Mark Wilson believes the aim of returning Partick Thistle to the Scottish Premiership was a huge factor in midfielder Ben Stanway signing a surprise one-year deal to stay at the club.
The 21-year-old had been widely expected to leave Firhill in the summer after a standout campaign of 12 goals last term.
Thistle narrowly missed out on promotion, losing out to St Mirren in the play-off final.
“He wants to be part of something special here at Thistle,” said manager Wilson.
“He’s been here since he was 11, so 10 years at the club.
“In his tenth year, if he can get promotion, it would really be the icing on the cake for him.”
The academy graduate was linked with moves to various Premiership clubs throughout last season, with Wilson describing his exit as practically a “foregone conclusion” back in January.
But the Thistle boss is delighted with the turn of events.
“His performances were so eye-catching, of course there was going to be interest,” said Wilson. “If I’m being truthful, I was resigned to probably losing him.
“But we always kept ourselves in with a chance, by keeping in constant dialogue with him – particularly [assistant manager] Alex Rae. As time progressed that window of opportunity opened a wee bit.”
The Glasgow side are at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Livingston on Friday – live in front of the BBC Scotland cameras – after an opening weekend 1-0 victory away to Greenock Morton.
Wilson is hopeful Stanway can further enhance his credentials by helping take Thistle back to the top flight for the first time since 2018.
“He’s got a song about him from the fans as well; it’s not often you get that,” added Wilson.
“He just felt an absolute connection with this club and a drive to help Partick Thistle out of this division.
“That’s testament to the lad. He’s got a real purpose and determination about him that our young players – and even our experienced ones – can learn from.”
