Partick Thistle sack Ian McCall after Ibrox defeat
Football - Ayr United Manager Ian McCall with Kai the dog - 125 Kinnell Avenue, Cardonald, Glasgow, Scotland - 20/1/15 Ian McCall, manager of Ayr United with Kai the dog at the Scottish SPCA's dog rehoming centre Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Graham Stuart Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Scotlands answer to Paddington receives support from Ayr United sponsor Kai, the Shar-Pei dog abandoned at Ayr station, complete with his suitcase of belongings, is on the mend and looking to help Ayr Uniteds new manager to pick the team up from (way too) near the bottom of the table. Online gaming firm and long-term sponsors of Ayr United, Bodog, have pledged money to the Scottish SPCA who are currently looking after Kai while a good home is sort. Calvin Ayre, founder of the Bodog brand, commented: Kais story was one we couldnt ignore and we wish him all the best in finding a great home. But we do have a slight agenda as well; we are desperately hoping his fighting spirit will rub off on his local team as The Honest Men really need a boost right now. Help us out Kai! Alan Grant, Senior Animal Care Assistant, added: "We have been touched by the generosity and good wishes of animal lovers all over the world who have followed Kai's story and we would like to thank Bodog for making a very kind donation. Kai is recovering from an eye operation and will hopefully soon be in a loving new home." Kai is pictured at the Scottish SPCAs Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre with new Ayr United manager Ian McCall. For further information please call: BodogBrand.coms International Press Office (London), on +44 7825 064 776 Bodog are the Official Shirt Sponsor of Ayr United FC and Official Asian Betting Partner of Arsenal FC.
At just after 8pm tonight, less than three hours after losing at Ibrox Partick Thistle announced the sacking of Ian McCall and his management team of Alan Archibald and Neil Scally.
Behind the scenes at Firhill there has been a number of burning issues with the entire board resigning earlier in the season.
Thistle are currently sitting in fifth place in the Championship but back-to-back defeats to Hamilton Accies and Cove Rangers have put their promotion prospects in jeopardy.
We have this evening relieved Ian McCall, Alan Archibald and Neil Scally, of their duties in relation to the first team with immediate effect
The club would like to place on record it’s sincere appreciation to all three for their contributions to Partick Thistle over many years
— Partick Thistle FC (@PartickThistle) February 12, 2023
McCall is in his second spell in charge of the club, taking over from Gary Caldwell in September 2019 and recently celebrating his 900th match in management.
He had been looking forward to reaching his 1000th match in management but after losing 3-2 at Ibrox he won’t be achieving that milestone at Firhill.
Right decision, strange timing…
Today’s good performance maybe just highlights that he hasn’t been able to motivate them…
— Gordon Hannah (@GCHPTFC) February 12, 2023
The right decision. I know some fans will be upset but reality is the football has been dire since October. I hope board sees that investing in the right manager & coaching team is vitally important. I’d rather pay a little more for that than an extra player or two. #monthejags
— Rob MacNeill (@RednYella_RM) February 12, 2023
I get the decision but timing is bizarre, like it had been decided in advance lose and they’re out. Ignoring arguably one of the best performances of the season
— Martin O’Neill (@martinthejag) February 12, 2023
I’ve been a Thistle fan for long enough to be tired of glorious defeats to the Old Firm, but even though I think this is the correct decision, the timing is all wrong – a lot of Jags fans who are feeling really positive about the club tonight are going to feel totally deflated.
— Bob Cassells (@Firhillista) February 12, 2023