Former Scottish Premiership boss had to be rescued as he suffers horror injuries in freak honeymoon swimming accident
Partick Thistle sporting director Ian Baraclough, 54, was crashed into rocks by a freak wave while he swam in the sea in Mauritius.
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Ian Baraclough suffered severe injuries while swimming last week on his honeymoon
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Ian Baraclough managed Motherwell a decade ago
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The footie boss suffered the injuries while on honeymoon in Mauritius
The 54-year-old was rescued from the Indian Ocean but suffered broken bones in his neck and back.
He underwent 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 Scotland - and a further few weeks of recuperation once he is home.
Baraclough was boss of Motherwell when they defeated Rangers in the Championship play-off in 2015 and has also bossed Northern Ireland and Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland.
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 described the ordeal for Ian and his new wife just over a week ago as 'harrowing' - but said the outlook looked bright thanks to the excellent medical care.
He said: '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.
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'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.'
Mr Beastall said head of recruitment Lee Turnball would deputise for Ian as he recovers from the trauma.
He added: ' I thank everyone for rallying together.'
Leicester-born Baraclough was a defender in his playing days and turned out for his hometown team along with Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Notts County, Queens Park Rangers and Scunthorpe United.
He managed Scunthorpe when he returned before moving to the Republic with Sligo Rovers, where he became their most successful manager of all time.
In December 2014, Baraclough was appointed manager of Motherwell and guided the Steelmen to a 6–1 aggregate victory in the Scottish Premiership play-offs against Rangers in a two-legged final at the end of the season.
He then managed Northern Ireland U-21 and the senior team before being appointed at Firhill in April this year.
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