Partick Thistle prepare to honour captain Alan Archibald as he closes in on 400th appearance

Apr 4 2012 Exclusive by Gordon Parks

Alan Archibald

PARTICK THISTLE fans are set to pay tribute to skipper Alan Archibald by having an ‘Archie’s Day’ to mark his 400th Jags appearance.

The Firhill fans will get to celebrate the achievement when Falkirk arrive for league duty on April 28, with several events planned to kick-start the afternoon.

Archibald - who enjoyed a testimonial match against Liverpool two years ago - has had two successful spells with Thistle where he started his career as a youngster then moved to Dundee United before returning to Maryhill five seasons ago.

If the 34-year-old remains an ever present in the side for the next four games then he’ll hit the
milestone against the Bairns at the end of the month.

Jags general boss Ian Maxwell says Archibald is more than deserving of having a day named in his honour.

He said: “We’re looking at various ways to celebrate ‘Archie’s Day’ but I’m sure everyone at the club would like to pay tribute to someone who has been a fans’ favourite here.

“He’s been a leader as well as a fantastic player for Thistle so I’m sure the fans will all get into the mood for ‘Archie’s Day’ if he is to make his 400th appearance against Falkirk.”

Jackie McNamara also hailed the career of a man he believes has beaten the odds to become a Jags favourite.

The Firhill boss said: “Alan has shown his commitment to Thistle over the years and the fans recognise and respond to that because there aren’t many players like him left.

“His courage to fight back from a serious knee injury was typical of a player who always leads from the front and hopefully the fans will get to make the game against Falkirk a special one.”

McNamara will take the next few weeks to assess the futures of players who will be out of contract this summer and he admits he has some tough decisions to make.

He said: “We will need to sit down and see where we are with regard to the players we want to retain and who may be leaving.

“It’s never an easy time for any manager but it’s a part of the job and we need to start planning for next season as soon as possible."