Former NI boss on the road to recovery after horror accident: ‘I'm looking forward to returning as quickly as possible'
Partick Thistle, where Baraclough is Sporting Director, revealed the 54-year-old was injured while swimming in Mauritius.
The Scottish Championship side stated: '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.'
Baraclough succeeded Michael O'Neill and held the Northern Ireland post for two years before being sacked in October 2022.
He also spent three years in charge of the Northern Ireland Under-21s before his promotion in 2020 when O'Neill joined Stoke City.
Following a spell as Cheltenham Town assistant manager, he was appointed Director of Football with National League side AFC Fylde before leaving in January.
He 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 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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