Archibald surprise at Manager of the Year nomination
Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald was stunned to learn he had been nominated for the PFA Scotland manager of the year award.
Partick Thistle boss Alan Archibald was stunned to learn he had been nominated for the PFA Scotland manager of the year award.
The Jags manager has been recognised after leading the Firhill outfit into the top six of the Ladbrokes Premiership for the first time.
But Archibald confessed he had counted himself out of the running because his side's feat is not respected as highly as some of the achievements pieced together by his rivals for the prize, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, Aberdeen's Derek McInnes and Jim Duffy of Morton.
He said: "It's great. I'm surprised just to be in the running with the other guys who have done so well this season.
"I'm just glad the club, along with my staff and players, are getting the recognition as well because they have worked so hard to get us to where we are in the league.
"I never expected this because we haven't won anything. Brendan has won a couple of trophies, Derek has taken Aberdeen to semi-finals and finals, and so has Jim as well.
"We're in sixth place and sometimes people from outside don't know how hard you work and what it takes to get there.
"Some people look at the top six and think it's no big deal but it's huge to a club like ours - it's as good as winning a trophy.''
Thistle defender Liam Lindsay has also been honoured for his performances this term after being voted by PFA members in the Premiership team of the year.
And Archibald reckons it is a fitting tribute to the 21-year-old after a impressive campaign.
"I coached Liam in the Under-17s then gave his debut when I took over the first-team. So from there's nothing better for a manager than player development paying off.
"Every year he's got better and better. In his first season he made a lot of mistakes.
"But he was learning from them at the same time and that is important for a young player.
"Now he has virtually cut the mistakes out completely this year and is still getting better.
"It's just fantastic that he has been named in the team of the year with some other fantastic players too.
"We'll never stand in his way if a big club comes along for him. We'd wish him all the best because he's done great for us.
"But hopefully Liam realises it has to be the right club for him. At his age he has to be playing games. For his development to continue, he can't be sitting on the bench for long periods.''