Alan wanted the opportunity to put right what has happened

economy. For the club to succeed in the Championship and remain prepared for that return to top-flight football we need to have a competitive budget that will fully match our aspirations.

“Because of financial prudence in recent years we are in a position to provide that.

“On the playing side, the team needs to be rebuilt, effectively from scratch, and there is money in the budget to do that. In considering the best person to help us achieve our objectives, it is our considered opinion that Alan is still the best man to be Thistle manager.”

The Jags finished in the top six a year ago but Archibald could not repeat the feat after a similarly poor start to this campaign.

But the board have shown loyalty to the 40-year-old who has spent almost half of his life at Firhill.

The Jags will compete with the likes of Dundee United, Ross County, Inverness, Falkirk and Dunfermline for promotion.

Beattie said: “Alan indicated in the strongest terms he wanted the opportunity to put right what has happened, not for him personally, but for the sake of the club.

“We believe he can do it and he deserves that chance.

“So the challenge we have set Alan is to rebuild the team with the aim of one season in the Championship then back to the Premiership.”