Jagscast

Robert Reid - A history of Partick Thistle

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:13:00 +0000

On 8th June 2013, club historian Robert Reid held a talk, in the Woodside Library, on the history of Partick Thistle.

He very kindly allowed the Jagscast to record this talk to allow it to be spread amongst Jags fans throughout the world.

Listeners should note that the views expressed in this Jagscast are Robert Reid's personal views, and do not reflect those of Partick Thistle football club.

The Jagscast would like to thank the Woodside Library for hosting the event and Mr Reid for allowing us to record it.

Conrad Balatoni Special - Part 2 and 3

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 09:43:00 +0000

After some major technical issues, who knew laptops didn't like Irn Bru?, we have the final two parts of the Conrad Balatoni special.

Apologies for the delay.

A night with Conrad - Part 1

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:33:00 +0000

On Wednesday 24th April, the Jagscast went to Edinburgh. ThistleStats and Raymond Stark met up with three members of the Edinburgh and East of Scotland Supporters Association.

A special guest, Conrad Balatoni, also joined them and what followed was over 2 hours of intense recording, talking about everything football-wise.

This is part 1 of the recordings.

Our thanks go to Kenny Macgregor who arranged the venue, and EEOS involvement and also to Conrad Balatoni for being a good sport and generously giving us his time.

We hope you enjoy!

Goodbye SFL!!

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 13 Released 12th May 2013

Topics Discussed:
Review of the Season!

Panel: Donald Larmour, Raymond Stark

Enjoy the show!

Thanks to everyone who has listened this season!

Paul Paton Interview

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Sat, 04 May 2013 08:13:00 +0000

Donald "Marc Corcoran" Balatoni caught up with PTFC club captain Paul Paton earlier this week, to discuss his Firhill highlights, footballing heroes and favourite PTFC tops.

One Last Trip

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 12 Released 5th May 2013

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Firhill Cup Round-Up
Dunfermline Review
Steven Craig
Speed Round
Dumbarton Preview

Panel: Donald Larmour, Davy Mains, Barry O'Neill, Raymond Stark

Enjoy the show!

Firhill Cup preview with Davy Mains

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:06:00 +0000

On Sunday April 28, 120 Partick Thistle fans will get to live their dream by walking out onto the pitch to play in the Firhill Cup.

The competition was set-up by Davy Mains and Charlie Kirkwood three years ago and it gives Thistle fans the chance to play at the stadium in which they have been watching their heroes all season.

Davy said: “Charlie’s run loads of football tournaments and it was his idea. Every fan in the world of any team wants to play on that team’s park with the shirts. The first year he approached me and I sponsored one of the teams through my company. It was really good, a really good experience for everybody. My team won which is when I got bitten by the bug of helping Charlie to organise it last year and then this year as well.”

Although the tournament was set-up so the fans could play football. It is also a big earner for the club. In the past two seasons they have raised around £12,000 - which has gone directly to the manager’s playing budget – and this year they hope to raise close to £8,000.

Fans pay £25 each and that guarantees them at least three matches. The eight teams are split into two groups of four with the winners of each group playing off in the final. Davy said:

“The final gets a wee bit special. If you win your group you flip a coin and one of you is the home team and the other’s the away team. You go into the home dressing room and in there are 16 Thistle kits on the pegs with the numbers on the back, same in the away dressing room. We have a proper referee for that. We get everyone wound-up as we normally do the beat the goalie competition before the final. Then the run-out music comes on. The referee leads the teams out into the centre-circle and you play 20 minutes each-way - the group games are 20 minutes each - with the full proper kit, which is amazing. All my avatars and my pictures on
my twitter and stuff like that are me wheeling away from scoring into the City end. It was immense. Everyone who has had the experience of playing in the Firhill Cup just says it’s a magical experience. It’s hard to put into words I think - the experience of being a fan in the stands and then actually getting onto the park. And although the crowd is not huge for the Firhill Cup you’ll still have maybe 500 people in the stands.”

He added: “In order to have it over one day you can’t really have any more than eight teams. We’ve gone up to 16 players on each team to try and accommodate everyone that wants to play. And this year we’ll probably play 12-a-side rather than 11-a-side, which is great because for old men like me it’s a big park.”

The event is set-up as a family-fun day, tickets are only £1 for Adults and it is free for kids. The players will hope to have a big crowd to cheer them on and this season have been putting in some extra effort to prepare for the tournament.

Andy Young, a Community Coach at Partick Thistle, volunteered to give the players professional coaching sessions in the lead-up to the Firhill Cup.

(Writer Adam Henderson attended the final two training sessions and will be writing an article on them before the Cup takes place this Sunday - including; interviews with the coach, players and videos of some of the highlights.)

Davy said: “This is the first year we’ve done the Firhill Cup training program, which is just to give the guys a wee bit of formal coaching. We want them to feel as if they’re involved a bit more. Andy brilliantly volunteered to do it for free. We got a pitch in the Firhill complex for free and we get donations from some of the guys after. Which is absolutely brilliant because it’s what we can afford because we want it to be inclusive and not exclusive.“

The players will have plenty of incentive to play well as amongst the crowd will be their Jags heroes who take part in a role reversal by watching the fans from the stands.

Davy said: “Hopefully most of the first-team squad will come along. There’s no insistence on the players coming along. But this year we’re hoping that the day before the Firhill Cup we’ll lift the trophy at our home game against Dunfermline. I’m sure the players will go out and have a few sherries afterwards and therefore most of them will be kicking about Glasgow. We’re also hoping this year that we’ll have the trophy at the Firhill Cup and everyone will be able to see the trophy and have their
picture taken.”

Davy had several stories of current and ex-players who have attended in previous years. He said: “Paul Paton came along the first year– ankle in cast – and his crutches, and spent two hours talking to fans. Second year he came along - that was him established in the team - and signed some shirts for us. We get guys like Gerry Brittain and Ian Maxwell who come along as well. Last year Jackie [McNamara] and Sid [Simon Donnelly] refereed some of the games. The year before we couldn’t get Paul Cairney off the pitch because he refereed five games on the trot. It’s great because the players contribute to the day tremendously - just by mixing with the fans.”

Charlie and Davy organise almost the entire tournament themselves. The only input the club have is setting the date. Davy said: “The biggest difficulty we have is finding the right date. Last year was a nightmare because Thistle were sharing with Glasgow Warriors and we had to wait until we knew they hadn’t qualified for the play-offs and unfortunately that meant by the time we actually got onto the park there wasn’t too much park left.”

After Davy and Charlie set a date with the club. Davie said they have to: “organize the players, put the links to sign-up out through social media and collect the money.” He said the latter is: “basically standing about street corners waiting for people to come up and hand you £25 and walk away which is a bit weird at times. This year we’ve pretty much been at all the home games and a couple of the away games too.”

He added: “Charlie organizes the websites and the day stuff. I do most of the sponsorship and the business stuff. It’s my job to go round and talk to all the companies that sponsor Thistle or would like to sponsor a team and collect sponsorship money.”

Although they want to raise money for the club, Davy said: “The main driver for the whole thing is to have a fun day.”

He listed some of the family attractions at the event which help make it a fun day, including: “bouncy castles, slides, face painting, beat the goalie competitions and storytelling for kids.”He said they also have: “a football shirt auction where fans donate their shirts that they’ve grown out of or no longer want and we re-sell them back out.”

Davy said: “We haven’t quite managed to get sponges for the players yet - which we’ve been threatening to do for three years. We sell programs as well and we get donations of MacB water and McGhee’s pies as well.”

Firhill will open at 10am on Sunday and the Cup is expected to finish at 4pm. Both the club and organisers have said that everyone is welcome to come along and it’s only £1.
More information can be found on Charlie Kirkwood’s website which is:
http://www.kirkwoodscastles.co.uk/firhill-cup---2013.php

Interview by Adam Henderson - Sports Journalist Student and friend of the Jagscast. You can contact Adam on Twitter at @Adam426

Champions!!

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:45:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 11 Released 26th April 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Turning Points in the season.
Foxy Love
Dunfermline Predictions

Panel: Adam Henderson, Donald Larmour, Davy Mains, Barry O'Neill, Raymond Stark, Andy Young

Enjoy the show!

The Jagscast apologise for the abrupt nature of the ending. due to rising background noise making the end of it unlistenable

One More Point

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:49:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 10 Released 19th April 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Airdrie Review
Rovers Review
Favourite Paton and Erskine moments
Falkirk Preview

Panel: Graeme Cowie, Donald Larmour, Steven Murphy, Raymond Stark

Enjoy the show!

Goal of the Season

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:57:00 +0000

One Game At A Time

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:43:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 9 Released 12th April 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Ramsdens Cup Final Review
Morton Review
Airdrie Preview

Panel: Donald Larmour, Barry O'Neill, Raymond Stark, Andy Young

Enjoy the show!

We Got This

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:32:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 8 Released 5th April 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Firhill Cup Training
Cowdenbeath Review
Raith Review
Ramsdens Final Build Up
Morton Build Up

Panel: Davy Mains, Raymond Stark, Andy Young

Enjoy the show!

Not drunk, drinking or hungover.

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:04:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 7 Released 29th March 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Archie's appointment
Livingston Review
Cowdenbeath Review
Firhill Cup Exclusives
Chat with Russell Buchanan - owner of Brass Monkey and The Den
PFA POTY chatter
Cowdenbeath/Raith preview

Panel: Donald Larmour, Davy Mains, Andy Young

Enjoy the show!

Firhill Cup INFO:

Teams - To be Announced

Training

When? - Thurs 4th April, Thurs 11th April, Thurs 18th April, Thurs 25th April. 5.20PM START!! Approx 1 hour.
Where? - Firhill Complex
Cost? - Donations into Firhill Cup fund buckets.

NO METAL STUDS!!!

Firhill Cup T - Shirts are available at http://www.teamwearscotland.com/partick-thistle-replica-store/376-firhill-cup-shirt.html

Xtreme Buggypushing.

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 6 Released 22nd March 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Accies Review
Where Are They Now?
Stuart Bannigan
Speed Round *NEW*
Livingston preview

Panel: Vinny Ferguson, Donald Larmour, Raymond Stark

Enjoy the show!

Raymonds blog can be accessed at: http://themaryhillmagyar.wordpress.com/

Amazing Archie

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 18:01:00 +0000

This episode of the Jagscast is dedicated to @Archietime1

Jagscast Episode 5 Released 15th March 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Points Round
Dumbarton Review
Where Are They Now?
A case for the defence
Flawless Lawless
Accies preview

Panel: Davy Mains, Donald Larmour, Raymond Stark

Enjoy the show!

Once a Jag. Always a Jag.

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:53:00 +0000

After some issues last week with not being able to locate the Jagscast on mobile devices, we have released the cast this week on two different players, a HTML one and a flash one. They both play the same cast, it's just the players that have changed. If you are still unable to see this week's cast(or the interview with Andy Young) then please inform us through Facebook, Twitter or by leaving a comment on the blog. Thanks for listening!

Jagscast Episode 4 Released 8th March 2013.

Topics Discussed:
PTFC One Goal Wonders
Dunfermline Review
Steven Craig
Interview with Andrew Young - PTFC Community Coach

Panel: Adam Henderson, Andrew Young

Enjoy the show!

The full, unedited, interview with Andrew Young:

The Fife Element

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:39:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 3 Released 1st March 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Former players we'd like to see return.
Airdrie/Cowdenbeath review
Thistle's adaptability.
Dunfermline Preview

Panel: Donald Larmour, Davy Mains

Enjoy the show!

Vinny The Poo

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:26:00 +0000

Jagscast Episode 2 Released 22nd February 2013.

Topics Discussed:
Firhill Cup
PTFC Autobiographies
Morton/Accies Review
Chris Erskine
Goalscoring defenders
Youth v Experience
Airdrie Preview

Panel: Vinny Ferguson, Jay McGhee, Davy Mains

Enjoy the show!

Firhill Cup Auction details:

"Right guys - we need your help! Last years Firhill Cup included a footie shirt auction and sale which was a huge success - so much so that lots of people have asked if we'll do it again! so we are - but we need your help. We need donations of unwanted or outgrown (!) football shirts - from any team. We'll be delighted to accept books, boots, hats scarves - anything footie related at all!

You can make donations by handing in or posting to the club office; to me in the Aitken Suite before home games or my posting to Firhill Cup c/o Enigma 1 Woodside Terrace Glasgow G3 7UY."

The JagsCast is back!!

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:57:00 +0000

The Jagscast has returned to your ears.

On this weeks show we review season 2012/13 so far, talk about Thistle's outstanding home form, assess the factors which will affect the rest of the season and preview the upcoming Morton game.

The Jagscast apologise for poor sound quality. This WILL be rectified for next weeks show.

EVEN MORE BLASTS FROM THE PAST

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Bob Cassells and John McNeill share their memories of the 1971 League Cup Final:

Jackie McNamara chats to the Jagscast after the 1-1 draw with Culter.

Craig Telfer http://tellhimhespele.com joins the Jagscasters for the 4-2 win against Ayr:

And MC's http://gettingjaggywithit.blogspot.com makes her podcast debut:

DIGITALLY REMASTERED

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Well, not really.

But I have re-uploaded some classic podcasts.

I've tried to pick some of the best ones, looking at some of the lovely special guests we've had over the past couple of years.

I hope you enjoy listening to these as much as we enjoyed making them.

A must for all Jags fans, A Trip Down Memory Lane with Alan Dickson:

Tenner for a Strip:

Emperor Conrad

A Cheeky Little Grope

Others available here:
http://soundcloud.com/jagscast-crew

and here:
http://soundcloud.com/jagscast

VBL (nearly a Dad!)
x

There Is No Plan B...oh actually, yeh there is. Sorry.

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 11:16:00 +0000

By Vinny Ferguson @vbl1986

I’m sure we used to all talk about something other than football committees, megalomaniacs and rebellious chairmen. Ah yes, that’s right. Actual, proper football. The new season is almost upon us, and I think most people have forgotten about the fact that there will actually be some football played soon. Partick Thistle’s players will begin their mission to regain match sharpness against Paul Hartley’s Alloa Athletic on Tuesday night. I’ve spent some time thinking about how the team will line up this year.

Jackie McNamara’s first issue is the loss of Paul Cairney. I cannot remember a player having such a turnaround in fortune, fitness and finesse in one single season. This was the player who once looked heavy, short of pace and had absolutely no confidence in his ability as a First Division player. Last season, Paulo DiCairneyo was one of the stand out players in the league. It was no surprise to learn that several higher ranked clubs were interested in signing him up once his contract expired. He eventually opted for Hibernian, after long negotiations, his stag do and his wedding. Good luck to the man, he is one player who has earned his move to the top league in Scotland.

Cairney suggested that his drastic change in form was down to McNamara giving him a free role in midfield. We would often see Cairney drifting off to either wing, collecting the ball from defence, as well as linking up with the forward players. I would suggest that Chris Erskine will fulfil this position in the coming season. This creates another problem though, as Erskine and Cairney often linked up. McNamara doesn’t have many other options in the mould of Erskine and Cairney. He must consider other formations.

A look back at a former line up.

Hugh Murray will be a regular starter, perhaps at the expense of David Rowson. Rowson, despite his enthusiasm and fitness, is not getting any younger and is now a part-time footballer. This could lead to a Murray/Paton midfield. Paul Paton, another utility player, may however be used at the back, allowing Rowson to play a part in a starting eleven. We also cannot forget about Stuart Bannigan’s form towards the end of the season, both in midfield and on the left wing, or Sean Welsh’s eye for goal and angled passing ability, which could see him team up with Erskine in a freer role.

Mark McGuigan has impressed since his arrival at Firhill. He is a tall, athletic striker who has shown that he has a predatory, poacher instinct. While Kris Doolan is an excellent front man, his goals rarely come from easy chances. They come from hard work, working angles and spectacular long range efforts. McGuigan is an ideal partner for the hard working, considerate Doolan. I’m not convinced that McNamara will always have the luxury to play two strikers, but by having the options of McGuigan and the pacey Christie Elliot, he has shown that he is aware of the need to have a Plan B and C.

Other new signings have come in the form of Aaron Muirhead and Steven Lawless. Lawless is an interesting choice. Wingers are rarely used in the First Division, but perhaps McNamara noted Derek Adams’ use of ex-Jag Marc Corcoran last season and is keen to offer the team width from the bench should opposition sides look to enter into a stuffy, unattractive midfield battle. Muirhead, used mostly as a right back at his previous club, will be used sparingly and can be seen as competition for Stephen O’Donnell, whose performances last season ranged from dynamic to dismal. McNamara has previously stated concerns about O’Donnell’s mentality, one could argue that competition for places could encourage the ex-Celtic youth to work harder on a more consistent basis.

The one area of the pitch that the manager does not have to concern himself with is in goals. McNamara has, in Scott Fox, one of the best young goalkeepers in the country. As back-up, he has the increasingly able Ryan Scully. Some fans will remember Scully’s mistakes in the home defeat to Livingston. Others will remember his four top drawer saves in the same game. Fox learned last year that his position in the team is not written in stone, any loss in form will allow Scully in. Goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchcliffe has done an incredible job with both of these players. He is one of the most valuable assets at the club.

In conclusion, Jackie McNamara has made some shrewd signings since taking on the role as manager on a full time basis. He has, above all, given himself options. He currently has a first eleven capable of playing flowing, entertaining football. He also has the personnel to completely change the dynamic of the team. We have ball playing defenders. We have hard, no nonsense defenders. We have silky midfielders, comfortable on the ball. We have ball winning, borderline insane midfielders. We have a thinking front man. We have pacey forwards, we have big forwards.

Jackie McNamara now has the difficult job of keeping some very young feet on the ground. A lack of consistency was the problem last season. If consistency comes with entertaining football, we could have a very, very good season.

Possible starting eleven?

A Crowd of Alan Archibald

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:49:00 +0000

The Jagscast regulars feature in a bumper edition of the Jagscast. We take a look back at the 2011-12 season, the highs, the lows, the spectacular, the bizarre, the lot. Manly J Panda follows up his interview with Jaggy Mac at the start of the campaign, looking back on his first season in management. We also have interviews with man of the moment Paul Cairney, following his superb hat-trick at Dundee, and speak to Alan Archibald ahead of his milestone 400th appearance in a Jags shirt.

Listen to the pod here:

http://jagscast.jellycast.com/podcast/feed/2

Waith Wovers

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 10:04:00 +0000

A crisper, clearer VBL talks to Donald Marc Corcoran Balatoni and Cowie about recent developments off the pitch, Thistle theme parks and favourite debuts.

We also have an exclusive interview with Thistle new boy Mark McGuigan.

Unfortunately, we cannot bring you Cowie's Call or reactions from half time and full time due to poor sound quality.

We thought we'd make up for it with a wee treat at the end of the pod, so stay tuned for that.

Enjoy!

http://jagscast.jellycast.com/podcast/feed/2

Rugby Pie All Over Their Faces

jagscast@gmail.com (Jags Cast) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:59:00 +0000

Just a wee podcast this week. Manly J. is joined by Vincent Black Lightning and Fire Hazard Cowie for a chat about the Livi game and the One Thistle project in the Jackie Husband stand. Hear them get increasingly disappointed at half- and full-time! Marvel at Cowie's correct, if inverted, scoreline prediction! Chortle as you hear MJP try to be upbeat about Scully!

http://jagscast.jellycast.com/podcast/feed/2

Enjoy the outro music? We'll change it next time, I promise.