Alan Archibald leads tributes as Partick Thistle mourn sudden passing of kitman Ricky Roughan

The 65-year-old was in the Jags dugout next to his manager as recently as Saturday to watch his team secured their Ladbrokes Premiership safety with an away win at Kilmarnock.

However, he took unwell last night and sadly died this morning.

Having joined the Firhill club 25 years ago, Ricky’s death has been described as the end of a ‘golden era’ for Thistle, who have paid an emotional tribute to him just a year on after the sad passing of fellow kitman James ‘Chico’ Reilly.

And speaking exclusively to the Evening Times, Archibald said: “Everyone connected with the club is absolutely devastated.

"We’ve had messages from people all over the world including former players, employees and fans. I’ve known Ricky for more than 20 years and was personally gutted to hear the news this morning.

“Everybody knew Ricky as a kit man but in truth he was so much more than that. Even after the worst of games he would be there to pick up the dressing room and I have rarely met someone who made me laugh as much as the wee man.

"He would never let you get too big for your boots either though and anyone whose ego got out of control was quickly brought back down to earth!

“He’ll be a big, big miss around Firhill and I don’t think anyone here can really believe that they won’t see him the next time they come in the players’ entrance.”

Thistle, who play Dundee United tonight in the Premiership, said in a statement: “Partick Thistle are more than a football club, they are a family, and there is absolutely no doubt that Ricky was a major part of that family with his loss being deeply felt by everyone at the club,” it read.

“He was, of course, part of a quite special double act alongside Chico Reilly, who, in a cruel twist of fate, passed away a little more than a year ago on the back of a terrific win.

“Ricky was in his usual place on Saturday with his infectious brand of humour making sure that the win over Kilmarnock, and our subsequent safety, was celebrated in true Ricky style. Sadly he took ill overnight and succumbed to his illness early this morning.

Alan Archibald led the tributes to Ricky

“For those of you who knew Ricky you will only have to think about any of his antics to bring a smile to your face.

“He simply knew how to ensure the dressing room was never down for long and how to celebrate when it was going well. He truly was part of the great Partick Thistle family.

“The last few years had been tough for Ricky as he lost his wife and best friend, Margaret, before losing his partner in crime last year, wee Chico.

“To say his loss will be felt far and wide is an understatement, his passing is the end of a golden era at Firhill and there will be many people still involved in the club from when he first started who will miss him greatly.

“There is little doubt that many people will be queuing up to pay tribute to a very special person - they will all have the same tone, as mad as a box of frogs but one hell of a good guy.

“Rest easy Ricky.”