After a two-season gap, Saints and Partick will once again meet up in the league. Personally, I can’t wait.
No offence Thistle fans, but I was quite pleased that you got relegated last season. Part of it was to do with the fact that we’d finally be getting rid of Inverness Caley Thistle. No more four hour away trips wondering if we’d get beaten 4-0 or 4-1. Not that I ever went, of course, part timer that I am. One less dismal away support for Love Street. Firhill is probably my favourite away trip of the season. Not too far to travel, great stand on one side of the pitch with no poles in the way, and vocal supports from both teams. What more could you ask for?
So much has changed since Thistle claimed the title in paisley a few years ago. By my reckoning, just three members of the current Saints squad were part of the first team back then, and there can’t be many more still left with Thistle. Between us, we’ve managed four managerial changes since that day, not bad going in two and a bit years!
Having just been relegated from the SPL, Thistle are being seen as one of the favourites for the title, and rightly so. However, this could cause problems, as it probably did for us when we were relegated a few years ago. Whatever happens, I reckon Thistle will be near the top of the pile come May, although will face stiff competition from St. Johnstone and Falkirk for the top spot. Signings such as Leigh Hinds and Steve Fulton will help greatly in the promotion push, and if ex Buddie Ian Ross keeps himself clear of injuries there are few better left sided midfielders in the division.
Sadly, I feel that Saints won’t be anywhere near the top of the league, unless it is turned upside down. Our team was awful last season, and there is little sign of improvement over the summer months, with hardly any new signings. A lot rests on the (rather broad) shoulders of Mixu Paatelainen. If he gets injured, we are in big trouble. Age should not be a factor with our strike force, as Gerry Britton, Owen Coyle and Paul Ritchie have shown over the past few years.