PARTICK THISTLE

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

FINISHING in the top six last season for the first time was a fantastic achievement by the Jags.

Their fans made sure they enjoyed every minute of the experience.

The players will have picked up a lot of confidence. And even though they dipped post- split, the benefits of the top-half finish should be apparent this season.

They might not be a team packed with big-name stars, but there is a nice balance about them and they really play for one another.

That was particularly evident in the 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in April, a result which raised eyebrows. If they stick together, there should be more good days to come.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER

I CAN’T see past Kris Doolan (pictured far left). You need goals at this level, and he delivers in abundance.

More than that, he gets them when it really matters in the big games.

REASONS TO BE FEARFUL

OF the top-six finishers, Thistle won the least amount of games.

Liam Lindsay left for Barnsley in the English Championship, which will have fans worried the defence will be weaker this season. If a portion of the £350,000 his transfer brought in is spent wisely on a replacement, that should ease concerns.

MANAGER

ALAN ARCHIBALD does amazingly well with his budget.

The Jags have stuck by him over the years – he is now the longest- serving manager in the top flight – and they are reaping the rewards.

Under his and the board’s direction, they have done a lot of work to improve their youth set-up, which should ensure a supply of talent in years to come.

One problem I do feel Alan will need to address, though, is the number of late goals they lose in games.