Celtic icon 'approached' for St Mirren boss vacancy as search for Stephen Robinson's successor gets underway
The League Cup champions are searching for a new manager after Robinson left for Aberdeen last week.
According to reports, former Celtic player and manager, Neil Lennon has been ‘approached’ by St Mirren in their search for a new gaffer.
The Buddies are currently managerless after Stephen Robinson departed for Aberdeen. Craig McLeish was in the dugout during their 1-0 defeat to Rangers last weekend and is taking care of interim duties in Paisley for the time being, although sources suggest they want to find a permanent replacement sooner, rather than later. Since their League Cup heroics against Wilfried Nancy’s Hoops last year, their league form has severely deteriorated.
The Dunfermline Athletic boss is an obvious candidate for The Buddies, having steered his side to their first Scottish Cup semi final in 17 years. The Pars defeated both Hibs and Aberdeen on their way to Hampden and are now looking to upset Falkirk for a Premiership hat-trick.
Lennon ‘approached’ by Buddies
According to SportsBoom: “St Mirren have approached Neil Lennon to be interviewed for their vacant manager job. The Buddies are on the look out for a new boss after Stephen Robinson’s shock departure to Aberdeen. And it is understood the club want to appoint someone imminently with a number of options under consideration.”
It’s been a monumental fall from grace for The Saints since their 3-1 League Cup final victory over Celtic in December as they are now firmly involved in a relegation battle. They currently sit 10th in the Premiership, level on points with Kilmarnock, who are only behind them on goal difference. Since the turn of the year, St Mirren have won just once in 13 attempts, ironically against league leaders Hearts.
Despite Buddies interest in Lennon, there is no indication that he would want to move on from Dunfermline. As well as their recent cup heroics, The Pars currently sit fourth in the Scottish Championship and have won their last four in all competitions without conceding a goal.
Who else is in the running for the St Mirren job?
Fellow championship boss, Simo Valakari is also in the running alongside Lennon for the St Mirren vacancy. The St Johnstone gaffer has steered his side eight points clear at the top of the table as they look for instant promotion back to the Premiership. However, given that he’s just signed a new deal until 2029 at McDiarmid Park, a change of club at this time would be unlikely.
Celtic legend, Scott Brown is on The Buddies’ shortlist. His Ayr United side currently sit fifth in the Scottish Championship and are also in the hunt for a Premiership play-off spot. Elsewhere, former Fleetwood boss, Charlie Adam and Stenhousemuir gaffer Gary Naysmith are also being considered.
Former Hibs midfielder, Stephen McGinn is currently working under John McGlynn at Falkirk with another side vying for Scottish Cup glory. The same report understands that he is the popular choice amongst the St Mirren support.