The Thistle Archive

Media report

PLAYERS BACK THE WAY OF McVEIGH. The scene was set. The Partick Thistle players were a study in concentration as they limbered up, well aware what was at stake. They knew their job, and there could be no mistake. The consequences were too horrific. The red-and-yellow end of Dens Park was well populated, each singing the praises of their beloved Thistle, each knowing that defeat against the new first division champions would be calamitous to the club. The possibility of life in the second division sent cold shivers down the spine. Those with Thistle close to their hearts had everything crossed, the religious probably did their bit as well, everyone was playing their part, or were they? Minutes prior to kick-off the nation's radio waves were filled by the dulcet tones of the Thistle chairman, Brown McMaster, claiming that, in his opinion, the guys who wear the boots were not playing for the club head coach, John McVeigh. The timing of such a statement was startling indeed, and just why the Firhill leader uttered his beliefs at such a time is most baffling. However, the outspoken McMaster was elsewhere, at Wembley for the Rugby League cup final, to be precise. And this with his team fighting for its survival. Makes you think. The only thought now on the minds of McVeigh is making sure that his men are up for Ayr United's visit to North Glasgow on Saturday. Success that afternoon would mean that Thistle would maintain their league status quo, while anything else would mean - well think what you like.

McVeigh, by now, probably managed to remove the large smile from his face after weekend goings-on. “I was proud of everyone,” he said. “Our fate is in our hands again, and that is all we can ask for. It's all down to what we do next week. “A lot of people had written us off, even people you would not expect to write us off” (I wonder who he meant). But that was part of the motivation. “That was the best performance from the team since I took over.” As others scorers and their meanings were analysed by pundits on a large television screen within Dens Park, Lindsay Hamilton was having difficulty finding a cup of tea. This was close to the only difficulty the Thistle keeper had throughout the afternoon. Hamilton, whom it seems has played for every team in the world, has been borrowed from Queen's Park, and has a perfect record in Thistle colours - played four, conceded nil. “The big man has become something of a cult figure with the supporters,” said McVeigh. “And that's fine.” The Dundee lot had two clear chances during the 90 minutes and duly belted the ball straight at Hamilton, which just about summed up the home team's performance. The paying customers were allowed in to the arena at a reduced rate, but some wearing dark blue still had every justification to have felt overcharged. If Thistle can reproduce Saturday's form - especially in the opening half - against Ayr this weekend, the gentlemen from the seaside town should expect a difficult time. There is a saying in Maryhill that it is “Firhill for thrills.//” So, on the last day of the league season, why not nip along to the old stadium, and watch 22 men playing their hearts out. It could be money well spent. - THE Save The Jags campaign was a great success, and its final organised function takes place at Firhill on Wednesday, May 20, with a sports dinner at Firhill. There are still a few tickets remaining for the occasion and these can be purchased from the ground.

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