Partick Thistle’s Brian Graham is enjoying some of the best years of his career, despite approaching his 37th birthday. The striker picked up PFA Scotland Championship Player of the Year award in May and stated he has no signs of slowing down just yet.
“It was a special season for me personally, last year” said Graham, “It was disappointing to miss out in the play-offs again, but I’ve got some special memories from last season, including winning the Player of the Year award.”
With the new SPFL season having kicked off, this is Graham’s 20th season as a professional and he is pleased with how it’s started.
“We made a good start to the League Cup campaign, and I felt we should have got a better result against Motherwell. I’m looking for more this season, both personally and for the team. We have got to believe we can win the league.”
Whilst there is a growing desire among the Thistle squad to fight for titles, Graham has a unique position within the club as manager of the women’s side, who start their season in the SWPL this coming Sunday against Hibernian.
“The job has been brilliant for me. I’m really enjoying it. We’ve achieved top six in both of the last two seasons and reached a first-ever cup final earlier in the year, we want to keep developing. I think we can establish ourselves as a top six side but this season will be really challenging.”
The 24/25 SWPL 1 season will be one of the most competitive yet, with three of the 12 sides due to be relegated with a narrowing league structure next summer. The Thistle manager believes that there is an open environment within the squad that allows the players to approach staff with any queries they may have.
“I’m always keen to use my experience. I am obviously captain of the men’s side too and I will always lend a hand to the younger players when they need it. I feel like I’m a good ear for the girls too, I am always striving to maximise the mood in the changing room because there is nothing better.”
“I want everyone to feel like they can come to me with anything. Something that needs to change in football is being able to see footballers as more than just footballers. We need to see the person. You never know what someone is dealing with, and some may need a shoulder to cry on and someone to open up to – and I know that’s incredibly challenging and daunting, however I always tell both squads that I will always be there to chat to about anything they need.”
Whilst Graham’s dual role is perhaps unique to the Scottish game, there may not be many better equipped players to deal with the pressure.
“I am a really driven individual. I see myself as a winner and that’s what I will try and instil into everyone I play with or coach. I’m loving my role at the club at the moment, and I want to play as long as I can. I’ve no signs of slowing down and my fitness levels have been through the roof.”
With a new season in Scotland at kick off, Partick Thistle seem to be in good hands.
