Saturday 1st August, 2015 at 2:24pm
Manager Alan Archibald spoke with ptfc.co.uk as he prepares for the opening game of the league season and he admits he is glad the competitive action is almost upon his side once again.
“You get to a point with the players where they are fed up with the training and the friendly games. They just want to get onto the field for a competitive fixture. Pre-Season went well. As a manager you look to tick some boxes by getting everybody fit and not picking up any injuries and I think we have done that.”
Thistle have continually progressed in each season that Archibald has been in charge at Firhill and progression is the aim once again.
“This season we’re looking to progress. We finished 8th last season and an ideal season would see us finish higher once again in the league. It’ll be tough as we have a tighter squad. We’ll need to stay away from injuries, there is every chance we can go and get it. We’ve got a solid defensive basis with Dan and Freddie being more experienced but Liam and Jack have been playing well and are in contention for a slot.”
Thistle start their league campaign with a tricky trip to Hamilton Accies, a ground where both games last season ended a draw.
“Hamilton was one of the toughest places to go last season. They are a hard side to play against, very physical and in your faces. You also have the added factor of the artificial surface, but that is new to them as well and won’t be an excuse for tomorrow. They’ve got quality as well and dangerous players.”
It’s an almost fully fit squad that makes the trip to New Douglas Park tomorrow.
“Steven Lawless is obviously suspended and will miss out. We have a couple of players with niggling injuries and we’ll assess them closer to kick off.“
Alan is keen to add to the squad but has found his search for new players unsuccessful this week, but he remains confident quality will be found.
