steer.

 

Big Chris back next year to replace him anyway.

 

Can't be a money problem. The club must be awash with cash as they can't be bothered bringing in money from TAG and DVD release.

 

Surely not a failure of organisation. No history of letting the administration side of things slide.

 

Really can't imagine what the problem is ...

[ThickAsThieves]

That was a good read, thanks jagscast.

 

It would be great to see one or two of the U20 boys come through before the season's finished. There will be calls for Duggan to make the matchday squad if he keeps banging them in - given that we're light up front - but it's important not to stunt his development and bring him into the mix too early. I've been hearing good things about Wilson and Lindsay so would love to see them getting involved before May too.

 

I spoke to Gerry Britton about the youth system two seasons ago and he said it can be viewed a success if you have at least one player breaking into your first-team squad and staying there (ie. Bannigan) every two or three years. Think we're due our next one.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Surprising elements to what I just read:

 

We don't currently have a permanent training base.

 

In fact we're almost 5/6 months from being promoted & we still don't have permanent base. I'd love to know if this is a money thing or just not been able to get what we want. Needs to be rectified ASAP whatever league we're playing in. Something that's worth investing in for the future of the club I'd suggest. Attract the youngsters away from the old firm where you can now justifiably point out that we'll play you, they won't- unless you're signed form another club!!

 

Scouting network.

 

Another damning statement. Surely to goodness the club knew Bobby Dinnie was going long in advance of it happening?

An appointment should've been made by now & that person has responsibility for appointing a network through their contacts? We could be missing out on youngsters already.

 

ATS & Lawless.

 

No surprise that Sinclair for the off. Quality left backs are few & far between & this lad has shown that he can hold his own from what I've seen so far this season. Just hope he goes South rather than lose him to certain clubs up here.

 

Lawless. Hate to say it, but take away Ross Co performance & he's not been any great shakes. Asking for a considerable amount of money I believe as well. Maybe he believes his own press after a solid 1st Div campaign? Probably in the minority on this board but think young players like Lawless are plenty in lower leagues but very few make it in top league. Reminds me a little of Stevie Murray when he first came through at Kille but was soon found out & career went downhill, including a brief, unsuccessful sojourn with us. Too small & lightweight for me. Good luck to him, hope his agent hasn't given him a bum steer.

 

Big Chris back next year to replace him anyway.

 

Agree with your points. Hope over the next few years thistle could establish a training facility, think its required more than a south stand (although would like to see that done as well). A training base would also allow better facilities for youth players and the more professional outlook would attract better players. Young and old alike.

 

With regards to ATS, I would be disappointed if he stayed in the SPFL. Only clubs we should be losing are better players to should be Celtic, hibs, hearts(if they didn't have money troubles) and Aberdeen which may interest him being from up there. I believe we can compete with the rest of the teams. On a quick note, killie look like a club that is dying, fans seem to be drifting away in their numbers.

[jagscast]

Thanks for the feedback, out of interest who wouldn't allow you's to record it?

 

It was chairperson.

 

Some other things I've remembered:

 

Training Base - AA was hopeful of getting the Science Park at Glasgow Uni but Kilmarnock renewed their lease. Found it baffling how Glasgow Uni would help out Killie but not their local club. Accepts we need to wait for Kilmarnock to give the facility up before we get into it. The main reason why we haven't found a place is space. We need several pitches to train on due to both the First Team Squad and Under 20s being full time and training at the same time.

 

Success - Success this season is 10th place. Rued the fact that we spent ages coming out of the first division and the year we get promoted introduces playoffs.