Scottish side make 'difficult decision' by sacking club legend amid budget cuts

Doolan scored 121 goals in 401 appearances from 2009 to 2019 at the Scottish side as a player before becoming manager in March 2023.

Thistle swiftly finished fourth in the Scottish Championship and then reached the play-off final, but lost to Ross County over two legs.

They came third in the 2023/24 campaign and are fourth this season but have made the 'difficult decision' to relieve Doolan of his duties.

"Partick Thistle Football Club can today confirm the departure of first-team manager Kris Doolan," a club statement read.

"This decision was not taken lightly. Kris is a club legend, revered for his years as a prolific goal-scorer and, more recently, for leading the team through two exciting play-off campaigns as manager."

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Chairman Richard Beastall added: "The board have made the difficult decision to part ways with Kris. This was not an easy choice.

"When Kris left as a player in 2019, it was said that, 'He is, and always will be, a legend at Partick Thistle Football Club.' That remains true today.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Kris for his dedication and wish him the very best for the future. He will always be welcome at Firhill."

Doolan's departure comes with Beastall issuing a worrying club update regarding their squad following the January transfer window.

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He said they were running four per cent over budget and an increase in Employer's National Insurance will lead to a monthly cost of circa £5,000.

Thistle saw ten players leave in January whilst only three joined for the rest of the season - Scott Martin, Ethan Drysdale and Josh Reid.

Beastall revealed that the club decided to first move players out in the transfer window as part of re-balancing their football budget.

Alongside looking for new signings and contract renewals, they then reassessed their squad as far as the 2025/26 season.

However, as part of their aim to financially breakeven, Thistle are to cut their playing budget by circa 20 per cent.

Beastall claimed much of the re-balance was achieved by the end of January until the day before transfer deadline day.

Hearts and Hamilton Academical informed Thistle they wanted to sign Harry Milne and Scott Robinson respectively.

Both players expressed their intention to pursue the moves and they subsequently left, leading to the signings of Martin and Drysdale.

Beastall also announced Thistle's new sporting director position to help drive their football operations and financial sustainability.

The change in model comes after the manager, his assistant, board members and club secretary were involved in recruitment.

Thistle are 14 points off Scottish Championship leaders Falkirk with ten wins from 25 matches.

They are on a winless run of four but remain in contention to qualify for the Premiership play-offs again this season.