Scott Brown signs new Ayr United contract as St Johnstone door closed for 2 key reasons

Scott Brown has slammed the door shut on St Johnstone permanently - by signing a new deal to commit his future to Ayr United.

Record Sport understands the 39-year-old has put pen to paper on a one year extension to his current Somerset Park contract which will tie him to the club until 2027. The move comes after the former Celtic skipper held discussions with the American top brass at McDiarmid Park over a potential move to Perth to replace sacked Craig Levein. Brown walked away from the negotiating table late on Wednesday after holding talks with owner Adam Webb.

It’s understood he was uncomfortable with some of the demands made by the US businessman - and unwilling to become embroiled in a beauty pageant with other candidates such as Larne boss Tieran Lynch and Aberdeen coach Peter Leven. Webb wanted Brown and right hand man Steven Whittaker to ride to the crisis club’s rescue and front up the battle to avoid the drop.

But the former Scotland captain believes he has a better chance of managing in the top flight next season by staying put in Ayrshire - and has made his intentions clear by agreeing to sign a new deal. It’s expected the Championship club will make an official announcement to confirm Brown’s extended contract in the next 24 hours.

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