I’LL GIVE GAZ THE CALD SHOULDER
Family link won’t count when Paul hunts points against Jags
Gary’s itching to turn it around at Thistle but I hope it does not start this weekend PAUL McMULLAN
PAUL McMULLAN knows Gary Caldwell is on a mission to save Partick Thistle – but doesn’t mind causing a family feud by piling more misery on the Jags today.
Dundee United winger McMullan and Partick Thistle gaffer Caldwell are related but preparing to go head-to-head in today’s Tannadice showdown when the Maryhill men roll up on Tayside to take on Robbie Neilson’s promotion hopefuls.
Former Celtic kid McMullan was coming through the ranks when Caldwell was a lynchpin for the Parkhead club and the pair go back even further off the field.
But despite their close link, McMullan doesn’t care if he inflicts more pain on the relegationthreatened Firhill club as United bid to close the gap at the top of the Championship.
He said: “We share an uncle John, believe it or not. It’s a strange one. Gary’s uncle is married to my dad’s sister, if that makes sense.
“I know Gary is itching to turn it around at Thistle but I hope it doesn’t start this weekend.
“I was a bit young when he was at Celtic but he was a good pro and I’m not surprised that he is in management. I’ve been surprised Thistle are down there because they have good players and a good manager so we will treat them
with respect.
“It is just a case of hoping their turn of form does not happen against us but I do think they will get better.”
United are gunning to make amends for last weekend’s shock 2-1 defeat at lowly Alloa when they threw away a precious lead in the dying minutes.
McMullan said: “The lads just want to get that game out of the system and take three points against Thistle.
“We came in on Monday and spoke about it. We wanted to put it behind us and push together towards beating Partick.”
Thistle assistant boss Brian Kerr reckons the signings the Jags have made this week will help transform their season.
Keeper Conor Hazard arrived on loan from Celtic, one-time Scotland defender Steven Saunders moved from Livingston and the experienced Gary Harkins joined from Queen of the South to add a depth of quality Kerr believes has been missing from the Firhill squad.
Former Raith and Dunfermline winger Joe Cardle could also feature if clearance comes through in time after a spell in England.
Kerr said: “The manager and I have been waiting for January to come around since we came in during October. We want to put our own team out and be judged on that. We are close to that happening now.
“The present squad have played well recently but we have not picked up the points we should have. We have nearly done enough to score goals and win points. We believe the changes we have made will take us from nearly doing things to getting them done.
“The players we have brought in all have experience. Conor has played for Northern Ireland and Steven likewise for Scotland. Gary brings a great know-how, creativity and a terrific range of passing.”