Management duo sign on the line for Partick Thistle
Partick Thistle manager, Jackie McNamara Photo Emma Mitchell 20/11/12
JAGS fans got an early Christmas present this week - when management duo Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly signed new contracts.
The deal offers the pair improved terms and is a reward for the turnaround in the club’s fortures they have helped mastermind.
Both were rookies when they took charge following Ian McCall’s departure in 2011.
Partick Thistle are now regarded as one of the most exciting teams to watch in Scotland, are many people’s favourites for promotion to the SPL this term and have a Challenge Cup final to look forward to in April.
Manager McNamara and his deputy Donnelly are still on rolling contracts, but it is understood the new deal will go some way towards priotecting them if other clubs come poaching and it will ofer the club more protection as well.
Chairman David Beattie said: “We’re delighted they have signed new contracts with us, we feel it’s a good deal for all parties.
“It’s an enhanced contract for Jackie and a better deal for the club as well. It’s a good news story for the club and the fans as we go into Christmas.
“The new contract is a reflection on the good work Jackie has done since he became our manager and the good work that we feel certain he will continue to do.
“Everything at the club is going well just now, we’re sitting top of the league and in a cup final
“Jackie and Simon are a pleasure to work with and are two of the nicest, most respected, guys in the game. Jackie is incredibly grounded and professional with the way he approaches things.
“The club is already in a much better state now than it was when he became manager and we look forward to him helping the club progress further in the future.”
McNamara, speaking on behalf of himself and Donnelly, said: “We’re delighted to sign a new deal with the club, hopefully it shows everyone how committed myself and Simon are.
“We know the board took a gamble when they gave us the job initially, but things are going well at the club just now and we really believe we have a great bunch of players at the club who can achieve so much.
“We’re learning all the time and we know we’ll all make mistakes along the way, but hopefully we’ll keep progressing as we are just now as will the players on the park.
“We’ve got a few players out of contract in the summer as well so we’re hoping now they see Simon and I are committed to the club they’ll follow suit and sign up.”
Thistle’s next game is on Boxing Day against Morton at Firhill.
McNamara will be in the stand as he is serving the second of his three game ban.
Sean Welsh and Scott Fox are both out injurd but Stephen O’Donnell is expected to be fine for the game after missing Saturday’s 3-2 win over Raith.
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Weather for Milngavie
Monday 20 May 2013
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Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
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