DAVIE McParland never had a bad word to said against him when he was alive and the warmth of the tributes paid to the Partick Thistle legend have said so much about the man.

Only days after the club he will be forever be closely associated with revealed their new training ground would be named after him, McParland died on Saturday at the age of 83.

He will surely go down as the most important person in the history of Partick Thistle with regards of what he achieved as both player and manager.

McParland played 584 times for Thistle, scoring 104 goals, and then as manager between 1970 and 1974, famously led them to promotion in his first season and then there was the historic 1971 League Cup Final win over Celtic.

To give that victory more context, that season Celtic won the double, and reached the semi-final of the European Cup.

He also managed Hamilton and Queen’s Park, and was Jock Stein’s assistant when Celtic won another double in 1977.

Jacqui Low, the Partick Thistle chairman, said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Partick Thistle legend David McParland.

“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.”

A Jags club statement 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 are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

And another of his clubs, Dumbarton, also paid their respects.

"All at Dumbarton FC are saddened by the news of the death of Davie McParland, who served the club as director of football in season 2001/02.

"Davie worked together with first team manager Tom Carson to ensure that season ended with promotion to the old Second Division.

"Our thoughts are with Davie's family and friends at this sad time."