Partick Thistle sack manager Gary Caldwell after poor start to season

Thistle put out a statement on Wednesday confirming that the 37-year-old former Scotland defender's contract - and that of assistant manager Brian Kerr - had been terminated with immediate effect.

Chief executive Gerry Britton, Academy director Scott Allison and first team player Kenny Miller will take charge of the squad and team for this Saturday’s Ladbrokes Championship home match against Dunfermline Athletic, the only side below Thistle in the table.

Caldwell took over from Alan Archibald last October after Thistle - relegated from the top flight under Archibald the previous season - had made a poor start to their League One campaign.

Thistle eventually staved off the threat of a second successive relegation on the final day of last season.

But results this season have continued to be disappointing.

Jags have managed to reach the last eight of the Betfred Cup - they face Celtic next week - but they are without a win in the Championship and languish second from the bottom with just two points from five games and only Dunfermline below them.

Thistle said the change was needed immediately following a sustained run of poor performances and results.

Partick Thistle chairman David Beattie said: “This is not an outcome anyone wanted however we believe this decision is in the best interests of the club and that we could wait no longer to make a change.

“On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank both Gary and Brian for all their efforts for Partick Thistle Football Club and wish them both every success in their future careers.

“Gerry, Scott and Kenny will take care of team matters for the weekend while the board begins the process of recruiting the club’s next first team manager.”