Archibald Returns To Partick Thistle

Dundee United defender Alan Archibald has returned to Partick Thistle, after manager Craig Levein decided a few weeks ago that the 29-year-old was surplus to requirements at the club.

Archibald's contract with Dundee United was set to expire in the summer, with Levein deciding that no extension would be offered to either Archibald or his defensive partner David McCracken.

Although, an injury to Lee Mair means that Levein has decided to keep McCracken at Tannadice until the end of the campaign, rather than risk being short of cover in defence.

"Alan was a good servant to United and was always thoroughly professional. He is going back to a club that knows him well and I wish him all the best," said Levein.

Signed originally from Partick Thistle in June 2003, he made 231 appearances and scored 8 goals at Firhill, after signing from Kilwinning Rangers in September 1996.

Archibald was happy to be returning to his former club, saying "I am delighted to be going back to Firhill and this is the right move for me at this stage of my career."

Patrick Thistle boss Dick Campbell was also in a cheerful mood about capturing the services of the experienced defender.

"There has been negotiations for several weeks although it seemed we were struggling financially to compete with other clubs. However, it is a mark of Alan's desire to come back to Firhill that we managed to come out on top," said Campbell.

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