| John McDonald |
 John McDonald was probably born in Scotland, although his place and date of birth remain unknown to us. * The midfielder joined Thistle in April, 1901, having most recently been with Petershill. He made his debut appearance on Saturday, 23rd November, 1901, in a 3-1 win at home to Hamilton Academical in the SFL Second Division. There were no goals for John during his spell with Thistle. He played his second and last game for the club on Thursday, 24th April, 1902, in a 5-2 friendly defeat away to Milngavie. His club-list included Benburb, Petershill and Partick Thistle. We don't know where or when John died. *
|
 John had played with Benburb and Petershill and in the springtime of 1901 it was reported that Thistle (set to be relegated) were showing an interest, and he joined the club that April. His appearances seem to have been largely confined to the reserves in 1901-02, but he did get one first-team chance in competitive action, appearing at right half in a Second Division match versus Hamilton Accies on 23rd November 1901. Jags were in contention for the title and had faltered at Shawfield the week before. John came in to replace Tom Harvey, whether that was due to form or injury is not known. 5,000 were at Meadowside to see the match. Hamilton scored first from a free-kick but once Thistle got into their stride Conner and Muirhead gave them a h-t lead. Spence added a third after h-t for a comfortable win. Hamilton protested about the underfoot conditions and falling darkness but their appeal was dismissed. |
| (WS/AFK/JK) |
advertisement
Partick Thistle: A People’s History celebrates 150 years of the club through the eyes of the fans. It will be a superb addition to your Thistle collection, expertly curated and edited by Kenny Pieper, a real heart and soul effort from the author and the contributors (the fans).
• The book is set to be published in August 2026, each of the first editions uniquely numbered.
Buy now: £18.76 (genius pricing!) from ptfc.co.uk
• Pre-order your limited edition copy and add your own dedication or message (up to 500 words).
• A labour of love - all royalties to the club.
