Brian Graham Balances Playing and Coaching as Partick Thistle Faces Livingston in Crucial Championship Clash

Brian Graham remains focused on both his playing and coaching roles at Partick Thistle as the team gears up for a pivotal match against Livingston in the Scottish Championship. At 37, Graham is not only the club captain but also the interim manager following Kris Doolan's departure. His dual role is under the spotlight as Thistle seeks to climb higher in the league standings.

Dual Responsibilities

Graham, who has also been managing Thistle's women's team for over four years, is no stranger to coaching. His recent stint as interim men's manager has seen him continue to contribute on the field, scoring his 16th goal of the season in a recent draw against Airdrieonians. "I'm in transition, building up my CV," Graham stated. "It's well out there that I want to be a manager full-time so I've been working towards a goal."

Upcoming Challenge: Partick vs. Livingston

This Friday, Partick Thistle will host Livingston at Firhill Stadium, a match that will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland. Livingston, currently second in the Championship, is a formidable opponent, but Graham is optimistic about Thistle's chances. "We are going out to get three points. We want to finish in those play-off places," he said.

Livingston's Perspective

Livingston's manager, David Martindale, emphasized the importance of the game for his side's title aspirations. "It gives the boys a chance to jump to the top," he noted. Martindale is determined to extend Livingston's unbeaten streak to 10 games and is counting on his squad's depth and quality to secure a victory.

Strategic Enhancements

Thistle has strengthened their squad with the signing of former Livingston player Sean Kelly, adding experience to their defensive line. Meanwhile, Livingston is at full strength, with Martindale ready to utilize his squad's depth to impact the game effectively.

This match is not just a test of strategy and skill but also a testament to the resilience and versatility of coaches like Brian Graham, who continue to push their teams forward under challenging circumstances.