Partick Thistle boss Jackie McNamara keen to get a head start in summer transfer market

May 7 2012 By Fraser Wilson

THE season might have come to an end for Partick Thistle on Saturday but for boss Jackie McNamara the hard work is just about to begin.

McNamara secured defender Conrad Balatoni and striker Mark McGuigan on new two-year deals ahead of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Hamilton.

But with more than a handful of first team stars out of contract in the summer the Firhill manager knows he has to act fast to shape his squad ahead of the coming season.

Player of the year Paul Cairney looks a certainty to depart with Hibs leading a long line of clubs interested in the midfielder.

And full back Paul Paton has also to give an answer on the Jags offer put in front of him months ago.

Scott Robertson and Tommy Stewart are now out of contract and McNamara is also keeping an eye on Sean Welsh's position at Hibs after his loan spell ended following Saturday's draw with Accies.

McNamara said: "There's quite a bit to be sorted out in the next few weeks but getting Conrad and Mark signed up is a good start.

"We have players we want to bring into the club and others we want to extend their contracts and I want to get things done early.

"Sean is out of contract at Hibs and we will have to see what happens there. He has done well for us and is a player I like.

"Like almost every club at our level it all depends on finances.

"Money wise things are likely to be tight but if we can get the right type of players in then I feel that we have a good chance next season."

Thistle fought back to claim a point at Accies to ensure they finish on the same points level as last year - 47 - and in sixth position.

Accies raced into a two goal lead in the first half hour through a deflected Danny Redmond free kick and a Jon McShane strike.

But the Jags were back on terms before the interval thanks to Stuart Bannigan who cooly slotted past Blair Currie on 34 minutes and Sean Welsh's 43rd minute header.