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Ian Baraclough was appointed Partick Thistle's first sporting director in April Partick Thistle sporting director Ian Baraclough has suffered extensive back and neck injuries that "required immediate surgery to ensure" they "were not life-changing" in a holiday swimming accident. The Scottish Championship club say the 54-year-old Englishman is currently recovering in hospital in Mauritius following the accident just over a week ago. "It is expected it will be several weeks before he can return to the country and a further period of recovery will be needed before he is able to return to The Wyre Stadium at Firhill, " they stated. "Ian was injured whilst swimming and required immediate surgery to ensure that the injuries were not life-changing. " Partick Thistle name Wilson as new head coach The former Scunthorpe United, Sligo Rovers, Motherwell and Northern Ireland manager became Thistle's first sporting director in April and oversaw the appointment of Mark Wilson, who had been interim co-head coach, as team boss. Speaking to the club website, Baraclough thanked the surgeons and staff at the Wellkin Hospital, Mauritius, "for their exceptional care" and the Glasgow club for "their support and well wishes". He added that he was "looking forward to returning as quickly as possible". Thistle chairman Richard Beastall said it had been "a harrowing time" for the former Lincoln City, Notts County, Queens Park Rangers and Scunthorpe United utility player and his family. "However, things are beginning to settle now, " he added. "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. " Beastall added that "contingency measures" include Thistle's new head of recruitment, Lee Turnbull, taking on extra duties to cope with Baraclough's absence. Transfer news: Latest on Gittens, Reijnders & Cherki as Tuesday's deadline closes in Jobe Bellingham joins Dortmund for initial £27m Chelsea have £42m Gittens bid rejected by Dortmund Alexander Armstrong explores Rome's underground treasures The 1945 election and the dawn of a new age The device that is taking over people's kitchens Celebrating 50 years since Jaws first surfaced 'Aberdeen savour the most perfect game ever played' How Mc Tominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit Scotland men's internationals to be shown live on BBC Commonwealth Games: Why is it so special to be part of Team Scotland? From titles to tinpottery - rank Scotland's top 10 clubs 'Opposite of Postecoglou' - what could Spurs expect from 'chef' Frank? What's going on with falling WSL attendances? 'This course challenges your sanity' - why Oakmont is toughest US Open test Fun French Open whets Wimbledon appetite - Second Serve On honeymoon, playing in a final - Webster's rise to Test all-rounder How undaunted teenager Miller exuded class in Scotland victory Jobe Bellingham following brother's path but wants 'own identity' Sinner and Alcaraz thriller proves rivalry here to stay The Queen's champion who reigned for half a century Clement 'had bad feeling after League Cup final' What next for heavyweight division after Wardley win? The stunning football pitches hiding in the Arctic Circle. Video The stunning football pitches hiding in the Arctic Circle Life as the Netball Super League's youngest player. Video Life as the Netball Super League's youngest player Where next for Grealish if he leaves Man City as expected? How the Glazer family cost Manchester United £1. 2bn What will Trump travel ban mean for sport? Meet the players who will defend England's European title 'There's a UFC belt at end of tunnel', Harrison tells abuse victims Delap done - which other strikers will be wanted this summer? 75 years of F1 in pictures Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.