PARTICK THISTLE boss Alan Archibald is targeting up to seven new arrivals to boost his squad for their assault on the SPL.

As revealed in SportTimes, Firhill stars Kris Doolan, Ross Forbes and James Craigen have agreed new deals with the club as Archie continues his building work ahead of the new season.

Former St Mirren goalkeeper Paul Gallacher is also in talks with the Irn-Bru First Division champions over a potential summer switch.

Archibald has already lost Paul Paton and Chris Erskine to Dundee United while Steven Craig and Andy Dowie have been released.

And the Jags boss is sure the SPL new boys can still be an attractive proposition for those on his shopping list.

He said: "We have offered a deal to Christie Elliot, we are waiting for him getting back to us. James Craigen is on holiday, but he is in contract.

"Most of the players in contract we have offered deals to in a bid get them signed up. It is up to them now.

"It is a window of opportunity for them to go and play in the SPL and if they do well they will move on. If they do the business for us then we are delighted.

"There is no doubt about it, we are probably a bit lower than everyone else's budget in the SPL and we know that. What we have got here is a good catchment area, a good club and a good shop window.

"That is what we can sell it as. We have a very good young squad that likes to play football which is a bonus.

"I think on top of the guys we already have, we probably need six or seven more. We lost Paton, we lost Erskine, we let Steven Craig and Andy Dowie go.

"We have offered a deal to Jordan McMillan, but I think he has a bit of interest down south as well. We have a few to replace, we know that.

"We need to get a goalie coach in as well, and a No.2."

The captures of Doolan and Forbes is another major boost for Thistle ahead of their return to the top flight after a nine-year absence.

They have penned two and one-year deals respectively at Firhill and Archibald is confident his latest recruits will prove crucial in the SPL next term.

He said: "I am delighted, they have both done really well for us.

"Dools has been here for a number of years now and it brings stability and a bit of continuity.

"There was a bit of interest in him as well, but he has decided to stay here so I am thrilled.

"Ross had an outstanding season last year, he had plenty of goals and assists. He showed a bit of desire when he came here and played for nothing to put himself in the shop window and we have rewarded him with a new deal.

"I don't know exactly (what the interest was in Doolan) but I know we fought hard to keep him. He brings so much to the table.

"He is a good lad and a good professional. He deserves a chance in the SPL.

"It is important we have a bit of continuity in the dressing room.

"We have got boys who have been here for a couple of years and know what the club is about. We are delighted to get them signed up."