Scott Paterson has insisted that the Partick Thistle management team aren’t allowing speculation over their futures affect their plans for next season at Firhill.

The Jags number two says that preparations for the next campaign are already well under way as Thistle look to build on the success of reaching the top six this season.

And despite Swindon Town being the latest English club to be linked with an interest in the services of manager Alan Archibald, Paterson claims that their focus is squarely on Thistle.

“I can’t really say too much about that other than to let you know that we have a job to concentrate on at Thistle, and that is what we will continue to do,” Paterson said.

“It has been a great season for the club, and Alan and myself both feel that we are really building something here.

“Of course, in football at any level or in any country, if you are doing well then you are going to be linked with other clubs, so it’s no surprise to see Alan’s name in the papers being linked to here, there or wherever.

“It’s the same with the players, as we see with young Liam Lindsay at the moment too.

“But as far as I’m concerned, there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop that, and we’re not even thinking about these sorts of stories at the club.

“Partick Thistle is the sole focus for all of us, and we are already looking at next season and getting things in place so that we can try and do as well as we have done this season once again.”

Paterson knows that the challenge facing Thistle to replicate their top-half finish next season is a daunting one.

But with a stable squad and the continuity that comes with that, he believes there is no reason why Thistle can’t upset the odds yet again.

“We know it is going to take a huge effort to get into the top half of the table next season,” he said.

“Hibs are back up and we all know that they will have a decent budget given their fanbase, and the likes of a Dundee United could be back in the mix too.

“So, we are under no illusions that we will have a job on our hands to top or even equal what we have achieved in this campaign, but we believe we are in a strong position to give it a go.

“A couple of years back we decided to try to get away from all of these one-year contracts that were so common at the time, and I think we have reaped the benefits of that this season already.

“It means that we have a good core group of players already signed up for the next campaign, and that can only help us.

“It takes a weight off a little bit when you know you aren’t scrambling about all summer trying to fill six or seven jerseys, and of course, the players being familiar with one another and knowing each other’s games is a big help too.

“In the past couple of seasons we have started terribly, so hopefully we can get off to a better start next season and not give ourselves a mountain to climb again.”