Thursday 1st September, 2016 at 10:33am
Officials at Partick Thistle Football Club worked late into the night to ensure the biggest signing of the transfer window went through. The late work paid off though and the Club is today able to announce that the hunt to find a replacement for the biggest position on the pitch is over – the Club has a new Kingsley!
The mighty Jags hunted high and low for someone to step into the suit of the mono-browed beacon of sunshine and take on the role of the most famous mascot in the world.
Craig Dunn from Glasgow’s southside, has been selected following a rigorous recruitment process involving a live audition, video submission and even a social media campaign – Dunstable “The People’s Choice” 78.
Beating off stiff competition, Craig created video footage capturing fellow Thistle supporters delivering unwavering messages of support for his campaign.
The 38-year-old has been a Jags super fan since he was a young boy, attending matches with his grandfather for as long as he can remember.
Now a father-of-four and working full-time as a project manager, Craig is gearing up to start his first day on the job during the Thistle Vs St Johnstone game on Saturday 10 September.
Stepping into the Kingsley suit, Craig said:
“I am absolutely blown away that I will now be donning the Kingsley suit during matches at Firhill.
“I’ve had a lifelong love of Thistle thanks to my late grandfather, Bill. As a boy, on Saturday afternoons while my mum and dad were at work, I’d go to the games with my Grampa. We’d take a game in every week come rain or shine. It was from this point that I fell in love with the team and always wanted to be involved in some way.
“I didn’t expect that I would one day be representing the club as the famous Kingsley and it’s a role I’m ready and proud to take on.
“I would like to thank the Partick Thistle Football Fans in Training (FFIT) for their support and camaraderie throughout.
“I know what a difference a good mascot makes and can’t wait to jump into the suit and get the crowd going to help amplify the atmosphere on match days.”
Partick Thistle managing director, Ian Maxwell, played a major role in selecting Craig as the new Kingsley. Ian, along with Board Member, Jacqui Low, and Media and Communications Manager, George Francis, sifted through the entries and, following an hour-long interview process, selected Craig as the new Kingsley.
Ian said:
“We’ve been on the hunt for somebody to fill the role of Kingsley for a couple of months now. The reaction we got when we put the job advert out was fantastic, and the effort people put in was great to see.
“Craig had that extra edge to him and he stood out from an early stage – I can’t wait to see him on Saturday at the game. He has bags of enthusiasm and as a lifelong Jags fan, knows the importance of becoming the face of the club and ensuring an electric atmosphere at every game.
“We’ve got a lot planned for Kingsley this season so we are delighted to have our new man on board. The mascot is a massive part of our matchday experience and I know Craig is already looking forward to revving the crowds up on a Saturday and to representing the club at every home game this season.”
You can see the original video that Craig submitted to support his campaign below:
