PARTICK THISTLE today announced a sponsorship deal with Just Employment Law until the end of the season.

The Jags have agreed a deal with the Glasgow-based law firm that will net them a five-figure sum after previous sponsors macb went into administration last month.

The loss of the water retailer's backing was another major financial blow to the Firhill club as they battle to balance the books.

They had penned a three-year deal worth a significant six-figure sum with macb in May but were then left facing the nightmare scenario of receiving no sponsorship income until the end of the campaign.

However, that is no longer the case and Jackie McNamara's side will now wear the new JEL-sponsored shirts, starting with Saturday's match at Livingston.

The new deal will ease boardroom anxiety in the coming months and Jags chairman David Beattie is delighted to welcome their new partners on board.

He said: "Thistle have had a couple of financial blows in the past few months so we are delighted today to give the fans positive news as we announce our new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal.

"It didn't take long to thrash out the details with the JEL team as they were very keen to come on board and be part of Thistle.

"JEL will be a very hands-on sponsor and we look forward to building a firm relationship with them."

JEL managing director David McRae said: "We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Partick Thistle, who are not only a venerable Glasgow institution but are also our local team.

"We believe this deal will further enhance our profile within the legal services market and that this will be a winning combination for both parties."

The news of macb's demise came just months after Glasgow Warriors announced their intention to end their tenancy agreement at Firhill and move to Scotstoun Stadium later this year.

Losing the income previously guaranteed by Rabo-Direct Pro 12 side will place a significant hole in Thistle's budget for next season, and the club are working hard to find a way of bridging the gap.

Beattie had stressed that the Warriors' departure would prove more damaging to Thistle's finances than the macb situation, but he is confident the club can continue to prosper.

He said: "The Warriors leaving is still a large issue for us and we will still have deal with the financial implications of their move.

"The loss of macb was another blow so it is pleasing to be able to fill that hole to a degree.

"It shows we still have a strong brand.

"It is important we continue to promote ourselves and our values as a family club through initiatives like 'kids go free'."