PARTICK THISTLE hope to agree a new contract with defender Paul Paton this week.
The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with Jackie McNamara's side 12 months ago and, after a hugely impressive campaign in red and yellow, had been attracting interest from a number of clubs with a view to a Bosman move this summer.
McNamara made retaining Paton and Paul Cairney two of his top priorities as he builds his squad for his second season in the Firhill dugout and, while it appears his hopes of holding on to Cairney have diminished – with the midfielder set to clinch a move to Scottish Premier League side Hibernian – Paton is edging closer to committing himself to Thistle.
McNamara has moved quickly to put his plans in place for next season as he prepares for an assault on the Irn-Bru First Division title and has already agreed new deals with captain Alan Archibald, defensive trio Stephen O'Donnell, Conrad Balatoni and Aaron Sinclair, and strike star Mark McGuigan.
Meanwhile, Jags fans will have the chance to say farewell to Firhill this season and star on the hallowed turf this weekend.
The club have organised the Firhill Cup and Family Fun Day, giving supporters the chance to realise their dreams and play in front of the Jackie Husband Stand while helping raise funds for McNamara's transfer kitty.
General manager Ian Maxwell said: "The Firhill Cup was a huge success last season and we hope it will be even bigger and better this year.
"We hope as many fans as possible will come along on Sunday for the tournament or to enjoy the other events we have planned."