Friday 1st September, 2023 at 2:00pm
Partick Thistle FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Dargo as new Academy Director of the Thistle Weir Youth Academy (TWYA).
Craig, who has been TWYA under-18s coach since April of this year, takes up the role with immediate effect and succeeds Paul McDonald, recently appointed Partick Thistle men’s team assistant manager.
On his appointment, Craig said: “I feel very proud and privileged to become the new Academy Director of the TWYA and now I’m just looking forward to getting started.
“It feels like a natural progression for me in my career, first and foremost in my role here at the TWYA but also as a coach in the development of young players and people. I know I can count on a lot of support at the club in particular from Paul McDonald, the previous Academy Director, as well as the support of the everyone in around the football club who have been brilliant.They are very enthusiastic and we have a clear vision for the Academy which I am completely aligned with. It’s an illustrious position at a great club and I will give 100% to continue the good work of the previous Academy Directors.”
Craig continued: “The club has a fine tradition of developing home-grown academy players and we can all see the benefits of that right now. The great thing about this club is that there is a clear pathway from the Academy into the first team, helped by the fact the first team manager and assistant are heavily invested in the Academy, fully understanding its purpose and the benefits. Right now we can proudly talk of Partick Thistle representation across a number of Scotland national team age groups and that’s the ultimate endorsement – my job is to build on the good work which has been behind all that impressive player and coach development across the academy in recent years.”
Craig enjoyed a brief spell as a Thistle player, joining Jackie McNamara’s Jags for a brief spell in season 2011/12, before returning to Maryhill earlier this year.
Craig added: “I really enjoyed my short spell here then obviously coming back as the Professional Phase Coach was a proud moment. It’s a great football club, a family club and it’s a fantastic environment to work in, working closely with coaches, parents, staff and players – we all want the best for the players and hopefully I can add to that going forward. Developing them into good footballers is important and that’s the focus but just as important is helping them be good young people through the coaching and education we give them at Partick Thistle and the TWYA.”
Everyone at Partick Thistle Football Club wishes Craig all the very best in his new role.
Andrew Holloway, Partick Thistle Board Director said: “We welcome the appointment of Craig Dargo as TWYA Academy Director after he emerged as the standout candidate during the recruitment process.
“Craig has very strong experience already in player and coach development in Scottish youth football, including here at Partick Thistle as TWYA Professional Phase Coach over the last six months. He shares our clear vision for the important role the Academy can play behind a successful Partick Thistle and we look forward to supporting him to continue the outstanding work of the Academy in recent seasons including this campaign, when the benefits are there for all to see on a Saturday afternoon.
“I’m sure all supporters will join everyone at the club in congratulating Craig on his appointment and offering him our full support as he gets to work in his new role – we wish him every success.”
