Latest news with #Thistle
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Rangers No2 Alex Rae lands job alongside Celtic star after Ibrox exit and plans to repay 30-year debt to his new club
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALEX RAE'S back in football as Partick Thistle No2 — and looking to repay a 30-year debt to the club. Three and a half months after leaving Rangers following Philippe Clement's sacking, the hugely experienced coach is excited about working with close pal and new Jags boss Mark Wilson for the first time in football. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Alex Rae left Rangers in February Credit: Willie Vass 4 Alex Rae and Mark Wilson are teaming up again. Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow 4 Alex Rae was also assistant to Paul Ince at Reading Credit: PA Ex-Gers midfielder Rae - almost 40-years as player and coach - didn't hesitate to accept former Celtic star Wilson's invitation to return to the game after his sharp February exit. And he revealed to SunSport that he's had a 'soft spot' for the Jags since past manager Murdo MacLeod, in charge between 1995-97, granted him training facilities at Firhill at a time of need. The 55-year-old said: 'Mark contacted me a few weeks ago and asked me for my thoughts. 'I've known him for the best part of 10, 11 years. We've always had a good relationship and I've got a lot of time for him. 'I like the way he goes about things, he's straight-laced, he does things right. 'We started up a charity team which raised a lot of money and through that we got to know each other a lot better. 'So when he got in touch and asked if I'd like to come on board with him I told Mark I'd be delighted. 'Over the last 19-years since I gave up playing, I've took on a lot of challenges. 'Thistle's the exact same, I'm going to enjoy getting my teeth into it. I'll give it my best shot and we'll see where it takes us. 'Me and Mark haven't worked together at a club before. 'We were obviously together at Radio Clyde for many years. Alex Rae reveals hostile training welcome after flying back late from Rangers v Celtic 'But in terms of the football side, I've been down south doing bits and bobs and had a few jobs up here too. 'I'm very experienced now, it's 19 years since I took my first managerial job at Dundee. 'I've had a great variation of different roles at different levels in different countries. 'Now I go into Thistle and I hope I can help Mark. 'As players, we were both whole-hearted guys. 'What you see with Mark is what you get — he'll put his heart and soul into the job while I'll also give everything I've got. 'Hopefully that transfers through to the players. 'Hopefully, we'll also get a bit of support from everybody else; the backroom staff and obviously the folk above. 'If we get that then we'll have a fighting chance to be competitive on the park. 'It's actually a club I've had a soft spot for a long time. 'When I went to Sunderland I was serving a four-match ban. I needed somewhere to train. 'So I asked my old pal Davie Farrell to ask Murdo MacLeod, the Thistle gaffer at the time, if he'd let me come in for a few training sessions. 'Murdo was kind enough to let me come in and work with the boys. 'I loved Murdo as a player and I've always appreciated his gesture from back then. 'I've got to know him well and he's a lovely man. 'So, it's nice all these years on that I've now got the chance to do my bit for Thistle.' 4 Rae won the title with Rangers in 2005 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Ex-Dundee and St Mirren boss Rae starred in the Premier League with Wolves and won the title with Rangers in 2005. The UEFA pro-licence holder's also coached at MK Dons, Notts County, Blackpool, Genk and Reading. And Rae - also a playing hero at Falkirk, Millwall and Sunderland - added: 'I've only just had one day's training with the players. 'But I'm excited. 'I'm here to support Mark and I've got no qualms about that at all. 'I know the potential of Partick Thistle — and I'd love to enjoy success with Mark here.' Thistle boss Wilson, meanwhile, has signed keeper Lewis Budinauckas on a one year deal with an option of a further 12-months. The 23-year-old played for the Jags eight times last season on loan from Rangers, keeping four clean sheets. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Edinburgh Reporter
4 days ago
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish Cup win for Braid tennis women – at last!
Runners-up in each of the past two years, Braid tennis ladies made it third time lucky by defeating favourites and perennial winners Newlands to lift the Scottish tennis cup in a thrilling final at Whitecraigs, Glasgow. The capital club edged through 5-4 after the teams had gone into the last of three three rounds tied at 3-3. Player/coach Mhairi Beattie said: 'Key was undoubtedly the fact that we won each of the head-to-head championship tie-breaks, ie couples 1-1, 2-2, 3-3. 'It was our same team as last year but this time we tried to mix things up a bit by pairing youth with experience, strong hitters with good volleyers, etc, etc– that sort of thing. 'It was a good tactical victory for us underdogs!' Braid are now hoping to complete a double on Tuesday evening when they visit Thistle for a top of the table clash which could see them retain the VMH Solicitors East League title. Captain Suzie Provan says they will not be losing focus despite denying Newlands a sixth successive Scottish Cup. 'There is still work to do this season but winning the Cup in its 101st year and for the first time in our club's history was amazing but very, very nerve-wracking. 'In the decisive match Sarah McFaden and Emily Gates had to come back from a set and 1-3 before winning the Championship tie break 10-7. 'We were interrupted by rain for an hour and there was always a threat it would come down again; fortunately the artificial clay courts, though puddled at times, drained quickly. 'We actually put a lot of thought into our pairings even experimenting in some league matches because some staleness can creep in. Fortunately these tactics worked out. 'It was a long and exhausting day and by the time our celebration meal back in Edinburgh was due to start we were just leaving Whitecraigs. Thankfully the restaurant were very understanding and accommodated us later! On the way to the final Braid defeated Montrose, Thistle and Western (Glasgow). The match pairings were Sarah McFadyen and Emily Gates, Mhairi Beattie and Eva Vrhunec, Suzie Provan and Heather Croll. Reserve Sophia Okusawa played in the round of 16 and the semi-final. The men's Scottish Cup remained in Glasgow with 1 5-1 victory for Thorn Park against Newlands. Show us your medals! left to right – Sophia, Eva, Heather, Suzie, Mhairi, Emily and Sarah. Like this: Like Related
The National
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
Brian Graham completes Scottish Premiership switch
The striker, who was previously first team co-manager, women's manager, and club captain at Maryhill, has joined newly promoted Falkirk. Graham becomes John McGlynn's second summer signing, after now ex-Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain completed a move to West Lothian. The veteran has penned a one-year deal at the Falkirk Stadium. "Brian Graham is someone both myself and [assistant] Paul [Smith] have worked with before having signed him for Raith Rovers from Morton back in 2011," McGylnn told Read more: "I've got to say he's had an amazing career and it's a credit to him and the way he's look after himself that he's still one of the hardest working strikers going about. "His stats are very impressive, scoring fifteen Championship goals and twenty-one goals in all competitions [last season], he has the natural instincts of a top striker, he's in the right place at the right time, he knows the position inside out, with the number of crosses we put in the box I'm sure there's plenty more goals to come "Brian is a winner, he is very determined individual and his experience at this level will be important to the team, I've said we needed Premiership experience and physicality, and Brian brings both of those in abundance, we're all looking forward to working with him." Graham himself can't wait to get going with the Premiership newcomers, who are just off the back of sealing back-to-back promotions. The 37-year-old previously played under his new boss, McGlynn, at Raith Rovers. "The opportunity to work with John McGlynn again was one I couldn't say no to," he said. "You can see how well the players and staff have done here over the last two years, back-to-back promotions, and it's a chance for myself to get back and play in the Premiership as well. "This is a great stadium, and you can tell with the number of season tickets that have been sold already that the place is going to be rocking on matchdays, and that's something I'm relishing. "It's up to me now to work hard, get the head down, and get myself in the team. With the wide players here, I know for a fact I'm going to get chances to score goals and I'm really looking forward to getting started." The forward hit a century of goals for Thistle in the play-offs against Ayr United in May. '100 not out' was his message after bagging at Somerset Park, although the strike turned out to be his final in red and orange. Although he was offered the permanent Firhill job after an impressive interim stint, Graham turned it down, with Mark Wilson getting the gig. Graham penned an emotional message to the Partick faithful after his exit. "Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to all the Thistle supporters, from day one you took to me and I will never forget it. Not just me but my family loved their Saturday afternoons in the Lambie stand with all the red and yellow army. "We had highs and lows along the journey from covid relegation to winning League One then obviously all the play-off drama. "It was an honour to Captain the football club and be the league top scorer plus winning the Championship player of the year award, all the goals throughout the 5 years. But the 2 goals against Ayr as 99 and 100 were very special and will live with me for the rest of my life. "It's emotional leaving the football club, a place I fell in love with. I would like to thank my teammates plus the staff for all their help across the years, special mention to the kitmen Macca and Danny, two fantastic men. We had great laughs together and also Graham McRoberts, wasn't just a colleague he became a friend along the way. Can't leave without saying about young Christopher Dobie, he's a very quiet lad but great at his job. When the players had their darts tournaments seeing Christopher come out his shell was amazing, he's a great kid and wish him well. "I would also like to thank Ian McCall and Jacqui Low for signing me for this great club plus it was them that pushed me in the direction to take on the Woman's manager role which I absolutely loved. Great memories made along the way. "Lastly, good luck going forward, I wish Mark and the squad all the best, once a Jag always a Jag."
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Brian Graham completes Scottish Premiership switch
Graham becomes John McGlynn's second summer signing, after now ex-Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain completed a move to West Lothian. The veteran has penned a one-year deal at the Falkirk Stadium. "Brian Graham is someone both myself and [assistant] Paul [Smith] have worked with before having signed him for Raith Rovers from Morton back in 2011," McGylnn told Read more: "I've got to say he's had an amazing career and it's a credit to him and the way he's look after himself that he's still one of the hardest working strikers going about. "His stats are very impressive, scoring fifteen Championship goals and twenty-one goals in all competitions [last season], he has the natural instincts of a top striker, he's in the right place at the right time, he knows the position inside out, with the number of crosses we put in the box I'm sure there's plenty more goals to come "Brian is a winner, he is very determined individual and his experience at this level will be important to the team, I've said we needed Premiership experience and physicality, and Brian brings both of those in abundance, we're all looking forward to working with him." Graham himself can't wait to get going with the Premiership newcomers, who are just off the back of sealing back-to-back promotions. The 37-year-old previously played under his new boss, McGlynn, at Raith Rovers. "The opportunity to work with John McGlynn again was one I couldn't say no to," he said. "You can see how well the players and staff have done here over the last two years, back-to-back promotions, and it's a chance for myself to get back and play in the Premiership as well. "This is a great stadium, and you can tell with the number of season tickets that have been sold already that the place is going to be rocking on matchdays, and that's something I'm relishing. "It's up to me now to work hard, get the head down, and get myself in the team. With the wide players here, I know for a fact I'm going to get chances to score goals and I'm really looking forward to getting started." The forward hit a century of goals for Thistle in the play-offs against Ayr United in May. '100 not out' was his message after bagging at Somerset Park, although the strike turned out to be his final in red and orange. Although he was offered the permanent Firhill job after an impressive interim stint, Graham turned it down, with Mark Wilson getting the gig. Graham penned an emotional message to the Partick faithful after his exit. "Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to all the Thistle supporters, from day one you took to me and I will never forget it. Not just me but my family loved their Saturday afternoons in the Lambie stand with all the red and yellow army. "We had highs and lows along the journey from covid relegation to winning League One then obviously all the play-off drama. "It was an honour to Captain the football club and be the league top scorer plus winning the Championship player of the year award, all the goals throughout the 5 years. But the 2 goals against Ayr as 99 and 100 were very special and will live with me for the rest of my life. "It's emotional leaving the football club, a place I fell in love with. I would like to thank my teammates plus the staff for all their help across the years, special mention to the kitmen Macca and Danny, two fantastic men. We had great laughs together and also Graham McRoberts, wasn't just a colleague he became a friend along the way. Can't leave without saying about young Christopher Dobie, he's a very quiet lad but great at his job. When the players had their darts tournaments seeing Christopher come out his shell was amazing, he's a great kid and wish him well. "I would also like to thank Ian McCall and Jacqui Low for signing me for this great club plus it was them that pushed me in the direction to take on the Woman's manager role which I absolutely loved. Great memories made along the way. "Lastly, good luck going forward, I wish Mark and the squad all the best, once a Jag always a Jag."
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
The unholy mess affecting Partick Thistle's 2025/26 preparations
Having mistakenly scheduled a much-needed Ikea trip during the second leg in the Highlands, it was a relief to see Aidan Fitzpatrick put them 3-0 up on aggregate towards the end of the first half. With the minutes ticking away in the second period, I tore myself away from Sky Sports to have a shower and get ready. When I returned I couldn't believe my eyes: 3-0 had become 3-3 and the match was heading to extra-time. It was a rather odd situation, being that I'm a Hearts supporter, but I found myself nervously checking score updates in between looking at lamp shades as I willed on a potential outcome which seemed done and dusted less than an hour before. Unfortunately, confirmation soon came through a spotty phone signal that Ross County had won the match on penalties and Thistle were staying in the Championship. Ever since then I've hoped the Jags would make up for this disappointment and get back to the top-flight for the first time since their 2018 relegation, but it hasn't happened. With costs going through the roof and many of the 2022/23 squad getting attention from elsewhere, too many key players left during the following summer to give the 2023/24 iteration much of a chance, though they did well to overachieve and reach the semi-finals of the play-offs again. There they suffered another heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss, this time to Raith Rovers. Then last season's team, despite sacking manager and club legend Kris Doolan, managed to get to the same stage of competition before bowing out to eventual promotion-winners Livingston. You could say they're knocking on the door, but the dream and shot at redemption seems to be getting further away with each term. Promotion is certainly not at the forefront of many Thistle fans' minds at this juncture. Because a pre-season that already wasn't going so well somehow managed to descend even further earlier this week. The fanbase were already impatient. Despite jettisoning Doolan in February, and taking two weeks after the play-off defeat to hire prospective candidates, Thistle landed on Mark Wilson as their next permanent head coach. It was an underwhelming choice. Wilson has only had two previous stints in management, with Airdrie and Brechin City, and he struggled badly in both. He did help in rescuing Thistle's season as they looked set to drop out of the play-offs in the last days of Doolan's reign, but he did so as part of a double-act with Brian Graham. The Championship's leading scorer had withdrawn himself from consideration – the rest of this column may help to explain why – yet remains contracted through 2025/26. It's a messy situation with Graham saying prior to the interview process he didn't fancy the idea of going back to being just a player within the Firhill dressing room. Wilson had played a part in steadying the ship, and he's spoken about learning from past mistakes, so there was the usual acceptance: he may not have been first choice, but he's in the door now so fans may as well get behind him. But every manager needs good players and there was still no indication as to how and when Thistle were going to start rebuilding. That's because the budget still hadn't (and still hasn't) been set for the new campaign. Considering it's June 13th, that's absolutely bonkers. The season starts four weeks tomorrow with the opening matches of the Premier Sports Cup. How Partick Thistle could find themselves in such disarray was on display for everyone to see this past Monday. The day before, representatives of The Jags Foundation (TJF), the largest membership body for the fan-owned club, sent around an email to give their members an update. They would be meeting with the board and wanted to reassure supporters that their concerns would be brought up during the meeting; the budget delay and general lack of communication among the key topics. Bewilderingly, the club responded by bringing out a statement for everyone (Jags and opposition fans alike) to feast upon. The board were unhappy that TJF had aired those concerns before the meeting and wanted it known that they weren't interested in entering into a public slagging match – a position which they stated while entering into a public slagging match. Another statement soon followed where it said that a director had decided to stand down early due to the actions of the TJF, despite being their representative on the board, citing a conflict of interest. By the close of play on Monday a third statement had arrived. This one was a joint-effort by the board and the TJF saying that they'd had a "constructive meeting" and more details would follow – which they did the next day with *another* statement. This edition admitted that tempers had flared, but also concerns had been raised and understood, while promising to get the budget sorted in the coming days as they look ahead to next season. Then things somehow went from bad to worse. There was no bad governance at fault here, just a cruel twist of fate which couldn't have happened at a worse time for Thistle. As the club board revealed on Tuesday, new sporting director Ian Baraclough fractured his neck and spine while on holiday and would face a gruelling period of rehabilitation before being able to return to his duties. So let's recap everything: you've got a board who haven't set a budget yet for next season; a board who are seemingly at odds with what is essentially the owners of the football club; no new signings have been made; a new manager with a subpar track record has been hired; his former partner in management is still part of the dressing room but may have to leave (at which point they'd also lose their best player), and he's now expected to build a team without the input and assistance from the man hired above him. Oh, and the new kits haven't been unveiled yet despite them being part of Thistle's 150th anniversary celebrations. Unless things dramatically improve in the very near future, it's going to be a mighty challenge for Thistle and Wilson to have this team seriously challenging for promotion once again. In fact, for a club who is no stranger to dipping into the third tier of Scottish football for a season or three, not getting into the top four again is the least of their worries at this point in time.
