FORMER Partick Thistle manager David McParland has died at the age of 83.

The former boss, who also spent time in charge at Queen's Park and as an assistant manager at Celtic, passed away the day after Thistle announced the club's new training centre is to be named in his honour.

McParland played 584 times for Thistle, scoring 104 goals, going on to manage the club for four years between 1970 and 1974.

He led Thistle to promotion to the top division in his first season as manager and, the following year, guided the club to the historic 4–1 win in the 1971 Scottish League Cup Final against Celtic.

In a statement the club said: "Partick Thistle Football Club is deeply saddened to learn that former manager, hall of fame inductee and Thistle legend, David McParland has today passed away.

The thoughts of everyone associated with Partick Thistle Football Club are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Partick Thistle Chairman Jacqui Low said:“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Partick Thistle legend David McParland this morning.

“On behalf of the Club and our fans, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his family and friends on such a sad loss. The Thistle family has lost one of its own, a true gentleman of the game."

“It was his commitment to bringing on young players that led to the decision to name Thistle’s new training ground McParland Park."

“For him to leave us the day after the name was announced is heartbreaking. But Davie knew about it and It will be a fitting tribute to a man whose like we will never see again.”