Wednesday 27th September, 2023 at 12:50pm
Now that recently appointed Thistle Weir Youth Academy Director Craig Dargo has had a chance to settle into his new role, Partick Thistle Football Club would like to offer its appreciation for the long service of one of Craig’s former colleagues.
For 10 years, almost exactly to the day, youth football coach Craig Mair was at the heart of the academy’s success, a constant presence as it was built and developed, in particular excelling in the role of Head of Children’s Phase.
Thistle fans do not need to look far to see the fruits of Craig’s hard work over those years, the current Jags first team squad littered with Academy graduates. Indeed, the total number of first team appearances by players produced by the Thistle Weir Youth Academy (TWYA) is now closing in on the 1000 mark.
TWYA has been part of a team of coaches responsible for developing many young players into professional footballers including Kevin Nisbet, Liam Lindsay, James Penrice, Aidan Fitzpatrick, Zander MacKenzie, Ben Stanway, James Lyon, Kyle Turner, Dylan Tait and Andrew McCarthy, plus many more. A UEFA A Licence and Advanced Children’s Licence holder, Craig Mair performed a pivotal role in the development of many of these young players, an ever-growing number going on to earn international recognition.
Just as importantly, if not more so, as the development of these players as footballers was their development as young people, with Craig supporting respective TWYA Directors and the wider coaching team to ensure a positive impact on individuals across age groups, on and off the pitch.
Towards the end of the summer, Craig chose to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere in Scotland but left with only the very best wishes of all those he worked alongside within the Academy and at Firhill.
Former TWYA Director, now men’s team assistant manager, Paul McDonald said: “Craig Mair has made a significant contribution both to Thistle Weir Youth Academy and to the development of hundreds of young footballers in Thistle colours. He leaves a terrific legacy especially in terms of the volume of players having an impact on the Thistle first team at present, with plenty more prospects aiming to follow in that pathway.
“I’d like to sincerely thank Craig for all his support for me and for Scott Allison and Gerry Britton over the years and I know all the coaches, staff, parents and players would wish to join me in thanking Craig and also in wishing him every success for the future.”
Amongst the highlights of his time with the TWYA, Craig cites various trips, such as to Ireland for the Foyle and Milk Cup, Benfica and Malta for the Erasmus trips, Iceland and even to Texas to deliver camps. However, he insists seeing the academy players feature for the first team and elsewhere will always be my proudest moments, a level above winning any tournaments.
On his departure, Craig said: “After 10 years my time at Partick Thistle came to an end to take up a new opportunity. During this time I have been fortunate to work with so many great people and work with some fantastic players and their families, and have made some friends for life.
“I am immensely proud of all the work that has been achieved in the last 10 years and forever grateful for all the opportunities given to me by three excellent academy directors in Gerry Britton, Scott Allison and Paul McDonald. I would like to wish the manager Kris Doolan and everyone associated with the club and academy all the very best going forward.”
All the very best for the future, Craig, and please know there will always be a warm welcome for you in this corner of Maryhill.
