FORMER Partick Thistle directors Jacqui Low, Alan Rough and Michael Robertson have issued a joint statement defending their stewardship of the club.

Chairman Low was among those forced out of the club last week, with David Beattie returning to Firhill to take her place ahead of a proposed takeover by NewCity Capital.

A subsequent statement from Beattie contained some thinly-veiled digs at the previous regime, and now the deposed directors have issued a response, including the threat of legal action over any accusations that the club was in financial trouble under their leadership.

The statement read: “Whilst initially reluctant to say anything about recent events at Partick Thistle, there have been damaging rumours about the competence of the previous board, especially around financial matters, that cannot go unchallenged. We want fans to be clear that Thistle was not failing under the previous board’s stewardship. Any further claim or suggestion to the contrary, implied or otherwise, will be challenged legally.

Glasgow Times:

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“Last season, the previous board ensured that the Club remained debt-free, generated a significant profit despite relegation, produced a strong budget for next season that is now fully funded and secured the option to access £350k in January 2020 should it be required for the final push. Off the pitch, processes and practices were put in place to be more efficient and effective, including new financial reporting, software and the introduction of an external accountancy firm, moves that were to strengthen controls rather than removing them. 

“As a club, Thistle has grown from where it was a year ago - it is strong and thriving, poised on the brink of football success again and funded to achieve that. The vision was being realised for a self-sustaining organisation, with a strong business focus to generate money for the Club to succeed on the pitch. 

“Thanks to everyone involved at Thistle, including fans, for their friendship and support. We wish Thistle well for the future and look forward to a successful season as the Club starts it with the full benefit – financial or otherwise - of all the tough decisions we made in the last year. We hope that the new board will continue to build on that legacy.”