THISTLE SECURE SITE FOR NEW TRAINING FACILITY

PARTICK THISTLE were yesterday handed a huge boost with the news that a site has been secured for the construction of the club’s new multi-million pound training ground. The facility will be at Dryfield, near Kirkintilloch, and will be called McParland Park after Thistle’s legendary League Cup-winning manager Davie McParland. At an estimated cost of £4million, the project will be funded by Colin and Christine Weir, who have provided backing for Thistle since landing £161m in the Euromillions lottery in 2011. The Three Black Cats (TBC), a company set up by the Weirs as a vehicle for substantial investments, have now secured a 26-acre site for the first dedicated training base in the club’s 142-year history. The facility will be owned by the TBC and leased back to Thistle as part of a long-term agreement, with a completion date set for next year. ‘This is fantastic news, a welcome boost for everyone associated with the club,’ said Gerry Britton, the ex-Jags striker who is now chief executive of the club. ‘TBC asked us what we thought would be an appropriate name for the facility and McParland Park was the obvious one. Davie McParland recognised the importance of youth development and training so it is fitting it bears his name. ‘Although he is not in the best of health, Davie and his family are very proud to see him recognised by the club. ‘It has taken time to get here, but there has already been a lot of work done on the facility. That means that, despite being over a year into the project, the delivery timeline remains unaffected.’ TBC director Colin Weir added: ‘We were looking for a long-term investment opportunity and Thistle’s stability — through the management’s financial prudence and the board’s strong leadership — persuaded us that this is just that. Regardless of relegation last season, that remains the case.’ Following their demotion from the top flight last season, Alan Archibald’s side begin the new domestic season with a Betfred Cup tie at Stenhousemuir today. Whether or not they can match the feats of McParland’s team of 1971, who thrashed Jock Stein’s Celtic 4-1 in the final, remains to be seen. But relegation in May does not seem to have dampened spirits around Firhill too much, with Weir, who also donated £600,000 last week to help fund the club’s youth academy, adding: ‘The design for the building and pitches is complete, with only minor amends needed. We are also in dialogue with suppliers who are standing by ready to get to work. Our planning application will be under way within four weeks.’