CAMPBELL UP FOR CUP

New Partick manager Dick Campbell has already turned his thoughts towards a Tennent's Scottish Cup third-round shock after his appointment at Firhill.

The former Dunfermline boss has succeeded Jags' co-management team of Gerry Britton and Derek Whyte as the Glasgow club attempt to stave off relegation from the Bell's First Division.

Campbell has brought ex-Thistle player Jimmy Bone with him from his previous club Brechin City as he prepares for Saturday's cup visit of Hearts.

"I think it is all sinking in now; it is all a reality, and we can see the task in hand," he said.

"I am not daunted in any way and I am looking forward to getting started.

"I was very keen to get back into full-time football, and this is a great opportunity for me.

"Every time I have been here, I have always been impressed with the way I was treated - so there is no doubt that I am happy with the surrounds.

"Now I can't wait to get started with the game against Hearts on Saturday."

Campbell's number two Bone is delighted to be reunited with his "first love".

Bone told his club's official website, www.ptfc.co.uk: "It has always been an ambition of mine to come back to Firhill - and now it's arrived I'm really pleased.

"It takes me back to when I was a youngster starting out in football and played about 10 trial games with different clubs and then I came to Partick Thistle.

"You never lose your first love in football - and having started out my career and had some great moments here, I have always had great feeling for the club."

Bone, who won the League Cup with the Jags in 1971, has called for "honesty" among the players as they battle at the foot of the table.

"There is not a lot between any of the teams in the division, including leaders Falkirk, so it will be a tough battle. But it is one we are up for and it is one that we can win," he said.

"The players have to be up for the battle - and if they are not they will not be here for long.

"We need players who are honest if we are to get out of this situation.

"We now look forward to Hearts, and that is a great game for us. There will be a great atmosphere and a great crowd, and it will also give us an extra week to assess the players before we get into the league match against Queen of the South the following week."

Taken from sportinglife.com