St Mirren

Image source, SNS

Stuart Taylor hopes to participate in "a really fantastic end to the season" after returning to St Mirren as interim assistant manager.

The former midfielder, 51, started his playing career in Paisley and has coached at Aston Villa and Wolverhampton and managed Hamilton Academical.

Taylor joins Craig McLeish's backroom team after the Buddies confirmed the latter would remain in interim charge for the rest of the season.

"I'm delighted to be back at the football club," Taylor told club media.

"I started my playing career here when I left school, so it's a club that means a lot to me. It has real passionate supporters that follow the club week in, week out, so I'm looking forward to getting back in there on matchdays and being part of that atmosphere.

"We've got a strong squad of players at this moment in time, so looking to have a really fantastic end to the season and I'm looking forward to working with the lads.

"I'm really looking forward to working with the staff also."

St Mirren, who are 10th out of 12 in the Scottish Premiership, have seven league games remaining and face Celtic in next month's Scottish Cup semi-final.

"I'm quite sure we'll bang our heads together and have loads of conversations about the best way to go and win games and get the right performances," added Taylor.

"It's a massive push from now until the end of the season. Players, supporters, staff all in it together and looking to go and get and win as many games as possible."

Tony Docherty has turned down a chance to move to St Mirren as assistant to caretaker boss Craig McLeish (Scottish Sun, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

So it would seem the stars are aligning in Craig McLeish's favour.

It's beginning to look like the 35-year-old will be in charge of St Mirren until the end of the season - that's seven Premiership matches and one, maybe two, Scottish Cup ties.

A relegation battle and a tilt at securing a cup double. Quite the challenge.

For a man who had been in charge of overseeing player transition from academy to first team, this is the ultimate transition.

Stephen Robinson's abrupt and yet at the same time long-expected departure left most supporters hoping the board would bring in an experienced successor quick style.

Robbo took assistant Brian Kerr with him, ruling him out of the succession plan if he was ever in it.

McLeish was left holding the baby with goalkeeping coach Jamie Langfield and head of youth development Allan McManus.

The team was tanking in the league, not just flirting with relegation but taking it for dinner and a movie. There was a clamour to get a new boss in.

In McLeish's first game in charge, the home loss to Rangers, St Mirren put in one of their best performances for a while and perhaps should have taken something.

The style was tweaked to a more possession-based approach and players were applauded off the pitch by supporters despite the 1-0 defeat.

Next was a tough league match away to Falkirk. The Saints went a goal behind, but fought back for only their second away win of the season.

It looks like the players believe in what he's doing and fans, although not all of them, are coming round to the idea of McLeish keeping the manager's jacket until the end of the season at least.

It has become apparent finding experienced candidates willing to leave their posts at other clubs this late in the season wasn't going to be easy.

The board's fingers might well be hovering near the panic button but there's no need to press it just yet, not on the evidence of McLeish's first couple of matches.

He didn't have a seasoned assistant and things went just fine with Langfield and McManus alongside.

It is Robinson's return when Aberdeen visit Paisley on 4 April and while McLeish might be given the keys to the manager's office before then, if he can mastermind a win over the former manager's Dons he might get to keep them.

Image source, SNS

Former St Mirren forward Rory Loy believes there is no need for panic amid the club's managerial hunt, insisting the Buddies are in "good hands" with Craig McLeish.

The 35-year-old stepped up from his academy role to take the interim reins following Stephen Robinson's move to Aberdeen two weeks ago and has overseen a defeat by Rangers and win at Falkirk.

Reports suggest St Mirren are poised to keep McLeish in charge for the remainder of the season after talks with former Wales midfielder Carl Robinson.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, Loy said: "The mood around Paisley will have been better than it was this time last week, that's for sure, after a quite remarkable 2-1 win, especially after going 1-0 down at Falkirk away.

"I don't think anyone saw the result coming, so I don't think there's a need for immediate panic. They seem to be in good hands.

"Whether they decide to give McLeish the job until the end of the season to see how he goes - there's rumours of Tony Docherty coming in as assistant - or whether they're going to appoint somebody, I'm not quite sure, but they can't afford to coast.

"You look at Aberdeen, who sank like a stone when they just tried to coast towards the end of the season.

"I don't think there's too much stress from St Mirren fans but if they are going to appoint a new manager, ideally you want it done as soon as possible so he's got a full week next week to work with the players and get his message across.

"But it wouldn't surprise me at all to see McLeish in the dugout against Aberdeen, which will be a monumental game in terms of the relegation battle."

Image source, SNS

St Mirren caretaker manager Craig McLeish is poised to remain in post for the last seven games of the season, with former Dundee manager Tony Docherty assisting, after target Carl Robinson was not in a position to take the job immediately. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Billy Hogg
Fan writer

St Mirren's search for a manager rumbles on but one hunt that did end on Saturday was the long, arduous search for an away victory in the Scottish Premiership.

The team took three points back to Paisley for the first time in over six months. On both occasions, the victims were Falkirk, giving the Bairns' superb season two disappointing black marks.

Why has Grangemouth become a happy hunting ground for St Mirren? Who knows – or cares – but it now joins Hampden as a stadium the Buddies have rolled into twice this campaign and come away with victories on both occasions.

Last weekend also marked the first time we have won from behind in what's been a frustrating and at times infuriating league campaign.

When Barney Stewart was gifted the opener for the hosts, it seemed the travelling fans were on course for another miserable journey back to Paisley and an even more perilous journey into the relegation play-off spot.

That didn't happen, however, which is testament to the grit and character the visitors showed. With the resurgence of Kilmarnock under Neil McCann, and the challenges of losing a manager at such a critical time of the season, many in Scottish football already seem to have St Mirren pencilled in for 11th place.

But Craig McLeish and his team aren't going down without a fight.

McLeish has been thrust into the job at an extremely difficult time, inheriting the role from a popular cup-winning manager who himself struggled to get a tune out of this squad for much of the season.

Add in the absences of key players like Marcus Fraser and Keanu Baccus and this really has been a baptism of fire for the 35-year-old caretaker.

But McLeish, Jamie Langfield and Allan McManus have performed admirably since the departure of Stephen Robinson. Beating Falkirk is nothing to be sniffed at, and with the relegation battle as tight as it is, every point will be a prisoner.

Up next for the Saints? Well, Robinson is bringing his new team down to Paisley on 4 April, desperate for three points of their own.

A home win would drag Robinson's new employers right into the thick of things and create a three-way battle at the foot of the table to rival the thrilling race at the top.

We'll just have to wait and see who our manager will be for that one. But for as long as McLeish remains in charge, it won't be an easy afternoon for any visitors to the SMISA Stadium.

Billy Hogg can be found at Misery Hunters, external

St Mirren have not ruled out giving caretaker manager Craig McLeish the job until the end of the season, and bringing in former Dundee manager Tony Docherty as assistant, despite holding talks with former Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. (Sun), external

John Park has been crucial in initial discussions with head coach target Robinson as talks continue with the 49-year-old, who worked with St Mirren's head of recruitment at Vancouver Whitecaps. (Sun), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Former Scotland striker Steven Naismith thinks St Mirren's managerial hunt will be a tough one.

The Buddies are in the process of replacing Stephen Robinson, who took charge at Aberdeen earlier this month.

Interim manager Craig McLeish says he is "ready" to take the role full-time after chief executive Keith Lasley said they are seeking someone to "galvanise" the side sitting third bottom of the table.

Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon has been linked, as has Naismith, who is part of Steve Clarke's coaching staff with the national team.

"I've got a World Cup to go to," Naismith said when asked about his own name being linked with the vacancy.

"It's a tough one because Stephen Robinson did a brilliant job. There's not many really experienced managers out there.

"I've seen Neil Lennon has been linked. He's in a good project at Dunfermline.

"It's a big appointment because it's a brilliantly run club that will have a bit of a transitional period now."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Raphael Sallinger (Hibernian)

Not a vintage weekend for goalkeepers, so three saves and a clean sheet wins it for the Hibs custodian.

RCB: James Tavernier (Rangers)

Can Rangers really afford to lose the goals this right-back gives them every season? Not getting any younger but still delivers, as his free-kick against Aberdeen demonstrated.

CB: Ross Graham (Dundee United)

A lion at the back for United against Celtic. Stifled all the defending champions could throw at him, clean sheet and three points that keep United's slim top-half hopes alive. The perfect riposte to his derby day dejection.

LCB: Liam Donnelly (St Mirren)

The midfielder played on the right of a back three for St Mirren and shone defensively as well as scoring the winner. A big three points away to Falkirk.

RWB: Oisin McEntee (Hearts)

Towering header the decisive moment for Hearts to break the deadlock against Dundee. His physicality and power make him a huge threat at set-pieces.

CM: Marc Leonard (Hearts)

A different kind of midfielder to Cammy Devlin but arrived at the right time to fill the void left by the Australian this season. His delivery for McEntee's vital goal was right on the money.

CM: Emmanuel Agyei (Dundee United)

A robust and dynamic performance from the Ghanaian, topped off with a huge goal.

LWB: Will Ferry (Dundee United)

Normally all about the delivery, but Sunday was all about the finish from Ferry, which opened the scoring against Celtic. Not the cleanest of strikes but it doesn't matter. Remarkably his first United goal.

RW: Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock)

Going to Kilmarnock was the best thing that happened to Steve Clarke, and the same for Curtis. Their paths will now cross in the Scotland camp, and rightly so. Curtis always looked like he had the talent, Kilmarnock are giving him the stage and all parties are benefitting. Scored the second in the big 2-0 win over Livingston.

CF: Joe Hugill (Kilmarnock)

An impressive showing topped with a goal from the former Manchester United youngster, and an assist for Curtis.

LW: Mikey Moore (Rangers)

The 18-year-old clearly had a lot of talent when he arrived at Ibrox, but in recent times he has stepped it up a level and delivered with consistency as Rangers continue their late charge for the title.

Image source, SNS

Current caretaker boss Craig McLeish is expected to have a key role in any restructure as St Mirren hold talks with Carl Robinson. (Scottish Sun), external

St Mirren pick up three points against Falkirk and boost their Scottish Premiership survival battle (UK only).

Image source, PA Media

St Mirren are in advanced talks to appoint Carl Robinson as their new manager, the 49-year-old former Wales midfielder having had spells in charge of Vancouver Whitecaps, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers. (Football Insider), external

Sunday's Scottish gossip

St Mirren fans, we asked you for your opinions on the 2-1 victory over Falkirk on Saturday. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Greig: Great result for Saints, and a fantastic, hard-working performance. A well-earned three points; here's to the team keeping it going.

Trevor: Would make my season if we go on and finish above Aberdeen and they get relegated. Would show Stephen Robinson the grass ain't always greener on the other side.

Andy: Great result, hopefully this will give the team confidence for the next game against Aberdeen. A win against them will put us level on points with the Dons and bring them right into the fight to avoid the play off position.

It was also pleasing to see some of the injured players back in the squad, as we will need everybody fit for the run in and the Cup semi-final.

Ally: What a boost from the team, executed the plan well and if this is Craig McLeish's extended job interview, it's done no harm at all. The players left on the bench previously have come to the fore and style of play has improved. I'm already practicing the 'Sacked in the Morning' song for Aberdeen.

Eddie: Well that's been a long time coming. McLeish has shown he can get a tune out of the team, but probably a bit too soon to give him the job full time. However, it's possible he gets the job until the end of the season.

We look to be getting back to our old self, with the next game against Aberdeen a must win. Robinson will be under huge pressure to save his current employer. It would be great to beat him.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

St Mirren midfielder Liam Donnelly hopes their "massive" win at Falkirk can give them confidence as they battle to avoid the Premiership relegation play-off spot.

They came from a goal behind to prevail 2-1, with Donnelly heading in what turned out to be the winner midway through the second half.

The victory - just their second in 15 league games - keeps St Mirren 10th in the Premiership, above 11th place Kilmarnock on goal difference.

"It feels massive," Donnelly told BBC Scotland. "It has been a while since we had one.'

"We spoke about the position we found ourselves in after the result last weekend [a 1-0 defeat to Rangers] but said after that game there were loads of positives to take from that and we wanted to make sure we brought them into today.

"On other occasions this season it has probably gone that way, where we've conceded and it has knocked us out a bit and we have not recovered from it.

"I think the two performances, last week and then today, getting the win and the points on the board, can hopefully give us a lot of confidence going forward."

It was a second game at the helm for interim manager Craig McLeish, who has taken charge following Stephen Robinson's recent departure to Aberdeen.

It is unclear whether McLeish is a contender to land the Paisley post on a permanent basis.

"We have done a lot of work on the training pitch since Craig and the staff have taken over and I think that is showing on the pitch," Donnelly added.

"We are enjoying the work we are doing, everybody has bought into it and I think it showed today and last week.

"I don't think [McLeish] will have done himself any harm [in terms of his chances of being considered for the job]. Obviously that is a decision for the club to make."

Managerless St Mirren produced an upset to stun top-six hopefuls Falkirk and boost their chances of Scottish Premiership survival.

Read the match report here.

Let us know your thoughts.

Image source, SNS

St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish: "Massive for us, delighted for the boys and the group. We needed this today - a hard fought win against a Falkirk side who're having a incredible season, and I hope they get over the line.

"We needed something to spark a bit of confidence and momentum. We were behind in the game, and that's my responsibility. I asked them to take more risks and we make a mistake.

"But how we respond to that is fantastic. I know it's two goals from set plays - we'd like to create more in the final third and I'd like us to try and play more when we're under pressure.

"But I need to accept that where we're at in the season, it's about getting points on the board.

"From my point of view, I want to try and show people I can handle the different aspects of the role. But whatever the club decide to do, I'll still be part of the first team staff moving forward.

"I have my own aims and ambitions within the game but I'm comfortable with whatever the club decide to do."

Image source, SNS

Falkirk's Kyrell Wilson and Ben Parkinson (both ankle), Ross MacIver and Louis Marsh, Liam Henderson and Ethan Williams (all thigh) are out.

St Mirren hope to have Mikael Mandron and Jayden Richardson involved while Declan John could feature despite needing hernia surgery at some stage.

Kion Etete is still out along with Conor McMenamin, Malik Dijksteel (both groin), Keanu Baccus (Achilles) and Marcus Fraser (shoulder).

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

A Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic to look forward to, a relegation battle to survive, and a change of manager to deal with - it's certainly been an eventful start to Jacob Devaney's St Mirren career.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined on loan from Manchester United at the close of the January window and has made seven appearances for the Buddies, scoring one goal.

But the league has been a struggle for St Mirren who find themselves threatened by a relegation battle and without a permanent manager following Stephen Robinson's departure for Aberdeen.

"I'm not going to lie, it's been a bit of a challenge," Devaney said.

"It's been a good few weeks, but you know, with a lot of different circumstances I've had to deal with. I've loved it. It's been a great experience."

The Yorkshire-born player will be on duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side as St Mirren step up the search to replace Robinson, the manager who signed him, during the forthcoming break.

"It's part of the learning process when you go on loan," he added.

"Just dealing with unexpected incidents like the manager leaving last week. To be fair, I think the club have made it quite an easy change. Craig McLeish and the staff have come in and dealt with it really well.

"You can't really look back too much. All we're doing is looking forward, you know, trying to stay in the league. And obviously trying to win that semi-final as well, and the final too."

With Australian international Keanu Baccus out with a long-term injury, Devaney hopes he can play a big part in the fight for Premiership survival and the bid for cup glory.

"I came here wanting to play games and knowing that I've got the ability to play games," the teenager said.

"That's the reason why I came here, to play men's football, to get away from academy football. I'm here because I want to be a professional footballer and I want to play at the highest level. I thought this league was the right place to start off. "

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

St Mirren interim manager Craig McLeish has been speaking to the media as the Buddies prepare for their trip to Falkirk on Saturday.

Here are the main points:

• McLeish has "loved every minute of it" since taking interim charge and says management is his longer-term goal but he's in "no rush".

• The 35-year-old admits he would take the St Mirren job full-time if offered and has "no doubt" he could do well.

• He adds: "If the opportunity came up right now, I'm comfortable. I'm fine. Whatever the club decide to do, if we take it on for another couple of weeks, we're ready to go with that. If it's to the end of the season, if a manager comes in next week, I'm in a place and I hope I've shown that to the club and to everyone that I can handle it."

• On the search for a new boss, McLeish says "the plan is still the middle of next week that the club have a clear plan and direction" and suggests it "might be the case" that an appointment is made at that time.

• He stresses "I'm still here long term" and will "back the team" regardless of what the club decide to do.

• He says St Mirren are grateful for the upcoming international break because "we get a little bit of time as a club to go through a slightly longer process" as they focus on making "the right appointment".

• St Mirren had two free agents training this week and McLeish says a signing could be announced today.

• St Mirren could drop into the relegation play-off spot this weekend and McLeish accepts "we have to pick up points, we have to pick up results and we have to start winning games".

• On the Buddies' attacking struggles: "We have to find some different solutions in the final third to add that to our game."

• Declan John may not be out for the season but will require surgery. Mikael Mandron "has recovered a bit quicker than we thought" while Keanu Baccus will be out long term.

• McLeish feels the squad is looking "a little bit stronger" but knows "we can't ask people to do too much".