Partick Thistle today named Jackie McNamara as their new manager.

The former Jags defender has agreed a one-year rolling contract and will be assisted by Simon Donnelly.

The pair had been in temporary charge of the Firhill club since Ian McCall's shock resignation last month, guiding the Jags to fifth place in the First Division despite a host of injuries that stretched his resources to breaking point.

McNamara was given the final five games of the season to impress the Firhill hierarchy and prove that he was the right man to succeed McCall in the long term.

His temporary spell in charge came to an end last Saturday as the Jags finished the season with a flourish and a 3-0 win over Raith Rovers.

Thistle received a number of applications for the position, but the board have now placed their faith in McNamara for the new season.

The ex-Celtic defender takes his first step into management with the Jags alongside his former Parkhead team-mate.

"I am delighted," McNamara said. "It is a great opportunity for me starting out. I enjoyed my time here as a player. Now I have got the chance to come here as manager and work with Simon.

"It is good to be involved and I am looking forward to it."

The appointment of McNamara and Donnelly brings an end to Thistle's search for McCall's successor.

The pair had the support of the Firhill squad, with two wins from their five games enough to convince the Jags board of their qualities.

"We are delighted to announce Jackie McNamara as the manager of Partick Thistle Football Club and Simon Donnelly as his assistant," director David Beattie said.

"Jackie and Simon have been working for the club for a number of years, especially Simon.

"For the last five games, they have been in interim charge of the team.

"It goes without saying that their experience in football is second to none.

"We're delighted to give them their first management opportunity and I'm sure they will do well."

McNamara's appointment marks his first foray into management, but the former Scotland stopper always appeared the favourite to replace McCall in the Firhill dugout. He was one of two applicants interviewed for the position.

McNamara and Donnelly assumed coaching roles with the club this season and Beattie admits their vision for the future was key to their appointment.

"Jackie has a lot of experience in professional football," Beattie added. "Primarily, it was the attitude and the culture of the man. He is a true professional.

"His thoughts about football and our thoughts about football as a board going forward for Partick Thistle allied."