Partick Thistle: Mark Wilson is appointed manager

Partick Thistle have appointed Mark Wilson as their permanent manager.

Former Under-18s coach Wilson, 40, took over in February as interim manager alongside Brian Graham.

Dougie Imrie is staying at Greenock Morton despite Thistle’s Championship rivals giving him permission to have talks with the Firhill club last week, while Graham was also spoken to about the job.

Ex-Dundee and Dunfermline boss James McPake and former Celtic defender Paul Caddis, who is in charge of Hereford, were also reportedly interviewed, external by new Jags director of football Ian Baraclough.

“We fully appreciate that supporters will feel frustrated it has taken us longer than we anticipated to make this announcement particularly as there has been a great deal of speculation throughout the course of this week,” said Thistle chairman Richard Beastall.

“We believe Mark is the best fit for Partick Thistle. His knowledge and commitment to promoting our own talent shone through, as did the leadership he showed on the training pitch, in the dressing room and during matches as we enjoyed a memorable end to the season.

“It was always clear to us throughout the process that that Mark was an integral part of our future aspirations.”