Join Spiders and Morton favourite at Hospitality this weekend
PETER GRANT will be back at Queen’s Park on Saturday as one of the guest speakers in the Black and White Lounge for the visit of his old club Morton.
But the former defender has been back at the Spiders a little longer – as a coach.
Peter has been helping out Charley King and Lee Mitchell as part of the coaching team for the CAS Advanced League under-19 and under-17 teams – and alongside his long-time team-mate Louis Longridge.
While Grant is regaling the Black and White Lounge with tales of his playing days at Cappielow and in the southside Spiders’ kit, Longridge – and two other former QP team-mates Charlie Fox and Calum Ferrie, will be preparing for the William Hill Championship clash – one that Grant is eagerly looking forward to.
He said: “Louis and I don’t get away from one another for very long! We obviously played together here at Queen’s Park but before it we were at Falkirk together.
“Now we also coach down at Lochinch so he is a very familiar face I’ll see on Saturday – but there are still a lot at the club from my playing days.
“Queen’s Park was a special time for me. It’s where I moved to from Morton funnily enough and it’s also my local team where I live now.
“It was a special time as the club turned full-time as I joined and then we progressed through the leagues. Now being back – and Charlie, Louis and Calum still playing – it’s special for me.”
They’re not the only familiar faces.
He added: “I obviously played against Sean Crighton and know some of the young players around the club from working with them – and it’s great they are being given a chance under this management team. That’s what Queen’s Park has been all about and I’m sure there are more to come.
“But I also know the assistant head coach Jim Duffy very well too. He was the manager at Clyde when I played there with my brother Ray – and he was my dad’s coach at Norwich City too.”
That the Spiders’ commercial team managed to pin Peter down to a time was a feat in itself. Since hanging up his boots he’s been busy in various industries – but all anchored by his love of football.
As well as a coach with the young Spiders he also works with FirstPoint USA which provides transatlantic playing opportunities and scholarships to aspiring British footballers, and is also involved behind the scenes on a matchday with Sky Sports.
Peter explained: “When you come away from 16 years in football I had a look at my options and basically I have tried different things to find out what I have enjoyed.
“It’s varied and I am enjoying each role whether that’s flying over to the US, coaching at Lochinch or working pitchside with Sky Sports and getting a look behind the scenes at how a live broadcast is put together.
“It’s busy but I enjoy it. I have also spoken at the Lounge a few times before and I enjoy that too and seeing all my old faces from QP.
“With it being another of my old clubs Morton it’ll be good to see some of their fans in the lounge and old team-mates on the pitch too.
“I played with Cameron Blues at Falkirk and he’s really kicked on for them, and Louis’ brother Jackson Longridge has been a good signing for them.
“Dougie Imrie has put together a good squad and it will be a game, and a day out, I’m really looking forward to.”
You don’t have to be like Peter and have a foot in both camps to attend the Black and White Lounge and visiting guests with a Blue and White hooped allegiance will be made just as welcome as those of a black and white persuasion at The city Stadium.
The away end is already sold out but hospitality bookings are still available to fans of both sides to join Peter at the game this weekend.
A full itinerary of the day and inclusive drinks package is available here.
Contact the commercial team on 0141 632 1275 or email hospitality@queensparkfc.co.uk to book.
