Partick Thistle boss Jackie McNamara putting foundations in place for a bright future

Jun 22 2012 By Fraser Wilson

JACKIE McNAMARA is convinced Partick Thistle will soon be reaping the benefits of a coaching super-structure at Firhill.

The Jags boss has spent a large part of his summer holidays studying for a UEFA Pro-Licence - the top coaching badge to be had - in Belfast while his players kicked back and sunned themselves in warmer climes.

It's the next stage in the career path of a young manager determined to be a success.

And with assistant boss Simon Donnelly and player-coach Alan Archibald also going back to school for the SFA A-Licence course at Largs, McNamara is convinced the club has the perfect framework in place to produce stars of the future.

He said: "The Pro-Licence is obviously a good course and while I've been in Belfast Simon Donnelly has been doing his A-Licence with Alan Archibald.

"It's important we have the right qualifications and knowledge which comes along with them. There's a lot to be learned and it's just a case of putting in the time.

"It can only benefit the club and that's the way Partick Thistle have been heading for a while now.

"It's important that we have good young players coming through the ranks and if we can have a little conveyer belt of talent every year then all the better."

Three stars of last season's youth set-up, striker Jordan Leyden, midfielder Lee Gallagher and central defender Liam Lindsay, have all just made the step-up to full time football with the Jags.

McNamara insists the youngsters will get their chance in the first team if they show the right attitude and ability.

And he has tipped 19-year-old midfielder Brad Halsman to build on his debut last month in the season ahead.

He said: "We have brought the three boys up to the first team at an early age because it gives us a chance to work with them early and iron out any bad habits they might have.

"Alan Archibald will take them under his wing and hopefully the can develop in the right environment.

"Brad Halsman came in for his debut near the end of last season and did well. We will see pretty soon how he can cope with the demands of being in about the first team.

"I like the way he plays the game. He keeps things simple on the park and has a good attitude.

"With players like Hugh Murray and David Rowson as well as big Archie around them the youngsters will get a good grounding here. That's the plan."