THE BRUTAL DAY I SACKED MY FRIEND

I still revere Thistle legend Archibald, says Jags chief Britton

GERRY BRITTON has had few tougher days in his near 30-year career in Scottish football than last Saturday. After a dismal 2-0 home loss to Ross County, the Partick Thistle chief executive was tasked, with chairman Jacqui Low, to break the news to manager Alan Archibald that his time was up.

If delivering a P45 to a friend and former team-mate was difficult, Britton believes it was the correct course of action for a club lying eighth in a ten-team league.

And in the bloodthirsty world of professional football, he believes Thistle deserve credit for the length of time they stuck by their man before finally pulling the plug.

‘Without a doubt,’ nodded the former Thistle striker and ex-assistant manager. ‘Alan Archibald was the second longest-serving manager in Scotland — for a reason.

‘A number of critics were saying in the summer (after Thistle were relegated) that he should have been let go then to give the club a fresh start in the Championship.

‘But the board firmly believed Alan was the right man to take the club back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

‘They had the courage of their convictions to stick with him and he was given that opportunity.

‘However, the decision was then taken that, if we were going to achieve what we wanted to achieve this season, the time had come for a change. Of course it has been a difficult few days for everybody connected with the club. But the way that Alan dealt with the news is the mark of the man.

‘When he was informed, he put the interests of the club first, as he always has done. He accepted the decision and wished everyone all the best.

‘Tasks like that are not pleasant. But given the relationship I have had with Alan over 20 years, and the close relationship he had with the chairman, I think it (hearing from both in person) was a good way, if you are going to get bad news.

‘But no way could the board be accused of short-termism or a knee-jerk reaction.’

When the dust has settled, Britton hopes Archibald (below) is looked upon as a Partick Thistle legend. ‘Without a doubt Alan should be regarded as a Thistle great,’ he said. ‘That’s what he is.’

‘He’s a top-ten appearance holder for this club. He was a captain, coach, and his achievement of getting Partick Thistle to the top six in the Premiership is unparalleled. There’s a lot for Alan to look back on with great pride and admiration.

‘His legacy will be looked on favourably.

‘Probably not right away, but in a period of time people will appreciate what he did. Now there’s the opportunity for a fresh start for the whole club. It’s exciting times.’

Britton will take the team’s reins at home on Saturday against a Dundee United side now managed by Robbie Neilson.

The Thistle chief executive spoke with Neilson about the vacant post in Maryhill, but the former Hearts and Scotland defender elected to move to Tannadice.

Jim McIntyre, Gary Caldwell and Scot Gemmill have all been linked with the Thistle job but Britton declined to name candidates. Applications must be in by tomorrow and the club hope to appoint Archibald’s successor as soon as possible.

Despite the sticky start to the campaign, regaining the club’s top-flight status this season remains the aim.

‘I did speak with Robbie Neilson and a couple of other people that are available,’ Britton said.

‘I had a good conversation with Robbie but by that stage things were quite far down the line with United.

‘He’s one of a number of people that were immediately on our radar and we knew were out there — I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t pursue all options.

‘But there’s no shortage of individuals to look at — football stands still for nobody and my phone had started ringing by ten o’clock on Saturday night with agents putting forward names.

‘There’s been a number of top-quality applicants. I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

‘There’s no magic formula for appointing a manager. Rather than pigeon-holing someone in terms of their age or experience, we will look at characteristics.

‘We will look at how a candidate wants to develop players, how they want to develop the club, and we’ll look at their ambitions.

‘Partick Thistle is an attractive job and promotion always has been — and always will be — the goal.’

Alan should be regarded as a Thistle great — but now there’s a fresh start