BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
PARTICK Thistle have been stung after Frederic Frans revealed he has turned down a new deal and will be leaving the club to rejoin Lierse.
The Belgium under-20 cap originally joined the Jags on a short-term contract in October 2014 after a proposed move to Leeds United fell through.
But the imposing 6’4” defender quickly impressed enough to earn a longer 18-month deal and went on to become a firm fans’ favourite.
With his agreement expiring this summer, manager Alan Archibald had offered the 27-year-old fresh terms and was hopeful of retaining his services for at least another season.
However, the former Lierse player announced yesterday that he has opted to reject a new contract and will be returning to his old club.
Frans has penned a three-year deal with the Belgian second-tier outfit.
He said: “I have made the decision to leave Partick Thistle, a club I spent an amazing two seasons with.
“I would like to thank the gaffer, Scott Paterson, Scott McKenzie and Ian Maxwell for putting faith in me and giving me a chance to play in the Scottish Premiership.
“Thanks to all my team-mates from the past two season. I made some friends for life and will never forget you guys.
“And, of course, the fans. From my first game until the last, you supported me.
“The messages I received on social media over the last few weeks (asking me) to sign an extension made my love for the club even bigger.
“Thanks for everything – once a Jag, always a Jag.”
Concluding a message on social media, Frans signed off: “Your Big F***ing Belgian.”
