ARCHIBALD LOVES THE LONG DEAL FOR ADAM

LIKE an ageing lothario, clubs in the post-Bosman era have struggled with their commitment issues. A string of short-term dalliances has generally been seen as more fulfilling than going head-long into lengthy relationships. Gradually, however, a revolving door policy takes its toll. Without any degree of continuity between one season and the next, summer breaks for managers become a complete misnomer. Rebuilding a squad almost as soon as it has gelled is no one’s idea of fun. In years gone by, a player arriving on the doorstep of a mid-ranking Scottish club would expect a one-year deal, maybe two at best. But the three-year contract Partick Thistle recently put under the nose of ex-Portsmouth man Adam Barton may soon prove to be the rule rather than the exception. ‘We thought it was a road we had to go down a couple of years ago because otherwise you end up scrambling about every summer,’ explained Jags boss Alan Archibald. ‘It makes your job a lot harder if you don’t. This summer we only had three or four to add. I’d rather do that every year than try to get nine or 10 in at the same time, as that’s hard going. ‘I think the board are backing me. They also saw the down side of one and two-year deals as we’ve lost players in the past few years. It was frustrating for them, as well.’ Archibald feels that, at 25, Barton — who also played at Preston and Coventry City and should make his debut against St Johnstone tomorrow — is worthy of a longer term investment. ‘He looks good and we’re delighted to get him,’ added Archibald. ‘He’s a good footballer and versatile. He can play in a couple of positions.’