Sunday 19th December, 2021 at 11:13am
When Kyle Turner hit the back of the net yesterday the roar from Firhill was matched by cheers in homes across Scotland and beyond, as all Jags watching in stadium or on screen shared the utter joy.
However nowhere was that joy greater than a room in Waltham Hall Nursing Home, Leicestershire, where it lifted the spirits – and then some – of lifelong Thistle fan Frank Buntain.
Frank is a resident at the care home, receiving end of life care following a battle with cancer, and was surrounded by family on Saturday afternoon, all watching and listening to the live stream of the game together from first minute to that memorable last.
Earlier this month Frank’s daughter Vikki had contacted the club asking if a message of support could be sent to Frank at this most difficult of times both for him and for his family.
On Friday afternoon, on the eve of the Raith Rovers game, a video message was played to Frank by his family as a surprise. This featured messages from first team players, manager Ian McCall and chief executive Gerry Britton, all wishing Frank the very best and a happy Christmas for Frank and his family.
Frank’s family recorded his reaction to the video and were kind enough to share it with the club as a thank you. Although the content of the video exchange will remain private, out of respect to Frank and his family, one particular moment deserves a wider audience.
As the video from the club being played to Frank came to an end, his family asked him “who’s your favourite football team?”.
He replied with the immortal line:
“There’s only one.”
Hear hear, Frank. There is only one Partick Thistle Football Club.
Equally, without a shadow of a doubt, there is only one Frank Buntain.
Frank and family: it was written in the stars, that goal and that win was for you.
Have the happiest Christmas time with your family – from everyone here at Firhill, the board, management, players, staff and your fellow supporters.
One Frank Buntain.