Blueprint can guide Partick back to action

Thistle have joined the nation’s other League One and Two sides in proposing that their seasons resume in March.
Ryan WilliamsonRyan Williamson
Ryan Williamson

All 20 clubs in the two leagues have got together to produce a blueprint for playing again including stronger safety measures such as the introduction of polymerase chain reaction tests for players.

The Firhill club were outspoken when the hiatus was implemented earlier this month, frustrated that their demotion and a subsequent failure to restructure the divisions, left an ambitious full-time club with no opportunity to take to the field.

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A joint statement released by the clubs says: “We are all aware of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on everyone’s lives.

“We take our responsibilities to our staff and players seriously and that’s why we have complied with all that has been asked of us to date.

“However, we have used the pause in playing to look at what more we can do to create a route to us playing again in a way that reassures the football authorities and the Scottish Government.

“We know that football can be a force for good and that our games allow our fans to have one familiar activity available to them at a difficult time, but we also recognise that we need to do more if we want to restart.”

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The club has also this week paid tribute to Thistle Weir Youth Academy scout Phillip Reilly who passed away suddenly.

A statement added: “Phillip had a deep love for football throughout his life and he supported Thistle in any way he could. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Phillip’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

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