Brian won the title with Jags before divot disaster
It’s a strange time for Scotland’s lowerleague clubs.
Teams like Partick Thistle aren’t allowed to start training again until August 24.
And they won’t play competitive games until the Betfred Cup gets under way at the start of October.
The Jags’ main aim will be to win promotion back to the Championship.
It’s 50 years since they were looking to recover from the club’s first-ever relegation.
Bouncing back at the first attempt was achieved with a youthful side.
Brian Ralston was only 17 when he made his first- team debut, and he helped Thistle to the Second Division title.
That was a great start to his senior career – but then disaster struck on August 18, 1971.
He recalled: “I joined Partick Thistle after leaving Leicester City in 1969.
“I had been down at Filbert Street since I left school at the age of 15.
“Matt Gillies was the manager when I went there and, being a Scot, he signed a lot of players from north of the border.
“When Frank O’farrell took over, he started bringing in a lot of young Irish lads.
“Leicester got to the FA Cup Final in 1969, and the youth players were all taken to Wembley to watch the game against Manchester City.
“Unfortunately, we lost the final and the club was relegated in the same season.
“It was a fantastic experience to spend that time in Leicester.
“Scotland international Davie Gibson used to take us back in the afternoons, and show us some dirty tricks.
“He taught us how to cope with coming up against a fast winger. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“Later on, I faced wingers like Jimmy Johnstone, Tommy Mclean and Davie Wilson. I don’t think any of them got the better of me, and it was thanks to Mr Gibson.”
Brian admits he thought he might be a jinx when Thistle were relegated shortly after his arrival, but he made 14 league appearances and picked up a Second Division championship medal.
“There was talk of me joining up with the Scotland youth set-up at Largs, but Thistle boss Davie Mcparland said he needed me for the first team.”
His second season wasn’t nearly as productive, however. That was down to a broken leg sustained in a friendly against St Mirren at Firhill.
Brian recalled: “I hit a divot in the pitch as I ran. The snap was heard all around the ground.
“I seemed to be a slow healer because I was in plaster for 18 weeks. I missed nearly the whole season.
“It wasn’t the best time to be injured because we reached the League Cup Final, and famously beat Celtic 4-1.
“I could play right or left- back, and might have been able to claim a place in the team if I hadn’t been injured.
“Alex Forsyth had been moved back to left- back, played well and went on to join Manchester United.
“I got a new stookie on my leg just a few days before the final. I was heartbroken.
“I went to Hampden and got complimentary tickets for my older brother and his friend. They were Celtic fans and left at half-time with Thistle 4-0 up!”
Brian left Firhill for Stranraer after four seasons.
He said: “That was a very poor decision. The travelling was a nightmare.
“I’d get home from a midweek match at 2am and have to get up for work at six o’clock.
“After a couple of seasons, I went back to amateur football and played until I was 48.
“I spent 20 years in the Territorial Army and won four cups with their football team.
“I also took up marathon running, and still like to keep fit.”