St Johnstone manager hunt latest as Craig Levein put forward with axed Championship duo bidding for job

Craig Levein has emerged as a shock contender for the vacant St Johnstone job.

The former Scotland manager’s name has been put forward for the McDiarmid Park manager’s job. The ex-Dundee United and Hearts boss could yet be persuaded for a return to the dugout. Levein, who is currently an advisor for Brechin City, took in Wednesday night’s game as St Johnstone beat Kilmarnock. He has been away from frontline management since he was sacked by the Jambos in 2019.

Former Dundee United boss Tam Courts is also under consideration as they look to appoint a successor to Steven MacLean, who was sacked on Sunday. The Perth club made an approach to speak to Livingston boss David Martindale but that was turned down. The St Johnstone board met to narrow down their shortlist yesterday. There have been dozens of applicants from experienced bosses like Ian McCall and Billy Dodds to those looking to take their first steps, including Charlie Mulgrew.

They will push ahead to open talks over the next 24 hours with preferred candidates. Saints hope to have their new man in charge before Tuesday’s clash with Motherwell.

First-team coach Alex Cleland has been left in temporary charge of first-team affairs and led the team to their first Premiership win of the season, against Killie on Wednesday.