JIMMY GIBSON today spoke about his joy at the new two-year deal that will keep him at Firhill for the prime years of his career.

The Partick Thistle skipper penned his contract on Monday and, at 27, has vowed to produce the best form of his career over the next two seasons when he should be at his peak.

And the Tank was also delighted at new Jags boss Ian McCall's decision to maintain his position as club captain.

A delighted Gibson said: "From talking with the manager before I went on holiday, I knew he was keen to keep me on, but there is always an element of doubt until you have put pen to paper and sign your new deal.

"Thankfully we did that on Monday and now I can look forward to what I'm sure will be exciting times ahead.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I wanted to stay on at Thistle and what it means to me to be club captain.

"This new deal keeping me at Firhill, as I come into my peak years, is fantastic.

"Hopefully I can now repay the manager by finding my best form for him right from the off."

Gibson has kept up on what is happening from his holidays in Portugal as McCall has started his spell in the Firhill hotseat with four signings inside his first fortnight in office. And the Tank likes what he sees.

He said: "For any First Division club to sign three SPL players is quite an achievement.

"I know Ryan McStay from having played against him at Clyde when he was at Falkirk and he is a very gifted playmaker.

"Although I haven't played against Marc Twaddle, for him to have made 19 appearances for Falkirk in the SPL last season, at 20, speaks volumes.

"I also know all about Craig Hinchcliffe from his time at St Mirren and he's a tremendous shot-stopper with plenty of experience - two qualities that are vital in a keeper."

Gibson added: "As for Scott Chaplain, he will come here with bags of confidence after the season he has had in the Third Division.

"We maybe missed a midfielder who got beyond the strikers and contributed goals on a regular basis. Hopefully Scott will do that for us next term."

And, with the First Division fixture list out tomorrow morning, the combative Tank is already excited about next season.

Gibson said: "It's hard to believe that the fixture list is due out and then we are back at pre-season on July 2.

"But, when I look at the other teams in the First Division, it is one exciting league.

"If there is one thing we must replicate in the new season from last, it is the excellent start we made.

"I remember on the opening day of last season when we went up to Dens Park and turned over Dundee 1-0 in front of over 5000. Then we went unbeaten in our first four games."

HE ADDED: "So we must look to be repeating that type of form this season, because I think the First Division this time out is the type of league that if you don't make a good start you could very quickly be under pressure.

"But I know the manager has big plans for the club and I am confident we can look forward with some belief that we will be challenging at the right end of the table."

Meanwhile, Thistle gaffer McCall has finally decided to release versatile midfielder and Jags vice-captain Billy Gibson.

Another of the players released by McCall, Paddy Keogh, has signed a one-year deal with Stranraer.