Paton: Laid-back Archie is set for greater things
ST JOHNSTONE midfielder Paul Paton admits he had his doubts when quiet man Alan Archibald made the step into management, but now believes he is destined for great things.
Paton was still on the books with Partick Thistle when club captain Archibald took up the reins following Jackie McNamara’s departure.
The move surprised Paton, who was unsure the laid-back defender had what it takes to cope with the cut-throat nature of the job.
But Archibald has flourished since his 2013 promotion, leading Partick to the First Division title before gradual progression in the top flight saw them finish sixth last term – the Firhill outfit’s best league position for 36 years.
That has attracted attention from English lower-league outfits Shrewsbury and Swindon, while he has also been linked with the vacancy at Hearts.
But Paton, who will come up against his former boss on Saturday when the Jags visit Perth, believes Archibald will find himself at even loftier surroundings if he decides to leave Maryhill.
He said: “Archie had the total respect of the boys being the club captain but, to be honest, I wasn’t always so sure he would be right for management.
“He was a leader at the right times but he wasn’t always shouting and bawling.
“Everybody has different personalities, though, and since then he has grown into the position.
“There’s been a couple of English teams that he has been linked with in the last year or so. If he continues to do well then I’m sure even bigger clubs will come calling.”
On Archibald’s immediate future, Paton added: “I don’t know where he wants to take his management career but right now he’s happy where he is, so why would you want to change it?
“When a job that is right for him and his family comes up, then I’m sure he will look at it.”