Football Season Guide

Partick Thistle go into the 2020-21 season with a point to prove after being relegated from the Championship, in their eyes, unfairly. Many would agree that the Wee Jags have a point, but they are well positioned to bounce back immediately as they retain the core of a squad that should be capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship. Indeed, one of the greatest advantages they have is the sheer depth throughout their team. In attack, Brian Graham and Zak Rudden are supplemented by Salim Kouider-Aissa, who arrives on loan from Livingston, while the midfield is replete with quality. With attacking options such as Declan Glass, Joe Cardle and Blair Lyons, there is plenty of craft in their ranks, while Stuart Bannigan in the heart of the team should provide a solid rock to work around. The defence looks equally robust. Darren Brownlie has been signed from Queen of the South and will be a starting player in the centre beside captain Tom O’Ware, while the experienced Ricky Foster should be good enough for this level, despite being 35 years old. He may need to play left-back due to a lack of cover in that area, which could be one issue for Thistle to cope with. In goal, Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper Kieran Wright has been brought in to compete with Jamie Sneddon for the gloves. Partick feel that they should not be in these depths and their squad reflects that – but they have to show it on the pitch, something Falkirk were unable to do despite being hot favourites for the title.