Ahead of Friday night’s Brothers in Arms Cup Final, Steins Thistle Sunday captain Bryan Maley reflected on the club’s growth, the squad mentality behind another strong cup run, and what the occasion means to the group.

Having been involved since the early days of the setup, Bryan says the difference between then and now is difficult to ignore.

Bryan says the early Steins setup looked completely different to the club preparing for a final at Nethercraigs this week.

“When we first joined the Steins set up we literally had nothing, no kits, no tracksuits, no balls and hardly any players, so the difference is night and day.”

For Bryan, the biggest factor behind another final appearance has been the mentality and togetherness inside the dressing room.

“I think it’s been the togetherness in the squad. We’ve had difficult moments during games and tough tests along the way.”

“Everyone has worked hard for each other and trusted the group. That mentality has been massive for us.”

As captain, Bryan was reluctant to single out individuals and instead pointed towards the full squad contribution throughout the season.

“I think I would do a disservice to some of the boys by singling anyone out, everyone has contributed throughout the season so it’s honestly been a team effort from everyone.”

“some boys have produced on the pitch but there’s also boys pushing standards every week in training.”

With the final now only days away, Bryan says the mood around the squad has remained positive heading into Friday night.

“The mood has been really positive. Everyone is obviously buzzing to be playing in a final as these are the games you want to be involved in.”

Lifting the Brothers in Arms trophy would represent another important moment in Steins Thistle’s history according to their captain.

“It would be a great achievement. Steins as a club is very successful so to add another trophy to the cabinet and contribute to that collection would be a special moment.”

Bryan Maley’s answers repeatedly came back to standards and togetherness. From having almost nothing in the early days of the setup to preparing for another final, the sense of progression inside Steins Thistle is obvious.

Frank Sideline:
Some clubs build quickly. Others build steadily over years.

Steins sound more like the second type — and Friday gives them another chance to add to