PARTICK THISTLE manager Ian McCall has been reunited with Ross Docherty after the midfielder left Ayr United to sign a two-year deal with the Jags.

Docherty was captain with the Honest Men under McCall and made just under 150 appearances for the club, twice helping Ayr to promotion to the Championship in the process.

The 27-year-old has made the step down to League One, despite much doubt over when the lower leagues will actually resume.

Thistle have also announced that they have extended the contracts of six players until the end of this month as part of the government’s job retention scheme.

The likes of Darian MacKinnon, Tommy Robson, Joe Cardle, Steven Saunders and Alex Jones were among those who had been due to become free agents by June 10.

On Docherty, McCall said: “I’ve worked with Ross for a long time. He’s given five years of terrific service at Ayr where he was my captain, and his level of consistency throughout that time was excellent.

“He’s a fine footballer but it’s also Ross as a person that will improve what we have at the club – he is a winner.

“In terms of his style of play, Ross gets all over the pitch, can pass a football well, reads the game and will break up play to let others get on the ball.

“He is the type of player we need and gives us options. I can see him playing alongside and complementing Stuart Bannigan in the heart of the midfield, potentially allowing us to play another freer player in there.

“He’s still a relatively young man and we’re all looking forward to working with him at Firhill.”

Regarding the furlough contract extensions, chief executive Gerry Britton said: “With a schedule for the resumption of football not yet confirmed and SPFL discussions ongoing, planning for next season continues to carry uncertainty for all clubs.

“With that in mind, we are continuing to reserve our right to look after our own while they are still our own.

“So those six players whose contracts are due for expiry by 10th June 2020 have had their contracts extended until the end of this month as we continue to use the government furlough scheme.

“Just as the club is unable to plan with certainty, neither can these players and so we believe it is right for us to enable them to receive an income until the picture becomes clearer.”