Partick Thistle keeper Bryn Halliwell is the first to go in Firhill transfer frenzy

Dec 23 2010 By Gordon Parks

Ian McCall

IAN McCALL admits he's ready to wheel and deal his way up the First Division table as Partick Thistle wait for the transfer window to open.

The Jags boss knows there will be no money to spend at Firhill but is adamant that won't stop comings and goings over the next month.

Back-up keeper Bryn Halliwell has already been told he can leave the club but he's just one of several fringe men who will make an exit as McCall hopes to find a way to bolster his squad.

He said: "Bryn has been advised to find a new club and he is just one of a few guys who are in that position. There are two or three others who will be advised their future lies elsewhere.

"We have Scott Fox doing a great job for us in goal and there are two young keepers at the club who we have faith in and Bryn knows the situation.

"We will attempt to add to the group we already have and it's all about trying to see who's available and trying to use the contacts we have in the game and the favours we can pull in to do that. It's stretching it to think we have any finance available to try and bring anyone in for a fee.

"So it's a case of reducing the budget by allowing players to leave who aren't in the plans and scouring the market for possible additions and making use of contacts.

"Hopefully we will be able to keep the team together and hold on to the boys who will be attracting attention from other clubs as we have a side who can make a challenge in the second half of this season."

Thistle were left frustrated by the last-minute postponement of their clash with Falkirk at the weekend but McCall, who has been laid up with the flu, is gearing up for a Boxing Day bash with Raith Rovers.

He said: "There is an increasing blame culture in this country so I'm not going to criticise the decision to call off the Falkirk game so close to kick-off.

"It was the right decision and we just needed to get on with things.

"We are hopeful Firhill should be fine for the Raith game on Sunday and the priority is three points and to continue showing the improvements I have seen here over the past few months."