Play for Partick or coach women in cup final? Graham’s quandary

Partick Thistle Women’s manager Brian Graham has called for the final to be movedPartick Thistle qualified for their first cup final in 53 years as their women’s team overcame Hibernian to book a place in the SWPL Cup final against Rangers.

But the joy of reaching their glamour match at Tynecastle has been overshadowed after it emerged the final could clash with Thistle’s men’s side playing in the Scottish Championship.

The SWPL Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, 23 March at 15:00 GMT – the same time the men’s side will be at Gayfield facing Arbroath.

Thistle captain and forward Brian Graham manages the women’s team and has urged football authorities to move the final to avoid any potential clash.

What are the implications?Thistle’s women have reached the club’s first cup final since 1971As Thistle women are part-time, some of their players work on Saturdays, which would limit their availability for the cup final.

With Thistle men challenging for a promotion play-off place, the result against the Red Lichties could be crucial – and they would not want to go into the game without top scorer Graham, who has 13 goals this season.

However, Scotland play the Netherlands in an away friendly on Friday, 22 March. Moving the Arbroath v Thistle match to the same night, and likely the same time as Steve Clarke’s side kicks off, would probably be a non-starter.

The website for the SWPL Cupexternal-link says the date for the fixture is flexible, which opens the possibility of it being shifted.

“The 2023/24 Sky Sports Cup Final will be played at Tynecastle Park on either Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th March 2024,” it says.

Complicating matters, however, is the fact the weekend in question is also the final of the SPFL Trust Trophy – with either Raith Rovers or Airdrieonians taking on Falkirk or Welsh side The New Saints. They play their respective semi-finals at the beginning of February.

What Partick Thistle have said”We play on a Sunday all the time,” Brian Graham told BBC Alba after his side qualified for the final.

“It is just not possible for us to play on Saturday at 3pm. There is no way I am missing the chance to get to lead my girls out at a cup final.”

Thistle said in a statement on their website: “PTWFC secretary Beth Adamson is in contact with the SWPL and other stakeholders regarding the date and time for the final, which we are desperate to be moved to allow all connected with Thistle to enjoy this historic occasion.”

What you saidWe asked for your views on whether the final should be moved. Here’s just some of your responses, starting with those in favour of moving it…

Hannah: They should move the men’s match. A cup final is a huge thing, and other matches should adapt to make way.

Vinny: Thistle getting to the final is a huge achievement, and the league were clearly counting on it being a contest between two of the full-time teams. The game has to be moved. Thistle fans will travel through to Edinburgh in their hundreds to see their team in a cup final, but the chances of this happening when the men’s team are playing in Arbroath are very slim.

Lynn: They need to move it. It penalises Partick Thistle one way or another. Some of the girls work a Saturday also, which is highly unfair.

James: Yes, it should be changed. Give fans a chance to watch it, and also it is a competitive disadvantage if the manager is not there.

Chris: Aye, make the women’s game alternate days to the men’s so that you have a better chance of increasing crowds at the women’s matches. Common sense.

And a couple of the arguments against…

Toby: I think it is disrespectful of Brian Graham to assume that the SWPL Cup final should be moved so that he can play in a second-tier league game. He should have been aware of any potential schedule clashes when he took the job, and if he truly respects the women’s game he will be prepared to sit out the Arbroath game in order to be involved in the final.

Gareth: No, he should miss the league game. Why should the cup final be moved and not the other way around? If he misses the final he should be sacked for neglecting his duties as manager.

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