John McGlynn praises fans as Scottish football’s true heroes in storm
On 25 October 2026 John McGlynn’s side secured a 3‑0 victory over Kilmarnock, but the manager said the real story was the 6,897 supporters who braved Storm Boelo’s 50 mph winds and torrential rain to watch a match that many felt should never have gone ahead.
His new striker Jacob Murrell celebrated his fourth goal in three matches, adding another strike to the comfortable win, yet McGlynn insisted his gratitude was aimed at the crowd rather than the scorer.
The supporters turned up in what the manager described as “the most preposterous conditions”, with rain lashing the stadium and the forecast promising nothing short of hail‑like pellets in the final ten minutes.
Other fixtures struggle in the same weather
Partick Thistle’s clash with Stenhousemuir at Firhill also produced a 3‑0 result, but the game unfolded on a water‑logged surface that officials allowed to continue despite farcical scenes.
Elsewhere, Greenock Morton’s tie with Ayr United was postponed an hour before kick‑off, while Cove Rangers’ encounter with East Kilbride was abandoned with 20 minutes remaining, underscoring how the storm disrupted the Scottish football calendar.
Calls for the league to protect supporters
Stenny boss Marvin Bartley called the conditions “the worst I’ve ever seen in a game”, noting that referee Calum Scott admitted the pitch was dangerous and should have been stopped if the score was level.
McGlynn echoed that sentiment, saying, “The conditions were horrendous… The last 10 minutes, it was like hailstones. It was incredible. So fair play to the players and a big, big, massive thank you to the fans. Obviously the home fans from my point of view, but fair play to the Kilmarnock fans too. They knew the conditions were going to be terrible but they’ve come along and paid their money and supported their team. Well done to you guys.” He added that the Scottish Professional Football League, broadcasters and clubs seemed content to push games ahead for TV deals and hospitality revenue, even as fans faced cancelled trains and unsafe travel.
Rangers also completed a 4‑0 win over St Johnstone, though winger Kai Fotheringham was sent off for a reckless tackle and supporters were seen wading through floodwater on Edmiston Drive, while striker Ryan Naderi celebrated a goal amid the storm‑hit atmosphere.
McGlynn concluded by reaffirming that the passion of Scottish football’s fans endures long after sponsors and broadcasters move on, urging the game’s authorities to value the supporters rather than take them for granted.