St Johnstone next manager latest as decision expected over weekend

Photo shows Larne manager Tiernan Lynch applauding the fans after Friday's game
-Credit: (Image: INPHO/Jonathan Porter)


St Johnstone are closing in on naming their new manager, with a decision expected over the weekend. The Scottish Premiership club have held positive talks with Larne boss Tiernan Lynch and Aberdeen first-team coach Peter Leven.

The Daily Record reports that the Saints spoke to Lynch on Friday afternoon, ahead of Larne's crunch Premiership clash with Cliftonville which they won 3-1.

It was also suggested that Lynch’s brother and assistant, Seamus, wouldn’t be prepared to make the move to Scotland but that is not the case either. If St Johnstone go for Leven or Lynch they will need to pay six figure compensation.

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It is the first appointment for American owner Adam Webb, who is currently going through cancer treatment.

Lynch has led Larne to back-to-back Gibson Cups and guided them into the group stages of the Europa Conference League for the first time. St Johnstone had also held talks with Ayr United boss Scott Brown but he pulled out that they planned to talk to all the candidates on their shortlist.

Jimmy Thelin wants Leven to remain at Aberdeen - but won’t stand in his way if he is offered the St Johnstone job.

Thelin confirmed: “We want him here, we want him to stay but we are not going to force anything. He has to make his decision.

“Peter has permission to talk to them. He is a good coach and it’s good that our staff have eyes on them. After that, it will be up to Peter what he wants to do.

“Everyone is important to me and Peter has been helping us with his knowledge of the league. Can I understand why clubs are looking at him and is he ready? He is a good coach and a good manager. But he would have to feel it and it’s not my decision. I can’t speak for him.”

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Leven has previously coached at Kilmarnock and abroad but made his name last season when he rescued Aberdeen from a possible relegation fight and led them to seventh place. He has since been a big factor in helping new manager Jimmy Thelin find his feet in Scotland.

Lynch is attempting to guide Larne to a third successive Premiership title this season following back-to-back Gibson Cup successes.

He also helped Larne become the first Irish League club to ever reach the group stages of a European competition.

On Friday night, goals from Tomas Cosgrove, Andy Ryan and Paul O'Neill saw Larne come from behind to record a 3-1 win over Cliftonville and move up to third in the table.

Lynch warmly applauded fans after the final whistle, walking up to the away end at Solitude, but it didn't look like an emotional farewell.

Larne make their bow in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League next Thursday night away to Molde, but before that they face Harland and Wolff Welders in the BetMcLean Cup.

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