Thistle secure safety net with new shirt sponsor

Partick Thistle have unveiled their new shirt sponsor for the remainder of the season with Just Employment Law (JEL) set to back the Firhill club.

The deal comes weeks after the collapse of Jags’ three-year partnership with Banff-based Sangs, manufacturer of MacB fizzy drinks, agreed only last summer.

The Aberdeenshire outfit entered administration last month, citing cash flow problems in the current trading climate.

At a press conference at the club’s Maryhill-based ground, director Greg Brown told The Journal: “It’s important to put on the record how appreciative we are of JEL stepping up and giving us their sup- port for the remainder of the season.

“We’re looking forward to working with them and hopefully we can create a long-standing relationship with the club going forward.

“The deal gives us a five-figure sum which offsets the impact of the previous sponsor, and keeps us in the same state until the end of the season.”

Mr Brown’s positive language was echoed by David McRae, managing director of JEL who added: “There’s a distinct possibility it could be extended beyond the season. We’ll certainly be talking to the directors to see if there’s further longevity in the relationship.”

While Partick have secured their finances for the immediate future, there are still pressing concerns over the long- term situation. The loss of tenants Glasgow Warriors in the summer and the approximate £100,000 each year they bring is still a major issue after the Pro 12 side announced plans to relocate to a new home at Scotstoun Stadium.

“Losing the Warriors to Scotstoun is something the board are working on and it’s one of our priorities,” admitted Mr Brown. “It’s history now. We know that. It’s now important we try to find a solution.”

Thistle are also investigating the potential for a plastic pitch at Firhill. Synthetic surfaces are already rolled out at SFL sides Stenhousemuir, Alloa and Montrose, and manager Jackie McNamara has voiced his support for the development.

Meanwhile, speculation online has revolved around the possibility of Thistle inviting Queen’s Park to ground share at Firhill for the 2014-2015 season.

With Hampden being used as a venue in the Commonwealth Games, the Spiders may be forced to find temporary accommodation.

However, an official spokesman for Partick insisted: “We are not speaking to Queen’s Park about a ground share.”