In what’s believed to be a first in women’s football, Partick Thistle has revealed the new manager of their women’s team is former Hibs’ striker Brian Graham who is currently a full-time player in the men’s first team.
The move sees Graham take on the role from 14th September as the girls start pre-season training in earnest in the run up to the league starting on 18th October.
It is his first management position in football. His assistant manager will be Richard Foster, who recently joined Thistle from Ross County, with Ross Docherty as a coach.
Chairman of PTWFC, Jacqui Low, explaining the move, said: “This is a significant appointment for us. When last season was voided after one game, it prematurely ended hopes for promotion to the top flight. But the aspiration to achieve that remains and appointing a new management team of current professional players is a declaration of that intent. We are delighted to have Brian, Richard and Ross on board and are excited at the prospects for the season ahead.”
Upon his appointment, Brian Graham said: “When the role came up, I was immediately interested. I’ve been to see the girls train and, from what I could see, there’s no shortage of ability, fitness or determination. But to make the step up to the Scottish Women’s Premier League, I believe that Richard, Ross and I can make them even better by bringing our professional experience, a new training regime and a belief they’ve got what it takes to get this final promotion. I can’t wait to get started and play my part in helping two Thistle teams win football matches.”
Thistle men’s first team manager, Ian McCall, who signed off on Brian’s application, said: “Brian’s come back from the enforced break fit and motivated for the season ahead, so I’m comfortable that taking this on won’t interfere with his training or performance. If anything, it will give him an insight in to management that will stand him in good stead as a player and for his future. I think having both the first team and the women’s team aiming for promotion can only be good for fans and the Club. Any help I can give him, Richard and Ross, who are great choices as Brian’s assistant and coach, I will.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
