Four Firhill stars out on their Archie
PARTICK THISTLE
PARTICK THISTLE have cut loose four of the stars who played a part in earning the club their best ever Premiership finish.
The Firhill outfit announced the departures of David Amoo, Mark Ridgers, Sean Welsh and David Wilson, while Niall Keown has returned to parent club Reading at the end of his loan deal.
But boss Alan Archibald has extended injury-hit Gary Fraser’s contract until January.
He told the Partick website: “Gary has had a horrendous time with injuries over the last two years and we want to give him the chance to prove his fitness and fight for his place in the team.
“We did the same with Sean Welsh two years ago and we will be hoping for similar results when it comes to Gary.
“At only 23, he has plenty of football ahead of him and we are hopeful he can put the last 18 months behind him.”
Archibald paid tribute to the players leaving and reserved a special mention for Welsh.
He added: “We have an excellent squad here with each and every one of them having contributed something to the terrific season we have had.
“I would like to give a special mention to Sean Welsh. Sean has been at the club for more than five years and has been a vital part of the squad.
“He was instrumental in our promotion bid and was my captain for the first two seasons in the Premiership, playing a massive part in us securing a top-six place.”
Meanwhile, Chris Erskine insists Thistle won’t settle for less than the top six next season after raising the bar.
The Jags star said: “The club isn’t content to stand still, there’s ambition to get better every year.
“I first signed in 2009 and the difference between the club then and now is night and day.
“Living up to the standards we’ve set will be even harder next season with Hibs coming back into the league.
“But we have to keep looking to progress and I’m sure the manager will add a few new faces.”