Cerny: I’m glad I gave Hibees the brush-off
TOMAS CERNY has aimed a cheeky swipe at Hibs by insisting he’s glad he turned his back on Championship football with the club.
And the Partick Thistle keeper thanked boss Alan Archibald for saving his career after spells in Bulgaria and Greece – and then a short stint at Leith.
Czech ace Cerny, who recently extended his Firhill stay until 2018, said he loves Scotland so much he wants to live here when he hangs up his gloves.
The 31-year-old joined Hibs from Greek side Ergotelis in January 2015 but snubbed a new deal to move to Jags last summer.
And he insists it’s the best move he’s made as he got ready to face Queen’s Park at Firhill tomorrow after shaking off a foot injury.
Cerny said: “I spent five months at Hibs when I returned to Scotland after playing for clubs in Greece and Bulgaria.
“Before my Hibs deal was up Partick asked me if I’d join them in the summer as they were looking for a new keeper. Hibs also offered me another contract.
“But I opted to join Partick as they were in the Premiership while Hibs were – and still are – in the Championship.
“Hibs are a big club with a great tradition. However, I was 30 and didn’t want to spend my time in the second division. I am glad I made this move as I had a good season with Partick.
“We’ve three keepers and although there are no guarantees I think the manager sees me as a leader.”
Cerny insists the Jags are a club on the up.
He added: “We finished eighth last time and the club saw it as quite successful and we will try to break into the top half this season.
“Partick may be a small club but we’ve a big tradition. We have good facilities and provide an alternative for Glasgow people who don’t want to support Celtic or Rangers.
“We are now starting our fourth consecutive year in the top flight which is great.
“We have a core of loyal fans with 1000 following us to away games and big home crowds.
“I also love the people in Scotland. They are very friendly even if you don’t know them.”
Cerny insists Rangers’ return to the Premiership brings more prestige to the top flight.
He said: “Rangers make the top league more of a spectacle, there is more money for smaller clubs and they improve the league.
“It was a bit flat last time. Aberdeen held Celtic up for most of the season before letting their lead slip.”