Sunday 8th July, 2018 at 6:21pm
With the new competitive season now just six days away, today represented Alan Archibald’s final opportunity to see his players in a pre-season game as the Jags took on Hearts at Central Park, the home of Cowdenbeath. Thistle fell to a 3-1 defeat with Ben Garuccio’s early strike and Olly Lee’s double proving enough for the Jambos. Tam O’Ware bagged a goal as the Jags continued the build-up to next Saturday’s Betfred Cup match against Stenhousemuir. Thistle boss, Alan Archibald spoke to ptfc.co.uk following the match.
Archie began by saying that despite the final result, he was pleased with what his side showed over the course of the game.
“There was some really good stuff played at times and that was great to see. We were a bit light in terms of available players today because we need a couple more through the door and had a couple of knocks so to see the guys we did have here, playing well was terrific. We did tire towards the end because of the lack of depth but for long spells we played some great football which is encouraging for me.”
The gaffer was very happy with the performances of his summer signings, five of whom started today.
“They’re still bedding into the squad but it’s good to get them out on the pitch with their new teammates to help that process. We had a big turnover of players which makes pre-season very important and it’s gone well but we want to use this turnover to try to find our identity again and I think there were signs of that today already.”
Alan also gave us an update on his movements in the transfer market with the Betfred Cup getting underway in less than a week’s time.
“We probably still need four or five in at the moment and that could change based on anyone who might leave. We’re happy with what we’ve done so far and are still actively looking to build on that.”
The manager finished by discussing the benefits of playing in Cowdenbeath. The team arrived at Central Park and the pitch looked short of ideal but Archie thought that the surface, along with the narrow nature of the park, gave the game a more realistic feel.
“I felt that we got more out of it thanks to that. Not every park we’re going to play on this season is going to be as good as ours and playing here gave us a sense of what’s to come. The narrowness also meant we had to deal with a fair few long balls which is going to be common this year and I thought Sean McGinty and Tam O’Ware did a great job of defending against that.”
Competitive football returns next Saturday at Ochilview. Thistle begin the 2018/19 season with a trip to take on Stenhousemuir and kick-off is 15:00.
A more in depth video interview with Alan Archibald is available now to Jagzone subscribers and will be followed by reaction from Sean McGinty and Craig Slater. Log in now to see it as soon as it is available.
Highlights will be added shortly and will be free for Jagzone subscribers.
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Alan will be here for the next big moment – will you? 2018/19 season tickets are on sale now – buy yours here.
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