LARGS Thistle manager Stuart Davidson says his side are ready for a “massive day” as they open their new Lowland League West campaign against Cumbernauld Colts this weekend.
History is being made as Thistle embark on their first Lowland League West campaign - Scotland's fifth tier - with a gruelling schedule that will take them across more than 1,700 miles, facing 16 away trips ranging from short Ayrshire derbies at Beith and Kilwinning to long hauls down to Gretna and Dalbeattie.
Davidson’s men head into the opener on the back of a demanding pre-season, capped by lifting silverware at a weekend tournament held in honour of Pat Rall.
Reflecting on preparations, the manager admitted his side had been tested.
He said: “It has been tough and competitive. Our opposition both days gave a great account of themselves before they faded away.
“In the first half of both games we were not quite at it due to the other teams and the way they played, but in the second half we were on top and put a lot more pressure on them.
“It has been good for us for the fitness and assessing where we need to improve upon for next week.”
“The sun has been out, we’ve had decent crowds, and the weekend tournament was for a great cause with Pat Rall’s family being here. I am very pleased to have the trophy this year.”
However, the build-up has not been without its challenges, with injuries stretching the squad.
“It has been a tough season in regards of numbers and having so many injuries,” Davidson said.
“The boys that have been playing have maybe played more minutes than they should have, but they have put themselves forward and should be ready for the club.”
Looking ahead, Davidson expects a stern test from Cumbernauld Colts, who enjoyed a strong campaign last term.
“They will be tough opposition. They won a cup and did well in the league,” he said. “I am pretty sure they will know more about us than we will know about them, but we will work on that and see what we can do.”
“It is a massive day for the club, the supporters and the players, but at the end of the day we need to go and do the business on the pitch and get the three points.”
- Season tickets are £145 for adults and £85 for concessions.
- Largs Thistle thank all golfers who made the Derek Scott Memorial Golf Day a success. Largs give a special thank you to Routenburn Golf Club for once against hosting the event.
- New travel club: Largs Thistle are looking for two drivers for Largs Thistle to drive their bus to away games. It will get them free entry and free travel in the new league. A new travel club has been set up which is £20 which will get you seating on these buses at community rates. For more details, contact Alastair on 07775 578795.
- Largs Thistle 2010s seek players in all positions for the new season. With our players recently playing for the Lowland League West first team, there's no better time to play for your local team. Message Tiffany on 07973 199648 to learn more.
- Congratulations to Ian Brodie. Ian wins £405 in the Largs Thistle Lottery draw for July. Sign up for August by emailing lottery@largsthistle.info.
- Sponsor your favourite Largs Thistle player or coach in 2026-27. For only £125 you get the player's shirt at the end of the season plus a spot in hospitality at a match of your choice. Email largsthistlefc1889@gmail.com or ask on matchday to sign up
