Partick Thistle sporting director suffers serious injury while swimming in Mauritius

Partick Thistle sporting director Ian Baraclough is in hospital in Mauritius after suffering serious injury while on holiday.

The Championship club has revealed that Baraclough has “extensive injuries”, including broken bones in his neck and back after what they say was a swimming accident.

The 54-year-old underwent immediate surgery and is now in a period of recovery but will not be able to return to Scotland for several weeks.

In a statement released on the club’s website, Baraclough, who joined the club in April, said: “On behalf of myself, my wife, my children and my wider family I would like to thank the surgeons and staff at the Wellkin Hospital, Mauritius for their exceptional care.

“I would also like to thank club chairman Richard Beastall and all of the team at Partick Thistle for their support and well wishes.

“In my short space of time I have already felt the close bond and drive from staff, players, fans and volunteers that make Thistle what it is.”

“I’m looking forward to returning as quickly as possible and get back to that unique and special feeling that really marks Thistle out as a football club with a passion to be different and an ambition to succeed.”

“It is one that I am very proud to be a part of.”

Club chairman Richard Beastall said: “It was a harrowing time for Ian and his family immediately after the accident however things are beginning to settle now.

“He suffered broken bones in both his neck and back but thankfully the speed in which he was operated on, and the care that was taken pre-operation, has helped the situation significantly.”

“Ian has only been at the club for a short time however he has impressed everyone with his professionalism and drive. Everyone at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill wishes Ian a quick and full recovery.”

“We have contingency measures in place to cope with his absence. These includes extra duties being carried out by our new head of recruitment, Lee Turnbull, who has now officially started, and others at the club. I thank everyone for rallying together.”