PARTICK THISTLE chairman Allan Cowan has today welcomed the addition of new director David Beattie as vital to helping the Firhill side stabilise their financial position.

It is believed the arrival of Beattie, who has made a six-figure investment in Thistle, is likely to be the first of three significant financial stakes in the Jags, with a new shirt sponsor also set to be unveiled.

And Cowan reiterated his delight at attracting the Enterprise Foods chief on to the board.

He said: "We are delighted to welcome David Beattie on board, and it would be fair to say that his investment will help us avoid a fairly difficult financial scenario and go a long way to keeping the club in a healthy business state.

"But we're still in discussion with several shirt sponsors while we are also continuing to work on redeveloping the stadium to maximise our income streams. As a board, we realised changes had to be made and are now optimistic about the footing we are on."

Beattie, who attended his first board meeting yesterday, has vowed to plough his energy into increasing Thistle's income.

The Whiteinch-born entrepreneur said: "I had been a dormant Jags fan of recent times because of business.

"I have got the chance now to put something back and my 15-year-old son Shaun is a huge Jags fan, and that is really the driver and the passion.

"I have some ideas that I would like to get the board to ratify, but that's going to take a few months before I can even air them. I might be coming left-field with the ideas."

Ian McCall aims to put the thrill back into Firhill after being unveiled as Jags boss.

Cowan also revealed a supporters' fund the Thistle board are hoping will augment McCall's drive for players.

He said: "It is a separate fund that will only be used for the signing of players. There seems to be interest in it and we're aiming at Thistle supporters who have a bob or two. £100 a month from these people could make a difference."

Meanwhile, McCall sees Gardner Speirs' addition as his No.2 as vital in helping establish the Jags as an attractive team and making Firhill a fortress.

He said: "The main thing is to play a certain style of football to get the fans entertained. Gardner is known for that type of football. We need to give the fans an attractive product.

"I want to make Firhill a place where other teams don't like coming."

And ex-Clyde boss Speirs feels his new club will have no trouble attracting fresh blood.

The former St Mirren striker said: "With the contacts Ian and myself have, hopefully we can bring players here that allow us to put an exciting team on the pitch that entertains but also wins."