Friday, March 29, 2024
SportScottish ChampionshipSteven Thompson calls for stability at St Mirren as he rules himself...

Steven Thompson calls for stability at St Mirren as he rules himself out of vacant manager’s job

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | FACEBOOK

FORMER St Mirren striker Steven Thompson insists he will not be seeking a return to his old club as successor to sacked manager Alex Rae.

And the 37-year-old has instead called on the Buddies to appoint someone who can return stability to the dugout in the long term.

Thompson was linked with the post, along with the likes of Jack Ross and Gus MacPherson, after Rae was axed on Sunday with the Paisley outfit propping up the Championship table.

St Mirren Park

They have so far failed to win in the league and only have draws with Morton, Ayr United and Dumbarton to show for their efforts.

The run cost Rae and assistant Davie Farrell their jobs and, insisting he does not want to take over, Thompson has urged his former team to think long-term with their next appointment.

The Buddies have had four managers – Tommy Craig, Gary Teale, Ian Murray and Rae – since Danny Lennon was released at the end of his contract in May 2014.

Asked about the job, Thompson said: “I certainly won’t throw my hat in the ring, no.

“It’s disappointing for Alex and Davie. They did well when they came in initially last season but this season has not been acceptable – St Mirren are bottom of the Championship.”

He added to BBC Scotland: “St Mirren have had five managers in the last three years. They need to find stability, they need to get a manager they are going to keep, because it’s not been good enough.”

MacPherson, currently manager at Queen’s Park, has been installed as the bookies’ favourite to land the job.

The former Kilmarnock and Dunfermline defender was appointed Buddies boss in November 2003 and took the club back into the top-flight before being removed in May 2010 to allow Lennon to take over.

Other names featuring in the betting are John Hughes, Steven Pressley and Barry Ferguson.

@IainCollin

Related Stories