Stuart Bannigan first appeared in the Partick Thistle reserve side in early 2009, prior to joining the club as a full time Modern Apprentice in the summer of the same year. He spent two seasons being developed through the Club Academy before signing a full time deal in 2011.
After impressing in the pre-season build up to the 2010/11 campaign Stuart was handed his debut, at just 18 years old in a Challenge Cup tie against Clyde. His sample of first team football made him determined to continue his development. He was sent on loan to Ayr United for the second half of the season and helped the Honest Men win promotion to the First Division via the playoffs.
Upon his return to Firhill he started to establish himself in the first team squad and during the second half of the 2011/12 season, he made a number of appearances, scoring his first Thistle goal on the final day of the campaign.
Stuart played a key part in Thistle’s promotion from the First Division in 2013, and took to Premiership life quickly, becoming the heart of the Jags midfield as Thistle looked to secure their Ladbrokes Premiership survival.
His quality was also been recognised by the Scotland Under 21 set up as he was first selected for a match against Greece in early 2013, the first of three caps he would earn at that level.
Banzo picked up a serious knee injury in March 2016 which would see him miss the end of the 2015/16 season and the entire 16/17 term. He returned for 12 games in mid 2017 but would once again see his season ended early in September of that year.
He continued to work hard in recovering from his injury and came back again in September 2018 with more success this time. He played 31 games in the 18/19 season, earning himself the captain’s armband and performing as a stand out in the Thistle engine room.
In the 2019/20 season Banzo would appear 34 times for the Jags scoring a total of 5 goals. Unfortunately the season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic and Partick Thistle were relegated to cinch League One.
Following relegation Stuart chose to stay at the club in an attempt to aid a push back up to the cinch Championship. Banzo would go on to play a total of 24 games and scoring 1 goal in the 2020/21 season which ended with the Jags winning the cinch League One title and earning promotion back to the Championship.
The 2021/22 season would prove to be a milestone for Banzo as he made his 300th appearance for Thistle.
Goalkeeper Ryan progressed through the ranks from youth level to first team squad member at Partick Thistle. Ryan spent two seasons with the Club Academy prior to signing on full time.
Scully is the youngest known Partick Thistle player to be named on a teamsheet when he was listed as substitute goalkeeper for a fixture against Ross County in November 2008, just 27 days after he turned 16.
Ryan made his first team debut for Thistle on the final day of the 2010/11 season and kept a clean sheet as Thistle defeated Raith Rovers 3-0.
The 2012-2013 season saw Scott Fox in outstanding form with Ryan only able to manage one start and a solitary substitute appearance. He did, however, gain valuable game time while on loan at Albion Rovers in the second half of the season.
First team experience was vital for the custodian and he spent two seasons on loan with Dunfermline Athletic, playing nearly every game during his two years in Fife.
When he returned to Firhill for the 2015/16 campaign, he had to play understudy to Tomas Cerny, but when injury struck the Czech goalkeeper, Ryan seized his chance to grab the gloves as he made 10 competitive appearances during the season.
In September 2016, another injury to Tomas Cerny gave Ryan the opportunity to make the jersey his own again and the 24 year old produced a number of fine performances in goal. A dislocated shoulder injury sustained in late October put him on the sidelines for four months before, as he made his way back to training, a broken foot ended his campaign.
The ‘stopper ended a decade-long stay in Maryhill in 2018 as he left in search of more regular football, signing a deal with Morton ahead of the 18/19 season.
After losing his place in the Ton team to Derek Gaston, he joined Dunfermline Athletic where he’d previously been on loan. He finished the season with 14 appearances for the Pars.
Ryan would go on to leave Dunfermline at the end of his contract in May 2020 before going on to join Hamilton Academical in October 2020. Ryan would remain there until the end of the 20/21 season.
Following his departure from Hamilton Accies, Ryan went on to take up a career in the police.
Liam had a Thistle footballing tradition in his family with his uncle, Ricky Gillies, playing for the side during the 2005/06 season.
The strong central defender started his Thistle journey in early 2012, featuring for the reserve side on a number of occasions before putting pen to paper on a two year full-time trainee contract later that year.
A consistent run in the reserve side during the 2012/13 campaign was rewarded with his first team debut on the last day of the title winning season, where he kept a clean sheet against Dumbarton.
A solitary appearance in each of Thistle’s first two Premiership campaigns followed for Liam with the emphasis placed on his continued development through two half-seasons worth of loan spells at Alloa Athletic and Airdrieonians getting Liam used to first team football.
During pre-season in 2015, the gauntlet was laid down for Liam to prove himself as a first team regular, a challenge which he grabbed with both hands. He started Thistle’s opening game against Hamilton, keeping another clean sheet despite the side being down to ten men for over an hour of the game. It was a season of learning for Liam as he continued to improve and develop from mistakes to establish himself in the Jags defence.
The 2016/17 season was outstanding for Liam as he became the natural leader in the Jags defence. As he grew into one of the best central defenders in Scottish football, he also added an attacking threat to his game netting seven times during the course of the campaign. His personal form saw him become the only player, outwith Celtic and Aberdeen to make the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
In the summer of 2017, Liam moved to Barnsley where he has now played 90 times.
During the 18/19 season, Liam helped Barnsley to automatic promotion from the EFL League One featuring in 41 league games on the way before making the move to fellow Championship side, Stoke City.
During his spell with Stoke City between 2019 and 2021, Liam would appear a total of 20 times and scoring 1 goal.
In 2021 Liam would make a loan move to Preston North End where he would play 13 games and score 2 goals, this successful loan spell lead to Liam joining Preston North End on a full-time deal where he would make a further 15 appearances.
Kevin progressed through the pathway to become a full time apprentice in the summer of 2014 and was later the second academy graduate to make his first team debut – away to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on 19th September 2015.
Kevin came to the club shortly after the creation of the Thistle Weir Youth Academy. His natural goalscoring ability was evident throughout his time in the academy and this continued into his first season as a full time apprentice.
A loan spell with East Stirlingshire in the second half of the 2014/15 season helped Kevin to progress as a player when he made 11 appearances, scoring six goals during his time with the League Two side.
Kevin spent the first half of the 2016/17 season on loan at Ayr United before returning to Firhill to play a part in the Thistle squad for the remainder of the season. He also spent a short time at Dumbarton in 2018 where h failed to make an impact.
The forward swapped Firhill for Fife in the summer of 2018 as he joined Raith Rovers and Nisbet has shown his quality since joining the Starks Park side. He scored 34 goals in 46 games in League One during the 18/19 term as the Rovers fell short of promotion at the final hurdle; in the play-off final against Queen of the South.
He joined Dunfermline Athletic before the beginning of the 19/20 campaign, he went on to appear 25 times and scoring 18 goals.
Following that short spell at Dunfermline, Kevin made the jump to the cinch Premiership when he joined Hibernian in the 20/21 season. Kevin has appeared 59 times for Hibs since his arrival and has scored 18 times.
In 2021 Kevin made his Scotland National Team debut and has since played 10 games for his country and scored 1 goal.
Neil was the first Thistle Weir Youth Academy graduate to make his debut for the first team, when he appeared as a substitute on the final day of the 2014/15 season aged only 16.
Neil advanced through the academy and first featured in the development squad while still playing at Under 17 level. Neil, who can play in a number of attacking positions, became a full time apprentice while still playing at under 17 level.
During the 2016/17 season, he developed into a lethal attacker for Scott MacKenzie’s development squad netting 20 competitive goals with seven Development League games remaining.
Neil’s competitive first team debut against Motherwell in May 2015 made him the youngest known Partick Thistle player to play in the top-flight but also presented him with an obscure piece of sporting history. He became the first player to play in the Premiership, who wasn’t born the last time Scotland qualified for an international tournament.
Neil left Maryhill in 2018 to join Fir Park side, Motherwell, where he spent a year before leaving the Steelman in May 2019 to join Edusport Academy.
Michael McMullin
Michael is another of the successful Weir Academy graduates who was promoted to a full time apprentice in May 2014.
Michael, who can can play in several roles in defensive positions, made the left back slot his own in the second half of the 2013/14 season as he began his rise into the Under 20s. He continued that form at the beginning of the 2014/15 season adding an attacking threat to his game, scoring in league games against both Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
A couple of nasty looking injuries in early 2015 curtailed his progress a little, but Michael worked hard to get back into full fitness whilst trying to recapture the form he showed earlier in the season.
Michael went on to make the central defensive slot his own in the Development League, forging a tremendous partnership with Scot Whiteside. The left sided defender has also added a ruthless touch in front of goal.
Michael would go on to have two loan spells during his time with Partick Thistle at both East Stirlingshire and Peterhead, before eventually departing Thistle in July 2017.
Following his departure, Michael would sign for Albion Rovers where he made 11 appearances. In the 2019/20 season, Michael went out on loan to Clyde for a short spell where he would only make 3 appearances before returning to Albion Rovers at the end of the season.
Michael continued to play with Albion Rovers until July 2021.
The left back was the third academy graduate to make his first team debut at the end of the 2015/16 season aged 17. He made his senior debut in a 3-3 draw at Tannadice against Dundee United and made his home debut on the last day of the season against Hamilton Academical winning the man of the match award.
James progressed well with the academy U17 squad before being offered a full-time apprenticeship at the start of the 2015-16 season. His development continued with the U20 squad and he ended his first season as an apprentice with two first team appearances to his name.
Season 2016/17 brought another new experience for James with a loan spell at East Fife before he enjoyed another loan spell the following season with hometown side, Livingston.
Penners became a key player in the Thistle side to start the 2018/19 season in what proved to be a breakthrough season for the defender. In fact, James played every single minute of the season, becoming the first player to achieve that feat since 2006.
During the 21/22 season, James would officially depart Thistle when he signed for Livingston where he has made 6 appearances.
Andrew became the seventh academy graduate to make his first team debut, when he appeared as a late substitute during a Scottish cup fourth round tie against Formartine United in January 2017.
The midfielder had been with the academy for several years after joining from local club Rossvale FC. He initially played as a wide player before moving into a central midfield role midway through his first season of U17 football.
Andrew became a full time apprentice in the summer of 2015, having appeared for Scott MacKenzie’s development squad during the latter half of the 2014/15 campaign, but suffered a back injury and was sidelined for several months. On his return, he performed well for the development squad which resulted in more involvement with the first team.
In season 2016/17 he became more involved with the first steam squad while still playing in the Development League before going on to become a regular fixture in the Jags’ matchday squad during the second half of the 2016/17 campaign.
Andy would go on to make 37 appearances for Partick Thistle before leaving the Club in May 2019.
Following his departure from Thistle Andy would go on to play for teams such as Queen of the South for the 19/20 season and later Peterhead where he currently resides.
Aidan Fitzpatrick
Aidan Fitzpatrick is a young prospect who has been touted for big things from the moment he joined the Thistle Weir Youth Academy and the winger is now delivering on the hype in the first team.
After impressing as part of the Jags’ under 17s squad, Aidan was given the chance to work as part of the first team during pre-season in the summer of 2018 and he did so well that he was handed his professional debut just three games into the 18/19 campaign.
The number 21 came on as a second half substitute in a Betfred Cup tie against Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill and within 12 minutes of his arrival, he had his goal in senior football calmly slotting home after bringing down a long ball from Tam O’Ware.
As his rookie season went on, he continued to impress the Thistle faithful with his remarkable pace and incredible dribbling skill.
He finished the 18/19 campaign having played 30 times and scored seven goals including a dramatic late winner against Dundee United in the Ladbrokes Championship.
In July 2019, Fitzpatrick joined English Premier League side, Norwich City, for an undisclosed fee.
Aidan would then spend the 20/21 season on loan at Queen of the South where he would make 27 appearances and scored 4 goals. The successful loan spell would lead to Queen of the South signing Aidan.
Connor Higgins
An attacker, Connor made a number of appearances for the development squad during the 2015/16 season and put in a number of energetic performances as he became more and more comfortable at that level, finally bagging his first goal during the campaign.
Connor would remain with Partick Thistle until July 2018. Following his departure, Connor joined Lowland League side Edusport Academy.
John Kelly
John joined Thistle’s development squad in 2017, during his 1st and only season with the squad John won the Just Employment Law under 17s Player of the Year award.
During his time at Partick Thistle he would only make 1 appearance.
John would depart Partick Thistle in July 2018 and soon after he would sign with Forfar.
Antony Eadie
The deep lying midfielder progressed through the Thistle Weir Youth Academy, signing a two year modern apprenticeship in the summer of 2017.
An injury prevented Antony from taking to the field in the early months and he struggled to get back up to speed with an irregular sequence of games in the Development League. A loan spell with Cumbernauld Colts gave Antony an insight into first team football and he returned to Firhill Stadium ready to press on.
Antony would leave Partick Thistle in June 2018.
Harry Granger
Harry progressed through the Thistle Weir Youth Academy to join Partick Thistle in January 2017. Harry played as a central defender during his time at the club. Harry only made 1 appearance for the Jags.
Harry departed Partick Thistle in June 2018.
Ross Fleming
Ross progressed through Thistle Weir Youth Academy to join Partick Thistle June 2016. During his time with the club he would play at left back. He would only make 2 appearances for the Jags during his tenure.
Ross went on to leave Partick Thistle in June 2018.
Ian Stokes
Ian graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in May 2016, he would go on to make 1 appearance for the Jags in July 2016.
Ian would leave Partick Thistle in June 2018.
James Stokes
James graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2016, he would go on to make 4 appearances for Partick Thistle with all of them taking place in the Irn Bru Cup.
James left Partick Thistle in 2018 and now plays for University of Stirling FC.
Lee Duncanson
Lee graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2017.
During his time with the club he would make 2 appearances in the Irn Bru Cup.
Following his departure from Partick Thistle in 2019, he would go on to play for teams such as Brechin City and Cumbernauld United FC.
Lee currently plays for Benburb FC.
Mark Lamont
Mark graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2015. During his time at the club Mark would appear 5 times for the Jags as well as a decent season long loan spell at Clyde FC where he appeared 11 times.
In July 2018, Mark would leave Partick Thistle to join Clyde FC on a permanent basis. He went on to make 119 appearances and score 10 goals for Clyde.
Mark would leave Clyde in 2021 and join Alloa Athletic.
Luke Scullion
Luke graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2019 and remained with Partick Thistle for 2 years before departing in July 2021 when he signed for Stranraer.
As of 2022, Luke has appeared for Stranraer 26 times and has 7 clean sheets.
Evan Galasso
Evan graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2018. Evan would go on to appear for the jags on 2 occasions.
Evan left Thistle in July 2020 and became a free agent until he found a new club when he joined Gretna in November 2020.
Evan would go on to play for Brechin City and most recently, Petershill FC.
Bradley Renfrew
Bradley graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2019. He would remain with Partick Thistle for 2 years before leaving in July 2021 to join East Stirlingshire.
As of 2022, Bradley has moved on from East Stirlingshire, now playing for Gartcosh.
Dean Watson
Dean graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2019. He would remain with Partick Thistle for a year making 2 appearances for the Jags.
In October 2020, Dean would join East Stirlingshire on loan which would lead to Dean joining East Stirlingshire on permanent basis in July 2021.
Dean is still with East Stirlingshire and has made 3 appearances.
Andrew Rodden
Andy graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2018. He would remain at the club for 3 years before leaving to join East Stirlingshire in July 2021.
As of 2022, Andy is still with East Stirlingshire.
Callum Wilson
Callum made his first Development League appearance in April 2015, aged only 15, in a fixture against Motherwell.
In his first season as a modern apprentice, Wilson started in flying form, adding a valuable streak of energy to the Development Squad’s midfield which instantly cemented him as a key part of the team.
He was rewarded for his hard work during his two years as a modern apprentice with a one-year professional contract and has gone on to make his competitive first team debut in a league win against Falkirk.
In February 2019, Wilson moved to Elgin City on loan with the goal of gaining more first team experience in Ladbrokes League Two. He went on to make ten appearances for the Borough Briggs side in four months as a City player.
In 2020 Callum would leave Partick Thistle and move on to Dumbarton where he would make 4 appearances.
After his time at Dumbarton he would move on to Albion Rovers in July 2020, he has since made 50 appearances and scored 5 goals.
Ruaridh McIntyre
Ruaridh graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in June 2018. While he never broke into the first team, he did have a loan spell at Cumnock Juniors.
Gospel Ocholi
Gospel graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2021.
Following his graduation Gospel would go out on loan for the first half of the 2021/22 season at Benburb FC and he would spend the second half of the season on loan at Gretna.
So far Gospel has made 1 appearance for Partick Thistle and is currently still with the club.
Mason McCready
Mason graduated the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2021.
Mason has yet to make a first team appearance, he spent half of the 2021/22 season on loan at both Gretna and Gala Fairydean Rovers FC. He made 1 appearance for Gala which resulted in a clean sheet for the young keeper.
Mason is still with Partick Thistle.
Billy Owens
Billy graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2021, Billy has since appeared 3 times for the Jags.
During the 2021/22 season, Billy went out on loan to East Kilbride where he would go on to make 4 appearances.
As of June 2022, Billy remains with Partick Thistle.
James Lyon
James graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2021, he has made 2 appearances for the Jags so far and has an assist to his name.
In the 2021/22 season, James went out on loan to Stenhousemuir FC where he would make 22 appearances with 1 goal and 2 assists to his name.
As of June 2022, James is still with Partick Thistle.
Ben Stanway
Ben graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in January 2022, he has went on to appear on 2 occasions for the Jags so far.
Ben is still with Partick Thistle and we hope to see more of him in the future.
Zander MacKenzie
Zander graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2022, he has yet to make an appearance for the Jags but we look forward to seeing more of him in the future.
Ji Stevenson
Ji graduated from the Thistle Weir Youth Academy in July 2022, Ji has appeared for the Jags once already in the 2021/22 SPFL Trust Trophy and we hope to see more of him in the future.
