SWPL Cup final: Rangers v Partick Thistle date moved, avoiding Brian Graham dilemma
- Published
Brian Graham combines managing the women's team and playing for the men's first team
Partick Thistle's Brian Graham has been spared a dilemma as the women's team's SWPL Cup final against Rangers has been moved to Sunday, 24 March.
The 36-year-old is a striker with the men's team and manager of the women's side that have reached Thistle's first major final in 53 years.
Thistle are scheduled to play Arbroath in the Scottish Championship on 23 March.
The women's showpiece at Tynecastle will now be played 24 hours later.
"This will naturally allow our manager Brian Graham to lead his team on to the pitch and help make sure our amazing fans and volunteers are part of the showpiece occasion," said a Thistle statement.
When the clash of fixtures became apparent on Sunday, Graham said "there is no way I am missing the chance to lead my girls out at a cup final" while Thistle pointed out many of their fans would wish to attend both games.
The SWPL made no mention of his plea for a "common sense" switch in the date as it announced the change.
The competition's organiser instead cited the "key objective" of increasing "attendances at SWPL matches and to improve the visibility of our game".
"Providing fans of both clubs with the best possible opportunity of being able to attend the match was of the upmost importance," an SWPL statement added.
The SWPL thanked broadcaster Sky Sports, both finalists and hosts Heart of Midlothian "for their collaboration and willingness to find a solution".
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