Partick Thistle captain Abdul Osman is praying that manager Alan Archibald doesn’t follow Liam Lindsay out of the Firhill exit, admitting that his heart is in his mouth whenever a vacancy comes up.
Archibald has been linked with various posts this summer, from being touted to replace Derek McInnes should he have left Aberdeen to the latest link with a move to Oxford United.
Osman puts all of Thistle’s success over the last few seasons down to his boss, and he doesn’t even want to think about what it would be like around the club if he wasn’t around.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s very worrying when the manager is linked with a move,” Osman said.
“He’s one of the best managers I’ve played under. He’s very relaxed and he’s the kind of manager you want to play for.
“His calmness around the place breeds confidence and you always know what he wants you to do. If he goes, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we’re just praying he stays - but at the end of the day, when you’ve had success this comes with the territory.
“It’s kind of heart in your mouth whenever a job comes up down south. We think about that, players do talk about it, but we’re just hoping he decides to stay.”
While Osman will be sad to see young defender Lindsay go, with the 21-year-old joining Barnsley yesterday, he has faith that his gaffer can find a suitable replacement.
Archibald’s success over the years in recruitment is just another reason why Osman is desperate for him to stay at Firhill.
“It’s going to be a big task to fill Liam’s shoes because he has improved every year,” he said.
“When I came in he was just pushing to get in the first team and within a year he was playing regularly and he’s done really well.
“Liam has all the attributes to do well in England. Obviously, he’ll have to adapt because he’s still young but he’s got all the attributes to succeed.
“He’s big, strong, heads everything and can get you a goal, which is important. They love that down south when you’re big and can head everything and he’s got that. On the ball he’s getting better all the time and with experience he’ll be a great player.
“So, it’s going to be hard to replace him but the management team know what they’re doing, they have scouts everywhere.
“It’s down to the manager to be honest. The manager has recruited well, as you can see in guys he’s brought in like Ryan (Edwards) and Barts (Adam Barton) who have both done really well - Barts got player of the year last season.
“It’s about recruiting the right players that fit into the squad and good organisation is key.
“We’re beyond just wanting to stay up now and that’s all down to the gaffer and Scottie (Paterson) with what they’ve done. All praise goes to them.
“Their recruitment is very important and everyone who has come in has kicked on and done well and fitted into the squad.”
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