Archibald keen to manage down south – but not with the Shrews

Alan Archibald says his rumoured move to Shrewsbury is a nonstarter – but the Partick Thistle boss has not ruled out making a switch to England further down the line.

The English League One outfit have been in discussions with Jags chiefs over an approach for their Firhill manager but have yet to take their interest any further.

As far as Archibald is concerned, though, he is not going to New Meadow any time soon.

The 38-year-old – who spent three seasons with Dundee United before returning to the Jags in early 2007 – said: “The two clubs had a chat but that’s as far as it has gone. I’ve not spoken to Shrewsbury and that is it done now.

“It’s been put to bed and I now focus on Ross County on Saturday.

“I’ve got no ambitions to speak to them at this point in time. My main concern is on Partick Thistle. As far as I’m concerned that’s the end of the story.

“The players had a good laugh and joke about the story this morning but that just shows the good relationship I’ve got with the players here. They are not slow in having a bit of banter with me. That’s fine but now we move on.”

However, Archibald admits he would like to test himself south of the border one day.

“I’ve mentioned before I’d like to have a go at managing down south and I’m not going to hide from it,” he said.

“Everyone wants to get to the best level they can and if that was an opportunity that came up I’d have to think about it. No other manager would tell you any different.

“But I’m in a good place now at Partick Thistle and while I’m here I want to put all my efforts into moving us up the table.”

Thistle climbed off the Ladbrokes Premiership’s bottom spot with a point at home to Hamilton last week but Archibald admits his plans for tomorrow’s visit of County could be hampered by midfielder Stevie Lawless’ hernia injury.

“Stevie is seeing the specialist today but there is still a chance he could play at the weekend,” he said.

“He’s had the problem since pre-season on and off but it’s not really stopped him training. However, it’s now getting to the point where we need to act.” To kick off the new football season we have searched through our archives to bring you classic images from years gone by. Browse through our online collection and choose from a vast array of cup winning, goal celebration and action shots. Simply go to the Sporting Nostalgia category on www.photoshopscotland.co.uk where you can purchase photographs on high quality print or canvas. Gary Locke admits he is delighted his “firefighting” days are well behind him now he is at the oasis of calm that is Raith Rovers.

The 41-year-old was previously in charge at Hearts and Kilmarnock with his time at both clubs being blighted by off-field trouble and strife.

Now, though at Stark’s Park he admits it is a refreshing change to be able to fully focus on the team and what they do on the pitch.

Locke, who has been putting his players through their paces ahead of tomorrow’s game at Falkirk, said: “I feel as if I’m getting a real opportunity just to manage the football side.

“That’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do. That’s what you get judged on and what’s what you get paid to do.

“At Raith Rovers it’s brilliant. The chairman, the chief executive and the rest of the board just let you get on with the job, which has been really pleasing. “I’ve done the firefighting. “I still see myself as a young manager learning the trade and I’ve loads to learn.

“I certainly feel with my grounding that I’ve learned quicker than most and face more than what any manager would face.

“It’s great when you don’t have all the problems off the pitch that I’ve faced at

GARY LOCKE