Firhill move confirmed
Posted by Editor on June 12, 2007 03:38 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author


Glasgow skipper Al Kellock wants the Warriors players and supporters to make Firhill as much of a fortress as Hughenden was
Scottish Rugby confirmed today that Firhill will be the new home of the Glasgow Warriors for the next two seasons.
The new deal, which is significantly different to previous arrangements, sees the current home of Partick Thistle FC become shared between the SFL First Division football club and Scotland's top pro-team.

The Glasgow Warriors will have branding rights for the 10,887 capacity, all-seated stadium in Glasgow’s West End. The deal also enables the Warriors to run and manage all their events at the stadium directly, including match operations and hospitality.

Firhill offers the modern facilities that a professional rugby club requires. In addition to its all-seated status, the stadium has undersoil heating, is covered and has an excellent playing surface. The Warriors’ offices will also be based at the stadium with the teams training base remaining at Whitecraigs.

Scottish Rugby chief executive, Gordon McKie, said: “Recognising that the Glasgow Warriors would be unable to remain at Hughenden because of Hillhead's development plans, we looked in great detail at many possible alternative grounds for the future home of the Warriors.

“Having secured what amounts to a strong partnership with Partick Thistle over the use of Firhill, we are comfortable that our players, coaches and loyal supporters will be pleased with their new home.”

Partick Thistle’s finance director and former chairman, Tom Hughes, added: “This is a great opportunity for both Partick Thistle and the Glasgow Warriors to work together and use joint initiatives for the benefit of the supporters and the community.”

Glasgow Warriors captain, Alastair Kellock, said: “Firhill is a great facility and the deal is much like the one that The Ospreys have at Liberty Stadium, which I think was a huge factor in helping them win the league.

”We have some good, fast runners in our squad for next season so the surface will be a major benefit to us as well as the fact that we will be playing in Glasgow.

“It’s a great all-round package for the club. It’s up to the players and the fans to make it as much of a fortress as Hughenden was.

“We are all excited about the move and we’re determined to build on what was a positive season for us last year.”

Looking forward to the move, Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen added: “It’s all about professionalism and we are just falling into line with what a lot of other professional teams do in the UK. It’s not groundbreaking to have a rugby team and a football team sharing the same stadium.

“Firhill has fantastic floodlights and a fantastic surface and I know it’s a place where the players love playing.

“It’s up to everyone to help make this work and it’s great to have rugby, in Glasgow, at a first class facility.”

Gordon McKie concluded: "It’s very important that we can assure supporters that this is indeed an excellent outcome for the Warriors and I plan to meet with them shortly, together with the Warriors coach Sean Lineen and captain Al Kellock, to discuss the exciting future that lies in store for our pro-team."

The Warriors had a term at Firhill having played part of their 2005/06 Celtic (now Magners) League campaign at the West End ground and their return further displays their commitment to their supporters and the surrounding community.

The football fixtures are announced on Thursday and both Scottish Rugby and Partick Thistle FC will work together to manage the rugby and football fixtures next season in the best interests of both clubs and supporters.

This article was posted on 12-Jun-2007, 14:58 by Hugh Barrow.