Kris Doolan has been sacked by Partick Thistle and the Firhill club are now on the lookout for a new manager.
Despite sitting fourth in the Championship table, the club made the difficult decision to part ways with Thistle legend Doolan on Monday morning.
Doolan failed to win his final four league games as boss and conceded 10 goals in his last three, three of which came in defeat to Raith Rovers on Saturday.
All told, Partick Thistle have only won one Championship game in 2025 and the club feel a new manager is needed to reignite their push for the Premiership play-offs.
Confirming the decision to part ways with Doolan and his assistant manager Paul McDonald, Partick Thistle’s official statement read: “This decision was not taken lightly.
“Kris is a club legend, revered for his years as a prolific goal-scorer and, more recently, for leading the team through two exciting play-off campaigns as manager.
“Kris’ association with Partick Thistle began just over 16 years ago when he joined as a player. Over the next decade, he made 401 appearances and scored 121 goals before departing in 2019.
“He returned in January 2023 as a coach in the club’s Youth Academy before stepping into the managerial role following Ian McCall’s departure.
“Under his leadership, Thistle secured a play-off place in his first season and came agonisingly close to becoming the first club to achieve promotion to the Premiership from fourth place in the Championship.
“Last season, The Jags improved to third, once again qualifying for the play-offs.”
Thistle chairman Richard Beastall reiterated that it wasn’t an easy call to sack Doolan before paying tribute to the Firhill legend.
He said: “The board have made the difficult decision to part ways with Kris. This was not an easy choice.
“When Kris left as a player in 2019, it was said that ‘He is, and always will be, a legend at Partick Thistle Football Club.’ That remains true today.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Kris for his dedication and wish him the very best for the future. He will always be welcome at Firhill.”
Brian Graham and Mark Wilson will take interim charge of the first-team until a new manager appointment is made by Partick Thistle.
So might be in the running for the Thistle job? It’s an attractive position given the size of the club and where they currently sit in the Championship.
Not The Old Firm have listed 10 potential next Partick Thistle manager candidates below.
James McPake
Sacked by Dunfermline Athletic as recently as December, James McPake may well be looking for a quick return to the dugout. He won promotion to the Premiership with Dundee in 2021 and guided Dunfermline to the League One title in his first season in charge.
Ian Murray
There’s no doubt Ian Murray wants to get back into management after his shock departure from Raith Rovers at the start of this season. Murray was heavily linked with the Dunfermline job after McPake was given his marching orders and is an experienced operator at Championship level.
Steven Naismith
Steven Naismith may well appear to be enjoying his media duties at the moment, but the Partick Thistle job could be an attractive proposition for the former Hearts manager. Led the Jambos to third place in the Premiership last season.
Stuart Kettlewell
Stuart Kettlewell left Motherwell in stunning circumstances just a few weeks ago – but he insists he is ready to get back into the dugout. He departed the Fir Park club due to abuse he and his family were allegedly subjected to. Had a 40.22% win record with the Steelmen in the Premiership.
Brian Graham
Brian Graham has been placed in temporary charge of Partick Thistle alongside Mark Wilson – could the veteran striker throw his hat into the ring? Revered by every Thistle fan, Graham has gained managerial experience with the Firhill club’s women’s team.
Neil Lennon
Seems to be linked with every Premiership or Championship manager gig every time a vacancy becomes available. Neil Lennon is currently out of work after a woeful spell in charge of Rapid București. Won promotion to the Premiership as Hibs boss in 2017.
Gary Naysmith
Former Hearts star Gary Naysmith’s work at Stenhousemuir over the last two years has been nothing short of magnificent. He led the team to the League Two title in 2024 and now has Stenny fighting for promotion at the top end of League One.
Mark Fotheringham
Mark Fotheringham has recently voiced his desire to get back into management, particularly in Scotland. Was last manager of Huddersfield Town in the EFL Championship and previously worked in Germany as an assistant manager.
Billy Davies
Former Motherwell and Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies recently told Not The Old Firm about his want to get back in the dugout despite being out of the game for years now. The 60-year-old is definitely the most experienced option on this list.
Alan Archibald
It’s a long shot but Alan Archibald could be a sensible option for Partick Thistle. Managed the club between 2013 and 2018 when he guided them to the Championship title and kept them in the Premiership for five years. Currently working under Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock.