PARTICK THISTLE will begin the process of finding a new boss to fill the Firhill hotseat early next week.

Club chairman Allan Cowan confirmed the Jags' board will invite applications for the management vacancy on Monday.

And they hope to have a new man in place towards the end of May.

Cowan said: "We took the decision that there was no need to invite applications until after the final ball was kicked and as a result we will be inviting those on Monday.

"After that the whole process will probably take us to the end of May."

One name not in the frame is former Motherwell gaffer Terry Butcher.

The England and Rangers legend had been assisting caretaker boss Jimmy Bone, but yesterday agreed to become the new boss at English League One relegation strugglers Brentford.

Butcher had made it clear he had no intention of taking the Partick post when he teamed up with Bone a month or so back.

Outwith the management maelstrom, the Thistle board continue to pursue the level of fresh investment - £500,000 - that would allow them to retain this season's playing budget of around £700,000 a year.

The outcome of that cash conundrum may well have a direct bearing on the identity of the new manager. Caretaker boss Bone has continued to oversee a positive upturn in the side's performances and results.

Yet, the delay in appointing a successor to Dick Campbell is a concern in that it will have a direct implication on the quality of player that can be attracted to Firhill for the new campaign - with or without fresh investment.

When it comes to available players the cream of the crop tend to be snapped up halfway through May. The out-of-contract position of skipper Jimmy Gibson, keeper Kenny Arthur and the versatile Billy Gibson - to name but three of the 13 or so available first-team squad players - highlights this situation.

The Tank is free to talk to other clubs after Saturday and following his outstanding Scottish Cup quarter final performance against Dunfermline is not short of admirers.

So while the new boss will be able to rely on the services of players such as top scorer Mark Roberts, who is under contract for another season, it would seem probable the likes of Gibson may be snapped up.

Cowan, however, remains confident that the core of a decent side - nine players are under contract for another campaign - remains intact.

The Firhill supremo said: "We have nine players we consider to be more than just the spine of a good quality side.

"Then it will be up to the new manager to establish who he wants to bring in and how he wants to build the team."