Partick Thistle midfielder Ben Stanway has signed a surprise one-year deal to remain at Firhill, strengthening the club’s bid to return to the Scottish Premiership. Manager Mark Wilson said Stanway’s attachment to the club and desire to achieve promotion were central to his decision, after Thistle narrowly lost last season’s play-off final.

The 21-year-old academy graduate, who has been with Thistle since age 11 and has made more than 100 appearances, scored 12 goals last season. He had been expected to leave amid interest from Premiership clubs, but stays as Thistle prepare to host fellow promotion contenders Livingston, following a 1-0 opening-day win at Greenock Morton.