Author: Mark McGee

Top gear after hard work

Posted on by Mark McGee

THORN ATHLETIC look to be in good shape ahead of the festive period after their hard graft continued to reap rewards.

The Johnstone side have climbed to the top of the Caledonian Premier League under the management of Johnny McEwan, Jason Henderson, Alan Muir and Tony McWilliams.
A hard-fought 2-0 victory over Cambria on Saturday courtesy of goals from skipper Ryan Crawford and striker Tom Smith saw the team go nine games unbeaten in all competitions and sent a large travelling support home happy.
With a League Cup semi-final against Giffnock North also looming after knocking holders Dumbarton Academy out with a 3-1 away win in the quarter-finals then the team are progressing well with regular strong turnouts at training.
The recent departure of team manager James Donnelly doesn’t look to have affected the squad too much and the players have continued to work hard under new stewardship.
It has also been good to see the return of our amazing kit team Steven Gerry and Margaret McCann at recent games to help the off-field organisation.
And we are delighted to welcome on board new committee member Marilyn Kennedy, who has firstly taken over from Billy Gaw as Caledonian League delegate and will undoubtedly develop her role within the club as she has already been helping with the club’s post-match hospitality at the Thorn Inn.
Meanwhile, we are disappointed to report that Mark McHendry has left the club. However, he goes with our best wishes for the future.

Donnelly Leaves Hotseat

Posted on by Mark McGee

The club are sad to announce that James ‘JD’ Donnelly has stepped down as senior team manager due to personal reasons.

 

It was with huge regret that the club’s management committee accepted his resignation following discussions last week.

 

His exit will leave a huge gap at the club but we respect his decision.

 

James has made an immeasurable contribution over the past five years and on behalf of the players, coaches and committee we would like to place on record our thanks to him for everything he has contributed. You will be sorely missed.

 

He took over during a turbulent spell in the club’s history and should have tasted immediate success in the SAFL only to be denied by shambolic decision by the league committee.

 

He then oversaw our transition to the Caledonian League and delivered immediate success with the trophy both he and the club craved after six barren years – winning the First Division Championship and taking the team back to the Premier League.

 

He has kept the team competing at the top level throughout his tenure and last season took us on a memorable journey to the Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals.

 

Other highlights included a League Cup Final appearance, winning the Johnstone Burgh Tournament and nurturing players into the Caledonian Select and most recently the full Scotland International squad.

But there’s too many other great times to mention!

 

However, it is his infectious personality, drive and camaraderie that will be most missed by us all – not to mention his patter!

 

We would like to wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

There will always be a place for you at ‘The Thorn’ and we dearly hope you won’t be a stranger.

 

The team will continue with the existing coaching personnel of Johnny McEwan, Jason Henderson and Alan Muir with added support from senior players Paul Young and Tony McWilliams.

 

We will assess the situation regularly and develop when required.

 

We have a great squad of boys brought together by James and our aim will be to deliver the success for him that his work deserves.

Flying Five For Summer

Posted on by Mark McGee

OUR 2006 YFC side have bagged five tournament wins from the six they entered over the summer.

The side have just embarked on their 11-a-side journey in the Paisley, Johnstone and District Youth Football League.
And their season warm ups couldn’t have gone any better as they triumphed at tournaments and festivals all over Scotland.
Over the last few months they won the Carbrain Festival, Giffnock SC International Youth Festival, Crosshouse Cup, Inverkeithing United Hamish Ferguson Memorial Festival and finally the Cumbernauld Colts Festival at Ravenswood on Sunday.
Along the way they beat some of the recogised teams from the East coast and further afield.
Steven McKnight and his coaching staff have been working towards their progression to 11s for many years with this group.
They kicked off their season with a comprehensive 7-0 win in their first competitive game and it was also a good weekend for the 2006 Blues who recorded a 2-0 win to begin their competitive era in style.
Well done to all involved!

Joy of Six Signings

Posted on by Mark McGee

THORN ATHLETIC are delighted to confirm six new signings for the season ahead.

Manager James Donnelly has added a mixture of youth and experience to what was already an experienced squad.

Here’s a run down on the new faces for the season.

ALAN MUIR (Midfielder, 31) – former St Mirren and Elgin City central midfielder joins after a spell with Ardrossan Winton Rovers. He will be a great addition to the coaching staff and will hopefully return to fitness in due course.

MARTIN McINNES (Defender, 34) – former Clydebank captain and double League Cup winner. Made more than 200 appearances for the Bankies and also enjoyed title success with Neilston Juniors.

GEORGE BONNER (Defender, 31) – fresh from winning promotion to the new SJFA Championship with Irvine Victoria, George is a well known face in the Ayrshire Juniors and also to the Thorn. Welcome home!

IAN PATERSON (Defender, 23) – joins from Central amateur outfit Bridgewater and adds to a host of hungry young players at the club. Looking to develop and win things in the future.

DAVID ORR (Midfielder, 27) – also arrives from Ardrossan Winton Rovers where he made 17 appearances last season, scoring three goals. Looks to be a great addition and also a local lad.

CAMERON CRAIG (Goalkeeper, 20) – Cammy has just recovered from injury sustained while at Johnstone Burgh U21 and previously Glenvale and Harmony Row. He joins us to bolster the goalkeeping position and get himself back to full fitness and sharpness.

Welcome to ‘The Thorn’ gentlemen!

Anniversary Celebrations Success

Posted on by Mark McGee

THORN ATHLETIC’S 20th Anniversary celebrations were hailed a massive success after nearly 600 people joined in the party.

A bumper crowd of around 400 turned out in the sunshine on Saturday for the club’s Youth Academy Blitz followed by a Legends Match at the McMaster Sports Centre.

And nearly 200 people attended Johnstone Town Hall in the evening for presentations and a live band to mark two decades since the club’s formation.

It was an action-packed day for club officials and people from throughout the club’s 20 years in excistence.

Founder Mark McGee said: “We were overwhelmed with the turnout during the day and it was great to see so many people there to support us.

“The games attracted lots of interest and all the activities were well used. Both adults and kids seemed to have a great time.

“The evening event went smoothly and there were a number of highlights for those in attendance and it was also emotional for many of those involved for a number of years.

“We would like to thank everyone who made the day possible and demonstrated the support the club has in the town.”

The day involved exhibition games involving Thorn Athletic youth teams at 2006, 2007 and 2008 but there were many people there from throughout the club’s academy.

Afterwards the kids made great use of the bouncy castle, football shootout and face painting along with snack bar while the adults enjoyed refreshments from the bar.

A thrilling Legends match finished 4-3 to one of the Thorn teams captained by former skipper David Gallagher.

He was presented with the Breathing Space Cup at the Town Hall ceremony as the club were also involved in efforts to raise awareness of mental health on the back of their event.

Literature about tackling mental health issues was available at both the daytime and evening events.

Among the other special presentations retiring committee member Billy Gaw was honoured with a special recognition award and the club’s longest serving player Paul Young received a long service award.

Current club captain Ryan Crawford was also presented with his first Scotland cap in recognition of becoming the first Thorn Athletic player to receive international recognition.

And the club’s annual awards were also dished out with Tom Smith winning top goalscorer and Players’ Player of the Year with Joe Rae collecting the Player of the Year award for season 2017-18.

Guests were also treated to a number of pre-recorded interviews from figures from throughout the club’s history while the Jordan Murray Band kept the crowd entertained.

Cap has silver lining

Posted on by Mark McGee

RYAN CRAWFORD became the first ever Thorn Athletic to be capped at international level after helping Scotland to beat Leinster 2-1 at Lesser Hampden.

The club’s skipper came off the bench to make his debut for Bruce McNaught’s men as they lifted the Graham Harkness Memorial Trophy.
Afterwards at the Alona Hotel in Motherwell he was was presented with his official cap marking an amazing spell since he joined the Johnstone club.
Crawford, 25, caught the eye of the Scots boss with his performances at the heart of the Thorn midfield and also as part of the Caledonian League Select.
It culminated in Saturday’s cap call and the club are now hoping he can force his way into the setup on a regular basis.
Thorn boss James Donnelly said: “Ryan has been immense for the team over the past 18 months and he thoroughly deserved to be capped by his country.
“It’s a big honour for him and also for the club in its 20th year to show the progress we have made.”
Meanwhile at Huntershill Sports Hub across the city in Bishopbriggs, Thorn Athletic played out a 1-1 draw with Glasgow Harp.
After falling behind the Caley Premier outfit were forced to rally in order to secure a point.
Returning winger Dean Scott climbed off the bench to net a free-kick marking his second debut for the Johnstone side.
Gaffer Donnelly said: “It was a below par performance and gives us a mountain to climb in the league.”

Wilson arrives to bolster squad

Posted on by Mark McGee

FORMER Dumbarton, Pollok and Beith full-back Gary Wilson has signed for Thorn Athletic.

Wilson, also capped by Junior Scotland, is a vastly experienced left-back who made 11 senior appearances for the Sons.
He left Beith Juniors – where he clocked up half a century of appearances – a few seasons ago and most recently played with St Anthonys Juniors before agreeing to join the Johnstone side.
Wilson enjoyed a previous spell with Thorn and the club’s management are delighted to have him back in the fold.
Manager James Donnelly said: “I’ve known Gary for a long time and he will be a huge asset for the team. He’s experienced, fit and he comes in at a good time.
“Having played both senior and junior he will be a great example to some of the younger players in our squad.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Connor McGowan has left the club.

Craw Gets National Nod

Posted on by Mark McGee

CLUB captain Ryan Crawford last week become the first player in the club’s history to be recognised at international level.

The central midfielder was selected by Scotland boss Bruce McNaught to be involved in the national side’s training session and then 5-1 friendly clash with Hawick RA on Tuesday evening at Dalziel Park.
Crawford, now in his second season at the club, was given the nod to start against the Lowland League outfit and acquitted himself well in the first half as the Scots raced into a 2-0 lead.
Unfortunately he limped off moments before the break after picking up a knock, however it was fantastic for him to be involved at that level.
Boss McNaught has watched Crawford on a number of occasions and he has caught the eye with his level of performances and his goals in the engine room.
Everyone at the club hopes that this will not be the end of his involvement in the international setup and it is recognition of the progress the club has made over the past few years.

Our 2005’s at cutting edge

Posted on by Mark McGee

JOHNSTONE’S Aurora Hair & Beauty have helped to light up the season for Thorn Athletic’s 2005 age group.

Hairdresser Elizabeth Muir and beautician Charlene Campbell – owners of the salon at 39 High Street in the town – realised that it’s not always sunshine in the west of Scotland.

So the businesswomen kindly stepped in to sponsor 20 new top of the range Nike rainjackets for the Paisley, Johnstone and District Youth Football League side.

The aurora is normally associated with famous displays of lights in the earth’s sky but in this case it covers all aspects of hairdressing including hair extensions and Brazilian blow drys not forgetting beauty treatments including nails, waxing, tan and make-up.

And team spokesperson Iain McLure said: “We are grateful to Aurora Hair & Beauty for their fantastic support this season. It’s great to have one of the town’s top businesses on board.

“The team are absolutely loving the new jackets and they appreciate the support of Elizabeth and Charlene who have proved their business is at the heart of the community.”

Both Elizabeth and Charlene have children playing at various Thorn Athletic age groups and are acutely aware of how challenging it can be to keep the teams running successfully.

Elizabeth said: “It’s great for our business to work in partnership with a local club, especially one that we both know very well. We were delighted to help and do something to make a positive impact.”

Charlene added: “Fundraising can be very difficult these days as there are so many pressures on people so it’s fantastic to see the boys all looking smart with their new jackets and hopefully they will inspire them to some good performances.”

Aurora Hair & Beauty, 39 High Street, Johnstone. For appointments: 01505 323200

 

Gers in the Nich of time

Posted on by Mark McGee

YOUNGSTER Nicholas McCallum has become the latest player from our academy to progress.

The promising goalkeeper joined the Rangers Youth Academy Under 11s development squad for a minimum one year term.

Nicholas, from Houston, is just the latest in a long line of former Thorn Athletic Academy players to be offered chances with the country’s top senior or professional clubs.

 

He has been around the club’s 2007 setup for almost three years and his coaches were delighted to see him progress to the Ibrox ranks.

Nicholas put pen to paper with the Glasgow side before their recent home Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen.

Everyone at the club wishes him well on his new football adventure.

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