Largs Thistle boss wants maximum effort in every encounter

Thistle kicked off their new campaign with a scoreless draw at home to big-spending Johnstone Burgh on Saturday - but the early season games come thick and fast for Davidson and his players, with a trip to Townhead Park to face Stephen Swift's new-look Cumnock side on Wednesday night before Hurlford United come to Barrfields on Saturday.

Davidson is beginning his tenth season in charge, and told the match programme on Saturday that it has been an enjoyable, tough and educational ten years at the helm at Barrfields Park.

He said: "The group of boys keep me going. There have been times when I've wondered 'is it worth it?' when results haven't been going well and it's cold and wet, but coming here always lifts me. 

"Having players who react to what you're saying, and doing what you need from them, makes it worth the bad times."

The Thistle boss believes his players are ready for the challenge as they face up to the challenge of three games in the first eight days of their campaign.

"Pre-season was good," he said.

"The lads came back in good condition and all the boys are fit and raring to go.

"We've asked a lot of them in terms of the work they've been doing, but they all responded well, We took that hard work into the friendlies, and we performed well.

"You don't want the players to get into a comfort zone, so we use the things that have worked in the past and introduce new things into training to take them out of that comfort zone.

"We've been training at grass at Lochwinnoch once a week to give a new dimension, as well as giving us some experience for the season, where we don't always play on astroturf. "

Kevin Struthers is back as assistant boss after a successful playing career with Largs Thistle twice, Winton Rovers, and Kilbirnie Ladeside. (Image: Newsquest)

Thistle have the added bonus of having been joined by club legend Kevin Struthers as their assistant manager.

"He brings new ideas," Davidson continued, "as well as being a different voice for the players to listen to. He's also someone new for the players to impress."

Thistle caught the eye towards the end of 2023-24 with a string of impressive results, winning eight of their last nine games to finish above the likes of Pollok, Darvel and Cumnock in the final standings - though Davidson admits it's tough to set down precise expectations for the season ahead.

"After a great finish last season, everyone will be looking to us to better that this time round," he said. 

"However, when you look at the teams and calibre of player that's in the division, it is going to be tough.

"We will need to be in top form every week to better last season's effort. Although it won't be easy, everyone in the staff and in the squad are looking forward to the challenge."

New captain Stuart Forbes on Saturday against Johnstone Burgh (Image: Newsquest)

Stuart Forbes takes over as captain after the close-season departure of Scott Adam, while Thistle have been bolstered by the addition of a number of new faces, including Ryan Deas, who returns to Barrfields after featuring for Largs early in his career, including an appearance in the Scottish Junior Cup final squad of 2010.

Exciting young forward Travis Stracey moves to Largs from Greenock, while reserve keeper Matt Johnston has re-signed for another campaign. 

Cole Ojungu also remains part of Davidson's squad after some impressive showings towards the end of last season, while Chris McGeown makes the step up from Greenock HSFP, and new signings Conor Bradley from Arthurlie and ex Johnstone man Kieran Brady both featured on Saturday.

* Ross McKay scored the only goal of the game as Largs Thistle Amateurs won 1-0 away to Kilbarchan on Saturday.