The Thistle Archive

● Gary Caldwell, 2018 (SNS)

MANAGERIAL SPELL

(Mon-15-Oct-2018 ↔ Wed-18-Sep-2019; 338 days)

Post-Archibald, Ian McCall, whose Ayr United side were sitting top of the Championship, was a much-quoted name but he ruled himself out as “it wouldn't sit right with me sitting in Alan Archibald's seat”. There were a great many applicants for the job, but chairman Low was “blown away” by the interview preparation of one particular candidate; Gary Caldwell. Brian Kerr, doing very well in his own right at East Kilbride, accepted his old playing pal's invitation to join as assistant. Caldwell had won the League One title with Wigan in 2016, but was dismissed several months later, with the side struggling badly in the Championship. A nine month spell at Chesterfield followed in 2017, during which the Spireites were relegated to League Two.

Alas, his “Chesterfield form” continued at Thistle; 5 losses from his first 6 was a disaster from which he never recovered. Far from meeting the objective of promotion, Thistle only avoided relegation on the final day of the season at Palmerston. Kris Doolan was identfied as one of the scapegoats, and Caldwell's management credentials were severely questioned with regards to the manner of the dismissal. It was understood that a strong start in the League was essential in 2019-20, but after a 1-1 draw at Gayfield, Thistle remained winless after the first five, prompting emergency board meetings. It was rumoured that not all board members had been convinced in making the appointment in the first place, but the decision to terminate the contract was reportedly unanimous. In September, 2019, for the third time in three years, Caldwell was sacked, leaving behind another disgruntled fanbase.

Gary was in charge of Thistle for 42 games in total, as well as managing at Wigan Athletic (2015-2016), Chesterfield (2017) and Exeter City (2022 to date).