Celtic legend Scott Brown now the leading candidates to become the next St Johnstone manager…

Levein was the first managerial casualty

Craig Levein was the first managerial casualty of the Premiership season after a dreadful start to the league campaign. Four defeats on the trot was enough for the Perth Saints boardroom to pull the trigger and dismiss the former Hearts manager after just 10 months in charge.

Now, it is Brown who is in the frame to become their next gaffer. His Ayr United side currently sit at the foot of the Championship table having played seven games, winning four and drawing three. The Honest Men are only one of six sides across Scotland’s four divisions to remain unbeaten in their respective leagues so far this season.

Broony has taken Ayr Utd from bottom to top 

This news comes of no surprise. When Brown was appointed as Ayr manager in January of this year, Ayr languished at the bottom of the table and looked in serious trouble. The former Celtic captain steered his side to Championship survival finishing a respectable 7th place.

The transformation at Somerset Park has resulted in Brown attracting interest elsewhere. He lasted 479 days at Fleetwood Town across two seasons in his first managerial gig after retiring from a trophy-laden playing career, finishing mid-table in EFL League One.

Be careful what you wish for

It was a case of be careful what you wish for The Cod Army who turned to Lee Johnson and Charlie Adam after Brown departed. They now sit 12th in EFL League Two after suffering relegation last season.

A move to the Premiership would be ideal for Brown and would be another positive step towards pursuing a successful career in management.

An attractive proposition

The Scottish Championship will be a closely fought race between Ayr Utd, Falkirk and Livingston. Play-offs are almost guaranteed, but it is so challenging to battle through a tortuous four to six games before you can even give yourself a chance at possible promotion.

Switching to St Johnstone the risk of relegation becomes real however with an ambitious new owner and fresh investment, it could be an attractive proposition. Exposure in Scotland’s top flight is another benefit.

Tiernan Lynch and Peter Leven the other contenders

Brown is said to be competing with Tiernan Lynch who has led Larne to a remarkable two consecutive league titles. Aberdeen coach Peter Leven is also on St Johnstone’s radar after he turned the tide around as interim manager for the Dons towards the end of last season following the dismissal of Neil Warnock.

Conor Spence

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