DAVID BEATTIE knows he might not finish what he has started … but that will not stop the Partick Thistle chairman putting the building blocks in place for a prosperous future.

Since taking the helm at Firhill, the Glasgow businessman and his fellow-directors have transformed the fortunes of the Jags, with the club's return to the top flight achieved in superb style by a vibrant squad of players on the backdrop of financial prudence in the boardroom.

Beattie announced a £750,000 investment this month from EuroMillions winners Chris and Colin Weir that will see stars of the future nurtured through the Thistle Weir Youth Academy.

It is another significant step forward for the club and, with Alan Archibald's side already some way towards their goal of retaining their top-flight status for next year, the building work will continue.

"There is very much a long-term plan in place," Beattie told SportTimes. "The money we have received from the Weirs has accelerated that in regards to youth development. It is very pleasing to see the squad proving themselves in the Premiership and that can only augur well for the future on the field.

"As long as the board continue to ensure we live within our means, things are looking good. We always say that with a tinge of caution, we won't get carried away."

The coming days will give everyone at Firhill another chance to take stock, with Beattie set to lead the club's AGM this week before the visit of Celtic on Sunday rounds off the first quarter of the Premiership campaign.

Archibald's side have made an impressive start to life amongst Scotland's elite, with their current seventh-place standing perhaps not just reward for their efforts thus far.

Off the field, the Jags were once again run to break-even margins during the last financial year as they posted a profit of £5,000 and restructured the bank debt of £500,000 that will be repaid over the next decade.

Beattie said: "We have a vision of where we are heading and what part we need to play. It is a very good place to be just now. We will have a lot more money coming in this year so there is more in the playing budget for the management team.

"It will be a break-even budget once again this year. That is how the club is run. There is nothing in the accounts that should concern anyone."

With the best Thistle side fans have seen in many years showcasing their talents in the Premiership and an increasingly positive financial outlook, Beattie and his board can be more than satisfied with their efforts that have got the club to their current position.

The job will never fully be completed as the Jags continue to grow and evolve and Beattie is pleased to have played his part in creating the Firhill feelgood factor.

He said: "I would step aside tomorrow if I thought somebody could come and do the job. I would step aside if there is somebody bigger and better than me.

"I have no plan to leave right now. I know that I won't be here forever. It is not about me anyway, it is about the club. All the directors see themselves as custodians of Partick Thistle.

"It is very gratifying to see an institution like this club starting to grow once again. Previously, it perhaps lost a bit of direction.

"The board of directors are proud of their efforts and determined to continue working hard to ensure this club goes from strength to strength and the fans have the club they deserve."