ALAN ARCHIBALD today set his sights on leading Partick Thistle back into the SPL for a second time after sealing a whirlwind move back to Firhill.

Archibald put pen to paper on a two-and-half-year contract with the Jags just hours before the January transfer window slammed shut.

His capture - boss Dick Campbell's fifth in the last month - will please Thistle fans. The left-back was a key member of the side managed by John Lambie that won promotion from the Second Division to the SPL in successive seasons.

And after dropping down from the top flight, where he played with Dundee United, Alan is looking to repeat that feat under new boss Campbell.

He said: I am really glad to be back. I actually spoke to the manager in the summer and I was quite keen for it to happen then.

"Sadly, it never quite happened, but it came alive again during the window and we kept talking until we came to an agreement.

"I have moved back to live in Glasgow and have obviously followed how the team have been doing pretty closely since I left them.

"They have been a bit up and down, but hopefully we can work our way back into the SPL as quickly as possible.

"I am struggling a bit at the moment with my fitness, but all being well I hope to play against Ross County on Saturday week."

Thistle chief executive Alan Cowan today expressed his delight at landing former fans' favourite Archibald.

Cowan is confident Archibald will boost Thistle's prospects in the First Division.

He said: "Alan was a very popular player with the supporters when he was here before and I am sure his signing will be welcomed.

"He came up through the ranks at Firhill as a young boy and spent a total of nine years here before he moved on to Dundee United."

Cowan was full of praise for Campbell's transfer window haul which includes four new senior players and a youngster.

He said: "Barry Smith, Mark McChrystal, Allan Russell have all come in and now Alan has joined us. Plus, Stewart Cairns is one for the future of the club.

"With players leaving the club either permanently or on transfer in recent weeks we still have the same size of squad that we started with."

Archibald is cup tied for Thistle's Scottish Cup showdown with Deveronvale on Saturday after playing for United previously in the competition. Gretna striker Kenny Deuchar has joined Northampton on loan.