Ian McCall: Partick Thistle announce departure of manager
- Published
Ian McCall's Partick Thistle turned in a good performance at Ibrox, but have been struggling for consistency in the Championship
Partick Thistle's decision to sack manager Ian McCall and his staff was "strategic" to achieve promotion, says the club.
The news of McCall's departure came just hours after an incident-packed 3-2 loss to Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup.
The 58-year-old was in his second spell at Firhill, and leaves with Alan Archibald and Neil Scally.
He leaves with Thistle sitting fifth in the Championship.
"The primary aim for Partick Thistle Football Club for season 2022/23 is to regain Premiership status. The management team were given a budget to support this objective," said a Thistle statement, external.
"Given the playing squad assembled for this season, everyone at the club was united in the belief that this was an achievable prospect.
"The decision to relieve the management team of their duties in relation to the first team was a strategic decision to achieve this objective. The timing of this decision was to allow maximum preparation time for our vital upcoming cinch Championship match with Ayr United."
Under-18 coach Kris Doolan will take the manager's role on an interim basis, with assistance from academy director Paul McDonald.
A brief club statement said McCall, Archibald and Scally "have been relieved of their duties in relation to the first team with immediate effect".
It adds: "The club would like to place on record its sincere appreciation to all three for their contributions to Partick Thistle over many years.
"At this crucial juncture of the season, we ask all members of the Partick Thistle family, to get behind Kris and the team as we strive for promotion to the Scottish Premiership."
Thistle had lost three of their last four league matches before running Scottish Cup holders Rangers close on Sunday.