DICK: Appetite for success is vital

Alison McConnell

DICK Campbell has spent the last few days observing the Partick Thistle squad he inherited on Tuesday.

But, whatever his initial impressions, he'll be sticking by the side that earned a 1-1 draw against St Mirren last Saturday.

Campbell and assistant manager Jimmy Bone have watched a tape of the Love Street game and, as the Firhill side prepare for tomorrow's third-round meeting with Hearts, they will be looking for the same level of commitment.

Goalkeeper Kenny Arthur had a fine afternoon against the Saints with a couple of timely stops, while youngster Adam Strachan also caught the eye with his pace and trickery. Campbell will stick by the same formula.

Most observers would see the encounter with the SPL team merely as an early chance for Campbell to acquaint himself with the demands of the side before next weekend's important league meeting with Queen of the South.

But the Jags boss has rebuffed suggestions that there is no pressure on Thistle.

"I don't see it like that at all," he said. "I can understand why people might look at the fixture and think that way, but I hate getting beaten and I don't think there is anyone at this club who should be thinking that losing games is acceptable - whoever the opposition.

"I want the players here to be thinking along the same lines that I do, and that means going into each game with the appetite to win it."

Campbell has spent the last few days conducting one-to-one meetings with his new players.

And he has assured them they will get the chance to prove they have what it takes to keep the club in the First Division.

The former Brechin manager admits he has in mind some names he could bring to the Maryhill club, but he wants to give the current staff the chance to make their case.

"I've spoken to some of them one-to-one and I'll make sure I get the chance to speak to everyone individually," he said.

"It's just a chance to explain to them what is happening. I need to be meticulous over the next few weeks, but right now I am still just getting to know everyone."

Campbell is fortunate in that he has neither injury nor suspension headaches to trouble him ahead of tomorrow afternoon's cup clash against Hearts, and is eagerly awaiting the meeting.

"I'm like a player again because I am itching for it to just get started," he said.

"Come tomorrow, I want the players to go out there and do their talking on the pitch.

"It is a big game for both clubs and I am sure that Hearts will come here pretty determined to win it, but we will go out with a positive attitude.

"I watched the game against St Mirren on tape this week and I think that, while there are some things wrong, there is just a bit of tweaking to be done here and there."

Given the league position of Thistle, the tweaking will be required sooner rather than later, but, despite the magnitude of the the task that awaits his attention, Campbell remains upbeat.

"I've enjoyed the last few days," he smiled.

"It is exciting being at a new club, but there is always a little bit of trepidation when you are first going in to speak to a different dressing room.

"But the word 'worry' is not in my vocabulary and I am looking forward to the hard work and the challenge."

Taken from eveningtimes.co.uk