Partick Thistle have appointed Gerry Britton as the club's new chief executive.

The 47-year-old, who had two spells as a player with the Jags, had been working as the director of the Thistle youth academy.

Britton also had a managerial stint at Firhill and chairman David Beattie said that his strong club connections played a part in landing the role ahead of other candidates.

Beattie told the Partick Thistle website: "The Chief Executive role has taken on an even greater significance for the Club in light of recent developments.

"It is vital that we have someone who knows and understands the club and its supporters and also knows exactly what is required in the coming months.

"Following a rigorous recruitment process we believe that we have the perfect man for the job in Gerry Britton.

"We were pleased and impressed at both the number and quality of applications we received for the job, from north and south of the border, and an incredibly strong shortlist emerged.

"After a rigorous process, including an initial application, two assessment interviews, a face-to-face selection meeting with the Board's recruitment panel and then ratification by the full Board, it was clear that Gerry was the best candidate by far to take the Club forward at this crucial time.

"It's a great appointment for Thistle and all at the Club now look forward to working with Gerry in this new capacity.

"In addition to his long connection with Thistle in a number of key roles, Gerry stood out in terms of his strategic thinking and football knowledge.

"These qualities were backed up by an irrepressible passion for the club as well as a strong desire to be part of the team tasked with moving Thistle on in the coming year.

"It's a great appointment for Thistle and all at the Club now look forward to working with Gerry in this new capacity."

Britton's position as director of the Thistle Weir Academy will be filled by the current interim director, Scott Allison.

Since hanging up his boots, Britton has spent four years working for a Glasgow law firm in addition to working for the PFA and Show Racism the Red Card.