Partick Thistle Eye Pitch Boost As Glasgow Warriors Quit Firhill

Oct 6 2011 By Gordon Parks

PARTICK THISTLE last night admitted they are still coming to terms with the shock news Glasgow Warriors are to quit Firhill.

The Jags admit the loss of their rugby-playing tenants to a new base at Scotstoun will hit them hard in the pocket.

Warriors boost Thistle's coffers by around £100,000 a season and Partick general manager Ian Maxwell insists there are pros and cons to the termination of the five-year ground share agreement.

He said: "Warriors have been terrific tenants and brought in a significant amount of money but their departure won't signal any panic here.

"We want to reassure the supporters that it isn't going to have a critical effect on the budget and we will continue to look at ways to boost revenue.

"The playing surface will benefit from not having rugby on it."

Warriors chief executive Kenny Baillie said: "I'd like to thank Partick Thistle for the excellent working relationship we have enjoyed with them.

"We look forward to seeing out the rest of this season at Firhill before progressing to the next exciting chapter in the Glasgow Warriors story.

"It will be a hugely positive step to have a combined training and playing base.

"All steps are being taken to ensure we have the best possible playing and supporter facilities."

Scottish Rugby president Ian McLauchlan insists the move is a massive step forward for the game in the West of Scotland.

He said: "Scotstoun Stadium will be a fitting home for Glasgow Warriors and will provide a real rugby hub for the city.

"A lot of hard work has gone into bringing about this move and I thank Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life for their willingnessandenthusiasm to make it happen."

Meanwhile, Thistle will take a stroll down memory lane when they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their historic League Cup Final win over Celtic.

The 4-1 triumph sent shockwaves through the game.

Such was the surprise, the then anchorman of BBC TV's Grandstand, Frank Bough, said: "I've just received a half-time score from Hampden Park. It reads 'Partick Thistle 4, Celtic 0'. I'm sure it's just a mistake."

To commemorate the ruby anniversary, the Jags will host a celebration at Hampden on October 22.

"1971 - What A Sensation" will be a packed evening of entertainment featuring appearances by special guests linked with the final.

The phrase "What A Sensation" was burned into Thistle folklore by Arthur Montford as he looked on in astonishment at the game.

The legendary STV commentator has agreed to be interviewed for the celebration event.

Tickets for the evening of fun and nostalgia are on sale, priced £15 for adults and £5 for kids.