IAN McCALL has agreed to leave Ayr United to become the new manager of Partick Thistle.

McCall, who was previously in charge of Thistle between 2007 and 2011, was approached by the Firhill club late last week, and said that he faced a dilemma between returning for a second spell in charge of the Jags, who currently sit bottom of the Championship, or staying at Somerset Park where he has the Honest Men flying high in second place.

In the end, the pull of Thistle seems to have proved too strong, and McCall will be unveiled at Firhill tomorrow.

Former Thistle manager Alan Archibald and Ayr first-team coach Neil Scally are expected to join McCall's management team. 

A statement from Ayr read: "Ian McCall has informed the club of his decision to accept the position of manager with Partick Thistle Football Club. We are currently in discussions with Partick Thistle to agree compensation details.

"Sandy Stewart has agreed to take over the first team manager’s role in the interim and he will be assisted by Mark Kerr.

"We would like to thank Ian for the progress he has helped Ayr United make on the road to becoming an established Championship club with the ambition to progress to the highest levels of the Scottish game.

"The club is disappointed to be losing Ian and had indicated our desire for him to remain with Ayr United. We wish Ian well for the future.

"The board of directors is determined to build on the progress made over the past five seasons and the club will issue more information during the week."