The Thistle Archive

Media report

A GLASGOW TEAM WILL WIN THE SPL NEXT YEAR… THAT GIVES US A 1 IN 3 CHANCE; SAYS PARTICK'S STEPHEN CRAIGAN. STEPHEN CRAIGAN is tipping Partick Thistle to complete a title treble next season by winning the SPL. The cocky Irishman skipped half the length of Firhill to collect his First Division championship medal on Saturday. Then he said: “We've won the Second Division title and the First Division back-to-back so who knows, we could make it three in a row. I was told a team from Glasgow will win the SPL next year so Partick Thistle have a one-in-three chance.”

The Jags put on a title party and threw in a win over Raith as a bonus for 6028 fans who made Maryhill rock. Danny Lennon hoisted the trophy aloft and every player milked the cheers of the Firhill faithful as the medals were handed out. And no one partied more wildly than Craigan. The defender was determined to enjoy himself after missing out on Partick's title-clinching win over St Mirren at Love Street last week - the only game he has missed through injury since he signed two years ago. And even as late as Friday night, he feared his damaged ankle would force him sit out the action and the celebrations against Raith Rovers. Craigan said: “I was absolutely gutted to miss out on the match against St Mirren when we won the title. It was the first game I have missed for Partick through injury in the two years I have been here and what a time to get injured. I didn't even think I would feature against Raith but I was determined to play my part. I had no chance of playing on the Friday night as the ankle and was swollen and painful. But I had a late fitness test on Saturday and I felt fine. There was just no way I was going to miss out on the real title party. That will explain my mad celebrations when I picked up my medal. I have been bursting to celebrate for two weeks and all the emotion and pent-up frustration just came out at that moment.” Now Craigan, who has a year of his contract still to run at Partick, can't wait to pit his wits against the best in the SPL and enhance his international chances in the process. Craigan said: “This is the pinnacle of my club career so far. But I still think the greatest honour was when I was called into the Northern Ireland squad for the recent match against Lichtenstein. Although I was on the bench and I never got on it was still a great experience and I was thrilled to be a part of it all. I owe everything to Partick Thistle and John Lambie who rescued my career when I was freed by Motherwell two years ago. Being in the SPL will give me a higher profile to showcase my talent and hopefully I can impress the Northern Ireland selectors enough to gain more international experience. I'm a proud Northern Irishman and would love nothing better than to play for my country. There was a whole family contingent over from Belfast for this game to see me pick up my medal and it is just a great feeling to say that Partick Thistle are an SPL club again.”

A solitary second-half goal by Gerry Britton was enough to send the Jags fans into orbit and ensure that John Lambie's red and yellow army remained undefeated at home in the league this season. Lambie hailed the achievement as the highlight of his career. However, the 61-year-old boss was more intent on talking about his impending holiday in Tenerife than about his future with the Jags. He said: “Partick Thistle have performed a miracle here. This is the highlight of my career without a doubt. A lot of things have been said in the papers which probably shouldn't have been said. Everyone knows John Lambie is always open to a challenge. The situation is that the chairman and I are both going on holiday. I have spoken to him and we will probably sit down and have another chat when we both come back. But I can't wait to have a rest in Tenerife and swing the golf clubs and have a wee jug here and a wee jug there.”

Raith boss Jocky Scott also refused to be drawn on whether or not he had a future with the Kirkcaldy side. When quizzed, his response was, “Pass”.

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