In Conversation With - Kris Doolan
Friday 23rd July 2010
There was almost a sense of relief that the full-time whistle against Bristol Rovers signalled the end of the pre-season matches and we could now concentrate on the competitive action.
There is no doubting, however, the importance or the value of pre-season matches a point that Kris Doolan made when www.ptfc.co.uk caught up with the Thistle striker.
“Every pre-season game was a good workout for us. Queen’s Park are always a fit team, Dumbarton were very well organised and we rounded things off with a game against English League One opposition which was good.”
So is Kris feeling fit and sharp ahead of action starting for real against Clyde on Saturday?
“I think you really need the competitive games to truly get your sharpness up and hopefully the two cup ties that we have coming up, starting with Clyde on Saturday, will help give us the sharpness we need.”
As well as providing match sharpness the Clyde game has all the makings of one that will provide us with a very stiff test indeed.
“It’s going to be a very tough game. For a start it is a cup tie and nobody wants to lose a cup tie, especially when it is the opening game of the season. Both sides are going to be desperate to start the season with a win so I think we’re in for a really hard competitive game on Saturday.”
Last season Kris spent a few months on loan with our opponents tomorrow whose fans aren’t exactly known for their love of all things Partick Thistle. That though wasn’t something that Kris was particularly aware of during his time at Broadwood.
“It wasn’t something that I really picked up during my time with Clyde last season. It’s possible that the rivalry was stronger when the two teams were nearer each other but I suppose when the game starts you might hear a few songs. The Clyde fans were certainly okay with me last season and it wasn’t a problem being a Thistle player.”
So will Saturday’s game have some added spice for Kris given that he spent time with Clyde last season?
“I suppose that it does a little but really I just want to win every game that I play in. I’m back at Firhill now and I just want to be playing and playing well for Partick Thistle.”
Though not the most high profile of competitions Kris will still love nothing better to be involved in a Thistle Challenge Cup winning team.
“I don’t think anybody would turn their nose up at winning a cup no matter whether it is the Scottish Cup or the ALBA Challenge Cup. You just want to win a medal. I was lucky enough to part of a cup winning team when I was with Auchinleck Talbot but nothing apart from that so it would be great to reach the final of the Challenge Cup besides as I said before, I want to win every game that I play in.”
Although Kris spent time with Clyde last season he ended the season back at Firhill and with his last kick of the season scored a spectacular goal that gave Thistle a 1-0 win against Queen of the South. A repeat of that against Clyde tomorrow would be very nice indeed.
“That’s what I’ll be trying to do. Any half chances that come my way I’m confident enough to try and take them and try to get a goal as early as possible into the new season.”
Kris recognises though that there is some pretty hot competition for the striking positions at the Club.
“I think the four or five strikers at the Club will be looking over their shoulders at all times. We all know that we will have to play well to stay in the team if we are selected to play because we know that there will be players waiting to come in and take your place in the side and hold on to it.”
Kris feels that there is a nice mix in the squad at present even though numbers maybe a little limited.
“We’ve got a good blend of experienced, older players who have played the game at the highest level and some really talented younger players as well. And some players in between those two stages. Hopefully we can all blend together and I’m sure we will.”
