He had just scored the goal that could send her club down.
But the text message that pinged from Dingwall didn’t surprise Partick Thistle striker Brian Graham. It was Susan from the kit department at Ross County. She messaged just after Thursday night’s relegation play-off first-leg that put a nail in the Staggies’ coffin. But even after the 2-0 loss to the Jags, Susan said she didn’t hold a grudge against the Partick hitman.
Graham spent three years at the Staggies and Susan was like his surrogate mum in the Highlands. And when he returns there today for the second leg, she’ll be the first person he looks out for. But it won’t stop Graham from potentially finishing the job to book promotion for Thistle. The veteran front-man admits it would hurt to see his old club drop into the Championship. But at 35, having enjoyed a stunning season at Firhill, he’s desperate for one last crack at the top flight.
Even if it upsets his old friends at Dingwall. Graham and Aidan Fitzpatrick scored in the crucial first-leg win for Kris Doolan’s side on Thursday. Graham said: “I’ve been at Ross County and they are a special club to me. One of the best days of my career was winning the League Cup with them at Hampden.
“So it’s unfortunate this is against them. If we do put them down it will be a sore one for me, I’m not going to lie. There are some very special people at that club. Wee Susan the kit woman, I still text her now. When I was up there she was like my wee mum. She texted me on Thursday night after the game to say she still loves me even though I scored! She’s a very special lady and I can’t wait to give her a cuddle today.
“I had a great relationship with the fans at County. The only reason I left to come to Partick Thistle was because my family was here. I had a year left and took a massive pay cut to come here. It was a decision I made because of my kids.
“Now, I want another crack at the Premiership, of course I do. That’s why we’re here but I’m under no illusions ahead of the play-off final. We saw what happened with Sheffield Wednesday in their play-off down in England (they overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit).
"Football is never over. We can’t count our chickens or look too far ahead. But it would be incredible for me to get up. I’ve been through the mire with this club. I could have left but I stuck with it. Maybe it’s written in the stars. Hopefully by the end of 90 minutes, that will be the reason I did it.
“To come here three years ago, score more than 50 goals, win a league then have a chance to get into the Premiership – it’s the stuff of dreams at my age.”
When Graham took on the job of coaching Thistle’s women’s team, people maybe thought he was winding down. The arrivals of strikers like Danny Mullen and Anton Dowds threatened his place up front.
But he says he’s as fit and as hungry as he’s ever been to make a return to the top level in Scotland. He said: “If anyone thinks that, they don’t know me. People can think what they want but I’ve still got plenty left in me, another couple of years at least.
“I’ve scored 21 goals this season – I want a new deal! When was the last time someone scored 21 goals for Partick Thistle? I’m a very busy man coaching the women’s team. But if I have to sit and stare at four walls, I think I’d start climbing them.
“It’s good to be busy as it takes your focus off the game. If anyone tells you they don’t get nervous before a game, they’re lying. There are always butterflies. I remember Derek Lilley telling me as a young kid that as soon as the butterflies aren’t in your belly that’s when you chuck it. So there will be more butterflies and nerves when we face County again. But I will relish that feeling.”
Even at 35, Graham is immersed in the game. That’s why he’s keen to be a gaffer when he eventually hangs up his boots. If he’s not playing or managing the women’s side, he is at his son’s games supporting him.
Oh, and he’s also currently sitting his A-licence with the SFA, which was always scheduled for around these play-off ties. The former St Johnstone, Hibs, Dundee United, Morton and Raith Rovers striker said: “I don’t do anything that doesn’t revolve around football. I take my wee boy to his games too on a Saturday morning then I’ve got the women’s team on a Sunday.
“Football is my life. It’s been that way since I was a kid playing for Glasgow North Boys Club at seven years old.
“It’s something I’m very passionate about and it’s what I want to do when I finish playing. That’s why I’m managing while I’m still a player, getting experience, building up my CV and doing my badges.
“While the other boys were resting last week, I was in Edinburgh doing my A licence. But I’m fully focused on the job in hand here.
“The final will be a tough game, a different one to Thursday night. But we’re playing with freedom and no pressure. The momentum is with us as a group. But we can’t get carried away, we must keep going.”
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