Largs Thistle Amateurs preparations grind to a halt

Thistle's season was due to begin yesterday ground to a halt last week after the Scottish government suspended all amateur sport for over 18s to combat the spread of Coronavirus.

Despite putting his players out of action. manager Ally Burns has high expectations for his side which is peppered with youth and experience.

Playing in the Ayrshire Amateur First Division, one rung below the Premier Division, Burns is confident for the season ahead after some promising pre-season performances.
Adapting to the new normal has been a challenge, and Largs are hoping to build upon last season's disrupted season which saw Thistle steer clear of the relegation places after a baptism of fire for the new look side who gradually found their feet before putting in some top displays. Thistle are now raring to go for 2020/21.
The club have some big names including the experienced 40 year old striker Michael Hart, who has been a clinical finisher throughout his career having featured for both Largs Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, and is now benefitting the younger players in the side through his knowledge and experience.
The skipper of the team is centre half Steven Bonn, pictured below, who was part of the Scottish Schoolboy cup winning team which defeated St Aiden's at Hampden Park in 2010 for Largs Academy.

And Burns himself is an experienced coach who has the rare accolade of steering one of his young Largs teams to victory over Auchinleck Talbot in a cup final no less.
"Having the likes of Michael Hart is a good example for the younger boys in the side and he knows where the back of the net is which is invaluable."
And the Largs Thistle Community Club set-up which was launched several years ago is now coming up trumps as players moving up the youth system ladder are now featuring for the Thistle Amateurs.
Burns himself has come through the ranks as manager having led the Thistle U15s to a cup victory over Auchinleck three years ago with a thumping 4-1 victory - and his teams playing with an entertaining fast flowing style which captures the eye.
In terms of the Covid restrictions, Burns said: "Everyone does what they can and are aware of what they need to do - and Ryan Scott takes the temperatures and provides guidance to the players.
"We have been limited in training to six players groups at times including a coach so it hasn't been easy but the same has applied to all clubs.
"Team talks now have to take place at the side of the park - and without showers now because of Covid restrictions, players now just have to get in their cars and go home even if they are muddy. It is far from ideal but it is the situation we now have to deal with.
Largs won their first friendly against Blacks Bar AFC in Kilmarnock 2-1 thanks to goals from Ian Riddell and Lloyd Dicks, and Jack Rafferty was on the scoresheet as Largs drew 1-1 with Dalry in the pre-season fixtures so far.
The 48 year old said: "We started slowly last season as we had largely a new team which we had to gel and we only won one in our opening eight games but by the time the league was halted due to the Coronavirus we were well away from the relegation places.
"A lot of the boys I have worked with in the past and come from different age groups including the likes of Cameron Florence who I had in the U16s."
Behind the scenes, Largs Thistle Amateurs has a backroom team including fitness coach Ian McShane, Steven Huthwaite, kit man Glen Stewart and the secretary is experienced Kenny Smailes.
They will play at Barrfields Park when it is available on Saturdays with their second choice being Inverclyde Sports Centre - as Bowen Craig is now relegated to third choice.
Burns pointed out: "We had Bowen Craig called off by the referee last year just because of the state of the pitch despite it being a nice day - and the away team had travelled for an hour and a half to get here.
"Largs Thistle first team have priority at Barrfields Park as you'd expect, but we hope to use it when it is free."
The league is due to start on October 17 as Thistle await the fixture card to be announced.
Burns said: "I am very optimistic for the new season - we have a good squad of around 20/21 players which is already a good number in terms of depth as some players have work commitments or are at university - sometimes they can't make it to training as they are tied up so having a big squad is a necessity."

And the Largs amateurs boss has certainly earned his spurs in the management scene after that big win over Talbot four years ago.
He said: "We had actually lost 6-0 to Talbot in the league earlier in the season but we kept our focus and improved throughout the season, and we really turned on the style in the final.
"We had some very good youngsters including David Griffin, Cameron Florence, Cammy Ferguson and Reece Allan who have all came up the ranks, and now play with the amateurs."
The club are also very thankful to their sponsors.
Burns said: "D and N Joinery provide our training tops, and JG Sharps bar in Largs are also sponsors - and we are very grateful for their support.
"All the boys are just desperate to get out and play football and the sooner the season begins the better."
Largs have also had former Rangers and Ayr youngster Owen McGinty in at training but he is now heading to Spain on the look-out for a new club.
Burns said: "Owen is a tremendous player but he has been at Largs Thistle Amateurs for training - unfortunately he is way out of our league!"
Largs played what they hoped was their last pre-season fixture on Saturday when they played Valefield.