Having signed up Hugh Murray, Steven Lawless, Aaron Muirhead and Sean Welsh ahead of his second term in the dugout, McNamara has set his sights firmly on improving their lot this time round after a sixth-place finish last term.

And Doolan can't wait to get down to business as Jags prepare for a shot at top spot in the coming months.

He said: "I think last year will not only do the gaffer good but it will do the players good as well. It is a year to get used to the manager and he's built a really good team.

"We have a good blend of experience and youth and that is what you need to make a push for the SPL. We are really looking forward to it."

Thistle frustrated their fans last term as inconsistency robbed them of the chance to climb the First Division standings but the signs were encouraging as McNamara enjoyed a creditable maiden season in the dugout.

Doolan said: "I think there is a good feeling about the club and the playing staff.

"We have got some really good players who are looking to push on and push for the Premier League. We are just hoping that everyone gets behind us now. There is a really good feeling behind us.

"It is a team that deserves to be in the Premier League. The backroom staff, everything about the club, they deserve to be in the Premier League and we are going to try and fire them into the SPL this year."