Thursday 31st October, 2024 at 3:59pm
Partick Thistle FC is pleased to announce that attacking midfielder Matthew Falconer has signed a two-year modern apprenticeship with the club, and becomes the latest player to make the step up into the first team from the Partick Thistle Youth Academy.
Falconer, who joined the Academy aged 11, has been captaining the under 18s side as they have enjoyed a free-scoring start to this season which has included winning the Foyle Cup in July.
The 17-year-old was on the scoresheet in our Glasgow Cup tie against Queen’s Park last month and has also found the back of the net on a further eight occasions for the 18s including a hat-trick against Alloa in the CAS Cup.
Thistle manager Kris Doolan said:
“We’re excited to welcome Matthew to the squad as a modern apprentice. He’s made a cracking start to the season with the under 18s and working with the first team will only help his development further.
“The under 18s have been playing some very entertaining football at times this season and we’re always keeping tabs to see who might be ready to join the First Team squad. Matthew not only jumped out because he’s been scoring and creating goals but also because he’s been a leader who has shown a great attitude in his role as captain.”
Academy director Craig Dargo said:
“We want the players in the Academy to be able to see that the pathway to first team football is in front of them and I think Matthew making the move is clear evidence of that.
“He’s a player who joined us as an 11-year-old and worked his way up to becoming captain of the under 18s. Now he’s made a really good start to the season with the 18s and that’s been recognised by the club.
“Of course, he needs to keep working hard and look to improve constantly like Ben Stanway, Zander MacKenzie and Ricco Diack who’ve made the same transition in recent years. I’ve no doubt he’s got the attitude and ability to do just that, and we’re excited to see how Matthew develops.”
