St Johnstone is on the hunt for a new manager as the club’s board undergoes a thorough search for a replacement for Craig Levein. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the team’s leadership, Andy Kirk and Alex Cleland will take the helm for a second game in a row as league leaders Celtic visit McDiarmid Park. The Perth club’s board is in the midst of due diligence in the background, meticulously evaluating potential candidates to fill the vacant managerial position. As the club navigates this pivotal period, fans are eager to know more about the prospects of a new manager and the progress made so far.
The Search for a New Manager
The search for a new manager at St Johnstone has been ongoing this week, with the club’s board working diligently to identify the ideal candidate to take the reins. The new American owner Adam Webb, despite being in the United States undergoing medical treatment after being diagnosed with cancer, will participate in the interview process, collaborating with other directors at the club, including new chief executive Francis Smith. According to reports, Scott Brown had been spoken to initially, but he has since signed a contract extension at Ayr United, eliminating him from contention.
One potential candidate is Aberdeen coach Peter Leven, who took interim charge at Pittodrie after Neil Warnock’s departure and led the side to a remarkable run of just one defeat in 11 matches. Tiernan Lynch, the current manager of Northern Irish league club Larne, is another contender, having achieved impressive success with the club, steering them to back-to-back titles and into the Uefa Conference League. Additionally, former Raith Rovers boss Ian Murray and Livingston manager David Martindale, who previously turned down the opportunity to speak to the club prior to the appointment of Craig Levein, are also being considered.
Andy Kirk’s Future and the Role of the Interim Coaching Staff
In the meantime, Andy Kirk has expressed his confidence in his ability to manage St Johnstone long-term. Speaking to the press, Kirk stated that he feels “capable” of leading the club, emphasizing that he has had no discussions with the ownership about his future. The interim coaching staff, including Kirk and Cleland, will continue to take charge of the team as the managerial search unfolds.
“When the opportunity presents itself, you just have to look at the situation you are in and decide whether you think it’s right for you or not,” Kirk said. “We will be as professional as we can and let the club deal with the process off the pitch. Then we will see how it goes.”
Tiernan Lynch: A Strong Contender for the Managerial Position
Tiernan Lynch has gained significant attention for his impressive managerial exploits with Larne, making him a strong contender for the vacant position at St Johnstone. Lynch’s achievements with Larne include guiding the club to back-to-back titles and securing a historic spot in the Uefa Conference League. Larne’s remarkable success under Lynch’s stewardship makes a compelling case for his appointment as the new manager at St Johnstone.
Larne is set to face Norwegian side Molde in their opening match next week. As Lynch navigates the managerial search, he is likely to be under the spotlight, with many observing his performance and success as key factors in considering his candidacy.
St Johnstone’s Managerial Shortlist and the Interview Process
The St Johnstone board has unveiled a shortlist of potential candidates for the managerial position, with Tiernan Lynch, Peter Leven, Ian Murray, and David Martindale being the prominent contenders. The interview process is set to continue this week, with the club’s board due to conduct in-depth assessments of the candidates.
According to the BBC, the club has begun interviewing candidates, and no deadline has been set for the appointment. However, the new manager could be in place for the game against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, 6 October.
The Role of Adam Webb in the Managerial Search
Adam Webb, St Johnstone’s new American owner, is set to play a crucial role in the managerial search despite undergoing medical treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. Webb will participate in the interview process, collaborating with other directors at the club, including new chief executive Francis Smith.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Webb will be involved in the managerial search, indicating that he is committed to finding the ideal candidate to lead the team. Webb’s involvement in the managerial search is a testament to his dedication to the club’s success.
As the managerial search continues to unfold, fans of St Johnstone eagerly await the appointment of a new manager. With the interview process advancing and the club’s board due to make an announcement soon, fans are hoping for a bright future under new leadership.