Former Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough suffers back and neck injuries in swimming accident on holiday
Former Motherwell manager and current Partick Thistle sporting director Ian Baraclough is recovering in hospital after suffering major back and neck injuries in a swimming accident.
Baraclough, who was in charge of the Steelmen between 2014-15 when they beat Rangers in the Premiership play-off final, was on a family holiday in Mauritius when he suffered serious injuries while swimming and "required immediate surgery to ensure that the injuries were not life-changing."
A statement released by Partick Thistle today revealed the 54-year-old ex-Northern Ireland boss will be unable to return to Scotland for several weeks as he recovers in hospital.
And Baraclough praised the surgeons at Wellkin Hospital, Mauritius for their 'exceptional care' during a harrowing experience for him and his family.
The club statement read: "Partick Thistle wish to advise that Sporting Director Ian Baraclough is currently recovering in hospital after suffering extensive back and neck injuries in an accident just over a week ago.
"Ian was injured whilst swimming and required immediate surgery to ensure that the injuries were not life-changing, and 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.
"The club have been in constant contact with Ian's family since the accident and have now also been able to thankfully speak to Ian.
Ian said: 'On behalf of myself, my wife, my children and my wider family I would like to thank the surgeons and staff at the Wellkin Hospital, Mauritius for their exceptional care.'
'I would also like to thank Club Chairman Richard Beastall and all of the team at Partick Thistle for their support and well wishes. In my short space of time I have already felt the close bond and drive from staff, players, fans and volunteers that make Thistle what it is.'
'I'm looking forward to returning as quickly as possible and get back to that unique and special feeling that really marks Thistle out as a football club with a passion to be different and an ambition to succeed.'
'It is one that I am very proud to be a part of.'
Club chairman Richard Beastall said: 'It was a harrowing time for Ian and his family immediately after the accident however things are beginning to settle now. 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.'
'Ian has only been at the club for a short time however he has impressed everyone with his professionalism and drive. Everyone at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill wishes Ian a quick and full recovery.'
'We have contingency measures in place to cope with his absence. These include extra duties being carried out by our new Head of Recruitment, Lee Turnbull, who has now officially started, and others at the club. I thank everyone for rallying together.'
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