THE record books are all about the numbers ...

but Partick Thistle means more than stats and figures to Alan Archibald.

The Jags boss will mark another milestone in his Firhill career this weekend, but it is unlikely to be the last as he continues his love affair with the club.

After 423 appearances as a player in red and yellow, Archibald will take charge of his 100th game as manager when the Jags face Hamilton Accies on Saturday.

Since replacing Jackie McNamara in January, 2013, Archibald has taken Thistle to the First Division title and a tenth place finish in the Premiership, enhancing his legendary status with the Firhill fans.

Having secured top-flight football for a third straight season, he now has his sights set on seventh spot as Thistle bid to continue their impressive run of form and clinch the 37th win of his stewardship.

The highs - from title wins at Falkirk and parties at Firhill to a relegation escape at Tynecastle and another on home soil last weekend - far outweigh the lows in the Archibald era.

And the Jags boss admits his affinity with the club, the players under his charge and the fans who chant his name, gives him extra motivation to strive for success as he prepares to hit 100 not out.

He said: "I think it means more and I take it to heart more because it is Thistle. I can't compare it because I haven't been anywhere else as a manager, but I have an affiliation with the club and I have been here most of my life.

"It hurts when we lose games, it affects me probably more than what it would elsewhere because Thistle means so much to me.

"I don't want the club to go down from a managerial point of view, but I know what it would mean for the club from the bottom to the top. Being in the Premiership is crucial for the club.

"There will be pressure on the players next season and they will want to progress, we all do.

"We know it is going to be tough because there could be some big clubs coming in with big budgets.

"But, as long as we are progressing and playing good football then that is the main thing."

From his first game in charge against then title rivals Morton to the win over St Mirren on Saturday that clinched another season in the Premiership, Archibald's achievements are significant as he has become one of the most promising young bosses in the country.

The disappointments, like the Ramsdens Cup final defeat to Queen of the South and loss to Ross County at Firhill earlier this season, have been learning curves, steps back that have been followed by two forward.

Archibald said: "I don't think anyone would have thought where we would be 100 games in.

"When I took over, I wouldn't have envisaged a couple of years later being safe in the Premiership with three games to go.

"It has all been down to the players, they have been absolutely fantastic. The big thing I had on my side was a great pool of players and most of them are still here.

"It is great to have the backing of the chairman and the board as well. They are honest with me and I am honest with them. We have got a good understanding."

It is impossible to know what the future holds for Thistle and Archibald, and what the next three games this season will bring, never mind if he will reach a double century.

But, on and off the park, the signs are promising for the club and the manager as they look to build on the foundations they have put in place.

Archibald said: "I have got good staff here and I can delegate to them. You can't do everything.

"I used to try and do everything myself, because you think you have to.

"But you have to trust others to do things for you. You can't cover all bases.

"I don't think I have changed too much, but you are learning all the time.

"It is on and off the pitch. You learn about the players, different situations and are looking to improve all the time."