Barry McLaughlin joked it’s felt like being boss of the Harlem Globetrotters while waiting for Thorn Athletic’s new ground to be completed.
The Johnstone side are yet to play on their own turf in the league this season, having borrowed Renfrew’s New Western Park and Benburb’s New Tinto Park for their ‘home’ fixtures in cup competitions while playing every single domestic match away from home.
This weekend, McLaughlin’s side will finally get to step out at the newly renovated Thorn Athletic Sports Academy, which has enjoyed a £120,000 facelift over the last eight months.
As well as a 500m perimeter fence, access gates and spectator railings, a brand new grass pitch has been laid with two shiny new dugouts ready to welcome both teams.
Former St Mirren star McLaughlin can’t wait for his team to finally have a home to call their own as they embark on the next stage of their fledgling West of Scotland Football League journey, which only began this season.
McLaughlin told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “This weekend will be our first official home league game and it’s a massive occasion for the club.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of Thorn so it’s brilliant to be able to mark that this weekend at the new ground.
“Mark McGhee and everyone at the club have worked their socks off to get to this point, so it’s huge credit to them.
“It’s been like managing the Harlem Globetrotters so far this season – we’ve been all over the place!
“Lots of places have looked after us, which we greatly appreciate, but it’s going to be great to have a place to call home from now on.
“Having a home ground is vital for any club. It’s going to be good even just to have some dressing room familiarity.
“I know from my own playing days how important it is for a squad to feel comfortable and the new ground will definitely help that build.
“It’s great for the locals as well. Hopefully we can get plenty along on Saturday and look to keep building up our fanbase.”
While it’s set to be a momentous occasion, Thorn couldn’t have asked for a much tougher game to mark the opening of the new ground.
They welcome title hopefuls West Park United on Saturday, who currently sit second in the league having won 12 of their 13 matches so far this campaign.
McLaughlin is relishing the challenge, adding: “It’s a tough task, don’t get me wrong. Along with Kilsyth and Threave, they’re a team that don’t drop many points.
“The top three in this division hardly drop a point, but it’s up to us to believe we can be one of the teams that gives them a tough afternoon.
“It’s a good test for the boys and hopefully the significance of the occasion will help them through the game.
“We want to make the ground a fortress going forward and we believe that can start on Saturday.”
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