Steins Thistle are heading back to the Brothers in Arms final after another strong cup run, and manager Steff believes belief inside the squad was there from the beginning.

Speaking to Frank Sideline ahead of the final at Nethercraigs, the Steins boss reflected on confidence within the group, key moments in the run, and the added meaning behind a competition linked to men’s mental health awareness.

On setting out on BIA cup

“As soon as the 10 team cup format was announced, we genuinely believed we had a strong chance of reaching the final again,” Steff explained.

“After making it there the previous year, the squad had confidence in our ability and knew that if we performed well, another final was definitely within reach.”

That belief stayed throughout the run, even during difficult moments along the way.

“I wouldn’t say there was ever a moment where we felt the journey was over,” he said.

“We had a few difficult moments and challenges along the way against Inter, but the belief within the team never changed.”

For Steff, the defining moment of the run came in the semi-final itself.

“The standout performance for me was the semi-final against Inter,” he said.

“We were 2-1 down at half-time, but the team showed incredible character in the second half. We completely took control of the game, produced a dominant performance, and turned it around to win 5-2.”

Now attention turns towards Castlemilk FA and the final at Nethercraigs.

“I expect Castlemilk FA to come into the final with the same mindset as any team at this stage — full of confidence after earning their place through the first three rounds.”

But beyond football, Steff also pointed towards the wider meaning behind the Brothers in Arms competition itself.

“Like any team, we want to compete for titles and trophies, so every final is important to us,” he said.

“But this one means even more because of what Brothers in Arms represents. Supporting men’s mental health is something we really value as a team, so being involved in an event with such a positive message makes it especially meaningful for us.”