Steven MacLean set for St Johnstone manager role as interim boss to get permanent reward for securing safety

Steven MacLean is set to be named as the new permanent manager of St Johnstone.

The club legend, who helped the McDiarmid Park side to Scottish Cup glory as a player, has been in interim charge since Callum Davidson was sacked with their Premiership status in limbo. But the former striker has guided them to safety with two games to spare, drawing the first of those final bottom six matches with Ross County 3-3.

There have been two wins, two draws and only one defeat during MacLean’s short spell in charge and he is already putting in some groundwork ahead of next season. Chairman Steve Brown has been left impressed and doesn't seem intent on opening up the recruitment process to bring in an external replacement for Davidson, who won an unprecedented League Cup and Scottish Cup double in 2021. Brown will step away from his role in the near future.

The Perth club is also up for sale but there is no imminent takeover coming. MacLean will now provide stability heading into the summer.

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