Thistle are stunned as McCall quits as manager

Published on Friday 15 April 2011 20:14

Partick Thistle have been left stunned by manager Ian McCall's decision to stand down from his post of nearly four years for "personal and professional reasons" with immediate effect on the eve of their game with Ross County.

Firhill acting Chairman David Beattie said: "It is with great regret I have accepted Ian's resignation as Manager of Partick Thistle. I fully respect and appreciate Ian's reasons for wishing to leave.

"Personally I'd like to thank Ian for his contribution to the club. He is popular with the supporters, directors and the players and we'll miss him."

McCall said: "This has been the most difficult decision I've ever had to make. Living in the West End of Glasgow, Partick Thistle FC has been a huge part of my life.

"I'd like to thank both the players, supporters and the board for their support over the years, and I wish the club all the success for the future."

As an interim measure, the Jags have appointed former Celtic and Scotland defender Jackie McNamaraas caretaker Manager until the end of the season and hewill take up his role with immediate effect.

Beattie added: "We're delighted that Jackie has taken on the caretaker manager role and we will look at the permanent position over the coming weeks. Our aim would be to have this position confirmed well in advance of the new season"

McCall started his career in management at Clydebank in 1997 before having spells at Morton and Airdrieonians before enjoying a highly successful spell at Falkirk. McCall's time at Brockville saw him secure a SPL job with Dundee United and he was in the Tannadice hot-seat from 2003 to 2005.

After being dismissed from Tayside, McCall moved back down to the First Division where he managed Queen of the South before moving on to Partick Thistle in the summer of 2007.