Wylde Hoping Teale Sticks Around

Photo by Jeff Holmes

St Mirren winger Gregg Wylde believes the Buddies should do all they can to keep hold of Gary Teale - even if he is replaced as boss.

The Paisley outfit have opened up a search for a new manager but have invited interim boss Teale to apply for his own post.

The former Scotland international has not had it easy since replacing axed manager Tommy Craig just before Christmas with a string of injuries and refereeing decisions costing him dearly, while the loss of top scorer Kenny McLean to Aberdeen on the final day of the winter transfer window was another blow.

But even so, his failure to halt the club's relegation from the Scottish Premiership may be enough to sway Saints chief Stewart Gilmour into appointing someone else.

Wylde hopes the 36-year-old can be persuaded to stay on at St Mirren Park, even if he has to drop back down the backroom pecking order.

The former Rangers, Bolton and Aberdeen player said: "Tealey can put his name in the hat along with the rest of the managers and then we will see who comes out.

"This was his first crack at management and he's not done too bad. If the board chose him then great. If not, then hopefully he will stay on as a coach.

"One way or another I think he should still be here next season. He's been here for so long now that I can't see him leaving.

"He's not had it easy since taking over with all the things that have gone against him but he took it all on board and has been great.

"He and his assistant Davie Longwell have been very good to me so I'd like to see him stay. But if a new manager comes in I'd like to see Tealey stay on."

St Mirren have just two games left of their nine-year run in Scotland's top flight, with Saturday's final home game against Motherwell followed by a last-day trip to Hamilton.

But out-of-contract Wylde hopes he will know the identity of his new boss by the time he takes on Accies so he can start addressing the questions concerning his own future.

"A few of the boys are quite frustrated," admitted the 24-year-old.

"There is a lot of uncertainty about the place and I think the boys want to know now who is staying, who is going and if a new manager is coming in.

"We just have to wait and see who the board chooses.

"No one has said anything to me yet. I know the chairman was at the training ground on Thursday talking to a few boys but I don't think we know who the board want to stay yet.

"Hopefully they can chose a manager before the end of the season. The boys go away on holiday after that and no-one wants to go away with their future undecided.

"There are about 12 of us out of contract but I think the club need to get things sorted as quickly as possible - hopefully before the end of the season."