There Is No Plan B...oh actually, yeh there is. Sorry.

By Vinny Ferguson @vbl1986

I’m sure we used to all talk about something other than football committees, megalomaniacs and rebellious chairmen. Ah yes, that’s right. Actual, proper football. The new season is almost upon us, and I think most people have forgotten about the fact that there will actually be some football played soon. Partick Thistle’s players will begin their mission to regain match sharpness against Paul Hartley’s Alloa Athletic on Tuesday night. I’ve spent some time thinking about how the team will line up this year.

Jackie McNamara’s first issue is the loss of Paul Cairney. I cannot remember a player having such a turnaround in fortune, fitness and finesse in one single season. This was the player who once looked heavy, short of pace and had absolutely no confidence in his ability as a First Division player. Last season, Paulo DiCairneyo was one of the stand out players in the league. It was no surprise to learn that several higher ranked clubs were interested in signing him up once his contract expired. He eventually opted for Hibernian, after long negotiations, his stag do and his wedding. Good luck to the man, he is one player who has earned his move to the top league in Scotland.

Cairney suggested that his drastic change in form was down to McNamara giving him a free role in midfield. We would often see Cairney drifting off to either wing, collecting the ball from defence, as well as linking up with the forward players. I would suggest that Chris Erskine will fulfil this position in the coming season. This creates another problem though, as Erskine and Cairney often linked up. McNamara doesn’t have many other options in the mould of Erskine and Cairney. He must consider other formations.

A look back at a former line up.


Hugh Murray will be a regular starter, perhaps at the expense of David Rowson. Rowson, despite his enthusiasm and fitness, is not getting any younger and is now a part-time footballer. This could lead to a Murray/Paton midfield. Paul Paton, another utility player, may however be used at the back, allowing Rowson to play a part in a starting eleven. We also cannot forget about Stuart Bannigan’s form towards the end of the season, both in midfield and on the left wing, or Sean Welsh’s eye for goal and angled passing ability, which could see him team up with Erskine in a freer role.

Mark McGuigan has impressed since his arrival at Firhill. He is a tall, athletic striker who has shown that he has a predatory, poacher instinct. While Kris Doolan is an excellent front man, his goals rarely come from easy chances. They come from hard work, working angles and spectacular long range efforts. McGuigan is an ideal partner for the hard working, considerate Doolan. I’m not convinced that McNamara will always have the luxury to play two strikers, but by having the options of McGuigan and the pacey Christie Elliot, he has shown that he is aware of the need to have a Plan B and C.

Other new signings have come in the form of Aaron Muirhead and Steven Lawless. Lawless is an interesting choice. Wingers are rarely used in the First Division, but perhaps McNamara noted Derek Adams’ use of ex-Jag Marc Corcoran last season and is keen to offer the team width from the bench should opposition sides look to enter into a stuffy, unattractive midfield battle. Muirhead, used mostly as a right back at his previous club, will be used sparingly and can be seen as competition for Stephen O’Donnell, whose performances last season ranged from dynamic to dismal. McNamara has previously stated concerns about O’Donnell’s mentality, one could argue that competition for places could encourage the ex-Celtic youth to work harder on a more consistent basis.

The one area of the pitch that the manager does not have to concern himself with is in goals. McNamara has, in Scott Fox, one of the best young goalkeepers in the country. As back-up, he has the increasingly able Ryan Scully. Some fans will remember Scully’s mistakes in the home defeat to Livingston. Others will remember his four top drawer saves in the same game. Fox learned last year that his position in the team is not written in stone, any loss in form will allow Scully in. Goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchcliffe has done an incredible job with both of these players. He is one of the most valuable assets at the club.

In conclusion, Jackie McNamara has made some shrewd signings since taking on the role as manager on a full time basis. He has, above all, given himself options. He currently has a first eleven capable of playing flowing, entertaining football. He also has the personnel to completely change the dynamic of the team. We have ball playing defenders. We have hard, no nonsense defenders. We have silky midfielders, comfortable on the ball. We have ball winning, borderline insane midfielders. We have a thinking front man. We have pacey forwards, we have big forwards.

Jackie McNamara now has the difficult job of keeping some very young feet on the ground. A lack of consistency was the problem last season. If consistency comes with entertaining football, we could have a very, very good season.

Possible starting eleven?

Time for a change

Ruairidh MacLennan investigates what it would take for Thistle to mount a serious promotion challenge next season.

The man (or woman) who says that the First Division provides variety has not been to a fixture in our humble ten-team collective. Unfortunately, the appetite of the Thistle fans for this league has dissipated somewhat, therefore some speculation over a possible challenge for promotion is always welcome. The idea may seem farfetched to many, yet a title challenge is not necessarily a concept that we should put aside in the interests of pessimism. The form of next season’s league may have a great bearing on what supporters will expect from the current, yet admittedly fledgling, side.

To say that some of my previous writings have been somewhat morose in their suggestions would in all likelihood be a reasonable observation, thus it is quite a pleasure to be able to sprinkle this update with some optimism. In the last two weeks, the team has put in two very encouraging displays away from Firhill, being unfortunate to only collect a point at Falkirk before winning with a five goal margin in Dumfries. Some notes on those two fixtures then: Firstly, it would be negligent in the extreme to ignore the commanding displays of Scott Robertson, a centre-half formerly of Stirling Albion, in recent weeks. Many have noted out lack of a ball-winner in defence, with defenders such as Conrad Balatoni and Darren Cole perhaps being more of the variety who wait for attackers to run at defences. However, not only was Robertson excellent in his sheer control of the line, but his use of the ball was also a joy to see. It is somewhat unfortunate that Robertson was out of the team for such a long period of time and indeed that he was placed in the middle of the team, as given the right run of fixtures, he could well gain some real momentum for the forthcoming year. Two other players who have impressed recently are Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine, whose attacking prowesses have been quite clear recently. The right tactical combination has these players performing excellently. The question is if Jackie McNamara can find the appropriate spaces in the team often enough to ensure that these two continue to trouble opponents.

These three squad members will be crucial to any potential challenge for promotion, particularly with another vital member of the team, namely midfielder Paul Cairney, reportedly being watched by bigger and undoubtedly wealthier clubs. This stated however, it is quite clear that this team needs a little more, to coin a BBC Sportsound cliché, “dig”. Now I am not a fan of this “dig”, or to re-educate the trail of thought a little, tenacity. It is an ugly, brutish side to the Scottish game, yet invariably a requirement to succeed in it. This is certainly not something I would like to see being a permanent fixture in a Thistle team, however we do need some sort of toughness, possibly provided by a battle-hardened veteran on a short-term deal? That sort of description is enough for, in all likelihood, the majority of the Thistle faithful to reminisce about Martin Hardie. Whether the soon to be 36 year old is the correct fit for the team in the present moment is an interesting point to deliberate on.

The opposition that Thistle will face next year are somewhat important to our aims of course. Many will dread the probable return of Cowdenbeath to the First Division. It seems to be that part-time teams cause problems for our often apparently so fragile team. Decidedly tepid performances against Cowdenbeath and Stirling Albion in recent years have led me to question whether facing non full-time clubs is actually advantageous in any way to Thistle’s own promotion hopes. While the likes of Falkirk habitually dispose of these teams without much trouble, Thistle seem to struggle to perform at all. I must say that Arbroath would be welcomed with open arms in comparison to the Blue Brazil, Central Park having been visited so recently. On the other hand, many would like to see the back of Raith Rovers, myself included if I am being sincere. Not only have we had a dreadful record against the Rovers since their return, their derby opposition to probable SPL victim Dunfermline would do much to support both teams. This is not to say that Dunfermline themselves are unwelcome, however the seemingly only alternative is Hibernian, who although would bring a sizeable support to Firhill, could well sweep aside any challenge from other First Division sides. As tempting as a good crowd or two inside Firhill is, a meaningful effort at winning promotion means so much more.

Football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football... what you men see in it, I don't know.

We, at the Jagscast, are delighted to present you with an article written by everyone's favourite lady Thistle blogger MC. The woman behind http://gettingjaggy.blogspot.com/ tells us a little bit about how clubs can make their product more attractive to women.

I like football.

I never thought I’d hear myself say that, but there it is. I didn’t start coming to football because of a partner, child or family member. I just decided it was a challenge, and I never thought I would actually enjoy it. But as the weeks without football at Firhill have dragged on, I’ve found myself really missing it, and keen to go back at the earliest date I can. But it seems I’m one of a minority at the stadium, where attendance numbers seem to be on the slide and I meet the same three or four women in the toilets at half time every matchday. In tough financial times, increasing the number of people attending the game is vital. Let’s face it, though: many Partick Thistle supporters, even the diehards I’ve come across, are disillusioned with the recent poor run of form. Ironically, one of the few things which might increase the number of supporters attending would be for that to continue, leading to a relegation battle. The Under-16s-go-free scheme has been in place for some time, and the uptake seems to have stagnated. But what does Partick Thistle do to encourage women along to its games?

For as long as I can remember, football has been for blokes. It’s inevitable: I’ll bet that everyone has seen a video of a female toddler pushing a pram around and crashing it into furniture (meeting two fabulous stereotypes which will continue long into their adulthood about their maternal instincts and their ability to drive), while her brother stumbles over a football with an adult performing a dramatic dive of the finest Italian teams as the wean “scores” his first goal. Most girls I know don’t bother going to the football because they don’t care. They don’t understand the rules, they get bored by the terminology, they are lost by the punditry, and they find the atmosphere and culture surrounding the stadium at best bearable, at worst intimidating.

As a result of this, the generally male-dominated stands immediately, and understandably I suppose, presume that a girl who is keen on football must be in some way “blokey”. Does that mean I automatically have the face of a bearded gargoyle? Well, no...but if I dare to be something other than that, or make an effort by wearing something girly, I’m probably only out to pull a player, right? I didn’t think that this kind of attitude existed these days, but since my blog started I’ve been called countless names and many football-related conversations I get involved in magically turn into discussions about my chest. I brush it off, especially because I join in with the joke. You only need to look at my blog to see me fully playing up to the stereotype, in fact. I don’t deny it. However, I know this attitude would discourage many of my female friends from coming near a football game.

Unfortunately, clubs entrench the attitude by assuming that women at matches fall into the second category: girly girls who like girly things and oh! Pink merchandise! We’ll hook ‘em in with that. I’m sorry, but why would I want to turn up to support a team who wear red and yellow in a baby pink beanie? I’d much rather own a well-fitted Ladies cut strip than a cotton candy generic item with a small logo. Eintracht Frankfurt has a group of fans called “Stoppt Rosa!” specifically campaigning against the fact that these items do not reveal anything about your allegiance, but instead your gender: they argue that you wouldn’t expect all the men to wear baby blue. Target the female market in merchandise, but don’t wrap us up in cotton wool and candy floss.

When I first spoke to the Jagscast about my blog, I was told that in Germany, teams have specific provision for women on matchdays. The stadium opens early, and there are child-friendly activities to encourage the idea that football is a fun day out for the whole family. Indeed, you need only look at the success of the women-only match Fenerbahce were forced to pilot after the closed-doors decision as evidence that women will come to football when the provision is made for them. Alarm bells are ringing for me, though: when I go to the game, do I want to sit in the women only area of the stand they have set aside for me? Well, no, not at all. Likewise, I’m concerned at the continued belief that the presence of women at games has a calming effect on the crowd, and that discipline and the general atmosphere of the terraces are hugely improved. I’m sorry, but just because I want to go to see football doesn’t make me Ghandi. It’s as sexist to presume that women can magically solve some of the problems of football as it is to ask why they’re not at home making the tea.

However, what teams can do is show that women are wanted at the stadium. Think about the little things: ensure that there is suitable provision for ladies toilets, and for God’s sake make them comfortable. Get some decent soap in there. Replace those wooden toilet edges. Dish out handwarmers or flog them for a pound with the programmes. Really promote the fact that there is a bar available after the game – a fact I only discovered recently – and make it easy to find. When they get there, make sure it has stuff they want to buy. Get some matchday entertainment. Offer a ladies day, like many clubs already do. Run events specifically tailored to women: fashion shows, Christmas shopping events, ladies lunches. Even better, chuck it on a social shopping site and watch as groups of girls plan a night out with the club at its centre. They might not be as interested in the 90 minutes of a match as their male counterparts, but believe me, they would be much more easily persuaded to come to a club social event.

But as things go at the moment, the most obvious problem for encouraging women to football is that when they get there, they feel like a minority. This is probably best evidenced by the fact that many women go to see Glasgow’s big two teams: more women attending matches will normalise the idea, making it more accessible for others. I’m sticking with it and I’m trying my best to bring along friends, but it’s tough to persuade them. Women must be more visible in the stands, but also in the boardroom, coaching, and even on the pitch. Give younger girls role models to show them that football – whether played by men or women – isn’t necessarily a bloke’s world and that they can come and watch the men’s game without being labelled or segregated.

I like football. I just wish some more like-minded women would join me.

Wir sind eine weithin bekannte Glasgow-Fußballmannschaft

If I hear the phrase “dwindling attendances” one more time, I think I’m going to kill somebody.

There is no hiding from the fact that Scottish football, as a product, is failing. This is evident from the dwindling attendances (oops) throughout all of the country’s professional football leagues. Something has to be done. The Old Firm are no longer able to charge their fans funny money to watch world class players, because they don’t have any.

It’s a vicious cycle: teams have no money; teams cannot afford better players; teams’ performances no longer meet their fans’ insane expectations; teams’ fans lose interest; teams have no money.

How do we fix this? Teams aren’t going to reduce ticket prices. This is too much of a gamble. A scheme such as that would require some patience. Chairmen and patience are two words that shouldn’t go together in a sentence. Except that one, right there.

Our own Partick Thistle have allowed children under the age of sixteen to go to games for free. This sounds fantastic but the uptake of this, in all honesty, has been slow. I can’t give a reason for this, but there must be something that is stopping children from going along to watch real, proper, football.

Can we, please, have a little look at what goes on in Germany? Please? I’m not expecting Dunfermline Athletic to suddenly expect an average attendance of over 19,000, matching the Bundesliga’s bottom side, Freiburg. That’s just silly considering the population of Germany compared to Scotland. There must, however, be a reason why such a large percentage of Germany’s 81 million inhabitants go to watch football week in, week out.

I want to find out if there is anything my beloved Partick Thistle can learn from the Germans. I’d love to see Firhill’s crowd grow from 2000 to 4000. I want to help. So, here we go.

“Young Generation Dortmund” is an awful translation. It is, however, an excellent idea. Borussia Dortmund arrange supporters buses for young fans to travel to and from games. The buses are alcohol free and keep the kids away from any trouble with the Ultras. Thistle, what with the business acumen on the board, could set up some sort of partnership with a minibus company and arrange well publicised pick up points around the city to transport Glasgow’s kids to games where they can gain free entry. There are plenty of student teachers and social workers who are looking for voluntary work, get them to chaperone the buses.

FC St Pauli’s “Fanladen” is a group of committed and passionate fans who, amongst other things, are available to help tourists and locals arrange their trips to the Millerntor. The St Pauli board recognise this group of fans and use them as a forum for ideas to take the club forward. Some of the Fanladen’s other initiatives involve producing fanzines (remember them?) more suited to children, which would tie in nicely with the Kids Go Free scheme, and other fanzines targeted at women. They also arrange football tournaments with other fans, something which Thistle have already explored with last year’s successful Firhill Cup. Thistle do have the resources to create a Fanladen within their ranks. We just need willing volunteers.

I wanted to stay away from the obvious in this article, but I think the issue of Biertents and Fanzones has to be addressed. Thistle have, in my opinion, a wonderful facility in the Aitken Suite. This is an area within the ground that both home and away fans can mingle pre and post match, and have a pint. Due to my commitments with the Jagscast, I can no longer visit the Aitken Suite on match days. I do recall that the numbers in the suite were falling. I cannot fully comment on why this was the case. Perhaps an overpriced bar, or a lack of atmosphere? I think the club could relaunch this idea, and inject some life into it to encourage fans to return. Perhaps, and I don’t know how realistic this is, the club could show old footage of games on a screen or two. This would give the fans something to talk about and provide them with a chance to reminisce about games from years ago. We are a club steeped in history and tradition, so why not celebrate it? If the club are keen on selling hospitality packages to more fans, then they could provide the ordinary punter with a taste of the hospitality experience. Why not get Mr. Robert Reid: club historian, or some directors into the Aitken Suite pre and post match to speak to the fans. You could even pipe through some Thistle music through the speakers in the room. All of these suggestions would help to improve the atmosphere, and encourage fans to return to a Fanzone.

The current board at Firhill are a cooperative bunch, and are very happy to hear suggestions from fans. The debates over standing sections and alcohol in the stands have been done to death. I’d like to think that us Jags fans can be a wee bit more inventive and look at other ways to entice fans back to Firhill. Get your thinking caps on. Why bother reinventing the wheel, though. Let us see what works in other countries, like Germany, and see what we can do here.

VBL