KENNY ARTHUR reckons it is fitting that Partick Thistle will face Hamilton this weekend following the passing of John Lambie.
The Firhill legend died last week at the age of 77 and Accies supporters will join Jags fans to pay tribute to one of Scottish football’s most memorable characters.
And former Thistle keeper Arthur admits it has been a difficult time for everyone associated with the club.
He said: “It has been an emotional few days since we heard about the gaffer’s passing. I think everybody knew that he had been unwell but it certainly doesn’t take the sting out of it.
“In these kind of situations, you can become a bit self-reflective a bit and it is nice to think back about what we achieved under him and what he did for us.
“I was an Accies season ticket holder when I was a kid. That was who my dad took me to go and watch and he was the Accies manager at the time. It is a fitting game.
“He was hugely successful at both clubs and I am sure both sets of supporters will want to pay tribute to him because they hold him in such high regard. It could be a fitting occasion.”
Thistle will return to action determined to get back to winning ways and kick-start their top flight survival bid.
Alan Archibald’s side are five points adrift of ninth-placed Accies in the table.
And Arthur is expecting a tough test against a team that continue to punch above their weight in the top flight.
He said: “They are a good team that consistently do well at this level so we have got massive respect for their manager, staff and the players.
“I know their goalkeeper coach very well so I have got a lot of time and respect for him as well.
“We know we will need to be at the top of our performance levels to get a result. That is our objective over the next few days.
“When it comes down to big occasions and the nitty-gritty, I don’t really subscribe to the theory that if you have been in big games before that has any impact.
“We have got a period of preparation time between now and then and the game will be won or lost over that 90 minutes.
“It is important for us to remain objective and make sure we are all prepped and ready to go.”
Victory over Accies would be a major boost for Thistle as they attempt to preserve their Premiership status.
The Firhill clash is the first of five post-split fixtures and Arthur is eager to get off to a winning start after a free weekend in the Premiership.
He said: “I have got a five-month-old daughter who is teething so it was quite good to get back into training! Let’s say it has been a bit of an emotional weekend in our house.
“It is nice to get a recharge with a break and we are coming back fresh and looking forward to the next set of games.
“It is an old cliché and philosophy but the only thing you can take care of is the next game in front of you.
“It is important that we don’t get caught up on it as a section of games.
“We have got a massive one on Saturday and that is all our focus can be on, should be on and will be on.”
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